Karaokekan

Quick Facts

What it is

Karaokekan (カラオケ館), operated by B&V Corporation and instantly identifiable across Tokyo by its towering cobalt-blue neon signs and illuminated glass architecture, is the definitive symbol of modern Japanese urban nightlife. immortalized globally in pop culture (including Sofia Coppola's Oscar-winning film Lost in Translation filmed at the Shibuya branch), Karaokekan is engineered for uncompromising audio excellence and vibrant sensory immersion. Equipped with Japan's premier sound engines—LIVE DAM Ai and JOYSOUND MAX GO—paired with concert-grade microphones, dynamic party laser lighting, and specialized concept rooms (ranging from UV black-light art suites to ultra-luxurious "First-Class VIP Lounges"), Karaokekan delivers an electrifying nightlife experience steps away from Japan's busiest train crossings.

How to use

1. Spot the Giant Blue Sign: Look for the glowing blue Karaokekan building near major entertainment crossroads in Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Roppongi.
2. Front Counter Check-In:
   • Approach the front desk and state your party size.
   • Choose Your Sound Hardware: The clerk will ask: "DAM or JOYSOUND?" (LIVE DAM is famous for hyper-realistic live stadium reverb and vocal scoring; JOYSOUND features Japan's largest total song library, including obscure vocaloid and anime songs).
   • Select Your Duration: Request a duration in 30-minute increments (e.g., 1 or 2 hours) or ask for overnight Free Time (Furi-taimu).
   • Choose Your Drink Plan: Karaokekan operates on the standard "One Drink Order" (ワンオーダー制) system, where every guest orders one beverage, or you can upgrade to an unlimited all-you-can-drink (Nomihoudai) package including beer, highballs, and cocktails.
3. Head to Your Floor: Take the elevator to your designated floor. Enter your private soundproof room featuring plush leather banquette seating, ambient lighting controls, and wall monitors.
4. Select Songs on the Wireless Touchpad:
   • Grab the touchscreen terminal. Tap the language icon on the home screen to switch to English, Chinese, or Korean.
   • Browse artists alphabetically or enter search keywords. You can adjust microphone volume, echo/reverb, music key pitch (#/b), and tempo directly on the tablet screen.
5. Ordering Food & Drinks In-Room:
   • Tap the "Food & Drink" tab on the tablet.
   • Order piping hot yakitori skewers, crispy pizza, fried chicken, or highball cocktails; waitstaff will knock and deliver them directly to your room door.
6. Room Time Notification: Ten minutes before your scheduled checkout, the room phone will buzz with a courtesy reminder.
7. Payment: Bring your room clipboard to the cashier or the automated self-payment machine in the lobby. Pay via credit card, Suica, or cash.

Services & options

1. The Iconic "Lost in Translation" Shibuya Experience (Shibuya Ekimae Branch): Sing in the famous high-floor corner rooms overlooking the bustling Shibuya neon skyline!
2. First-Class VIP Lounges (ファーストクラスルーム): Available at major urban flagships; expansive suites equipped with dual giant wall-projection screens, subwoofers, and luxury leather club seating.
3. Karaokekan Crispy French Fries & Fried Chicken Combo (フライドポテト＆唐揚げ): The quintessential Tokyo party fuel, seasoned with seasoned salt and dipping sauces.
4. All-You-Can-Drink Highball & Draft Beer Package (飲み放題コース): Unlimited chilled Japanese draft beer (Asahi / Suntory), refreshing lemon sours, and whiskey highballs poured fresh.

Payment & practical info

Prices and details checked: November 2026.

• Accepted Payment Methods: Visa, Mastercard, JCB, Amex, Diners, UnionPay, Suica/PASMO/ICOCA, iD, QUICPay, PayPay, Alipay, WeChat Pay, and cash.
• Tax-Free Status: Not eligible for tax-free shopping (免税対象外). Entertainment facility fees and beverage service are domestic services consumed within Japan; tax-free exemption does not apply.
• Hours: Typically 11:00 AM to 5:00 AM or 6:00 AM the following morning (prime downtown flagships operate virtually 24 hours on weekends).
• In-Room Amenities: Clean private air conditioning, free Wi-Fi, power outlets, and smartphone charging cables available for loan at the front desk.

Good to know / Common mistakes

• No Outside Food or Drinks: Unlike Manekineko, Karaokekan strictly prohibits bringing in outside food and beverages; all refreshments must be ordered from their kitchen and bar menu.
• Youth Curfew Regulations: Prefectural ordinances prohibit guests under 18 from remaining in karaoke boxes late at night — after 22:00 (10:00 PM) or 23:00 (11:00 PM) depending on the local rules. Staff will check photo ID to verify ages.
• Peak Nightlife Hours: Friday and Saturday nights between 10:30 PM and 2:00 AM (after last trains depart) are peak hours with high occupancy; visiting during weekday afternoons or booking online guarantees zero waiting.

Sources

• Karaokekan Japan Official Website (Verified: 2026-11-07)
• Karaokekan Shop Directory & Flagship Locations (Verified: 2026-11-07)
• Karaokekan Audio Features & Room Concepts (Verified: 2026-11-07)