Most surprises on a Japanese hostess club bill do not come from fraud. They come from charges the visitor did not know existed: an automatic extension, a drink ordered for the hostess, or a service charge added on top of everything else. This guide walks through the bill line by line.

The terms below are the ones you will see on menus and receipts at kyabakura (cabaret clubs), lounges and high-end clubs. Each venue sets its own prices, so treat this as a map of what to ask about, then use the bill estimator with the venue’s own numbers.

The lines on a typical bill

Set charge and time

The set charge buys a block of time per person, commonly 40, 50 or 60 minutes. Prices often change with the time you arrive: early evening sets can be cheaper than late-night ones. The set usually includes house drinks for you, such as whisky or shochu with water, but not drinks for the hostesses and not premium spirits or Champagne.

Ask two questions at the door: how long is one set, and what drinks does it include?

Extensions

When your time runs out, staff will usually ask whether you want to extend. At some venues the extension starts automatically unless you say no. An extension is charged per person, so a group of four extending twice adds eight extension charges to the bill.

If you only want one set, say so when you sit down. Asking staff to tell you when the time is nearly up avoids an extension you did not intend.

Nomination fees

A nomination fee is charged when you request a particular hostess. A requested nomination (hon-shimei) is usually more expensive than an in-house nomination (jōnai-shimei), where you ask someone you met that night to stay. Each nominated hostess is a separate fee, and some venues charge it again with each extension.

Lady’s drinks

Buying a drink for the hostess at your table is normal, and it is often how the evening works. Each drink is a separate charge, and these drinks are usually priced higher than standard bar drinks. A hostess may ask, “May I have a drink?” You can say yes or no. If you say yes, ask how much it is.

Service charge and tax

This is the line that most visitors miss. Many hostess clubs add a service charge and tax as a single percentage on top of the subtotal. It is often in the range of 20 to 40 percent, and it applies to everything above it on the bill: sets, extensions, nominations and drinks.

A subtotal of ¥40,000 with a 40% service charge becomes ¥56,000 before any card surcharge. Ask for the exact percentage before you order anything.

Japan’s consumption tax is 10 percent. Some venues include it in the service percentage and some list it separately. The menu should say which.

Paying

Most venues accept cards, but some add a surcharge for card payment, and a few accept cash only. Ask before the end of the night so the method of payment does not become a dispute. Check the itemised bill before you pay, and keep the receipt. Tipping is not expected; see do you tip at bars and hostess clubs in Japan?

Five questions to ask before you sit down

1. How long is one set, and how much is it per person?
2. Is the extension automatic? How much is one extension?
3. What is the service charge and tax percentage, and does it apply to everything?
4. How much is a lady’s drink, and how much is a nomination?
5. Is there a card surcharge?

A venue that answers these clearly and shows a written price list is the kind of venue you want. If staff will not give prices, leave. Our guide on avoiding overcharging covers the warning signs.

Estimate the total

Put the venue’s prices into the bill estimator. It applies the set, extensions, nominations, drinks and service charge in the same order a venue does, so you can see the total and the per-person cost before you go.