Here's how it works: You purchase balls (generally for 4 yen apiece) from the parlor using cash, a pre-paid card or a member card directly into your machine of choice. You then shoot your ball bearings from the tray into the machine hoping to win more balls.
So if you ever find yourself in Japan and you're thinking about giving pachinko a whirl, first ask yourself these questions: Do you like...
Games of chance? Pachinko can be described as slot machines on crack. Why pull a lever or hit a button and watch some symbols spin while hoping they'll match? That's entirely too passive. Try manipulating hundreds of tiny ball bearings with a knob while lights flash and music blares all around you to get those 3 matching symbols. This way, you feel that you have more influence over the outcome, unless you count good luck charms and superstitious rituals.
Cigarette smoke? Despite the World Health Organization Framework Convention on Tobacco Control in 2004 and many new public smoking laws in Japan, smoking and pachinko parlors still go together like milk and Oreos.
Confined spaces? These machines are quite small and narrow, and the parlor is looking to make the most bang for their buck. Also, space is at a premium in Japan. Therefore the machines are crammed in making narrow aisles. If you are claustrophobic, most of Japan is not for you.
Crowds? Being on a packed train is one thing, but sitting on an uncomfortable vinyl covered stool shoulder to shoulder with strangers in a loud, smoke filled pachinko parlor is another. At least you have a game to distract you.
Breaking the law? Okay, you won more little balls, now what? Well, you take your trays to an attendant who will run them through a counting machine that spits out a voucher. Sweet! Now what kind of prizes can you get? You have your choice things of t-shirts, pens, cigarette lighters, perfume, cosmetics, candy or coupons to a nearby grocery store. Lame, right? If you'd rather have money then there's a common loophole just around the corner. Grab that voucher, leave the parlor and head over to the nearby exchange center. They will pay out your winnings in CASH. Yeah, it's illegal for the parlor itself to pay out winnings, but a third party not on site can. Here is such an exchange center in Shibuya. It doesn't look shady at all, does it?
Constant loud noise? As you can imagine, hundreds of machines with all their balls clanking on pegs, music and announcements will definitely leave your ears ringing. That's nothing that a pair of earplugs and lots of alcohol can't cure, though.
Are there any pluses? Well, yeah - the obvious amusement from the game itself and the thrill of possibly hitting a jackpot. Also, like casinos here in the US, they serve alcohol and children are not allowed. And often, the machines themselves are anime themed! I've seen machines designed based off of Lupin the Third, Neon Genesis Evangelion and Trigun. If you've never experienced it, you should give it a try at least once. After all, 30 million Japanese can't be wrong.
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