If you want to buy a lottery ticket in Japan, you can do so at many local shops, train station kiosks, or online through official websites.
The easiest way is to visit a lottery ticket window where you can choose from popular games like Loto 6, Loto 7, or seasonal Jumbo lotteries.
Tickets usually cost around 300 yen each.
Many draws happen regularly.
Buying online is also an option if you prefer convenience.
You just need to register on a trusted lottery site and pick your numbers or let the system choose them for you.
Many people enjoy the excitement of trying their luck with the Japanese lottery, and the rules are clear.
Whether you are a resident or just visiting, understanding these simple steps will help you join in without trouble.
How To Buy Lottery in Japan
Understanding the Japanese Lottery System
The Japanese lottery system is run by the government and includes different types of games with fixed prize structures.
Tickets are sold in many places across the country, and prizes range from small amounts to large jackpots.
Types of Lotteries in Japan
There are several lottery types in Japan, mainly divided into jumbo lotteries, standard lotteries, and number selection lotteries like LOTO7 and LOTO6.
Jumbo lotteries occur five times a year.
These offer large prizes and are tied to seasons or big events.
Standard lotteries include nationwide and block lotteries.
Nationwide tickets have the same rules and prizes across Japan.
Block lotteries are restricted to specific regions like Tokyo or Western Japan.
Number selection lotteries let you pick numbers and enter regular draws.
All these lotteries are government-operated, with proceeds supporting public projects.
How Lottery Games Work
Most Japanese lotteries require matching drawn numbers to win prizes.
Jumbo and standard lotteries use predetermined number pairs or combinations.
If your ticket’s numbers match the drawn ones, you win.
For LOTO games, you choose 6 or 7 numbers.
Drawings happen weekly, and prizes depend on how many numbers match.
The more correct numbers, the higher the prize.
Tickets can be bought in stores, online if you’re a registered resident, or at specific bank ATMs.
The drawings are public, so results are easy to check.
Lottery Ticket Pricing and Prize Structure
Tickets usually cost between 100 and 300 yen each, depending on the game.
Jumbo lottery tickets often cost 300 yen, while some standard tickets might be cheaper.
Prize amounts vary.
For example, jumbo lotteries can award prizes worth millions of yen.
Standard draws offer smaller or moderate prizes.
Prizes are paid out based on matching numbers or special conditions set by each lottery.
In some cases, if multiple winners share the same prize, it gets divided.
All winnings are tax-free in Japan.
Where to Buy Lottery Tickets in Japan
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秋本番は「#ハロウィンジャンボ」で楽しもう♪
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『#実りの秋くじ』は20日(月)から！
『#100円くじ』は14日(火)までと、15日(水)からの2種類！
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Lottery tickets are sold mainly at specific locations that are easy to spot when you travel in Japan.
Buying tickets is straightforward, but you need to know where to go and what to expect at each place.
Lottery Ticket Booths and Shops
Lottery ticket booths are the most common places to buy tickets.
These booths often stand outside train stations or busy shopping areas.
They usually have colorful signs with the word “宝くじ” (takarakuji), meaning lottery.
Most booths sell national and regional lottery tickets, including the popular jumbo raffles.
You can find staff ready to help, though their English may be limited.
Tickets here cost between ¥100 and ¥300, depending on the game.
You may see lines at these booths during big raffles like the Year-End Jumbo.
You pay in cash, and if you win, you can claim prizes at the same or nearby locations.
Convenience Store Kiosks
Many convenience stores in Japan sell lottery tickets at their kiosks.
These are quick and easy spots to stop by since convenience stores are everywhere.
You can typically buy standard lottery tickets and scratch cards there.
Convenience stores like 7-Eleven, Lawson, and Family Mart often have dedicated lottery sections near the cash registers or kiosks.
Tickets cost the same as at booths, but the selection might be smaller.
These stores are great for picking up a ticket on the go.
Buying Lottery Tickets at ATMs
Some banks and post offices allow you to buy lottery tickets using ATMs.
This is convenient if you want to avoid queues or can’t find a booth nearby.
Certain Mizuho Bank ATMs offer ticket purchases for games like Loto 6 and Loto 7.
You need a Japanese bank account and a resident card to use this method.
Select the lot game on the ATM screen, pay via your account, and receive a printed ticket.
This method is mostly for residents, as foreigners without a Japanese bank account cannot use it.
How to Buy Lottery Tickets in Person
Buying lottery tickets in Japan is straightforward once you know where to go and what to prepare.
You will find designated lottery sales outlets, convenience stores, and even some subway stations that sell tickets.
Knowing the steps to buy, how to pick numbers, and what ID you might need will make the process smooth.
Step-by-Step Purchase Process
First, find a lottery sales window or booth.
These are often in busy areas like train stations or shopping districts.
You can ask the staff for the type of ticket you want, such as LOTO6, LOTO7, or scratch cards.
Next, decide if you will choose your own numbers or use a quick pick, which automatically picks numbers for you.
Then, pay for the ticket in cash or with a debit card where accepted.
Afterward, keep the ticket safe because it is required to claim any prize.
Check the official draw date printed on the ticket and follow the results through local announcements or online to see if you've won.
Choosing Your Numbers or Quick Picks
When buying lottery tickets, you can select your numbers or let the system select them for you.
Choosing your own numbers lets you pick meaningful or favorite numbers, typically 6 or 7 digits depending on the game.
Quick picks save time by randomly generating numbers automatically.
Both methods are accepted at lottery sales points.
You just have to inform the seller of your choice.
Writing down your chosen numbers beforehand can speed up the purchase.
