All the time, I see people asking, “I got tickets to a concert in Shimokita tonight, am I going to survive?”
Going to a local concert in a another country can be scary, but I am here to assure you that – yes – you will survive!
Here is an in depth step-by-step guide on attending small to medium size local concerts in Japan from someone who has been to 30+ local shows.
If you are looking for artist merch while on your trip, check out the other part to this local music series.
- FAQ
- How can I get tickets?
- Do I need to print the tickets?
- I want to buy tickets at the door, will the show sell out?
- How much Japanese do I need to know?
- How long do concerts last?
- Do concerts start on time?
- Is re-entry OK?
- Do I need cash?
- Is it considered bad manners to dance, shout, clap loudly, or mosh?
- I am tall. Do I need to go to the back?
- The Typical Concert – How to Get Inside and What to Expect
- Phrases to Know
FAQ
How can I get tickets?
I wrote about that here! I have two quick tips for you.
- Most ticket sites require a Japanese phone number – ask a friend or service to help you if you don’t have a number.
- You can usually reserve tickets by directly contacting the artist on Instagram or X.
If you need help searching for local concerts, I wrote about that too.
Do I need to print the tickets?
It depends on the show. Please check your show’s details!
If you bought tickets online, you need to print the tickets beforehand by exchanging a code with the convenience store staff.
Other shows have QR codes scanned at the door.
For very small shows that you reserved on through the artist on SNS, you just say your name at the door, hand them the money if you didn’t pay online already, and they will cross you off the list.
I want to buy tickets at the door, will the show sell out?
For medium sized artists, I highly suggest buying tickets beforehand!
For smaller artists, you should be fine, but there’s never a guarantee.
If you really want to see them, I suggest buying tickets beforehand.
*small means less than 1,000 followers online or very low-key local shows. medium means there is a decent 1,000+ following online with an active fan community.
How much Japanese do I need to know?
Not too much – if you can say yes, no, and please, you can survive the night.
There are a few phrases to help get you in the door smoothly, I will explain them later in this post.
How long do concerts last?
The average concert starts around 7 and lets out around 10.
Last trains can start leaving at 11, so shows usually finish before then, unless it is specified as an “all night (until 5am)” party which is common for release parties or special events.
Do concerts start on time?
Generally, yes. Expect the show to start within 20 minutes of the listed start time no matter what, including sound checks and DJ sets.
Is re-entry OK?
If you get a wristband or stamp, it means it is alright. Especially if they don’t have a smoking space inside, people will be constantly entering and re-entering to smoke.
Do I need cash?
Yes, you should bring cash. Small venues generally require cash, but there are several mid-size bars in Shimokita that take credit (and some ONLY take credit. It really varies).
Personally, for local shows, I’ve found there’s about a 50% chance the venue will not accept credit. So really, I suggest you take both.
Even if the venue takes credit, an artist might not accept credit at the merch table.
Is it considered bad manners to dance, shout, clap loudly, or mosh?
The crowd’s energy depends solely on the artist.
Idol shows typically have coordinated movements for the crowd, metal shows have head bangers, and punk shows have mosh pits if allowed.
For some shows, the crowd is more quiet. Some are really, really loud. Each artist has their own crowd culture. It also depends on the venue sometimes.
Watch your surroundings or past live shows online to prepare for your artist!
I am tall. Do I need to go to the back?
Hi, fellow big person. This is another one where you should use your best judgement – maybe try to stick to the sides, or if you are standing directly in front of a smaller person let them move forward.
Just use basic manners. It is OK to be up front if you remain mindful.
I had someone assume I didn’t speak Japanese and bad talk me for being tall before. I ended up talking to them directly. It was funny, I apologized, they moved to a better spot. Just be a decent human being and it will work out!
A general rule of thumb – follow the crowd, use basic human manners, every show is different, check the ticket details beforehand, and look at the social media of the artist to judge what type of show you are attending.
The Typical Concert – How to Get Inside and What to Expect
Let’s run through a typical small-sized live show together and imagine what your night will look like.
You got your tickets, and now it is time to hand in your tickets and go inside the venue.
After taking your ticket, the staff will usually ask you two more questions.
The first one is the Drink Ticket or Drink Fee, “dorinku chiketto” or “dorinku dai” respectively in Japanese.
You have to pay even if you don’t plan on getting a drink – think of it as a small “usage fee” for the venue. It is usually around 500 yen.
The staff will ask for the drink ticket amount, then hand you a ticket that can be exchanged at the bar for an alcoholic or non-alcoholic drink.
If you don’t want to use it yourself, you can use it as a conversation starter by giving it to someone. Who doesn’t want a free drink?
Next, the staff might ask which artist you will be seeing. They want to know the draw of each artist on the bill.
Just say the artist’s name then you are good to go in!
The hard part is over. Once you get inside, you can put your bag into the coin locker if you have anything heavy on you.
Many people go to concerts directly after school or work, so many live houses will have a space where you can place your luggage.
If you want to grab a drink before joining the crowd, head to the bar and exchange your ticket.
The ticket usually covers most drinks from beer to cocktails with one shot. If they say you can’t use the ticket on a specific drink, a highball or beer is always a safe choice to pick instead!
It is OK to grab a drink whenever you’d like, but most people go between sets, during a DJ performance, or before/after the show. The bartender will take your order any time!
Now you are ready to enjoy the show! If you have any questions about what is going on, just follow the crowd.
unlike large shows, videos/photos are sometimes allowed at small shows.
be sure to confirm beforehand!
After the show, you can find the artist at the merch table and buy the merch directly from them.
In the indie rock scene, one of the signature merch items are lighters. Bands will usually have CDs and T-shirts at their merch tables as well.
You survived! Finally, you can finish off your night with some good food.
Phrases to Know
Aside from yes, no, and thank you, here are some helpful phrases to survive the night. If you know all of these, I can guarantee you will make it through the night without getting dehydrated or kicked out.
xx wo kudasai. “please give me…”
For drinks or merch, say the name of the item and add “kudasai” to ask for it.
genkin nomi. “cash only”
Don’t forget cash!
satsuei kinshi. “photo/video taking banned”
Live houses are supppper strict on this. Small shows are usually OK, but check beforehand.
anko-ru “encore”
If the crowd starts shouting this, you can join in! Some artists will play an extra song.
That’s all you need to know to survive your night out at a small concert.
Now go out and enjoy Japan’s local music scene!! I promise it isn’t scary. Everyone is pretty nice.
I have other posts on how to attend concerts in Japan. I recommend checking out this “what to pack” page for attending large scale concerts or festivals.
Until next time. ❤
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