The Complete Guide to Enjoying K-POP Concerts in Japan
From getting tickets to navigating concert day
1. Why Japan Is One of the Best Places to See K-POP Live
Japan is surprisingly well suited for experiencing K-POP concerts—often more than people expect.
Many K-POP artists hold an extensive number of shows in Japan, and in some cases, the number of Japanese tour dates even exceeds those in Korea. Tours tend to span multiple cities and longer periods, which significantly increases the chances of finding dates that fit a travel schedule.
Another major advantage is venue quality. Japanese concert halls and arenas are known for excellent sound systems, lighting, and seating layouts, making the experience enjoyable from almost any seat.
In addition, Japan has a deeply rooted fan culture and is very accustomed to welcoming international audiences. Even first-time attendees can feel comfortable navigating concerts without stress or confusion.
2. How to Get K-POP Concert Tickets in Japan
Japan’s ticketing system works quite differently from those in Korea or other parts of Asia.
Instead of first-come, first-served sales, most tickets are allocated through lotteries.
Using SEVENTEEN’s Japan concerts as a typical example, the process usually looks like this:
Basic ticket application flow in Japan
- Join the official Japanese fan club
- Apply during the lottery entry period
- Complete payment if selected
- Pick up tickets at a convenience store or at the venue
While many overseas tours rely on speed-based ticketing, Japan emphasizes applying within the designated window. Timing matters, but not in the “refresh-and-click” sense.
3. Typical Ticket Sales Order in Japan
K-POP concerts in Japan often follow this general sequence:
- Fan club presale (Round 1)
- Mobile membership presale (Round 1)
- Fan club presale (Round 2)
- Mobile membership presale (Round 2)
- Lawson Ticket lottery
- Lawson Ticket first-come sales
- Trip.com first-come sales
- Limited seat releases (after stage setup)
One of the biggest advantages of Japan concerts is that there are multiple chances to apply, rather than a single high-pressure moment.
4. Recommended Application Timing for International Visitors
For those joining from outside Japan, the most practical options are:
- Fan club presale (Round 2)
- Mobile membership presale (Round 2)
- Trip.com first-come sales
Early presales (Round 1) can be tricky, as payment may sometimes be limited to cash payments at Japanese convenience stores. This could require traveling to Japan solely to complete payment.
From Round 2 onward, credit card payments are often accepted, making these stages far more accessible for overseas participants.
5. How Ticket Pickup Works
Ticket collection methods depend on where you apply:
- Applications via Japanese ticketing platforms (①–⑥)
→ Tickets must usually be printed at a Japanese convenience store (such as Lawson) - Applications via Trip.com (⑦)
→ Tickets are commonly collected directly at the venue
For visitors coming from abroad, Trip.com is often considered a simpler and more reassuring option due to its streamlined process.
6. Final Thoughts: Japan Concerts Are More Accessible Than They Seem
At first glance, Japan’s K-POP ticketing system can appear complicated.
However, once you understand how it works, it becomes clear that Japan offers more flexibility and opportunities than many other destinations.
- Numerous shows across multiple cities
- Lottery-based systems with repeated chances
- High-quality venues and production standards
- An environment familiar with international fans
If attending a K-POP concert in Japan is on your travel list, understanding this structure will make the process far smoother—and far more enjoyable.
If you’re attending a concert in Japan, staying in Ikebukuro or Shinjuku makes getting around much easier.
