What is Purikura? A guide on how to take purikura and recommended places for foreigners!

update date 2024/02/14

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While there are many unique cultures in the world, Japan has a number of its own that particularly catch the eye of foreigners. One of these is "purikura," a machine that takes a picture and immediately prints it out.
For those who are not yet familiar with Purikura, this article will introduce the basics, how to enjoy them, and even recommended Purikura spots in Tokyo. Why not experience an aspect of Japanese culture through the world of Purikura, which can be enjoyed in a short amount of time?

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What is Purikura?

Purikura is an abbreviation for "print club," a uniquely Japanese culture that is well known throughout the world. It is a system that allows users to instantly print out photos they have taken using specially designed "purikura machines. They are located in game arcades and shopping malls throughout Japan and are extremely popular, especially among young people.

The appeal of purikura lies in the fact that you can not only take a picture, but also digitally process the photo after it is taken. Once a photo is taken, the "doodle" function allows users to freely apply stamps and add text of their choice to the photo. In addition, a variety of processing options are available, such as enlarging the eyes or making the skin look more beautiful, allowing users to create their own original photos on the spot. Purikura are also used as a communication tool among friends, helping to create happy memories by sharing the photos they have taken.

History of Purikura

First, let us briefly introduce when purikura was born in Japan and how it has changed over the years.

Created in 1995

Purikura were first installed in game arcades in 1995, and rapidly gained popularity thereafter. In the early stages, although they were installed in game arcades, they gradually began to gain acceptance only among young women.

TV triggered a boom.

The turning point in the popularity of Purikura came when the national idol group "SMAP" used Purikura in a TV program. This event triggered a major boom for Purikura and elevated it to a symbol of youth culture. Since then, Purikura have become more than just a fad; they have become an established part of Japan's youth culture and continue to be loved by a wide range of people to this day.

Evolution of Purikura technology

Of particular note is the evolution of Purikura technology. Purikura machines, which initially offered only simple photo-taking functions, are now equipped with advanced image processing technology that allows users to enjoy a variety of expressions. This technological evolution is one of the key factors supporting the long-lasting popularity of Purikura.

For first time users and foreigners] How to use Purikura and take pictures.

There may be many foreigners who would like to experience purikura but are hesitant because they do not know how to operate them. Therefore, for first-time purikura users and foreign tourists, we provide easy-to-understand explanations of the basic usage and how to take pictures.

1. Putting in money

First, put money into the purikura machine. The fee varies depending on the machine, but generally it is about 400 yen. Most purikura machines use 100-yen coins, so if you have bills or 500-yen coins, exchange them for coins at a money-changing machine located near the machine.

2. take a picture

After putting in the money, the background and pose are selected on the screen. There are a wide variety of choices available, so you can enjoy the experience according to your preference. Pose according to the instructions and press the shutter button to start shooting. Poses can be freely arranged, so try to express your own unique style.

3. Processing and decorating

Once the photo has been taken, you will be taken to a screen where you can add text or stamps to the photo, enlarge the eyes, etc. This process is time-limited, so the key is to operate quickly and without hesitation. Have fun with your friends and create a work of art full of originality.

4. Printing

Once all processing is complete, the purikura is automatically printed. Printing takes about one minute, and the finished photo comes out of the ejector. The Purikura are printed out in a format where multiple copies are printed on a single sheet, so if you want to separate them among friends, you can use the scissors located nearby to cut them into pieces.

4 ways to enjoy the Purikura you took

Taking purikura is fun, but where to store the photos you have taken can be surprisingly confusing. Since you took the trouble to take Purikura, let's store them in a way that you can enjoy them in a stylish and cute way.

1. put it in a phone case

There are so many people who put or put their favorite purikura on their own phone case. If you put purikura taken with your family, lover, or best friend, you will always feel like they are by your side.

2. Decorate the walls of a room, etc.

You can make your space more personal and attractive by displaying your favorite purikura on the wall or desk in your room. Use a cork board or photo frame to create a stylish interior design.

3. transfer to your phone and upload to SNS

Photos taken with purikura can be transferred to your smartphone. Before taking purikura pictures, you will be prompted to enter your e-mail address, so put in your phone's address. It is also recommended to upload the photos transferred to your phone to social networking sites.

With the latest purikura machines, you can transfer the purikura you have taken to your smartphone as digital data. By uploading Purikura transferred to your smartphone to social networking sites, you will be able to share fun moments with your friends and followers.

4. create a "prikura-book"

"Puri-cho" stands for "purikura book," a special album to which purikura are pasted. It can be easily purchased at 100-yen stores or stationery stores, so collecting Purikura may become a hobby for you.

5 places to take purikura in Tokyo

Tokyo offers an abundance of places to take Purikura pictures. From particularly popular Purikura specialty stores to spots with Purikura machines with special features and designs, the choices are endless. Here we have selected five particularly popular Purikura photo spots in Tokyo. At these places, you can not only take Purikura, but also enjoy higher quality and more unique photos with machines equipped with the latest features.

1. Mecca of Purikura

Shibuya is the center of Purikura culture. Here, you will find state-of-the-art purikura machines, and the place is always crowded with young people. In particular, "Purikura no Mecca," located within walking distance from Shibuya Station (go down Center Street and turn right at the alley with McDonald's and Karaoke Pavilion), is a Purikura specialty store in Shibuya that has been around since the Purikura were first introduced in the 1990s, and always has the latest Purikura machines and a full range of editing functions after the photo is taken. It is recommended for friends and couples.
▶️ Mecca of Purikura

2. Purikura Land NOA

Located in Harajuku, "Purikura Land NOA" is a classic favorite that has been around since the birth of Purikura as well as the Mecca of Purikura, and is a gathering spot for young people who are at the forefront of fashion trends. Located just off Takeshita-dori from Harajuku Station, it attracts people sensitive to fashion and culture. The store has Purikura machines of various genres, and after taking a picture, you can create your own original Purikura with a variety of effects and decorations.
▶️ Purikura Land NOA

3. Studio Primo Shibuya Spainzaka

"Studio Primo Shibuya Spainzaka," located on Spainzaka in Shibuya, is especially popular with groups of women, as it is equipped with a makeup counter where makeup and hair sets can be arranged before the photo shoot. Visitors can enjoy Purikura photo shoots as if they were full-fledged photo sessions.
▶️ Studio Primo Shibuya Spainzaka

4. girls mignon

"girls mignon" is a purikura specialty store that offers a private space exclusively for women and is operated by "furyu," a major purikura machine manufacturer. There are stores in several areas, including Shibuya, Harajuku, Kitasenju, and Shimokitazawa. Not only can customers use the latest Purikura machines, but the store is also filled with cute decorations, making it perfect for girls' parties, anniversaries, and other special occasions.
▶️ girls mignon

5. moreru mignon Shibuya 109 store

Located on the second basement floor of Shibuya 109, "moreru mignon Shibuya 109 Store" is a Purikura specialty store that is especially popular among young women. It has Purikura machines with limited designs created in collaboration with girl creators, allowing customers to enjoy unique Purikura that cannot be taken anywhere else.
▶️ moreru mignon Shibuya 109 store

summary

In this article, we have introduced the basic usage of purikura, how to enjoy taking pictures, and even recommended purikura spots in Tokyo. Purikura is more than just a photo shoot, and has long been loved by many in Japan as a charming way to preserve moments forever.
Purikura provide a wonderful opportunity to share good times with friends and family and are a unique way to preserve the memories of your trip in a tangible form. Invite your friends and family to create their own original purikura and create fun memories.