Preparation is Key
Before diving in, there are two important things to prepare:
- Local Phone Number and Address: If you plan on entering ticket lotteries (some events, like the upcoming Yoasobi concert, are lottery-based), you'll need a local phone number and address. This is where having a friend in Japan or a local SIM card comes in handy.
- Hotel Booking: Ensure you have a hotel booked in Japan. You'll need a local address during the registration process. They might not use this information, but it's necessary to have it.
Step-by-Step Guide to Purchasing Tickets
Visit the L-Tike Website: Head to L-Tike. Even if there isn't anything immediately interesting, sign up for their newsletter. They send out notifications about new events, which can be quite helpful. For example, I learned about Yoasobi's concert this way.
Switch to English: On the website, choose the English translation to make navigation easier.
Find Your Event: Browse for an event you're interested in. Once you've found it, follow the process to register as a guest. Enter your name in Katakana (use Google Translate to help with this).
Complete the Payment: After making the payment, you’ll receive a QR code via email. This code is crucial for the next steps.
Collect Your Tickets: Take the QR code to a Lawson convenience store. Look for a red machine named Loppi. Scan your QR code on the machine, confirm the details, and it will print a receipt.
Get Your Official Ticket: Take the receipt to the cashier, sign where indicated (it's okay to sign in English), and they will give you your official ticket. You’re now ready for the event!
Common Concerns Addressed
What about the Phone Number? You just need to re-enter your phone number at some point during registration. Remember your phone number to avoid any issues.
Ticket Collection Timing? Even if the ticket sales period ends before you arrive in Japan, don’t worry. As long as you've paid for the ticket, you can print it on the event day. Just don’t select the option to pay at the store, as the payment deadline will be the last day of ticket sales.
Final Tips
Japan’s ticketing system might seem complex, but with a bit of preparation, it’s manageable. If you have more questions, feel free to ask! Whether it’s for concerts, festivals, or other events, I hope this guide helps you enjoy your time in Japan to the fullest. Happy ticket hunting!