Since 1997, TOHO Cinemas has become one of Japan’s leading places for people to watch films.
Originally known as Virgin Cinemas, TOHO purchased Virgin Cinemas for 10.3 billion yen in 2003 and have now expanded throughout Japan.
In Tokyo, while there are numerous TOHO Cinemas, there is one premium theater and that is TOHO Cinemas Hibiya right across from Tokyo Midtown Hibiya.
Many Godzilla fans flock to TOHO Cinemas Hibiya, because the location has two Godzilla statues. A Shin Godzilla statue outside the cinema and the original 1995 statue located inside the cinema (Note: The other Godzilla statue that fans will want to check out is at TOHO Studios).
In fact, the Godzilla statue at 8.2 feet tall is the largest Godzilla statue in Japan.
TOHO Cinemas Hibiya is the largest cinema in the center of Tokyo.The cinema has 13 screens which can hold a capacity of 2,800 people.
What’s interesting is that the cinema is so huge that it extends to two locations. The main area holds screens 1-11, while the Tokyo Takarazuka Building features Screens 12 and 13 in the basement floor.
In addition, the TOHO group has united with theaters such as the Tokyo Takarazuka Theater and Theater crea to create a world-class movie and theater city in Japan and the goal is to make Hibiya, the “Broadway of Japan”.
One of the things I noticed that makes TOHO Cinemas Hibiya different from other cinemas (especially when compared to the United States) is that it’s huge and that there is a gift shop which sells a lot of merchandise or special merchandise in relation to the movie. It was quite impressive to see.
And right next to the small Godzilla is an open lobby in which one can look out and see Hibiya Park.
For those wondering how much it costs to watch a movie at TOHO Cinemas Hibiya, the new prices (as of June 2019) are as follows:
General – Y1900
Senior – Y1200
First Day – Y1100
Ladies Day – Y1200
TOHO Cinemas Day – Y1200
50% Discount for Couples – Y2400
There are additional charges for special screenings (IMAX, MX4D, 3D Screening) and special seats (Premiere Box Seats, etc.)
It’s important to note that Screens 1-11 (Tokyo Midtown Hibiya 4F) and Screens 12-13 (Tokyo Takarazuka Building) are different in terms of operation.
If the film you want to see is in 12-13, there is a ticket machine for 12-13 and also an Internet ticket vending machine (VIT).
Screens 12 and 13 open at 9:30 a.m., while screens 1-11 are open at 8:45 a.m.
If you have plans to watch a movie in Tokyo and want a more upscale experience, great quality sound and picture quality, definitely give the largest cinema location, TOHO Cinemas Hibiya a chance!
