Karaoke Hiroba (Jankara)

As a person who loves to sing, one of the things I'm looking forward to the most when in Japan is going to the karaoke. I unfortunately come from a country where karaoke doesn't exist, or at least not like in Japan. I tried many different chain stores, looking for the best deal, until I found out about Karaoke Hiroba. I have been a devoted and loyal customer ever since.

Karaoke Hiroba is a chain of karaoke spread across the country. The stores are easy to spot since their location is often indicated by a big billboard with a singing smiley on it. Karaoke Hiroba can be divided into two groups: Karaoke Uta Hiroba that can be found in Tokyo and the nearby prefectures of Saitama, Kanagawa and Chiba, and Jumbo Karaoke Hiroba in the rest of the country, especially in the Kansai area. I have never been there but according to the official website, there is also Super Jankara, which I believe offers more options, and Ichikara that is aimed at those who prefer going to the karaoke alone.

One of the biggest advantages of Karaoke Hiroba is the price. For the best value for money, what I recommend is to target the "free time" slots. If I take the example of a store that has its evening free time slot (about ¥700 on average) from 4 pm to 9 pm, you will pay the same price whether you stay for five minutes or for the entire five hours. As it is a very good opportunity, it is better to come when the slots start to be sure a room will be available.

When some karaoke stores only provide one free drink per person, at Karaoke Hiroba all-you-can-drink is always included in the price. In addition to that, the food is very cheap. From ¥250 snacks to real meals and desserts, you are spoiled for choice. The rooms are always large and comfortable and some stores even have themed rooms! There are different remote controls, some with more songs than others, so don't hesitate to ask the staff which they think will fit your tastes the most. English songs are available, although most are in Japanese, of course.

Unfortunately, all good things have to come to an end. 15 minutes before it's time to leave, you get a phone call or a notification on the screen of the remote control telling you that you don't have much time left, unless you want to ask for a time extension. Or you can always come back again, since the prices are so cheap!