Japan Poker Club Guide 2026: Tokyo Poker & JOPT Satellites

Japan Poker Club (JPC) is a cornerstone of Tokyo’s professional “Amusement Poker” ecosystem, specifically engineered for players who view the game as a technical Mind Sport. Located in the heart of the Shinjuku district, JPC distinguishes itself by moving away from the “poker bar” aesthetic, focusing instead on a casino-grade tournament environment. As of 2026, it has become one of the most respected satellite hubs for the Japan Open Poker Tour (JOPT) , offering a rigorous platform where local grinders and international visitors compete for elite sponsorship packages and national ranking points.

Why Japan Poker Club?

• The Professional’s Workshop: Japan Poker Club is renowned for its high-caliber tournament structures that mirror international championship standards. It is a preferred training ground for players preparing for major series in Las Vegas, Macau, or Taipei.
• Elite JOPT Satellite Hub: As a primary partner of the Japan Open Poker Tour, JPC hosts high-frequency qualifying events. Many of Japan’s most successful ambassadors on the global circuit earned their initial international sponsorships through the competitive fields at this Shinjuku venue.
• Sophisticated Gaming Technology: The club utilizes professional-grade tables, high-definition tournament clocks, and a digital player-tracking system. This ensures game integrity and a seamless experience for those focusing on multi-table tournament (MTT) volume.
• Strategic Shinjuku Hub: Situated just minutes from Shinjuku Station, the busiest transit point in the world, JPC offers unparalleled convenience for the city’s vast player base, operating until the early hours to accommodate deep-stack play.

The Japan Poker Club Experience

In the 2026 poker landscape, Japan Poker Club has successfully bridged the gap between local amusement play and the global professional circuit. While the club maintains the legal “no-cash” framework of Japanese amusement gaming, the level of technical proficiency found at JPC tables is widely considered among the highest in Tokyo. The dealer staff are trained to international TDA (Tournament Directors Association) standards, providing a fast-paced and professional game that caters to the “Mind Sport” enthusiast. The atmosphere is concentrated and sporting, with a community of regulars who are deeply invested in game theory and leaderboard optimization.

The venue’s daily schedule is meticulously curated to offer a variety of buy-in levels (amusement fees) and formats, including Deep Stack, Turbo, and specialized Satellite events. For international travelers, JPC offers a welcoming entry point into the Japanese scene, providing a clean, safe, and professional environment to experience the unique “Amusement” model. The club’s interior is modern and minimalist, designed to minimize distractions and keep the focus entirely on the cards, making it a standout destination for the serious poker traveler.

Venue Logistics & Access

📍 Location: Japan Poker Club, 160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 3 Chome-12-4, Kumasan Building 5F, Japan . The club is conveniently located on the 5th floor, accessible via elevator.

🏨 Accommodations: Shinjuku is home to thousands of hotels, ranging from the luxury Park Hyatt Tokyo to high-end business hotels like the Keio Plaza Hotel, all within a short transit or walk from the club.

📝 Requirements: Operating hours are typically 17:00-23:30 on weekdays and 13:00-23:30 on weekends. A valid Photo ID is mandatory for entry (18+). The club enforces a neat-casual dress code.