Karaoke in Japan: Private Rooms, Prices and Chains

Karaoke in Japan isn't a bar with a stage. It is a private, soundproof room for your group, rented by time, with a screen, two microphones, a song tablet and a phone or tablet for ordering food and drinks. Only your friends hear you, which is why even people who never sing at home enjoy it. It is one of the easiest nights out in Tokyo, Osaka or Kyoto.

Karaoke boxes and karaoke bars

Karaoke boxes (カラオケボックス) are what almost everyone means by karaoke in Japan: private rooms for anything from one person to large groups, with English song search and drinks brought to the room. This guide is about them.

Snack bars and karaoke bars have a single microphone shared among regulars at the counter. They can be fun with a Japanese-speaking friend, but they aren't set up for visitors walking in off the street.

The main chains

You'll find these near most large stations. Check opening hours for the branch you want; many stay open until 5am, especially around Shibuya, Shinjuku and Namba.

• Big Echo. One of the biggest chains, with plenty of branches in central Tokyo, including several around Shibuya's Center Gai. A safe first choice.
• Karaoke Kan (カラオケ館). Another large chain. Its Shibuya branch is where the karaoke scenes in Lost in Translation were filmed.
• Manekineko (まねきねこ). Usually the cheapest, popular with students. Unusually, it lets you bring your own food and drinks, though you still order one drink each.
• JOYSOUND and Karaoke no Tetsujin. Other chains you'll see in Tokyo. JOYSOUND and DAM are also the names of the two song systems; the tablet shows which you're using.

What it costs

Most chains charge per person, per 30 minutes, plus a one-drink minimum per person. Rates depend on the branch, the day and the time:

Long-stay "free time" packages, for several hours at a fixed price, are common on weekday daytimes and late at night. Members' prices are lower, and most chains let you join on the spot. If you want all-you-can-drink, ask at the desk; it is never automatic. See our nomihodai guide for how the plans work.

How to check in

1. At the desk, say how many people and how long: ni-jikan means two hours. Or point at the price board.
2. Choose your drinks plan: one drink each, a drinks bar, or all-you-can-drink.
3. In the room, switch the tablet to English and search by artist or song.
4. Order food and drinks from the tablet or the room phone. Fried chicken, fries and pizza are standard.
5. About ten minutes before your time is up, the room phone rings. Extend or wrap up.

You pay at the desk when you leave. Most city branches take cards and IC cards; see cash or card in Japan.

Etiquette

• Queue songs on the tablet and take turns.
• You don't have to sing. Sitting out, cheering and shaking the tambourine are all normal.
• Don't bring your own food or drink unless the chain allows it (Manekineko does).
• Leave on time, or extend at the desk or by phone.

Solo karaoke and big groups

Solo karaoke (hitokara, ヒトカラ) is ordinary in Japan, and some chains have small rooms or branches just for one person. For larger groups of six or more, book ahead on weekend nights; larger rooms are limited.

Planning a night

For more ideas, see our nightlife guide.

Tips for visitors

• Switch the song tablet to English first thing. Staff will do it if you ask.
• Bring ID if you'll order alcohol. The drinking age is 20, and staff may ask.
• Under-18s face time limits. Under Tokyo's youth ordinance, under-18s can't stay out late without a guardian, and most chains won't admit them after about 11pm. Rules vary by branch and city.
• Book for busy nights. Fridays and Saturdays fill up. Most chains take bookings online or by phone.

FAQ

Do I need a reservation? Not on weeknights for small groups. Book for weekend evenings or groups of six or more.

Can I sing English songs? Yes. The big catalogs have thousands of English-language songs, plus K-pop and, of course, J-pop and anime songs.

Can I bring my own drinks? At most chains, no. Manekineko allows it, but you still buy one drink each.

How late are they open? Many branches in the main nightlife districts stay open until 5am or later, and late-night packages can be cheap.

Is it OK to go alone? Yes. Solo karaoke is common in Japan.