What’s a good way to increase your chances of getting nice seats for a movie that isn’t out yet? When do ticket reservations typically open, and would I just be doing it through the theater’s site? Any recommendations in general appreciated. Thank you.
9 comments
you can buy ticket on website. Usually seats open up 3-4 days before screening for like toho so check the theater’s site
Best way to get good seats is to go a week or two after launch. The cinemas are nearly empty then.
If you want to see something day 1 though, there’s no real getting around it, just book them as soon as they go on sale directly on the cinema’s website – most start selling tickets 3 or 4 days in advance.
In addition to what others have said, you can also consider going to a less busy cinema. Big films will still need to be booked early, but (Tokyo perspective), getting tickets for Toyosu or Odaiba used to be a lot easier than Shinjuku or Shibuya for me.
Usually,…
* if it’s a Friday release, the tickets are available online on Monday night at midnight.
* if it’s a Saturday release, Tuesday night at midnight.
Mario movie?
Is that an issue? I always just go and buy my ticket like an hour beforehand and don’t have an issue getting a pretty central seat.
Depends on the theater and the movie. They always start on a Friday, so the seating might be available that Monday, Tuesday or Wednesday at the latest at midnight. I get online at that time and book
Most if not all of the major movie theatres have websites where you can buy your tickets online. If you’re a frequent movie goer then you can become a member of that theater and get a point card which also grants you some privileges when buying tickets online. You can choose from a bunch of payment options too. Toho Cinemas, Movix, United, Namba Parks, i09, and the various Station cinemas etc are all theatres I’ve bought tickets online for and the best part is that you can then choose your favourite seats for you and your party.
Most movies have a Friday release date so tickets go on sale at midnight on Tuesday. It’s usually a two days before deal. Sometimes three days if you’re a member.
The Chrone browser helps with the Japanese if you’re struggling too.
You’ll get an email with a numerical code plus a QR code version that you can use at the ticket dispenser machines in the cinema to print out your ticket.
It pretty easy to redeem since you just need the code and your phone number for the machines.
I’m the designated buyer for my group of friends and they give me cash when we meet up.
I never buy tickets at the cinema since doing it online is faster and less stress. Plus I like seats to the back and center of the cinema and those sell out fast. Much easier to go grab them up online.
I highly recommend this method.
If you live in Tokyo, go to the latest showing on a weekday in Odaiba. We live relatively close and whenever we go at those times, it’s only half full