Tokyo Cinema Options: 9 Fabulous Film Haunts in the City

Post date: Wednesday, September 14, 2022

From ultra-modern theaters with the latest shows to grungy cinemas showcasing indie movies, the Tokyo cinema scene is sure to satisfy both cinephiles and casual moviegoers alike. While most Tokyo movie theaters do not have English listings, screenings can be checked in The Japan Times. For films in English and languages other than Japanese, do also remember to check if the movie has Japanese subtitles (jimaku) or has instead been dubbed into Japanese (fukikae).

While Roppongi, Shibuya and Shinjuku may come to mind first as the best places to go for some wide screen entertainment, there are other cinemas with character worth checking out as well. Here are some of the best cinemas in Tokyo.

Modern Cinemas in Tokyo

TOHO Cinemas Nihonbashi

The old downtown area of Tokyo, or rather as it was previously known, Edo, has gotten a lot more vibrant over the weekends with the introduction of the Coredo Muromachi, its shops, and TOHO cinemas’ largest wall-to-wall screen, the TCX (TOHO CINEMAS EXTRA LARGE SCREEN) at the 9-screen Cineplex here. Movies are playing all night over the weekends, and with restaurants and bars open until late, this is one of the best cinemas in Tokyo around which to plan the perfect date night.

A: COREDO Muromachi2, 3F, 2-3-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
W: https://www.tohotheater.jp/theater/073/institution.html

TOHO Cinemas Roppongi

Serving as the venue for the annual Tokyo Film Festival and other events in the hip downtown area of Roppongi, the quality of this modern, edgy Tokyo cinema has never been in doubt; its bona fides have only increased with a renovation in 2015 that upgraded its hardware even further. Here you can enjoy the TCX (TOHO Cinemas’ Extra Large Screen) as well as Dolby Atmos and Viv Audio for sound fidelity of the highest quality.

TOHO Cinemas Roppongi has Premier Luxury Seats with electric reclining seats, Front Reclining Seats for the power of the big screen and Premier Box Seats.

A: Roppongi Hills, Keyakizaka Complex, 6-10-2 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
W: https://www.tohotheater.jp/theater/009/institution.html (JP)

TOHO Cinemas Shibuya

Conveniently located in the fashion and entertainment hub of Shibuya facing Shibuya 109, this modern Tokyo cinema was renovated in 2011 and consists of six digital big screens which can be used to show 3D movies. Just a five-minute walk from the Shibuya Station – actually one of the most frequently featured spots in Japanese movies - this is one of those Tokyo movie theaters that offers great choices for shopping, dining and a film all in one. Connected to Shibuya Station by an underground walkway, it's one option to keep in mind on a rainy day.

A: 2-6-17 Dogenzaka, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
W: https://www.tohotheater.jp/theater/043/institution.html

TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku

TOHO Cinemas Shinjuku has IMAX with Laser and MediaMation MX4D. It also offers Premier Luxury Seats with electric reclining seats, Front Reclining Seats for the power of the big screen and Premier Box Seats.

A: Shinjuku Toho Bldg. 3F, 1-19-1 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
W: https://www.tohotheater.jp/theater/076/institution.html

United Cinemas Aqua City Odaiba

Given Odaiba’s reputation as a major Tokyo entertainment zone, it is not surprising that the area boasts a massive 13-screen cineplex is one of the largest in the city. You can be assured of modern digital screens and surround sound at this slick Tokyo cinema. There are also super premium seats, cozy for couples who want to snuggle up over a movie or two. They have 4DX and SCREEN X.

A: Aqua City Odaiba, 1-7-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tokyo
W: http://www.unitedcinemas.jp/odaiba/index.html

Indie Cinemas in Tokyo

Cinema Rosa (Ikebukuro)

Established since 1968, the 2-screen Cinema Rosa - located along Romance Dori of Ikebukuro – is another old time favorite haunt for movie buffs. Showing a mix of the latest movies on roadshow as well as classic movies, indie films and even exclusive screenings, it’s always worth checking out what movies they are offering.

A: 1-37-12 Nishi ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo
W: http://www.cinemarosa.net/

Image Forum (Shibuya)

This independent Tokyo cinema, founded in 1972, is an institution of the indie film scene, screening a selection of experiential Japanese and foreign indie films. Head here for their regular Friday night open screenings and lectures. They also sponsor the Image Forum Festival, an annual event which screens edgy indie movies.

A: 2-10-2 Shibuya, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo
W: http://www.imageforum.co.jp/theatre/

Waseda Shochiku (Takadanobana)

Located in the university area of Takadanobaba, Waseda Shochiku is known as a "classic film theater" - in other words, one of those wonderful Tokyo cinemas that only run old films. Shows here are usually screened in a set of two or three for a low price. The movie set is sometimes a series of the movie, or based on common features such as having the same director or featuring the same actor. This is a great way to get an insight to classic movies that are sometimes still referenced to by the bubble generation and beyond.

A: 1-5-16 Takadanobaba, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
W: http://www.wasedashochiku.co.jp/

Tokyo Movie Theaters Satisfy the Toughest Critics

So as you can see, the Tokyo cinema scene offers no lack of chances to catch the latest movies with the most up-to-date big screen and high fidelity audio experience. Toho Cinemas are ubiquitous in Japan, and that does come with certain benefits—everybody gets a discount every month on the 1st and 14th, with the ladies discounted on Wednesdays. Discounts aside, those who prefer indie cinemas oozing art and character will not be left behind in Tokyo. Whatever kind of cinematic experience you prefer, whether rain or shine, you know where to go for a good show or two. And, if you feel the need to unwind with artistic inspiration of the live variety, there are also a great selection of jazz bars in Tokyo.