There’s nothing more exciting than planning to see your favorite artist live, especially when it’s in a vibrant country like Japan. The energy of the crowds, the impeccable sound systems, and the unique atmosphere make for an unforgettable experience. But that excitement can quickly turn to frustration when you try to actually buy a ticket. Navigating Japan’s ticketing system can feel like an impossible challenge for international visitors. This guide is here to change that. We’ll break down exactly how to buy concert tickets in Japan, from understanding the complex local systems to finding a simple, secure solution, ensuring you never miss out on seeing your favorite artist.
How can I make a group booking?
For group bookings, please reach out via our Contact Us page with your event name, date, and number of tickets needed. Our team will prepare the best available options and assist you personally.
Contact Us →Why Is Buying Concert Tickets in Japan So Hard for Tourists?
If you’ve tried to buy tickets for a show in Japan, you’ve likely hit a few roadblocks. It’s not you; the system is genuinely difficult for non-residents to navigate. Understanding these hurdles is the first step to overcoming them. Here are the main challenges you’ll face as a foreigner:
- Language Barrier: The vast majority of official ticketing websites, artist announcements, and customer support are in Japanese only.
- Payment Issues: Many official sites do not accept foreign-issued credit or debit cards, causing payments to be rejected at checkout.
- Japanese Address & Phone Number: Registration on these sites almost always requires a Japanese residential address and a local phone number for verification, which tourists don’t have.
- Complex Systems: Japan’s ticketing process often involves multiple steps, including fan club-exclusive lotteries and mandatory in-person ticket collection at convenience stores (konbini).
Understanding the Japanese Ticket Lottery System
One of the most confusing aspects for foreigners is the ticket lottery, or chusen. For high-demand concerts, tickets are not sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Instead, fans enter a lottery for the *chance* to buy tickets. This is done to manage the overwhelming demand fairly. There are usually several rounds, starting with exclusive lotteries for official fan club members (who get the highest priority) followed by general lotteries open to the public. Winning a lottery simply gives you the right to purchase a ticket; it doesn’t mean the ticket is free.
Official Sale vs. Resale Tickets: What’s the Difference?
It’s crucial to know the source of your tickets. Official tickets are sold directly by primary vendors authorized by the artist, such as Ticket Pia, Lawson Ticket, and e+. These are the most legitimate and secure tickets you can get. On the other hand, resale tickets are sold on a secondary market, often by fans who can no longer attend. While this can be a way to find tickets to sold-out shows, it comes with significant risks. Japan has strict resale laws, and many events enforce ID checks that match the name on the ticket to the attendee’s ID. If the names don’t match, you could be denied entry at the door, losing both your money and your chance to see the show.
How to Buy Japan Concert Tickets: Your 3 Main Options
Now that you understand the challenges, let’s explore your options for securing a ticket. We’ve broken them down into three methods, starting from the most difficult and ending with the most straightforward solution for international fans.
Option 1: Official Japanese Ticketing Sites (The Hard Way)
The main official vendors in Japan are Ticket Pia, Lawson Ticket, and e+ (eplus). Attempting to use these sites directly is the most challenging route. You’ll face the registration hurdles mentioned above—the need for a Japanese address, a local phone number for SMS verification, and a Japanese-issued payment method. While some of these sites have English-language versions, they often feature a very limited selection of events and still present payment difficulties. This method is generally only possible if you have a friend living in Japan who can purchase tickets on your behalf.
Option 2: Third-Party Resale Marketplaces (The Risky Way)
Websites like TicketJam and Viagogo operate as secondary marketplaces where individuals resell their tickets. You might find tickets to sold-out shows here, but this path is filled with risks. Prices are often highly inflated, and there’s a chance of encountering scams or fraudulent tickets. More importantly, due to the strict ID check policies at many Japanese venues, arriving with a resale ticket under someone else’s name could get you turned away at the door with no recourse.
Option 3: Using a Ticket Service like Jasumo (The Easy Way)
For a hassle-free and secure experience, using a dedicated ticket concierge service is the best solution for tourists. Jasumo Tickets was created specifically to solve all the common problems international fans face. Our service eliminates the language barrier, accepts international credit cards, and handles all the complex purchasing steps for you. We can enter fan club lotteries on your behalf, navigate the official sales process, and secure tickets from verified sources. This gives you safe and reliable access to official, resale, and fan club tickets without any of the stress. Find your concert and let us handle the rest.
