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

Is there a service charge at Japanese live houses?

What you'll usually pay is a fixed drink fee at the door, not a percentage of a bill.

In Singapore, IRAS explains that F&B outlets often charge about 10% service charge, and GST is added on top.

At Japanese live houses, the extra you'll usually meet is different: a set drink fee at the door, on top of your ticket. You get a drink ticket and swap it at the bar. The usual amount on JGIG listings is ¥600. Soft drinks count. More: How much is the drink fee?

Do you tip in Japan?

No. As in Singapore, tipping is not customary.

The Singapore Tourism Board says tipping is not customary in Singapore. JNTO says the same about Japan: it's not common to tip for services. You don't need to tip at a live house, and the drink fee is not a tip.

Can you drink at 18 in Japan?

No. The drinking age in Japan is 20.

In Singapore, liquor can't be sold or served to anyone under 18. In Japan, the legal age for drinking and smoking is 20. If you are 18 or 19, you can't order alcohol at a Japanese live house.

Door rules are a different matter and vary by show. Certain Tokyo all-night events admit only those 20 and over; others, 18 and over. Venues that name specific IDs include a passport, so carry yours.

Is entry first come, first served in Japan?

Often not. Small Japanese shows often let people in by ticket number.

At the Singapore events we checked, such as some shows at the Esplanade, seating or entry was first come, first served. Instead of first come, first served, Japan uses ticket numbers (整理番号). Lower numbers are called first; door tickets go last. See What does the ticket number mean?

Can you pay by QR code at Japanese live houses?

It depends on the venue, so carry some yen as well.

If you usually pay with PayNow, SGQR or a card, plan ahead. Payment at small Japanese venues varies, and some merch stalls take cash only. Carry some yen: Do you need cash at Japanese live houses?

What works the same as at home?

• Door tickets cost more. The Jazz Loft in Singapore listed one show at S$25 plus fees in advance. A limited number of S$30 tickets were sold at the door. Japanese door tickets also often cost more: on shows listed on JGIG with both prices, the median difference is ¥500.
• Smoking. Singapore's bars and clubs have been smoke-free since July 2007, apart from licensed smoking rooms. In Tokyo, smoking indoors is banned in principle too. A few venues, mostly in Osaka, have smoking areas: see smoking.

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