How to Buy Movie Tickets in Japan: A Complete Guide

Going to the movies is a popular pastime in Japan, and it’s easy to see why. Whether you’re a resident or a visitor, understanding how to buy movie tickets in Japan can enhance your entertainment adventures. This guide will walk you through the process, provide useful Japanese phrases, and recommend where to go!

A Quick Jump To…

• Choose a theater
• Check the showtimes
• Buy your tickets
• Pick up your tickets
• Enjoy the movie
• Pronunciation Video
• FAQ

1. Choose a theater

Japan has many movie theaters, from large chains to small independent theaters. Some popular chains include TOHO Cinema, T-Joy, 109 Cinemas, and Aeon Cinema. By the way, TOHO Cinema is one of Japan’s largest and most popular movie theater chains, with over 600 theaters nationwide.

Things You Must Know!

Many movie theaters provide discounts for movie watching on particular days and more!

For example, TOHO Cinema provides the following campaign:

• Late Show レイトショー (Reitoshō): Movies that started after 8 pm every day. However, at locations such as Hibiya Chanter 日比谷シャンテ, Shinjuku 新宿, Ikebukuro 池袋, Nihonbashi 日本橋, Roppongi Hills 六本木ヒルズ, Shibuya 渋谷, and Ueno 上野, this campaign does not apply.
• TOHO Wednesday TOHOウェンズデイ (Tōhō u~enzudei): Movies that are shown on Wednesday.
• First Day ファーストデイ (Fāsuto dei): The first day of each month and movies that start before 8 pm.
• Movie Day 映画の日 (Eiga no hi): Every December 1st.

There are also discounts for TOHO members, specifically,

• Free Movie: After watching movies 6 times, you can watch one free movie.
• Cine Mileage Day シネマイレージデイ (Shinemairējidei): Every Tuesday.

Campaign	Discounts
Late Show レイトショー	Adult 一般：2000円→1500円
TOHO Wednesday TOHOウェンズデイ	Adult 一般：2000円→1300円
First Day ファーストデイ	Adult 一般：2000円→1300円
Movie Day 映画の日	Adult 一般：2000円→1000円
Free Movie	Free
Cine Mileage Day シネマイレージデイ	Adult 一般：2000円→1300円

Of course, there will always be more campaigns that TOHO come out with; check this website for more information, or go directly to TOHO cinema’s website!

Useful Japanese Phrases!

• 映画館はどこですか。　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Eigakan wa doko desu ka.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Where is the movie theater?

2. Check the showtimes

Once you’ve chosen a theater, head to their website or check the schedules at the cinema to see what’s playing and when. Showtimes are usually listed in Japanese time (JST), so convert it to your local time zone if needed.

Useful Japanese Phrases!

• この映画の上映スケジュールを教えてもらえますか。　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Kono eiga no jōei sukejūru o oshiete moraemasu ka.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Could you tell me the screening schedule for this movie?

3. Buy your tickets

There are two ways to buy movie tickets in Japan: online or at the box office.

Online: Most theaters in Japan allow you to buy tickets online in advance. This is a good option if you’re watching a popular movie or want to avoid lines. To purchase tickets online, you’ll need to create an account with the theater’s website and enter your credit card information. For example, Toho Cinema offers online ticket purchases through its website and App.

At the box office: You can also buy tickets at the box office on the day of the show. However, remember that tickets may sell out for popular movies, so it’s best to arrive early. To buy tickets at the box office, simply go to the theater and use the self-service kiosk or tell the cashier the movie you want to see and the number of tickets you need.

When buying tickets, you may also choose your preferred seating arrangement; however, keep in mind that some theaters offer assigned seats.

Useful Japanese Phrases!

• チケットを１枚お願いします。　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Chiketto o Ichi-mai onegaishimasu.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　I would like a movie ticket.
• オンラインでチケットを予約したいです。　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Onrain de chiketto o yoyaku shitaidesu.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　I want to reserve a movie ticket online.
• クレジットカードで支払えますか。　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Kurejittokādo de shiharaemasu ka.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Can I pay with a credit card?
• 席を選べますか。　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Seki o erabemasu ka. 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Can I choose my seat?

4. Pick up your tickets

If you bought your tickets online, you’ll need to pick them up at the theater before the show. You can usually do this at a self-service kiosk by inputting your phone and reservation number or by talking to a cashier. Most kiosks provide foreign language services, so don’t worry too much!

Useful Japanese Phrases!

• チケットの受け取る方法を教えてください。　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Chiketto no uketoru hōhō o oshietekudasai. 　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Could you tell me how to pick up my tickets?

5. Enjoy the movie!

Once you have your tickets, simply find your seat and enjoy the movie. If you are feeling a bit hungry, you can also grab a snack or drink before the movie!

Here Is A List of Snacks and Drinks You Can Find In Japanese Movie Theater:

• Popcorn – ポップコーン (Poppukōn)
• Caramel popcorn – キャラメルポップコーン (Kyarameru poppukōn)
• Butter popcorn – バターポップコーン (Batā poppukōn)
• Cheese popcorn – チーズポップコーン (Chīzu poppukōn)
• Chocolate popcorn – チョコレートポップコーン (Chokorēto poppukōn)
• Hot dogs – ホットドッグ (Hotto doggu)
• Churros – チュロス (Churosu)
• French fries – フライドポテト (Furaido poteto)
• Popcorn Chicken – ポップコーンチキン (Poppukōnchikin)
• Cola – コーラ (Kōra)
• Calpis – カルピス (Karupisu)
• Ginger Ale – ジンジャーエール (Jinjāēru)
• Juice – ジュース (Jūsu)
• Coffee – コーヒー (Kōhī)
• Tea – 紅茶 (Kōcha)
• Beer – ビール (Bīru)

Useful Japanese Phrases!

• ポップコーンのＳサイズをお願いします。　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Poppukōn no esusaizu o onegaishimasu.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　I would like S-size popcorn, please.
• チュロスとポップコーンチキンを一つずつお願いします。　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　Churosu to poppukōnchikin o hitotsuzutsu onegaishimasu.　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　One churro and one popcorn chicken, please.

Here’s A Video That Could Help!

If you need help finding phrases to use during payment, check out our blogs on Japanese Shopping Phrases.

Buying movie tickets in Japan is easy and convenient. Follow the tips above, and you’ll enjoy a movie in no time!

You Might Be Wondering…

How much do movie tickets cost in Japan?

The price of movie tickets in Japan varies depending on the theater, the time of day, and the type of movie. However, on average, you can expect to pay around 1,800 yen for a standard adult ticket. There are often discounts available for students, seniors, and children.

Can I buy movie tickets in English?

Yes, most theaters in Japan have English-language websites and box office staff who can speak English. However, it’s always a good idea to learn a few basic Japanese phrases, such as チケットを2枚お願いします。 (Chiketto o 2-mai onegaishimasu.) – I’d like two tickets, please.

What are some tips for going to the movies in Japan?

Here are a few tips for going to the movies in Japan:

• Arrive early, especially if you’re seeing a popular movie.
• Be sure to pick up your tickets before the show.
• Japanese theaters are very quiet, so be respectful of other patrons and avoid talking or rustling your popcorn during the movie.
• Smoking is not allowed inside Japanese theaters.
• Some theaters in Japan offer reserved seating, so be sure to check with the theater when you buy your tickets.

What are some other ways to buy movie tickets in Japan?

Besides buying tickets online or at the box office, you can also buy tickets at vending machines in some convenience stores and train stations. You can also purchase tickets through some travel agencies and tour operators.