Karaoke in Tokyo

A trip to Tokyo isn’t complete without a night of karaoke. Unlike its Western counterpart, karaoke in Japan takes place with friends in a private room rather than a crowded bar, with themes ranging from the basic to the bizarre. Here’s what you need to know.

Highlights

• Choose from a massive catalogue of both Japanese and English songs.

• You can order drinks and snacks, just like you would at a traditional bar.

• Karaoke booths are typically rented by the hour.

• Each booth comes equipped with a TV and speaker system.

• For something different, rent a karaoke hot tub, or choose a venue specializing in anime music or cosplay.

• Some of the city’s best karaoke bars can be found in Shinjuku, Roppongi, and Shibuya.

• Popular venues include Big Echo in Ginza, Shidax and Lovenet in Roppongi, Uta Hiroba in Shibuya, and Karaoke Kan, a popular karaoke chain with locations throughout Tokyo.