Age and Identification Requirements
You must be at least 20 years old to buy lottery tickets in Japan.
This is the legal age for gambling and lottery participation.
When purchasing tickets in person, usually no ID check is required, but it is wise to carry identification just in case the seller asks.
This can be a passport or any official ID.
Foreigners legally in Japan have the same rights as residents and can buy tickets without extra restrictions.
Always make sure you follow the local laws and only buy tickets from authorized outlets.
How to Buy Lottery Tickets Online
2025年9月29日
— JT2914 (@JT2914150249) September 29, 2025
第2038回 ロト6
4等 10,600円 当たり😍 pic.twitter.com/ozbu6Kt7Hv
Buying lottery tickets online in Japan is easy when you know where to go and how to pay.
You can use official websites or third-party services.
Both options let you select tickets without needing to visit a shop in person.
Official Lottery Websites
Official lottery websites are the safest way to buy tickets.
These sites sell tickets for major games like LOTO7 and Jumbo Lotteries.
You don't need to fill out paper forms.
The sites often let you choose numbers or use “quick pick,” where the system picks numbers for you.
Registration is required, and you must provide personal details to create an account.
After buying, the site will notify you if you win.
Prizes can sometimes be claimed directly through the website or by visiting a local lottery office.
Third-Party Lottery Services
Third-party services also sell Japanese lottery tickets online.
These platforms buy official tickets on your behalf, then give you a digital copy.
They are convenient if you’re outside Japan or want to avoid language barriers because many support English.
However, fees may be higher due to service charges.
When using these services, check their legitimacy and reviews.
Trusted services ensure your ticket purchase is real and winnings are paid securely.
Online Payment Methods
Most online lottery platforms accept various payment methods for buying lottery tickets.
You can usually pay with credit or debit cards like Visa and Mastercard.
Some sites also accept digital wallets or bank transfers.
Official lottery sites often link to popular Japanese banking options, making payment smoother for residents.
Before buying, check that the payment page is secure.
This protects your financial information during transactions.
Keeping payment records also helps if any issues come up with your ticket purchase.
What Foreigners Need to Know
Mmm.. must be the gaijin debuff? A little disappointed with the results coz not even 1 lottery won. I guess this just means I should travel somewhere else pic.twitter.com/1ya6UbVdwj
— Mikachu 🐦⬛ 🍎 (@Meihua04) October 2, 2025
Buying lottery tickets in Japan is possible even if you are not a citizen.
However, there are specific rules about eligibility, claiming prizes, and taxes that you should understand before you start playing.
Legal Eligibility for Visitors
Foreigners can legally buy lottery tickets in Japan without any special permits.
You do not need to be a resident or have a Japanese ID to purchase tickets.
Lottery outlets are open to all, so as long as you are physically present in Japan, you can buy tickets at shops near train stations, convenience stores, or online.
Keep in mind that lottery sales can be seasonal, like the popular year-end Jumbo lottery.
You have to buy tickets during specific sales periods.
Always check the current availability before planning.
Claiming Winnings as a Foreigner
If you win, foreigners have the right to claim their prize money just like Japanese players.
You will need to present the winning ticket and a valid form of identification, usually a passport.
For smaller prizes, you can claim winnings at authorized lottery shops.
For larger prizes, you might have to visit a designated lottery office.
Keep your ticket safe, as prize claims must be made within six months of the draw date.
Foreigners should also confirm the claim process in advance to avoid delays.
Tax Implications for International Players
Prize money from Japanese lotteries is generally tax-free within Japan, regardless of whether you are a foreigner or a citizen.
You won’t owe any Japanese income tax on winnings.
However, if your home country taxes foreign lottery winnings, you might need to report and pay taxes there.
Check with tax authorities in your own country to understand your obligations.
Japan does not withhold taxes at the time of payout for lottery wins.
How to Check and Claim Your Winnings
One try lottery winner for the SB19 Album Signing in Tower Records Shibuya Japan. 💅🏻✨
— 日光 (@lg_np_911) September 16, 2025
see you again, @SB19Official! 🫶🏻#SB19 #SimulaAtWakas #japan pic.twitter.com/rW6Q7yjtN6
To handle lottery winnings in Japan, you need to know how to check your numbers properly and where to claim your prize.
Different rules apply based on how much you win and where you bought your lottery ticket.
How to Check Winning Numbers
After the lottery draw, you can check winning numbers in several ways.
Official lottery websites publish the results with all the winning numbers listed.
You can also check at the store where you bought your ticket.
Many sales shops have bulletin boards or screens showing the latest numbers.
Some lottery tickets, like scratch tickets, or digital tickets might display winning information directly on the ticket or through the official app.
Make sure you compare your ticket carefully with the winning numbers and verify the date of the draw to avoid mistakes.
Claiming Prize Money In-Store
If your winnings are 100,000 yen or less per ticket, you can claim your money at most lottery sales shops across Japan.
These shops usually show stickers or notices indicating the size of prizes they can pay out, such as up to 50,000 yen or 100,000 yen.
You must bring your winning ticket and a valid photo ID for verification.
Shops will check your ticket and give you the money on the spot.
If the shop cannot pay your prize, they will direct you to the bank or the proper location.
Online Claims and Payouts
For lottery tickets bought online or through digital platforms, winnings under a certain amount are often paid directly into your lottery account.
You can then withdraw money using different methods like bank transfers.
For larger prizes, especially over 100,000 yen, you may need to visit a bank, such as Mizuho Bank, to complete claim procedures.
They often require photo ID and a registered seal or signature.
