If you’re a movie, music, or theatre lover, OEH Osaka English House is the perfect spot for finding both Japanese and international entertainment. There are many fantastic options within the city of Hirakata itself, and with OEH’s convenient location, you can also access large cinemas and theater complexes across Osaka and Kyoto. From fun snack recommendations to advice on booking tickets, this post has everything you need to enjoy the many entertainment options in and beyond Hirakata!
Entertainment Options Within Hirakata
TOHO Cinemas Kuzuha Mall
If you love going to the cinema, you’ll be very glad to hear that the closest cinema is just 5 minutes away from Hirakatashi Station by train.
From Hirakatashi Station, simply hop onto the Limited Express Demachiyanagi (a Keihan Main Line train) and get off at Kuzuha Station after just 5 minutes on the train.
On the third floor of Kuzuha Mall is where you’ll find TOHO Cinemas – a 10-screen cinema with impressive technology such as Dolby Atmos sound systems.
Top Tips for TOHO Cinemas Kuzuha
This cinema has a wide variety of options, from the latest Japanese releases to international movies and even re-releases of classic films. Some international movies are available pretty quickly, such as Zootopia 2 or 28 Years Later: The Bone Temple, but others like Warfare may have already been out for a while in Europe and the US.
Many international movies are released with either Japanese subtitles or dubbing. If you want to practice your Japanese listening skills, the dubbed version could be a great option, but personally I would recommend the subtitled version to practice your Japanese reading skills instead.
Head over to the TOHO Cinemas Website to view the complete screening schedule and book tickets online:
https://hlo.tohotheater.jp/net/schedule/072/TNPI2000J01.do
You can either book your tickets online up to 2 days before the screening via the TOHO Cinemas website, or you can purchase them when you arrive at the cinema. Adult tickets cost 2,000 yen, and concessions are available, such as student discounts. You can choose exactly where you want to sit in advance.
When it comes to snacks, there are many great options to choose from. You may have seen the viral ‘half and half’ popcorn, where you can have 2 flavours of popcorn which are separated in one container.
There is also a variety of soft drinks and alcoholic beverages to choose from – I would recommend the yellow peach ICEE. This flavour can only be bought in Japan, and it’s so good!
If you would prefer, you can also bring in your own snacks, maybe from a quick konbini run before the movie, but try not to choose anything with very strong smells or which will make too much noise and disturb other cinemagoers.
You’ve bought your ticket, you’ve chosen your snacks, now it’s time to enjoy the movie!
Hirakata Performing and Visual Arts Centre
Hirakata Performing and Visual Arts Centre hosts a variety of live music and theatre performances, allowing you to experience Japanese culture at its finest. Let’s have a closer look at how to make the most of your trip to Hirakata Performing and Visual Arts Centre!
Just a 15-minute walk away from OEH Osaka English House is the Hirakata Performing and Visual Arts Centre. With a variety of events, you are sure to find something that piques your interest, whether that’s live music, art exhibitions, or drama performances. Head over to the website for the full schedule of upcoming events:
https://hirakata-arts.jp/event
When it comes to purchasing tickets, you have a few options. Some events can be booked online in advance or at convenience stores like 7-Eleven kiosks. For other events, you may need to call in advance to reserve a ticket, or you could try your luck at buying one at the door on the day. You don’t need to worry too much about smaller performances, but for events that are likely to be more popular, it’s probably worth booking ahead of time.
Hirakata Performing and Visual Arts Centre is an impressive complex with multiple event halls and exhibition rooms. If you’re not sure where to go for your chosen performance, feel free to ask any of the friendly staff so you can enjoy the show!
Beyond Hirakata
OEH is the perfect base for exploring entertainment not just within but also beyond Hirakata.
You can reach Osaka or Kyoto in just 40 minutes, where there are plenty of cinemas and theatres to choose from. Whether you want to enjoy classic movies or new releases, popular or underground music, the Kansai Region is sure to have something for you.
Top recommendations include Cine Nouveau for art house vibes in Osaka, Billboard Live Osaka for great live music, and Maikoya in Kyoto for traditional Geisha performances at a Japanese tea house.
OEH Osaka English House
Here at OEH, we also love movies and live music! There’s always something going on, whether that’s cosy movie nights in the lounge with snacks galore, or heading out for concerts in nearby areas like Osaka or Kyoto. You’re sure to find something in and around Hirakata!
FAQs: Cinemas and Theatres in Hirakata
TOHO Cinemas Kuzuha offers a variety of Japanese and international movies, while Hirakata Performing and Visual Arts Centre hosts live performances and beautiful art exhibitions.
Many cinemas in Osaka such as Cine Nouveau screen traditional Japanese movies or stream live music, and Kyoto offers a taste of ancient Japanese culture through tea ceremonies and geisha performances.
It depends what you want to catch – some performances at Hirakata Performing and Visual Arts Centre cost as little as 500 yen, and there are even some free performances. For live music in cities like Osaka, expect to pay a few thousand yen.
Yes! Many cinemas offer the latest Hollywood blockbusters with Japanese subtitles, which is a great opportunity to practice your Japanese skills too!
Both Osaka and Kyoto are easily accessible from OEH, Hirakata. It only takes around 40 minutes to reach both cities.
