Karaoke is a beloved pastime in Japan, offering both locals and visitors an unforgettable cultural experience. If you’re traveling to Japan, experiencing karaoke is a must! Here’s a guide to help you navigate Japan’s vibrant karaoke scene.
What is Karaoke in Japan?
Karaoke (カラオケ) is a Japanese word that combines “kara” (empty) and “oke” (orchestra), meaning “empty orchestra.” It’s a form of entertainment where people sing along to recorded music, typically in private rooms or public spaces. Karaoke is an essential part of Japanese social life, enjoyed by people of all ages.
The Different Types of Karaoke
In Japan, you’ll find a variety of karaoke experiences:
- Karaoke Boxes: These are private rooms equipped with karaoke machines, perfect for groups of friends, colleagues, or couples. You can rent a room for a set amount of time (usually an hour or two) and enjoy singing in a comfortable, intimate setting.
- Karaoke Bars: These are more casual, public venues where people sing along in front of others. It’s a fun way to enjoy karaoke in a less private setting.
- Karaoke Cafes: A more relaxed environment where you can sip on coffee or tea while singing.
What to Expect at a Karaoke Box
When you enter the karaoke booth, you will first be asked to choose the time you want to use. The charge is per 30 minutes, but if you plan to stay for more than 2 hours and 30 minutes, it is more economical to choose the free time option. Depending on the store, the time slots are often divided into morning to evening and evening to morning, so we recommend entering the store around noon or 7pm, avoiding the 4pm time slot.After that, you will be asked to choose between one drink or the drink bar. The price difference is not that great, so the drink bar (all-you-can-drink non-alcoholic) is fine.Finally, you will be asked which model you would like to use. Joy Sound has the largest number of songs, while DAM offers immersive video with live audio.Payment is made after use, so you will be given a binder at reception, which you will then hand over to the reception to make your payment.The room is equipped with a microphone, a screen displaying lyrics, and a selection of songs. Songs are available in multiple languages, including English, so you can sing your favorite international hits or Japanese classics.
How to Choose Songs
Most karaoke machines have a search function where you can choose songs by artist, genre, or language. For those unfamiliar with Japanese songs, there’s usually an English-language menu with a wide selection of popular international hits. Karaoke is about having fun, so don’t worry about your singing skills—just enjoy yourself!
Dining Etiquette in Karaoke Rooms
Many karaoke rooms come with a menu of food and drinks. While enjoying your session, it’s common to order snacks like French fries, pizza, or fried chicken. You may also be able to order drinks like beer, cocktails, or soft drinks. One thing to keep in mind: It’s considered polite to be mindful of others, especially in shared or semi-private spaces. Keep the volume reasonable, and make sure everyone gets a chance to sing.Also, and this is important, some karaoke stores allow you to bring food and drinks into the store. In that case, you can buy some food, snacks, and alcohol at a nearby convenience store and enjoy karaoke.
Special Karaoke Tips for International Visitors
Karaoke is for everyone: Don’t worry if you’re not a professional singer! Karaoke is all about having fun and enjoying the moment with friends.
Solo or Group Singing: You can take turns singing in a group or do a solo performance. Both are perfectly acceptable.
Respect for Others: Karaoke rooms are usually soundproof, but if you’re in a more open setting, be mindful of your volume, especially late at night.
Bring Your Best Attitude: Karaoke is all about having fun and bonding with others. It’s not about being a great singer, but having a great time!
Specific store introduction
- まねきねこ(Manekineko)-This popular karaoke chain has branches all over Japan and is known for its distinctive cat logo. It is especially popular among students and young people because it offers a high-quality karaoke experience at a low price.This is the most recommended karaoke bar as you can bring your own food and alcohol.https://www.karaokemanekineko.jp/locations/
- 歌広場(utahiroba)-It is one of the major karaoke chains with locations all over Japan. It features a sophisticated atmosphere and comfortable space, and is suitable for a wide range of situations, from casual karaoke with family and friends to business use. You can bring food and alcohol here too.https://www.utahiro.com/shop/
summary
Japanese karaoke is not just about singing, it is a wonderful experience that allows you to deeply experience Japanese social culture. You can spend a good time with friends and family, or even if you are a little shy, you can sing to your heart’s content and have fun. Be sure to try out the karaoke experience as a memory of your trip to Japan!
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