Buying concert tickets in Japan can feel overwhelming at first — most platforms are in Japanese, and the process is quite different from what you might be used to. But don’t worry. This guide walks you through everything step by step, whether you’re visiting from overseas or living in Japan as an English speaker.
Overview: How Ticket Sales Work in Japan
Japanese concert tickets are typically sold through one of three methods:
- Fan club pre-sale (FC先行) — Members of an artist’s official fan club get first access, often through a lottery.
- General lottery sale (一般先行) — Open to everyone, but demand usually exceeds supply, so tickets are allocated by lottery.
- General sale (一般販売) — First-come, first-served. Sells out fast for popular artists.
For major artists, fan club pre-sales are often the only realistic way to get tickets. If you miss that window, the general lottery is your next best option.
Major Ticket Platforms
These are the main platforms used to sell concert tickets in Japan:
- eplus (イープラス) — One of the largest platforms. Covers a wide range of artists and events. Some pages have partial English support.
- Lawson Ticket (ローチケ) — Run by Lawson convenience stores. Tickets can be picked up at any Lawson.
- 7-Eleven Ticket (セブンチケット) — Similar to Lawson Ticket, but through 7-Eleven. Uses the in-store Loppi kiosk.
- Ticketpay — A newer platform used by some artists. Supports digital tickets.
- Artist Official Sites — Many artists sell directly through their own fan club sites (e.g., BTS’s Weverse, Johnny’s official site).
Step-by-Step: Buying Tickets Online
1. Create an Account
Most platforms require you to register with a Japanese email address, name, and phone number. A Japanese phone number is often required for SMS verification. If you’re overseas, this can be a barrier — in that case, look for platforms that accept international numbers, or use a virtual Japanese number service.
2. Enter the Lottery or Sale
For lottery sales, you select your preferred date, number of tickets, and seating type, then submit your entry. Results are sent by email, usually within a few days to a week. If you win, you’ll be prompted to complete payment.
3. Payment
Most platforms accept major credit cards including Visa and Mastercard. Some also support convenience store payment (コンビニ払い), where you receive a code and pay in cash at the register.
4. Receiving Your Tickets
Tickets are delivered in one of three ways:
- Digital ticket (電子チケット) — Displayed on your smartphone via an app. Increasingly common.
- Convenience store pickup — Print at a Lawson or 7-Eleven using a reference number.
- Mail delivery — Physical tickets mailed to a Japanese address. Not available for overseas addresses.
Picking Up Tickets at a Convenience Store
At Lawson (Loppi Terminal)
- Go to the Loppi terminal (usually near the entrance).
- Select “各種番号をお持ちの方” (I have a reference number).
- Enter your reference number and phone number.
- Take the printed receipt to the register and pay within 30 minutes.
At 7-Eleven (Multi-Copy Machine)
- Go to the multi-copy machine.
- Select “チケット” from the menu.
- Enter your confirmation number.
- Pay at the register.
Tips for Foreign Visitors and Residents
Do I need a Japanese address?
For digital tickets, no. For physical mail delivery, yes — and overseas addresses are generally not accepted. If you’re visiting Japan, digital tickets or convenience store pickup are your best options.
Is ID required at the venue?
Often yes, especially for popular concerts. Your passport is accepted. The name on your ticket must match your ID, so make sure to register with your real name when creating accounts.
Is English available?
Most platforms are Japanese-only, but Google Translate’s camera feature works well on these sites. We recommend using Chrome on desktop, which auto-translates pages. Key vocabulary to know: 申し込む (apply/enter), 抽選 (lottery), 先行 (pre-sale), 一般 (general).
What about resale tickets?
Official resale is available on some platforms (eplus has a resale feature). Unofficial resale (scalping) is technically illegal in Japan. Stick to official channels when possible.
Summary
Buying concert tickets in Japan takes some preparation, but it’s very doable once you understand the system. The key steps are: create accounts on major platforms early, join fan clubs for artists you love, and aim for the fan club pre-sale lottery. Good luck — and enjoy the show!