Buying Event Tickets in Japan from Overseas

When purchasing tickets for concerts and events in Japan from overseas, it is important to understand the characteristics of each site beforehand, as there are restrictions on payment methods, delivery methods, and membership registration.

1. Ticket Pia（チケットぴあ）

Ticket Pia is Japan's largest and leading online ticket agency, operated by Pia Corporation, for purchasing tickets to a vast range of events including music concerts, sports, theater, anime, movies, and more, offering both web and app services with features like PUSH notifications for sales and payment reminders, making it a crucial platform for Japanese entertainment ticketing.

✔ What you can do from overseas

• Credit card payment

• Some in-store payment options (must pay at Lawson in Japan)

✔ Payment options

• Credit card

• In-store payment / deposit

  → Must be paid at a Lawson convenience store in Japan

  → Payment deadline: usually 3 days

✔ Ticket pickup

• In-store pickup

• Mobile ticket

✔ Notes

• If you choose in-store payment, you will not be able to complete purchase while abroad.

  You must finalize payment after arriving in Japan.

2. Seven Ticket (セブチケ)

Seven Ticket (セブンチケット) is Japan's convenience store ticketing service, primarily available at 7-Eleven convenience stores , allowing users to buy and pick up tickets for various events like concerts, sports (J-League, Rugby), theme parks (Tokyo Skytree, Ghibli Park), museums, movies, and seasonal events (fireworks, illuminations) using the in-store Multi-Copy machines or online, offering convenient access with cash, nanaco, or credit card payments.

✔ Online lottery application requires:

• Phone number verification

  → difficult to use from overseas without a Japanese phone number

✔ Store-machine purchase (FamiPort/Seven Ticket kiosk)

• Possible only inside Japan

• available in Japanese only(some machine may have translation)

✔ Notes

• Generally not suitable for overseas users

• Better for people already in Japan or with a Japanese phone number

3. Lawson Ticket (ローチケ / Loppi system)

A Lawson Ticket (or "l-tike") is a popular Japanese ticketing service run by the Lawson convenience store chain, selling entry to a huge range of events like concerts, sports, anime, theater, theme parks, and movies, purchasable online or directly from self-service Loppi machines in any Lawson store across Japan, offering a convenient way to get tickets for local events.

× From overseas, you CANNOT:

• Purchase anything other than “general sale” tickets

• Register for any membership

  (Even if you already have a Lawson WEB account, you cannot log in from abroad)

✔ What you can use from overseas

Payment methods:

• Credit card

  (Overseas-issued cards may not work)

• In-store payment

• In-store deposit

  → Must pay at a Lawson store in Japan

  → Usual deadline: 3 days

Ticket pickup:

• In-store pickup

• Mobile ticket

  → Requires a device that works in Japan (Japanese app environment)

✔ After reservation (if you chose in-store payment/pickup)

You must complete procedures at the Loppi machine inside Lawson stores in Japan.

Step-by-step guidance: (official guide for international users) ▶︎ https://l-tike.com/guide/en/

4. TicketX

TicketX is a modern, user-friendly secondary ticket marketplace(like for resale) for concerts, sports, and live events, emphasizing zero fees for buyers and sellers, making it cheaper and easier to find and sell tickets, originating from Japan but serving the US market with a focus on simple, secure transactions and mobile-friendly access.

✔ Why TicketX is ideal for overseas users

• Designed specifically for international fans

• No Japanese phone number required

• Fully available in English

• Accessible and usable entirely from overseas

✔ Payment options

• credit card(international cards accepted)

• No convenience store payment required

✔ Ticket delivery

Mobile ticket / e-ticket No in-store pickup needed

✔ Fees & pricing

• Industry-low flat service fee

• Transparent pricing with no surprise charges

TicketX allows you to search, purchase, and receive tickets 100% online, even while abroad. Unlike Japanese ticketing platforms that require in-person payment or a Japanese phone number, TicketX removes these barriers, making it one of the most convenient and reliable options for overseas visitors planning to attend concert or events in Japan.

✏️Things to prepare in advance

1. picture of a valid passport

Some sites such as Ticket Jam state that passports issued overseas are also accepted as identification documents (submission methods and verification may take several days).

2. available delivery address in Japan

if you receive the ticket by mail, the address registered at the time of purchase will be used and may not be changed afterward. If you wish to use a hotel address, make sure to confirm with the front desk whether they accept and hold packeges in advance.

3. smartphone and portable charger

QR code is the most common method. Charging your device is essential to avoid issues with entry due to device malfunction. Additionally, having a screenshot of your order email or purchase screen that you can show on-site serves as backup proof in case your e-ticket doesn't arrive or the QR code can't be scanned.

4. available creditcard

Some site may decline cards issued overseas, so make sure to confirm whether your credit card can be used for payment.

5. valid phone number

A phone call may be required for shipping or identity verification. Note that SMS verification may not work with international numbers.

Japan’s ticketing systems can feel complicated when you’re buying from overseas, but choosing the right platform makes all the difference. Use this guide to find the option that fits your situation best and if you want the simplest, most stress-free experience, TicketX lets you secure your tickets before you even arrive.

Plan ahead, book with confidence, and start creating unforgettable memories in Japan 🎟️🇯🇵