Soaplands are brothels in Japan that operate in a legal grey zone designated as bath houses that offer guaranteed full-service sex as part of the basic service.
They can be found across Japan with the exception of Osaka & Kyoto where alternatives exist within Osaka’s 5 Brothel Districts, similar to De Wallen of Amsterdam.
Contents
- 1 💡What is Soapland?
- 2 🙆♂️ What services are offered at a Soapland?
- 3 💴 How much does a Soapland cost?
- 4 ❓What are the differences in Soaplands?
- 5 What kind of sex workers can I meet at a Soapland?
- 6 What to expect visiting a Soapland?
- 7 👣 First time visitor to a Soapland
- 8 🔎 Where are the best Soaplands in Japan?
💡What is Soapland?
They emerged in the mid-20th century, particularly in urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka, as establishments offering bathing and sexual services.
The term “Soapland” itself originated in the late 1950s, as a result of a renaming prompted by objections from the Turkish community in Japan to the previous name, “Turkish Baths.” These venues were initially modeled after Turkish-style baths, but they evolved into something distinctively Japanese.
Throughout their history, Soaplands have operated in a legal gray area. While prostitution is technically illegal in Japan, the provision of sexual services in Soaplands often falls into a legal loophole, where the exchange of money for time spent with an attendant is legal, but direct payment for sexual acts is not.
Regional variations on how Soaplands are operated in the country can vary by the local regulators that mandate rules such as
- Minimum working age for sex workers being 18 or 20 years old
- Permission of street touting outside the brothel
- Permitted paraphernalia within the play rooms
- Requirement for viewing windows to be installed on play room doors
- Payment scheme and collection methods
Permits to open new Soaplands are no longer issued with all locations being the final places of business of all the brothels in Japan until they are demolished and the land repurposed for other use.
🙆♂️ What services are offered at a Soapland?
Basic services provided at Soaplands
The basic service include:
- Showering
- Bathing
- Kissing
- Blowjob
- Nuru Nuru Massage*
- Full-service sex
*Variations in service differ by shop and duration of service, though full-service sex is always guaranteed
Optional services offered at a Soapland
Optional services, if offered may include:
- Cosplay – A costume will be worn during the session
- Nirinsha – Threesome service with 2 providers in one session
- Hanabira Kaiten – Multiple providers in one session, one at a time
- Misegai dēto – Taking the provider out for a date, outside of the establishment
What is Nuru Nuru Massage?
The provider will use her entire body to massage you with a special nuru gel for this specific purpose. The word “nuru” means “slippery” in Japanese.
💴 How much does a Soapland cost?
Soaplands will often only advertise the bathing fee which is only one part of the cost.
The total can be calculated by multiplying the bathing fee, usually by two. Keep in mind that the multiplier can be 2.5 or 3 depending on the location and shop of choice.
For example, if the advertised price is 27,500YEN. The actual cost will be 55,000YEN.
- Nyūyokuryō – Bathing fee for the use of the playroom
- Sābisuryō – Service fee for the provider
- Sōgaku Ryōkin – Total cost is the combined amount of the two fees
| Type | Bathing Fee + Service Fee + Foreigner Surcharge |
| Low Tier Soapland | ¥10,000 ~ ¥30,000 |
| Mid Tier Soapland | ¥30,000 ~ ¥60,000 |
| High Tier Soapland | ¥60,000 and over |
| Foreigner Surcharge | ¥0 ~ ¥20,000 |
Price discrimination for foreigners
The “Gaijin Tax” is a hidden surcharge that may not be openly advertised added to the total cost.
Always confirm this charge before making an appointment in-person or online to avoid any hassles.
Tip: Check the prices advertised on its official website to the Japanese market, not on foreigner-friendly directories which may have the “Gaijin Tax” disguised in the price.
❓What are the differences in Soaplands?
The main differences between the wide array of available Soaplands are dictated by
- The type and quality of providers you will meet at the establishment
- The customer service you will receive by the staff
- The quality of the playrooms offered
There are three distinct tiers within the industry catering to different demographics at varying price points offering prostitutes of many calibers.
The majority of the foreigner-friendly Soaplands accessible to foreigners fall in the lowest tier as of May, 2024.
Low Tier Soapland
Gekiyasuten
- Focus on short duration courses
- Lackluster customer service
- Antique playrooms
- Quantity over Quality for both providers and patrons
Providers of Gekiyasuten
Usually young, early 20’s amateurs new to the industry and over-worked. Little to no quality control over the providers offered by the establishment. Can be of the opposite spectrum with middle age and above providers.
