CINEMA TIPS
It’s a common misconception that movies in Japan are always expensive. While standard tickets usually cost around ¥2,000, you can easily find deals that drop the price to ¥1,000 – ¥1,300.
When booking online, look for the 特別料金 (Special Rates) column. Here is a breakdown of the most common ways to save.
Calendar-Based Discounts
Many theaters offer automatic discounts based on the day or date.
- First Day of the Month (毎月1日): Almost all Tokyo cinemas charge only ¥1,300.
- Cinema Day (シネマデイ): Specific chains have their own days. For example, Toho Cinemas offers ¥1,300 tickets on the 14th of every month.
- Off-Peak Times: Look for Early Morning (早朝) or Late Show (深夜) discounts for screenings before 10 AM or after 9 PM.
Age & Identity Discounts
Keep your ID or student card ready to access these rates.
- Seniors: If you are over 60, tickets are significantly cheaper at almost all theaters.
- Students: Discounted rates for university and high school students. (Note: Some theaters require high schoolers to come in a group of three.)
- Married Couples (夫婦50割引): If one spouse is over 50, both can enter for a combined total of ¥2,200 – ¥2,800.
- Disability Discount (障がい者割引): Available for certificate holders and usually one companion. You can also use the Mirairo ID app.
Membership & Loyalty Programs
If you visit the same theater chain often, joining their club is worth the small annual fee.
| Theater / Card | Discounted Price | Major Perk |
|---|---|---|
| TCG Card | ¥1,200–¥1,400 | Valid at many indie theaters. |
| Toho (CineMileage) | ¥1,300 (Tuesdays) | Watch 6 movies, get 1 free. |
| Aeon Cinema | ¥1,300 | 6 movies = 1 free. |
| United Cinemas | Varies | 6 movies = 1 free. |
Pro Tip: If you are an investor, owning stock in companies like Toho, Shochiku, or Kadokawa often earns you free "Shareholder" tickets.
Quick Vocabulary Search Terms
Copy and paste these into cinema websites to find the deals:
- ファーストデイ (First Day)
- レイトショー (Late Show)
- 学割 (Student Discount)
- シニア割 (Senior Discount)