Step-by-Step Guide to Getting Your Tickets
Ready to make it happen? Follow this simple plan to go from finding a show to having your ticket in hand, ensuring a smooth and successful experience from start to finish.
Step 1: Find Concert Dates and Schedules
First, confirm the event details. The most reliable information can be found on the artist’s official Japanese website or their official social media channels. For an easier browsing experience in English, you can also use event schedules on sites like Jasumo Tickets. Pay close attention to key dates, including the lottery application periods and the general sale date, as these windows can be very short.
Step 2: Understand Ticket Types and Seating
Japanese concert tickets come in a few different formats. You might get an assigned seat, or for some venues, a standing ticket (often called “all-standing” or tachi-mi) with a number that dictates your entry order. Tickets can be either physical or digital. Physical tickets often require pickup from a convenience store like Lawson or 7-Eleven. Digital tickets are becoming more common and are delivered via specialized apps like AnyPASS or Cloak, which may require SMS verification to activate.
Step 3: Secure Your Tickets with Confidence
With the concert details in hand, decide which buying method is best for you. If you want to avoid uncertainty and risk, choosing a service that offers a money-back guarantee provides complete peace of mind. Once you’ve made your choice, place your order and wait for the confirmation. A reliable service will keep you updated on the status of your tickets every step of the way. Ready to start? See upcoming concerts in Tokyo.
What to Do After You’ve Bought Your Tickets
Congratulations, you’ve received confirmation for your tickets! The excitement is building, but there are a few final steps to ensure everything goes smoothly on the day of the show.
Ticket Collection and Delivery
If you used a ticket service, they will provide clear, simple instructions on how you’ll receive your tickets, whether they are shipped to your hotel or delivered electronically. If you have digital tickets, make sure to download the required app well in advance of the concert day, as you may need to register an account. For physical tickets that require convenience store pickup, be mindful of the collection deadline and have your confirmation numbers ready.
Preparing for the Concert Day
On the day of the show, a little preparation goes a long way. Always bring your passport with you to the venue, as it may be required for ID checks, especially for resale tickets. It’s also helpful to be aware of basic Japanese concert etiquette—taking photos or videos is almost always strictly prohibited, and fans often have specific cheers or light sticks for certain songs. Finally, plan your travel to the venue ahead of time, as public transport can be crowded before a major event.
FAQs about Japan Concert Tickets
Can foreigners buy concert tickets in Japan?
Yes, foreigners can buy concert tickets, but it is very challenging to do so through official channels due to requirements like a Japanese address, phone number, and local payment method. Using a specialized service is the most common and effective way for tourists to get tickets.
What is the best website to buy Japan concert tickets?
For international visitors, the best option is a trusted, English-language ticket service like Jasumo Tickets. We are designed to handle the complexities of the Japanese market, offering secure payment, customer support, and a guarantee on your purchase.
Can I use Ticketmaster in Japan?
Ticketmaster has a presence in Japan, but it is a separate entity from its US or European counterparts. It only covers a small fraction of live events, and most major domestic tours by Japanese artists are sold through platforms like Ticket Pia, Lawson Ticket, and e+.
Is StubHub reliable for Japanese concerts?
StubHub operates as a resale marketplace. While you may find tickets there, it carries the same significant risks as other resale sites in Japan, particularly the risk of being denied entry due to strict ID checks that are common practice at venues.
How do I get tickets for a sold-out show in Japan?
Your best bet for a sold-out show is to use a trusted ticket service that can safely access the verified resale market. They can help source legitimate tickets while minimizing the risks associated with private resellers.
Do I need a Japanese phone number to buy tickets?
For most official Japanese ticketing websites and for activating many digital ticket apps, a Japanese phone number capable of receiving SMS is required. This is one of the biggest obstacles for tourists, and a key problem that ticket services solve.
What is a fan club ticket and how can I get one?
Fan club tickets are sold exclusively to official members of an artist’s fan club and have the highest chance of success in ticket lotteries. As a foreigner, joining a fan club is nearly impossible. The only practical way to access these high-priority tickets is through a proxy or ticket service that has the means to enter these exclusive lotteries.
Attending a concert in Japan is a dream for many fans, and navigating the ticketing system shouldn’t stand in your way. By understanding the process and using the right tools, you can skip the stress and focus on the excitement of the live show. Jasumo Tickets is here to bridge the gap, providing a simple, secure, and reliable way for global fans to experience Japan’s incredible live music scene. Find tickets for your favorite artist in Japan easily and securely.
