Annie's Excursions

Going to the movies in Japan is not revolutionary by any means, but there are some slight differences in movies here. I thought I’d write a post here about these since I’ve been to a few movies during my time here!

1. Buying tickets: You can buy them online and reserve ahead of time, or buy them at the theater. Online may require a Japanese phone number though. It does help to get a good seat if the movie you want to see is popular. Unlike buying tickets in America, there is the option to buy tickets at a machine without interacting with a person. I believe you can buy tickets with staff, but I’ve never done that.
2. Discounts: If you’re looking to save some money at the movies, every theater will have discount days! My theaters are usually discounted on the first of every month, along with a certain day of the week. Some offer student, elderly, disabled, and evening discounts as well. Definitely check the website.
3. Snacks: They’re pretty varied, along with the drinks! There’s the standard commercial soda and butter popcorn, but Japan also has some interesting fruity soda flavors and even boba depending on the theater chain you go to. There’s also soy sauce butter popcorn, and other premium flavors such as chocolate and caramel. Some theaters have nachos, churros, and other savory foods. The theaters I’ve been to have a candy area where you can DIY your own bag of gummies.
4. Lobby: Along with the snacks and ticket purchase area, there are also other ways to spend your money. While America also has crane games, Japanese theaters will have gachapon machines. More unique is the merchandise booth for the current selection of movies. I feel this is not a thing at American theaters, and if you really like a movie, you can grab a keychain or even a mug to support.
5. Pre-movie: Seats typically don’t open until 10 minutes before the start of the movie due to preparation. Seats are reserved anyway, and there’s not a much point to going early. The bathroom is also located in the lobby, so if you exit, you’d have to re-show your ticket. Trailers and the typical “DO NOT RECORD” warning are shown, but they don’t feel as long or dragged on like in america.
6. Movie experience: The seats are nice and plushy, with plenty of room. Screen is pretty big. Not too much of a difference here, but definitely an important part. My friend said that there’s not much AC in the theater, and while I don’t agree, I will say indoors (at least in Hokkaido), tend to not blast the AC. People stay silent and don’t laugh, so that may be good to some but awkward to others. People also tend to stay until after the credits end, but no one is stopping you if you want to leave then.
7. Foreign movies: As the official language in Japan is, well, Japanese, if you’re seeing a foreign movie, it will either be in Japanese sub or Japanese dub. Make sure to check for the language of the movie you will be seeing!