Pros & Cons of Gekiyasuten
| Pros | Cons |
| Less Tolerance towards Foreigners | Short Courses |
| Quick Service | Pricing Discrimination |
| Young or Mature Providers | Overworked Providers |
| Easy to Use | Amateur Service |
Mid Tier Soapland
Taishuten
- Focus on medium to long duration courses
- Satisfactory customer service
- Renovated playrooms
- Mixed range of providers on offer
Providers of Taishuten
Has the looks to warrant a higher price point but doesn’t want to service as many clients working in the lowest tier. Most have experience working in a budget Soapland or other genres of sex work.
Pros & Cons of Taishuten
| Pros | Cons |
| Virgin Friendly+ | Price & Service Don’t Match |
| Higher Satisfaction Rate | Not Budget-Friendly |
| Hidden Gems Available | Limited Selection for Foreigners |
| Semi-Professional Providers | Mechanical Service |
High Tier Soapland
Kokyuten
- Focus on long duration courses
- 5-Star customer service
- High-end playrooms
- Quality over Quantity for both providers and patrons
Providers of Kokyuten
Providers with several years experience in the industry, domestically and possibly internationally with an excellent track record to match. Has a solid following of loyal clients at her finger tips as a career prostitute.
Pros & Cons of Kōkyūten
| Pros | Cons |
| Virgin Friendly++ | Least Tolerant of Foreigners |
| No Price Discrimination | High Price Point |
| Complimentary Services | Dress Codes for Entry |
| Believable GFE | Japanese Required |
What kind of sex workers can I meet at a Soapland?
Female Soapland workers are referred to locally as “Sōpu jō” which translates to Soap Girl in English.
Photoshopping of the providers is to be excepted with exaggerated facial features and slimming of the body being the norm.
This is an industry-wide problem that isn’t isolated to just Soaplands and should be taken into consideration whenever using any type of paid sex service in Japan.
This includes the information provided about their physical attributes, what they like to do in their free time and personal ambitions.
As the saying goes, “you get what you pay for.” But even with this in mind, there are more than enough times where there are quality providers at a budget Soapland.
What to expect visiting a Soapland?
On Arrival
Quote your booking name, chosen provider and appointment time with a staff member. If you didn’t make a reservation, you will be shown photos of the available providers to book.
- Payment for the appointment at the reception or seated in the waiting room
- Visit the rest room before your session
- Cut your nails if a nail clipper is provided
Waiting Room
At this point you will be waiting to be summoned by a staff member for the rendezvous with your provider by booking name or number. If you visited without an appointment you may have to wait for the room to be prepared.
Pre-Play
After entering the playroom with your provider you’ll introduce yourselves to each other and get undressed for the showering process.
- High-end services offer a complimentary blowjob before showering
- The provider will start filling the bathtub at this point
Shower
From here the services will vary from shop to shop and duration of service.
Assisted by the perverted chair you will be given a thorough washing from top to bottom with oral cleansing included.
Bath
Once the bathtub is filled you will both take a dip while continuing getting to know each other
Nuru Nuru Massage
The provider will use her entire body to massage you on top of an inflatable mattress.
A special gel made from seaweed is used specifically for this type of massage.
- Usually not available at budget Soaplands
Sex
Here you can take the lead and direct the action on your terms.
End
A call will be made to the room signaling to the provider to initiate the end phase with a final shower before you part ways.
👣 First time visitor to a Soapland
Choose the Area
The first decision you need to make before anything else is deciding the area where you going to visit.
- How many shops can I visit there?
- How long will it take to get there?
- How do I get there?
- Is there anything else I can do there?
Choose the Soapland
Once you’ve decided the area you’re going visit do some research on the Soaplands within area that interest you.
- Is it foreigner friendly?
- Do they offer “Nuru Nuru Massage?
- Compare prices and services
- Which providers are on schedule during the time you’re looking to visit?
- Read the reviews posted by past clients about their experiences
Choose the Provider
Now that you’ve decided on which shop to visit do some research on the providers online activity through blog posts and SNS.
- How accurate are the photos advertised and the ones the provider posts?
- How “busy” does she seem through her online presence?
- Does she post in English?
- Does she take bookings directly through her socials?
Book the Session
Start contacting the shops you’ve short-listed with your preferred contact method.
- Is the information advertised accurate, and correct?
- Do they have a “Gaijin Tax”?
- Is the price quoted as you excepted?
- Do they answer your questions in a satisfactory manner?
On the day of the appointment make your way there with leeway, arriving at minimum 10minutes before your appointment.
Tip : For first timers it is best to go with the safest and most reliable options on the market before diving into the deep end of the unknown.
How long should I book at a Soapland?
