The best karaoke places to sing in Tokyo 東京の5カラオケ
Unmissable activity in Japan: renting a box in a Tokyo Karaoke
Want to push the song? During your visit to the Japanese capital, be sure to try the famous karaoke bars, emblems of Japanese leisure. Discover 5 karaoke addresses for an evening of wild singing in Tokyo!
Karaoke in Japan: How does it work?
In Japan, karaoke is a real institution, a hobby that is practiced with friends regularly. If there are bars with karaoke, the most common formula is very different from what we know in the West and comes in the form of a private box. Installed on the benches facing the screen, you can, in addition to singing, eat and drink, sometimes at will according to the formulas chosen.
Karaoke chains are numerous in all major Japanese cities, but the most common and most famous are KaraokeKan, Big Echo, Shidax, Uta Hiroba, or Côte d'Azur.
Regarding pricing, several possibilities are available to you: you will have the choice between paying by the half-hour or requesting free time, that is to say without time restriction until the establishment closes. (usually, around 5 am!).
Be aware that prices vary depending on the time (day or night), but also on the day of the week, Friday and Saturday being the most expensive days. Drinks are to be ordered via the phone in your box, individually, or by choosing an all-you-can-eat formula beforehand. The prices vary a lot according to the chains, but also the establishments.
Here are 5 karaoke places to give voice to in Tokyo, from the cheap establishment to the luxurious karaoke, passing by the most original.
Karaoke Kan Shibuya
Undoubtedly Tokyo's most famous karaoke among foreigners: it was indeed made famous thanks to the film "Lost in Translation" in the famous karaoke scene. Located in the heart of Shibuya, it allows you to spend a wild evening after an afternoon of shopping. You can even request one of the two rooms (601 and 602) where the scenes were shot. This karaoke is clean and modern, but also very comfortable like all Karaoke Kan establishments which remains a safe bet.
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Address : 30-8 Udagawacho, Shibuya 150-0042, Tokyo
Facade of Karaoke Kan in Shibuya.
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The Karaoke scene in "Lost In Translation"
Lost in Translation / Focus Features
Pasela Akihabara
A Karaoke "Pasela Resorts" in the heart of the geek district. This establishment is famous for its small dishes, in particular its desserts and pastries with honey. The chain is also known for offering rooms with original decoration, on the theme of manga, anime, and video games. Otakus will turn especially to the establishment located in Akihabara, with rooms dedicated to Evangelion or even Monster Hunter.
- Address : 1 Chome-6-6 Kabukicho, Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0021
The "Evangelion" karaoke room
Gurunavi
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Uta Hiroba Shibuya
The Uta Hiroba chain is known for its affordable prices throughout Japan. The rooms can be very small, and the decoration basic, but the price per half-hour, as well as the price of drinks, is cheap. There are several Uta Hiroba karaoke places in Shibuya, the prices of which vary slightly between them. The main establishment is located a few steps from 109, a large shopping center. It will cost you around 2,000 yen ($17.50/16€) per person for 2 hours of singing with unlimited drinks. In case of congestion, there is a secondary building just around the corner.
- Address : 27−6, 5F, Udagawachō, Shibuya, 150-0042 Tokyo
The front of the karaoke and its smiling mascot
enjoy Tokyo
French Riviera Ginza
A very chic karaoke, with comfortable private rooms and luxurious decoration. Located right next to the Ginza metro station, in the famous district of the same name, this establishment allows you to sing in a pleasant setting. The quality of the restaurant side is also a cut above popular chains such as Big Echo or KaraokeKan. Billiards and darts are also available, between two songs.
- Address : 7-2-22 Ginza Ginza Dowa Bldg. B1F, Chuo 104-0061, Tokyo
A private karaoke room in Ginza
Gurunavi
Fiora Aria blu Roppongi
A karaoke with an excellent reputation, both its service and its rooms are of high quality. These follow themes, for example, botanical gardens or caves, and some even offer jacuzzis and foot baths, to relax while giving voice. The food offered is also of very good quality. The budget will be higher there, but you can go there with your eyes closed.
- Address: 5-1-3 Roppongi Goto Bldg. 1st-3F, Minato, 106-0032, Tokyo
The "Cave" room of Fiora karaoke
Gurunavi
