Waseda Shōchiku — Attraction in Tokyo

Excellent ‘repertory cinema,’ showing movies that are older, foreign, cult classics, and sometimes also newer, more offbeat independent movies. Whoever chooses these movies has really good taste, because they run the gamut from Jim Jarmusch to Ozu and everything in between, and there’s a good mix of fine-art cinema and pure entertainment.

It’s a relatively small theater, but the space is just large enough to feel like you’re ‘at the movies,’ and the seats are comfortable.

For 1,500 yen (or less, depending on the exact time you go) you get to see a double bill, which is amazing value!

The theater is close to Takadanobaba Station, just two stops from Shinjuku.

Note that while they have a drink machine inside the theater and a convenience store nearby, there’s no popcorn! But that’s a small price to pay for such a great...

Wonderful cinema showing foreign and classic movies. You never know what will be showing there - it could be new, old, a whole week of anyone from John Carpenter to Ozu to Godard. Whoever chooses the movies must be a real cinephile with a vast knowledge of cinema!

As for the physical theater itself, the movie screen isn't particularly large, but it's big enough; the sound quality is excellent; and the seats are very comfortable. There is no popcorn, but you're allowed to bring your own snacks and drinks.

Tickets always include a double bill, so the value...

As an English language film fan (esp classic and independent arthouse movies) I am deeply grateful for Waseda Shochiku. Wonderful curated film list through the month. A simple comfortable cinema, good air conditioning, good sound and visuals, and nice chairs. There is a simple drinks vending machine in the lobby. I would encourage the operator to add some retail for beer/wine and popcorn to augment the experience. David...