This all depends on you and what you want to make of the experience. If you just want to have sex with a Japanese girl and nothing else, the shortest possible course is the best.
| Duration | Sex |
| Under 60mins | 1 shot |
| 60 to 90mins | 1 or 2 shots |
| 90mins to 120mins* | 2 or 3 Shots |
* Long courses recommended for first timers
Phrases you need to know when visiting a Soapland
Knowing Japanese isn’t a pre-requisite when visiting a Soapland but familiarizing yourself with these terms will come in handy when there are no English speaking staff.
| English | Japanese | Romaji |
| High-Level Soapland | 高級店 | Kōkyūten |
| Mid-Level Soapland | 大衆店 | Taishūten |
| Low-Level Soap | 激安店 | Gekiyasuten |
| Bathing Fee | 入浴料 | Nyūyokuryō |
| Service Fee | サービス料 | Shimeiryō |
| Nomination Fee | 指名料 | Shimeiryō |
| Total cost | 総額料金 | Sōgaku Ryōkin |
| Waiting Room | 待合室 | Machiaishitsu |
| Front Desk | フロント | Furonto |
| Front Desk | 受け付 | Ukezuke |
| Survey | アンケート | Ankēto |
| Guidance | ご案内 | Go Annai |
| Valet | 送迎 | Sōgei |
| Matt Play (Lotion Service) | Mット | Matto |
| Bed Play (Sex Service) | Bッド | Beddo |
| Extension | 延長 | Enchō |
| Morning | 早朝 | Sōchō |
| Massage with Lotion | ヌルヌル | Nuru Nuru |
| Periscope Blowjob | 潜望鏡 | Senbōkyō |
| Perverted Chair | スケベ椅子 | Sukebe Isu |
| Larger Perverted Chair | くぐり椅子 | Kuguri Isu |
Soapland Paraphernalia
Matto – A waterproof air mattress used to conduct Nuru Nuru Massage as seen on Nuru Massage porn. These beds are designed to provide a smooth and comfortable surface for the massage to take place.
Sukebe Isu – Translated into English as “Pervert Chair”, these stools are designed specifically for sexual activities and used extensively at Soaplands. A larger variation with a wider opening exists as “Kuguri Isu”.
Gold Chair – A full body seating apparatus used to diversify the sexual services offered by the soap girl. In addition, a pink chair variation exists that supports the soap girl from beneath, available at high-end Soaplands on request.
🔎 Where are the best Soaplands in Japan?
The most popular Soaplands areas in Japan are
- Yoshiwara – Largest number of brothels by shop count in the country
- Kawasaki – Popular for sex workers in their teens to early 20’s
- Fukuhara – Second largest brothel district, close to Osaka & Kyoto
- Nakasu – The Red-Light-District of Fukuoka with brothels
- Susukino – Red-Light-District of Sapporo, Hokkaido that are budget friendly
Soaplands near Tokyo
Yoshiwara the largest Soapland district in Japan with over 127 shops, near Asakusa in Tokyo.
- Access via Minowa Station
Many Soaplands in Yoshiwara offer a free valet service from the following station
| (105) AILEDORE | MAP |
| (49) SOAPLANDE TOKYO | MAP |
| (56) ALICE CAFE | MAP |
| (100) CLUB39 | MAP |
| (69) COLORFUL | MAP |
| (41) BLUE TOKYO | MAP |
| (47) TOKYO BUNNYS CLUB | MAP |
| (16) CASANOVA | MAP |
| (93) VERSAILLES | MAP |
| (74) MARTINI | MAP |
| (7) LUXE | MAP |
| (57) KOSUPARA | MAP |
Horinouchi of Kanagawa prefecture situated between Tokyo and Yokohama, near Haneda Airport.
- Access via Kawasaki Station
| (24) GFE SOAPLAND⭐ | MAP |
| (40) CECIL PLUS | MAP |
| (13) ORIHIME | MAP |
Soaplands near Osaka & Kyoto
Fukuhara of Hyōgo prefecture, situated West of Osaka.
- Access via Kobe Station
| (12) POCHARI IKETERU | MAP |
| (22) PREMIUM | MAP |
| (28) R&B | MAP |
| (58) SMOOCH GAKUEN | MAP |
| (1) CELEB QUEEN | MAP |
| (39) CHULIP | MAP |
| (56) WEDDING BELL | MAP |
| (6) EPISODE ACE | MAP |
| (2) ELEGANT | MAP |
| (25) KIWAMI SPA | MAP |
| (5) LA PINK | MAP |
| (14) YUMEKA | MAP |
| (24) 123Q | MAP |
| (36) LE MONDE | MAP |
Ogoto of Shiga prefecture, situated North-East of Kyoto.
