Film

Going to the movies is an expensive pastime in Tokyo, with admission averaging about ¥1,800 for adults, ¥1,500 for senior-high and college students, and ¥1,000 for children and seniors over 60. Look for weekday specials; some theaters, for example, offer women discounts on Wednesday or late-show discounts. If you want to see one of Hollywood's latest releases (which usually take a few months to reach Japan), you may have to contend with long lines and huge crowds. Movies are shown in the original language, with Japanese subtitles.

Although there are movie theaters spread throughout the metropolis, none is as sophisticated and upscale as Toho Cinemas, located in the Roppongi Hills development at 6-10-2 Roppongi (tel. 03/5775-6090). It offers seven screens at the usual movie-going price, plus a Premier Zone with its own bar, Japanese garden, and viewing room with armchair seating and side tables (admission here is a hefty ¥3,000, including one drink). Like many other cinemas, it offers discounted tickets for ¥1,000 on the first day of each month and for ladies on Wednesday (except in the Premier Zone). Unlike other theaters, however, it shows movies Sunday to Wednesday from 10am to midnight, and Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am to 5am (note that city law bans children under 18 inside movie theaters past 11pm).

If you're interested in seeing Japanese classics, your best bet is the National Film Center, 3-7-6 Kyobashi, Chuo-ku (tel. 03/5777-8600; www.momat.go.jp/english/nfc/index.html; station: Kyobashi). Movies, shown Tuesday through Friday at 3 and 7pm and Saturday and Sunday and holidays at 1 and 4pm, include both Japanese and foreign films (some with English subtitles). Because programs change often, call or check the website to see what's playing and to check show times. A ticket here is ¥500 for adults, ¥300 for students and seniors, and ¥100 for children.