Do Foreigners Pay Extra at Japanese Soaplands?

Some shops charge an additional fee for foreign guests, while others do not, and the amount varies from shop to shop. The safest approach is to confirm the total price including all fees before making a reservation.

Why is there a foreigner surcharge?

Some shops worry that language barriers and unclear rules will require extra staff to accommodate foreign guests, so they charge an additional fee; others treat everyone equally and charge nothing at all. This fee may be listed on the price menu or only announced verbally on-site, so simply looking at the bathing fee online can easily lead to underestimating your budget.

Ask these few questions before making a reservation

Ask about the total price, not just the bathing fee. The bathing fee is only part of the cost; ask for the total price separately. See the question about total price in the FAQ for newcomers for details.
Confirm each item: Check if there is a foreigner surcharge, nomination fee, repeat nomination fee, and card payment fee. Finally, have them provide a single number that includes all fees.
Confirm the payment method: About 80% of shops accept card payments; shops without card machines charge an additional 20–30% and require you to wait for someone to bring the machine, which takes time.
Keep a record of the quote: Save screenshots of your chat. If there's a mismatch when you arrive at the shop, you can present it on the spot for verification.

Common pitfalls

Just cheaper bathing fee: Shops with lower bathing fees don't necessarily have a lower total price.
Assumed that writing "foreigners OK" means no extra charge: Accepting foreign customers and charging additional fees are two separate matters, so ask them separately.
Negotiate the price upon arrival: Once you're already inside the shop, it becomes difficult to object to unexpected charges.
Forgot to prepare payment method: Assuming you can pay by card but finding out that's not possible, or having to find cash on the spot or wait for a machine, is very troublesome.

How to Estimate the Budget

The total price for budget shops is generally between JPY 20,000 to JPY 50,000. For mid-to-high-end shops, the price varies by establishment. Be sure to include the foreigner surcharge, nomination fee, and any additional card payment fees in your total budget. It's better to allocate a little extra.

By making a reservation through LeLe TV, our support team will clearly state the total price before the booking, so there won't be any hidden charges when you arrive at the venue. You only need to prepare the amount quoted.

You can directly say this when asking for prices

"I am a foreign tourist who would like to book Miss XX on a certain day and time for the standard duration. Please provide the total price including all fees: bathing fee, service fee, nomination fee, and foreigner surcharge (if applicable). Can payment be made by card? If not, what is the additional charge and how long do I need to wait?" Asking everything at once makes it harder for them to add extra charges later.

How to Set Your Budget for First-Time Visits

If this is your first time in Japan and you don’t often get the chance to visit, it’s recommended to go directly to a high-end shop. Most high-end shops offer standard packages for 120 minutes, with prices varying by establishment. Instead of comparing cheaper establishments back and forth, it’s better to set aside enough budget at once for a more stable experience.

👉 Book through LeLe TV (please confirm total price in advance)