I may be plotting a trip to Japan now that it’s open again, but I’m not very familiar with the various ways ticket sales work and how much is possible for overseas visitors that haven’t landed yet, so I’m hoping someone can share their knowledge here!
Also maybe we could compile a list of cool spots to visit, like record shops, specific bars or cafes that fit the vibe or are owned by bandomen, etc.
Tickets are usually bought through ticketing sites like eplus, livepocket, tiget, etc. but you need a Japanese phone number to create an account, so overseas travelers usually can’t access them. Proxies are probably your best bet. I think there’s a few of them that specialize in concert tickets, so that’s worth looking into. They can buy you tickets in advance, but they do come with their own additional fees. Better yet, if you have friends here, you can ask them to buy a ticket for you and then reimburse them when you get here. Most sites let people buy about 4 tickets (bands may also change this though. Some bands only allow one ticket per customer).
As mentioned above though, you can also try to buy same day tickets. Most VK shows don’t sell out unless it’s a super popular band like Kizu. Same day tickets are usually 500-1000 yen higher in price than advanced tickets though and you have to enter the venue last after everyone with a numbered ticket has been called. Band reservations are rare these days unless it’s a super small band or a super small event. You’ll have to check the flyers on Twitter for an event to see if band reservations are accepted. Honestly twitter will be your best friend for being up to date on same day availability or band reservations. So be sure to keep an eye out on the shows you want to attend if you decide to go that route.
I’m trying to go to Kiryu’s 15th anniversary show, which is a big deal but also Tokyo Garden Theater is biiiig and tix are quite pricey (10,000¥), so it hasn’t sold out, but the idea of waiting until I land to hit up a Lawson and pray it hasn’t sold out scares me.
Totally didn’t think of a proxy service, like a dingus 
Thanks for that!!! Probably the way I’ll end up going if I can afford the whole shebang
When is Kiryu’s 15th? If all else fails, I wouldn’t mind helping you out either.
The 15th! 15th on the 15th!!!
December 15th yes
That’s clever lol. But yeah, if you decide to come over and can’t find something that works for you, feel free to hit me up.