Finding Events, Shows and Conventions in Japan

Japan is a country full of events, concerts, conventions and festivals. Do you want to know how to find these events in the country? In this article we will list some events, teach you how to find your favorite event, its dates and also how to buy the necessary tickets. Whether it's a cultural event, a band concert or an Otaku anime convention, you'll find it in Japan!

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How are tickets sold in Japan?

In Japan, concert tickets are made available in several stages. In general, the sooner you can get tickets, the sooner you'll have access to the venue and the better chance of getting the best seats.

Usually the steps are:

Fan club early sales Exclusive sale to fan club : These tickets are the most coveted and the first to go on sale. To access them, you must the artist's or band's official fan club for an annual fee. In some cases, the exclusive sale can be carried out by drawing lots.

Advance Lottery 「先行抽選」 - Pre-sale raffle for the public: At this stage, anyone can participate in the raffle to try to get tickets for the show.

Advance reservation system 「先行先着」 - Pre-sale to the public: If tickets have not yet sold out in the previous steps, you can pre-order them. Pre-orders often include additional fees and have limited payment options.

General sales General Sale: If tickets are still available, they will go on sale to the general public. In these last steps, tickets can be purchased through ticket purchase sites, travel agencies, ticket offices and other channels.

It is important to that, depending on the artist or band, tickets for concerts can sell out quickly, especially in the first stages of sales.

If you're interested in attending a specific show, it's important to keep an eye out for on-sale dates and try to get tickets as early as possible. In addition, it is important to check the rules and conditions of purchase of each sales channel, as they may vary.

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Where to buy tickets in Japan?

Tickets for concerts, events and conventions in Japan can be purchased through a variety of channels, including:

1. 24-hour Convenience Stores: Event shows can usually be found in these locations;
2. Ticket purchase sites: There are several websites specialized in selling tickets for shows in Japan, such as Ticket Pia and Ticketbis. These sites usually offer a wide variety of events and generally allow you to purchase tickets online with a credit card.
3. Travel agencies: Some travel agencies offer travel packages that include tickets for shows and other events. This can be a convenient option if you are planning a trip to Japan.
4. Box Offices: Many shows in Japan have box offices on site, where it is possible to buy tickets on the day of the event or on nearby days. However, it is important to that tickets can sell out quickly, especially for popular events.
5. Through fan clubs: As mentioned earlier, some concerts offer exclusive tickets for of the artist or band's fan clubs. To gain access to these tickets, you need to the fan club for an annual fee.
6. Other channels: Some shows may offer tickets through other channels, such as department stores, supermarkets, and other establishments. It’s always a good idea to check in advance the available channels to buy tickets for the show you want to attend.

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Japan's Biggest Anime Events

Looking for anime events? The main anime events in Japan are:

1. Tokyo International Anime Fair: This event is held annually in March in Tokyo and is one of the most important anime events in the world. It includes product exhibitions, lectures, and presentations of new anime series.
2. AnimeJapan: This event is held annually in March in Tokyo and is one of the most important anime events in the world. It includes product exhibitions, lectures, and presentations of new anime series.
3. Comiket: This event is held twice a year, in August and December, in Tokyo. It is the largest manga and doujinshi (independent publications) event in the world, attracting millions of visitors from across the country.
4. Tokyo Game Show: This event is held annually in September in Tokyo and is one of the largest gaming events in the world. It includes product exhibitions, lectures, and presentations of new games.
5. Jump Festa: This event is held annually in December in Tokyo and is one of the most important anime and manga events in the world. It includes product exhibitions, lectures, and presentations of new anime series.

These are just a few examples of major anime events in Japan. There are many other smaller and regional events that are also very popular with anime fans. It's always a good idea to research and check the schedule of events before planning a trip to Japan.

How to find events and concerts in Japan?

There are several ways to find events and concerts in Japan. See below what you can do to find events and concerts in Japan:

1. Use specialized apps for events and shows: There are many apps that provide information about events and shows throughout Japan.
2. Search ticket purchase sites: Many ticket purchase sites, such as Ticket Pia and Ticketbis, offer information about events and shows in Japan.
3. See the websites of the cities and regions you plan to visit: Many cities and regions in Japan have websites that list events and shows that will take place in the area.
4. Search on tourism sites: Many tourism websites offer information about events and shows in different cities and regions of Japan.
5. Follow artists and bands: If you are a fan of a specific artist or band, you can follow their profile on social media or subscribe to their newsletter to receive updates about events and shows.

In addition, there are many other places you can find information about events and shows in Japan, such as travel guides, newspapers and magazines, and even asking other travelers or people who live in Japan.

It's always a good idea to research and compare several different sources to make sure you're getting the most accurate and up-to-date information possible.

Sites and Apps to find shows and events in Japan

Generally, the sites mentioned above may have an application to from the App Store or Play Store, so it might be worth doing a search. Other apps that can help are:

There are several apps for Android and iOS that allow you to buy tickets for concerts and events in Japan and find information about these events. Some examples include:

1. Ticket Pia: This app is one of the most popular for ticket purchases in Japan and offers a wide variety of events, including concerts, sports, theater, and much more. It is available for both Android and iOS.
2. Ticketbis: Ticketbis is another popular app for purchasing tickets in Japan, offering a wide variety of events throughout the country. It is also available for both Android and iOS.
3. Ticket.jp: Ticket.jp is an app specialized in buying tickets for events in Japan, including concerts, sports, theater, and more. It is available for both Android and iOS.
4. Tokyo Calendar: Tokyo Calendar is an app that provides information about events and activities in Tokyo, including concerts, exhibitions, festivals, and much more. It is available for both Android and iOS.
5. Japan Official Travel App: The Japan Official Travel App is an official tourism application from Japan that provides information about events and activities throughout the country, including shows, festivals, exhibitions, and much more. It is available for both Android and iOS.

Locations where concerts and events are held in Japan

There are many famous places in Japan that host sporting events and music concerts. Some examples are:

1. Nippon Budokan: Located in Tokyo, the Nippon Budokan is one of the most famous concert venues in Japan, with a capacity of approximately 14,500 people.
2. Yokohama Arena: Located in Yokohama, the Yokohama Arena is one of the most important concert venues in Japan, with a capacity of approximately 17,000 people.
3. Osaka-jō Hall: Located in Osaka, the Osaka-jō Hall is one of the most famous concert venues in Japan, with a capacity of approximately 16,000 people.
4. Kyocera Dome Osaka: Located in Osaka, the Kyocera Dome Osaka is one of the largest concert venues in Japan, with a capacity of approximately 42,000 people.
5. Saitama Super Arena: Located in Saitama, the Saitama Super Arena is one of the most important concert venues in Japan, with a capacity of approximately 37,000 people.

These are just a few examples of the most famous concert venues in Japan. There are many other venues across the country that host events and concerts of various kinds.