Doors or start: what time should you arrive at a live house?

Why does the doors time matter?

A lot happens between doors and start. People go in by entry order, show their tickets, pay the drink fee and find a spot. Door tickets are often settled shortly before doors, and door-ticket holders go in last. So the doors time decides how early you get in. The start time only tells you when the music begins.

How long is the gap between doors and start?

It depends on the show and the venue. The median for shows listed on JGIG is 30 min minutes, but the table in the JGIG data below shows other gaps too. The gap can also differ by venue. JGIG show pages give Doors and Start when the event lists them, so check the times for your show.

What if you arrive after doors?

• With a numbered ticket: Show your ticket to staff and follow their instructions. To avoid this, plan to be there when doors open.
• With a door ticket: Door tickets depend on space, and JGIG's guide advises arriving early to improve your chances.
• If you only want the music: The start time is the one to aim for. You will have less choice of where to stand.
• Times can change: Promoters sometimes change doors or lineups at short notice. Check the official event page on the day.
• How many minutes before doors? JGIG's guides advise arriving a little before doors; see the first-time guide.
• Daytime shows and end times: Some shows start in the afternoon; see Daytime gigs in Tokyo. For end times and trains, see Last trains after a gig in Tokyo.

How do you plan your arrival?

1. On the JGIG show page, note Doors and Start.
2. Use the table above to choose your target time.
3. On the day, check the official event page for changes.
4. Plan your train to arrive a little before your target. Save the venue map, as reception can be weak underground.
5. Have the drink fee ready while you wait in line.

What if you are alone, have no Japanese or cash, or buy at the door?

• Going alone: Arriving by doors gives you time to ask about lockers and re-entry while it is quiet. See Going to a concert alone in Tokyo.
• No Japanese: If you can't follow the number calls, show your ticket to staff, or a phrase from the ticket phrasebook.
• No cash: Have the drink fee in cash before you reach the front of the line. See Do you need cash at Japanese live houses?.
• Door ticket: Arrive before doors. Door tickets depend on space, and JGIG does not have door-ticket status for most shows yet, so check the official event page.

What to do next

What to do next