Pachinko Etiquette & Rules: Age, ID, Smoking, Noise and Member Cards

Pachinko parlours run on a set of unwritten rules that regulars know instinctively. Follow these and you’ll fit right in. Many older English guides get some of them wrong (especially smoking), so here’s the up-to-date version.

Age and ID

• 18+ only. People under 18 can’t enter a pachinko parlour, and MARUHAN says it may ask for ID such as a passport if you look under 18 (MARUHAN). Under-18s can’t come in even with a parent (Japanese Slot Guide).
• 18 and 19? You can play, but you can’t enter smoking areas, which are for people aged 20 and over (Japanese Slot Guide).
• Bring your passport (or residence card if you live in Japan).

Smoking: the rules changed in 2020

Since 1 April 2020, smoking indoors has been banned in principle, and is allowed only in dedicated smoking rooms (AsGam). The industry association’s guidance for halls says:

• halls can create a heated-tobacco area or floor in part of the building, where you can play while using heated tobacco, but not the whole building (Nichiyukyo Q&A);
• conventional cigarettes can’t be smoked while playing, because pachinko halls don’t qualify as smoking-purpose venues (Nichiyukyo Q&A);
• halls with smoking rooms must post signs at the entrance (Nichiyukyo Q&A).

So guides that say “smoking is permitted in most parlours” are out of date. Some floors can still smell of smoke, though.

Is this seat taken?

An empty chair doesn’t mean an empty machine. Don’t sit down if you see any of these (DMM):

• a drink, bag, phone, lighter or other personal item;
• balls or medals in the tray (even a few);
• a card in the lending unit;
• a “reserved” or break tag, often hung on the handle or lever.

If you’re unsure, ask staff. And never touch another player’s machine, balls or card.

One player, one machine

• Playing two machines at once is prohibited in every hall (DMM).
• Sharing balls or medals with friends may be against the hall’s rules. Check with staff first (DMM).
• Balls and medals stay inside. They’re rented, and taking them home can be treated as theft (DMM). The law also bans halls from letting them leave the premises (Fuei Journal).

Taking a break

Follow the hall’s break system: usually a break card or tag you leave on the machine. Time limits vary by hall. An older article on MARUHAN Shinjuku says it held machines in 40-minute intervals (Japan Travel). On many smart machines, a “ちょっと休憩” (short break) button on the unit locks the machine and returns your card (Sammy). Take your valuables with you.

Noise, lights and manners

• It’s loud. Seriously loud. Bring earplugs. Some halls provide or sell them (Japanese Slot Guide).
• Use the volume control if your machine has one, and keep it at a reasonable level.
• Never hit, shake or tilt a machine. If something jams, press 呼出 (call staff).
• Closing time means closing time. Follow staff announcements, even if your machine is in a bonus.
• Don’t play if you’re drunk or upset. It’s a recipe for overspending.

Photos and video

Ask before you film. Many halls restrict it, and an Abroad in Japan video notes that parlours are “typically difficult to film in” (Abroad in Japan). If you’re allowed, keep other customers out of shot. Photographing other people at a pachinko machine is a privacy issue.

Member cards and saving balls

Regulars often have a member card (会員カード), which can store balls or medals at that hall (貯玉, chodama) for a future visit. The law bans halls from issuing paper receipts for stored balls (Fuei Journal), so storage lives on cards and systems instead.

For tourists: you don’t need one. Exchange everything on the day. An article about MARUHAN Shinjuku notes that without a member card, winnings not exchanged that day are lost (Japan Travel). The same goes for unused cash on your card: refund it the same day.