Coming from Canada? What works differently at Japan's live houses

Can 19-year-olds drink in Japan?

No. The drinking age in Japan is 20, nationwide.

Canada's drinking age depends on the province: 19 in Ontario and British Columbia, 18 in Quebec. Some venues are strict about it. Lee's Palace in Toronto, for example, says under-19s can't attend 19+ events, even with a parent.

In Japan, the legal age for drinking and smoking is 20. Japan lowered the age of adulthood to 18 in 2022, but kept drinking at 20. So a 19-year-old from Toronto, or an 18-year-old from Montreal, can't order alcohol at a Japanese live house.

Getting in is a separate question, set show by show. Some Tokyo all-night shows are 20+, and some are 18+. Venues that name accepted IDs list a passport. We could not confirm whether Canadian driver's licences are accepted, so bring your passport.

Do you tip at bars in Japan?

No. Tipping is not common in Japan, but most live houses charge a drink fee at the door.

Destination Toronto suggests 15–20% at restaurants for good service. The Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) says it's not common to tip for services in Japan.

What you will see is a drink fee. At most live houses, you buy one drink ticket at the entrance as you go in, separately from your ticket. On JGIG listings, it's most often ¥600. It covers one drink, and soft drinks count. More: How much is the drink fee?

Is it general admission or numbered entry in Japan?

Often by ticket number: small Japanese shows usually number advance tickets.

At Biltmore Cabaret in Vancouver, shows are general admission, and tables are first come, first served. Japanese advance tickets usually work differently: each has a number (整理番号), and staff let people in by number blocks. Door tickets go in after advance tickets. See What does the ticket number mean?

Is there a coat check, and can you step out?

It varies: some venues have lockers or a cloak room, and re-entry rules differ by show.

• Coat check. Biltmore and The Red Room in Vancouver charge C$5 an item. Japanese live houses vary: some have coin lockers or a cloak room, and some have neither. In winter, travel light. See lockers, bags and re-entry.
• Re-entry. Biltmore lets you step out and back in with a stamp. Re-entry in Japan differs by show. Some let you back in free, some charge the drink fee again, some don't allow it.

Do you need cash at Japanese live houses?

Bring some yen. Payment options vary, and some merch stalls take cash only.

Biltmore and Lee's Palace say they are cashless venues. In Japan, payment options at small venues vary, and some band merch stalls take cash only. Carry some yen: Do you need cash?

What works the same as at home?

• Several acts a night. Many upcoming bills at Casa del Popolo in Montreal list two to four acts. Small Japanese bills often have several bands as well.
• Photos. At Biltmore, the artist sets the photo rules. In Japan, rules also depend on the show. Check the event post.

Before you go: a quick checklist

1. Pick a show: tonight in Tokyo or any date.
2. On the show page, add the ticket price and the drink fee.
3. Check the official event page on the day, as times and ticket status can change.
4. Arrive around OPEN, with your ticket, some yen and your passport.

What to do next

What to do next