- Access via Ogoto-onsen Station
| (13) MARIN BLUE | MAP |
| (31) POKKIRI GAKUEN | MAP |
| (6) LOVE COLLECTION | MAP |
| (24) CLUB BUNNY | MAP |
| (30) KOUTEI BEKKAN | MAP |
| (29) KOUTEI | MAP |
| (19) CHULIP | MAP |
| (20) ACE | MAP |
| (10) KINPEIPAI | MAP |
| (12) CLUB V | MAP |
| (17) MARUNOUCHI | MAP |
| (23) MAXIM | MAP |
Soaplands in Hokkaido
Susukino of Sapporo, Japan’s northernmost prefecture of Hokkaido.
- Access via Susukino Station
| (1) FELIZ | MAP |
| (2) LA MAID | MAP |
| (8) LOVE FACTORY⭐ | MAP |
| (9) HANABI | MAP |
| (11) LOVE VEGAS | MAP |
| (13) SALON DE M | MAP |
| (14) AAA+ | MAP |
| (10) KANGO GAKUIN DX | MAP |
| (16) FANTASY SPA | MAP |
| (19) YUME NO TOBIRA | MAP |
| (20) ONESAN LABO | MAP |
| (21) THE SOAP⭐ | MAP |
| (22) AQUA⭐ | MAP |
| (27) ZERO | MAP |
| (30) SAKURA | MAP |
Soaplands in Kyushu
Nakasu of Fukuoka prefecture
- Access via Kushida Shrine Station
| (25) IKUNJYA | MAP |
| (30) YUKAKU | MAP |
| (46) ITAZURA PAIPAI | MAP |
| (39) MOCHIZUMA | MAP |
| (34) E GIRLS | MAP |
| (47) ONEDARI ZERO | MAP |
| (54) CLUB BEAUTY | MAP |
| (5) MOSHIKANO | MAP |
| (48) YOKAROUMON | MAP |
| (18) BUNNY COLLECTION | MAP |
| (49) ROYAL FACE | MAP |
| (20) FAIRY | MAP |
| (18) IMADOKI NURSE | MAP |
| (35) LOVELILY IDOL | MAP |
| (6) THE ESPERANZA / ESPERENZA ANNEX | MAP |
| (40) PUZZLE | MAP |
| (15) CAMPUS MATE | MAP |
| (38) ONEDARI MOEKKO | MAP |
| (3) G-CROSS | MAP |
| (50) CELEB FACE | MAP |
| (26) SHACHOHISHO | MAP |
| (5) LA BELLE ET LA BETE | MAP |
| (51) NAKASU LAB | MAP |
| (9) IMADOKI MAT MAX | MAP |
| (52) CLUB PIAA | MAP |
| (52) ITAZURA BUNNY | MAP |
| (45) ONEDARI HONTEN | MAP |
| (21) KOUME CLUB | MAP |
| (6) AROMA FACE | MAP |
| (41) COTTON CLUB | MAP |
| (16) MAGIC HOUR | MAP |
| (12) NEW STATION | MAP |
Kokura of Fukuoka prefecture
- Access via Kokura Station
| (19) BIMAJO COLLECTION | MAP |
| (13) CLUB ASH | MAP |
| (4) REAL NURSE | MAP |
| (8) REAL GAKUEN | MAP |
| (5) REAL SPIN | MAP |
| (7) FUZOKU OU | MAP |
| (2) DO-M NA BUNNY-CHAN | MAP |
- Access via Suidocho Station
| (31) STRAWBERRY AROMA | MAP |
| (11) PICASSO | MAP |
| (5) RAO | MAP |
| (21) FOUR NINE | MAP |
| (35) BUNNY PLACE | MAP |
| (2) ROYAL FACE | MAP |
| (12) ESPERANZA | MAP |
| (17) NEW ELEGANCE | MAP |
| (7) CHULIP | MAP |
| (19) BARON | MAP |
| (30) MEMBER’S ANGEL | MAP |
| (5) RAO GAKUEN | MAP |
| (9) VANILLA DX | MAP |
| (3) ONEDARI HONTEN | MAP |
| (8) NEO | MAP |
| (20) PARTY | MAP |
Soaplands in Okinawa
| (15) NAMINOUE | MAP |
| (36) SHIMAMUSUME | MAP |
| (26) MARIN SPA NATURAL | MAP |
| (25) NAMINOUE JOGAKUIN | MAP |
| (22) CLUB HUNTER | MAP |
| (7) NURSE JYOGAKUEN | MAP |
| (29) OPERA | MAP |
| (17) PROPORTION | MAP |
| (32) PARADISE | MAP |
| (1) BADD GIRLS | MAP |
| (14) HITOZUMA HAKUSHO | MAP |
| (16) ANNEX JAPAN | MAP |
| (24) NEW EXCELLENT CLUB | MAP |
| (23) CLUB CHURA | MAP |
| (31) INFINITY | MAP |
| (1) AMAZING | MAP |
| (3) HAKUCHOU | MAP |
| (37) ROYAL CLUB | MAP |
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