Sekukyaba, commonly referred to as “Oppai Pubs” outside of Japan, is a type of nightlife entertainment in Japan where customers can interact with female entertainers, typically in a flirtatious or erotic manner that involves some form of physical contact. This type of service is limited to non-penetrative activities, like touching or fondling of the breasts, the most you can do in this genre.
They can be visited alone or in a group and are a popular form of nightlife entertainment in Japan due to their abundance across the Red Light Districts. The service is offered one-on-one, though when visiting as a group, you can enjoy the services together if the seating arrangements allow you to do so at the venue.
This industry has its fair share of rogue operators, so always research beforehand when visiting. Never follow a tout off the streets to these establishments, as reputable Sekukyaba’s will never conduct any form of street touting to procure business.
Contents
What is a Sekukyaba?
The term Sekukyaba is a combination of two shortened words in Japanese. Seku for sexy and kyaba for cabaret. There are regional variations in naming that include
- Kyabakura—In the Susukino Red-Light District of Sapporo, regular hostess clubs are referred to as New Clubs or Lounges, and Sekukyaba’s are referred to as Kyabakura, which are normal hostess clubs outside of this region.
- Tsūshottokyabakura– Kansai Region
- Oppaii Pub
- Hustle Pub
- Sexy Pub
- Osawari Pub
They all operate in the same manner, with the only difference being the level of service you will receive, particularly in the Susukino region of northern Japan.
What services are offered at a Sekukyaba?
The entertainers will sit with you like a regular hostess club and share drinks. However, the key difference is that some physical contact is allowed, typically around the legs and breasts, within the boundaries, the store sets out and explains to you before entering.
- Non / Alcoholic Beverages part of an unlimited all-you-can-drink plan
- Casual Conversation
- Kissing*
- Reciprocal Touching*
- Dry Humping*
- Hustle/Show Time*
*Each type of venue offers different levels of interaction, so as a responsible customer, you should understand the limitations, if any.
How much does a Sekukyaba cost?
The standard system at most Sekukyaba’s includes an initial fee for the first “set,” which typically lasts 40 to 50 minutes. Any additional time spent beyond the initial set will be charged as an extension fee.
The initial set will set you back between ¥5,000 and ¥10,000.
Other charges to be aware of besides the initial set include:
Drinks – Entertainers earn a commission on drinks you buy, so they may ask or suggest ordering a drink when seated with them. As a general rule of etiquette, buying at least one drink per entertainer is customary as a form of tipping. Ranging from ¥1,000 to ¥3,000 per drink.
Nomination– Entertainers will be rotated in quick succession by the staff encouraging you to nominate, which can cost between ¥2,000 to ¥3,000 for the entertainer to stay for the duration of your visit.
Extension Fee– This is typically half the set fee and time; the shop makes most of its profit through extension fees. Be sure to keep an eye on the clock once the initial set is over to avoid any issues with the final bill.
Tax / Service Charge (SC)—The final bill will include an additional surcharge, typically 20% to 30%. Credit card payments may also incur an extra fee of 5% to 10%.
Price simulation for an hour’s visit for one person.
Description | Price |
1 Set (40mins) | ¥6,000 |
Nomination Fee | ¥3,000 |
Drink(s) | ¥4,500 |
1 Extension (20mins) | ¥3,000 |
25% Tax | ¥4,125 |
Total | ¥20,625 |
What are the differences in Sekukyaba?
Service differences vary by shop, but in Hokkaido’s Susukino region, Sekukyaba clubs can be sub-categorized into three tiers based on the level of service offered.
Outside of this area, most Sekukyaba clubs typically fall under the Semi-hard or Soft categories without such subdivisions.
Soft – Entertainers are open to being touched above the waist over their clothes.
Semi-hard– Entertainers are open to being touched above and below the waist, bare in certain parts.
Hard – No restrictions, with fingering permitted at the extremities.
Nonetheless, each business will have its own set of rules regarding what is permissible with the providers, which should be confirmed at the time of your visit.
What are some similar businesses to Sekukyaba?
Ichakyaba– Similar to a soft Sekukyaba, this type of establishment falls between a regular hostess club and a Sekukyaba. While some degree of Touching is allowed, the primary focus is on playful flirting over drinks. The shop may also incorporate costumes as part of its concept, ranging from aprons and schoolgirl uniforms to more risqué outfits to drive business.
Lingerie Pub: The entertainers wear revealing, provocative clothing designed purely for visual appeal, and no touching is permitted. This concept is similar to that of a regular hostess club, though it focuses solely on eye candy.
What to expect when visiting a Sekukyaba
On Arrival
A staff member will greet and explain the rules and associated fees for using the store. Some will ask for the initial payment to be paid upfront before service, so be prepared with cash on arrival,
Questions to clarify whenever visiting a new store include:
- Limitations on how far you can take it with the providers
- How are extensions managed? Will you be notified after your initial set is over?
Additionally, if you already have a provider in mind that you would like to meet, let them know before being seated.
Meeting Provider
Once seated, an entertainer will be assigned to your table for a brief period of time. For one set, expect to meet between 2 and 3 entertainers unless you nominate one specifically to stay for the duration of your visit. This gives you around 10 to 15 minutes to get to know each other.
To maximize efficiency, initiate contact as soon as possible after the ice is broken before a new entertainer is rotated to your seat.
Hustle / Show Time
The lights will dim, and the music will be amplified, typically once an hour. The entertainer will move closer in the shadows to create a more intimate experience for you.
Extension / Exit
After your initial session ends, a staff member will approach you to ask if you’d like to extend your stay. Most reputable stores will request your verbal confirmation of each extension. Some stores may simply charge you for the duration of your stay until you ask to leave without any notice, so be cautious.
Helpful Resources
Reviews
I’ve visited Luxe, Hosekibako, and the newest one Leicester. All in Shinjuku. All of them and any other oppai pubs in the area are no-touch below the waist. It’s been this way 20 years. You are going to be sitting 1 1/2 feet away from me with no partition, after all.
I have been other clubs that allowed touching below the waist, but then they are not oppai pubs anymore. There’s all kinds.
The shops in this article are all Shinjuku in Tokyo. Staff universally refer to these shops as oppai pubs most often, but I have also heard them described as Osawari pubs and sexy kyabakura (very rare). It is definitely regional.
Compare this to Super Angel, which is not an oppai pub but offers very similar service. That was described by staff as a sexy cabaret. You pick the girl off stage from a lineup, the girls have numbers attached. Not an oppai pub though due to everything else. Interestingly, oppai pubs are usually Japanese girls whereas Super Angel had lots of non-Japanese Asian.
Thanks for your article
-Traveler X
Hi Traveler X,
Thank you for the detailed comment! Thank you for the intel on the shops in Shinjuku, will check them out.
Cheers