How to Do Karaoke

A rite of passage for every visitor to Tokyo, karaoke is a national hobby for both young children and adults. Karaoke literally means “empty orchestra” and provides lyrics and instrumental music while patrons belt out the songs as loud as they desire. Unlike karaoke in other countries, Japan’s karaoke is private. Groups of friends rent out rooms or booths and pay hourly fees to sing as a group. Customers sing with microphones following lyrics on a television screen with stock imagery playing in the background. It’s easy to spend the whole night having fun and singing away.

02

Find cheap karaoke

Karaoke is one of the most popular pastimes in Japanese culture and should not break the bank. There are a number of options in every neighborhood, ranging from economical small rooms for the broke teenager to upscale and elaborate spaces for business people. Bears in Shimokitazawa is a straightforward option while chains like Karaoke Kan or Uta Hiroba are common standbys. On weekend evenings, canvassers advertise their clubs and tend to get competitive. It can be easy to barter a cheap deal. A cheap karaoke deal should be less than 800 yen for 30 minutes on a weekend evening, the peak and most expensive time.

Travel Guide

03

Introduction to the karaoke tablet

Songs are chosen through a tablet that houses hundreds of songs in a variety of languages but mostly in Japanese and English. The tablet will have an English language option in the main menu. All English language songs are written in English as well so when searching for a song switch to the alphabet keyboard for an easy search. Some tablets have recent popular songs f while others have only throwback hits, depending on the karaoke bar.

Introduction to the karaoke tablet

Once the preferred song is chosen, request it to the television. On the bottom right hand side of the tablet is a red REQUEST button. Hit that button and the song will be queued. Queuing multiple songs at the same time is common but make sure they are within the time limit of the paid time.

04

Drink and food deals

Outside food and drink are not allowed in karaoke bars. Generally there is a one drink charge for each patron, with an alcoholic option. Each karaoke bar offers different deals but most have an all you can drink alcohol menu. Uta Hiroba has an all you can drink soda bar with a soft serve ice cream machine included in the karaoke price. The alcohol menu has standard drink options, from draft beer to lemon sours. Snack and fried foods are also common. Every room has a landline where customers can communicate with staff. Be sure to call for placing an order and the staff will bring the food and drinks in a few minutes.

05

Customizable Settings

Karaoke is meant to be loud and the hallways are a cacophony of screaming voices disguised as singing. However, it is best not to blow out any eardrums. There is a control panel underneath the television where the volume, key notes and echo can be adjusted for each singer. The customizable option makes it easier to sing for longer.

06

Costumes, Instruments and much more

Karaoke rooms frequently have extras to make the party more enjoyable. Karaoke Kan is known for their funny costumes while most chain places offer instruments to help keep the beat. The extras are kept either on the ground floor with the staff or in the main hallway near the room so be sure to grab them before singing. Percussion instruments like tambourines and maracas are common mainstays while some special bars come equipped with guitars.

カラオケの鉄人新宿歌舞伎町店