Have you ever dreamed of being a singing superstar but you are too shy or not talented enough to be one? Japan’s karaoke bars will give you the chance to sing your favorite songs as if you are the original singer – and that’s regardless of your singing talent. Karaoke bars are usually open for 24 hours. Each bar has a set of rooms for rent. Each room has a Karaoke box, a television, microphones, remote control, comfortable seats, a table, a menu, and a small booklet that lists all of the available songs.
- Look for karaoke bars. If you have friends living in Japan, consider asking them for suggestions as to what bars offer the best experience. However, do know that these bars are a dime a dozen in Japan as it is considered the number one entertainment option there.
- Compare karaoke bars. Compare the size of the establishment, the price, and the offered features. Most karaoke bars charge about $5 per-hour for every person. But that will usually include eat-all-you-can meals or drink-all-you-can packages. Karaoke rooms are meant to be shared so you are expected to split the cost with your friends whenever you get a room. This is usually the trend in Japan and they don’t mind if you ask them to chip in. Comparing at least three karaoke bars will provide you a general overview of different offerings.
- Know what you can generally do. Eat, drink, and sing all night long. These bars offer food and drinks, and people to take your orders. Smoking cigarettes is generally permissible in karaoke bars. Consumption of alcoholic beverages is allowed and encouraged provided that proper behavior is maintained at all times.
- Choose songs and start singing. There will be a handy booklet where all the songs and their corresponding codes can be found. You’ll have to enter the codes using the remote control and then press the Enter button. This will put the song on queue in case a song is currently playing. Wait for your turn to sing. Usually, each member of a group is given a number of songs to sing, say three or more. You’ll have to wait for others to finish their songs before you get your turn.
- In some bars, the choosing of the songs can be done on the TV screen. Use your remote to search and select a song that you want to sing. Additionally, this more advanced system will have games to play as well. Think of it as a full-featured entertainment system.
- Be prepared to sing old songs. Most karaoke bars in Japan will cater to the popular songs of the country. The lyrics of Japanese songs are written in Japanese. There are songs for westerners too. Songs from The Beatles, Frank Sinatra, and other classical singers are always available. Some karaoke bars cater to popular western songs like those of Kelly Clarkson and Britney Spears.
No matter which karaoke bar you visit, the primary objective here is to have fun. Don’t worry if you have a horrible voice. Karaoke is meant for amateur singers, anyway.
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