This is the “what actually happens” checklist for your first time in a Japanese pachinko parlour. It covers both pachinko and pachislot. For the controls themselves, keep how to play pachinko or how to play pachislot open in another tab.
Before you go
- Pick a hall with documented help for your first visit, such as MARUHAN Shinjuku or one of the Osaka halls. Or book a guided tour.
- Decide your budget and stop time. Write them down. See what it costs.
- Bring yen banknotes. The lending units at the machines take banknotes only (Japanese Slot Guide).
- Bring ID. You must be 18+, and staff may ask for a passport (MARUHAN).
- Pack earplugs. Tour hosts recommend them (Airbnb Experience).
- Save our glossary to your phone for the screen words.
1. Walk in and look around
There’s no entrance fee and no reception. Just walk in (Japanese Slot Guide). Q-Bang!‘s visitor guide suggests taking a minute to watch how others are playing before you sit down (Q-Bang!). Find the right area: パチンコ for pachinko, スロット / SLOT for pachislot.
2. Choose your rate
Rows and floors can have different prices. Look at the sign at the end of each row. For a first go, pick 1-yen pachinko or 5-yen pachislot if the hall has them (DMM).
3. Choose a seat that’s really free
Look for a machine with nothing on it: no drink, no bag, no balls or medals in the tray, no card in the unit, no break tag (DMM). Not sure? Ask staff, or just pick another seat.
4. Put cash in and play
Insert a banknote into the unit beside the machine and press the lend button (球貸 / 貸出). Then play:
- Pachinko: turn the handle about a third of the way, watch the screen, and switch to 右打ち (shoot right) only when told. Full guide.
- Pachislot: MAX BET, lever, then stop left → middle → right unless the screen shows an order. Full guide.
Stuck? Press 呼出 (call). It’s on the display above the machine or on the unit.
5. Taking a break
Use the hall’s break card or tag, or the break button on smart-machine units. Take your passport, phone and wallet with you.
6. Finishing up
- Stop playing and let the reels or balls finish.
- Count your balls or medals. Press 呼出 and staff will carry your box to the counter, or use the counting unit at your seat. You’ll get a receipt or card (DMM). Can’t explain in Japanese? Crossing your arms in an X shows you’re done (Pioneer).
- Press 返却 (return) and take your card out of the unit. The most common first-timer mistake is leaving it behind (Japanese Slot Guide).
7. Prize counter, then refund
- Take your receipt or card to the prize counter (景品カウンター) and choose your prizes. Snacks and souvenirs are a perfectly good way to finish (how prizes work).
- If your card still has unused cash, refund it at the refund machine (精算機). It can only be refunded the same day (DMM).
8. Exit checklist
- Card removed from the machine
- Balls or medals counted and exchanged
- Unused cash refunded
- No balls or medals in your pockets (they must stay in the hall)
- Passport, phone, wallet, bag and prizes with you
Handy phrases
| English | Japanese | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| Excuse me, it’s my first time. | すみません、初めてです。 | Sumimasen, hajimete desu. |
| Is this seat free? | この席、空いていますか？ | Kono seki, aite imasu ka? |
| I’m finished. | 終わりました。 | Owarimashita. |
| Please help me. | 手伝ってください。 | Tetsudatte kudasai. |
| Where is the prize counter? | 景品カウンターはどこですか？ | Keihin kauntā wa doko desu ka? |
| Where is the refund machine? | 精算機はどこですか？ | Seisanki wa doko desu ka? |
Quick answers
What should I bring to a pachinko parlour?
Yen banknotes (¥1,000 notes are easiest), your passport or residence card as proof of age, earplugs, and a phone with a translation app. Decide your cash and time limit before you go.
Is there an entrance fee for pachinko?
No. There's normally no entrance fee or reception desk. You only spend what you put into the machine.
What do I do when I've finished playing?
Have your balls or medals counted (press the staff-call button or use the counting unit), take your card or receipt to the prize counter, refund any unused cash at the refund machine, and make sure you've taken your card and belongings.
Sources
- Japanese Slot Guide – How to start playing (entering, seat checks, exit checklist)
- DMM Pachitown – Pachinko beginner's guide
- MARUHAN – Let's Play Pachinko
- Q-Bang! – visitor guide (watch first, age check, low-rate machines)
- Pioneer – How to play pachislot (X hand sign)
- Airbnb Experience – Tokyo pachinko with a local (earplugs tip)
Facts on this page were last checked against these sources on 4 October 2026. Rules, prices and venues change, so always follow the signs and staff at the venue.
