Leave it to Japan to take the humble photo booth and turn it into something next-level adorable.
Fun fact: Locals and tourists alike are obsessed with it!
So… what is Purikura?
The term “purikura” is a short form of “purinto kurabu” (プリント倶楽部), which means “print club,” or photo booth!
It has been around since 1995, with SEGA rolling out new machines in game centers across Japan. The craze exploded after the band SMAP showed it off on TV in the late ’90s, and it’s been a beloved part of Japanese pop culture ever since.
If you’re picturing sad little booths used for passport photos, nope! It’s the complete opposite. Purikura is a vibe. It’s playful, customizable, and wildly over-the-top. You best believe that before Instagram filters were a thing, Purikura was the OG glow-up tool. 😉
I think this is one of those fun, only-in-Japan things you’ll want to try. It also makes for the perfect souvenir.
There’s a whole process behind the crazy-cute photo strips
It’s pretty straightforward, but let me break it down for you.
1. Doll up (optional but highly recommended)
You don’t have to glam up as if you’re attending a prom, but based on observation, locals take Purikura seriously. As in. There is a beauty station so you can straighten or curl your hair, apply or retouch your makeup, and even change into new clothes! If you want your full kawaii moment, this is your chance.
Note: I read somewhere that most photo booths in Japan also have green screens. Make sure you’re wearing something that won’t blend in with the background!
2. Pick your booth and pay
Before you end up with a cool and cute souvenir that slips right into your wallet, you need to determine where to get your photos taken. Every machine is different. There are many customization options available — from the background and photography style to effects such as frames. Our group opted for something that would make us look more adorable. LOL. We then inserted our payment in the machine (if I remember correctly, it cost us 400 yen), and chose our template before getting inside.
ALSO READ: Obsessed with Strawberries? Don’t Skip This Dessert Stop in Dotonbori!
3. Capture the fun and cuteness
Let’s jump straight to the fun part! We are a group of 4 and we still had space for 2 more people inside our chosen photo booth. There’s also a platform for vertically challenged friends, haha, or basically to ensure that no one gets cut off in the shots. You can place your phone, drink, or any other stuff that you’re carrying on the built-in mini tables inside so you can focus on posing. 📷
Don’t worry! There’s a guide you can follow for different poses, but you’re still free to go all out with what you have in mind. You better be quick, though. The countdown doesn’t wait.
4. Go crazy with the edits
This is where Purikura leaves regular booths in the dust — you’re given the ability to create an over-the-top and more playful keepsake. You can LITERALLY edit everything (and you’re expected to do so!) from the skin color, makeup effects, and face details (do you want larger eyes, smaller nose, or a cuter face shape??), to the doodles, stickers, animated effects, glittery backgrounds, stamps, and more. Purikura is deeply rooted in the kawaii (cute) aesthetic. Looking unnatural and EXTRAAAA is the point. Haha.
The sub-booth, which is usually the side of the machine, is a small standing space where you can edit your photos! You’ll see a big screen and two stylus pens because normally, 2 people can edit at the same time, but not the same photo. You’re only given a few minutes for this, so be speedy. Before the countdown reaches zero, pick the final layout or pictures that you’d like to have printed.
5. Print and save the digital copies
You’ve done everything that needs to be done, now you can wait for the photos. You will get two copies which you can easily cut and divide among your friends. I’m just not sure if the number of printouts is the same for every machine.
Anyway, there are digital copies that will be sent to your email address for FREE. My tip is pleaseeee don’t forget to check it! That was my biggest mistake because I easily could’ve saved all our different poses instead of just having one physical printout.
A silly addition to your Japan itinerary
If you find yourself wandering through a Japanese arcade (that’s where a lot of these machines are!!) follow the giggles, flashing lights, and impossibly cute sample photos stuck on the walls. You’re bound to jump into a booth and embrace the kawaii chaos.
Trying the Purikura isn’t some grand, bucket-list activity, but it’s silly, fun, and potentially one of the travel moments you’ll talk or laugh about after your trip’s over. Plus, there’s a souvenir!
We had ours in Dotonbori at the GIGO Osaka Main Branch. Your turn next. 😉
After your Purikura moment, check out other places to enjoy in Dotonbori area! Click for discounted rates:
- Osaka Castle & Umeda Sky Building & Tonbori River Cruise Day Tour (visit famous Osaka’s hotspots in one day – with a guide)
- Osaka Dontonbori Food Tour (secret food spots in the back alley + hidden izakaya + local dessert + foodie tour guide)
- Osaka Shinsekai Evening Street Food Tour (intimate tour to explore hidden food corners + Tenma and Kyobashi neighborhoods + culinary culture)
THE BDT 
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