Your trusted guide to Japan's finest nightlife!
Your trusted guide to Japan's finest nightlife!
May 17, 2026

Real 2026 pricing for Japanese cabaret clubs (KTV): set fee, nomination, cast drinks, extension, and service charge. Includes city-by-city comparison for Tokyo, Osaka and Fukuoka with cost-saving tips.
A typical first visit to a Japanese KTV / cabaret club costs ¥10,000–¥30,000 per hour all-in. Tokyo premium areas (Roppongi, Ginza) are the upper end; Osaka Kitashinchi sits mid-range; Fukuoka Nakasu is the most affordable. Cost = set fee + drinks + nomination + extension + service charge. Tipping is not customary in Japan and is already included as a service charge on the bill.
Every legitimate Japanese KTV bill is composed of five line items. Knowing them prevents surprises at the shime (closing bill).
The base seat charge for a fixed time slot — usually 40 or 60 minutes. Includes the seat, a house drink (typically a whisky highball or shōchū), and a cast member assigned to your table.
If you want a specific cast member to sit with you, you pay a nomination fee. Without nomination, casts rotate every 15–20 minutes. Nomination fees are typically ¥2,000–¥5,000 per set. Many first-time visitors skip nomination on their first visit.
Your cast may politely ask "May I have a drink?". Accepting is the cultural norm; declining repeatedly is awkward. Each cast drink: ¥1,000–¥3,000. Two drinks across a 90-minute visit is typical.
After your set time ends, staff offer extension. Extension is billed per slot at the same rate as the original set fee. There is no obligation to extend.
Added at the end: 10–20% of subtotal. This is Japan's equivalent of tipping — it's built into the bill, so you do not tip cash on top.
| City / Area | All-in / hour | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Tokyo Roppongi | ¥15,000–¥30,000 | Foreigner-friendly premium |
| Tokyo Ginza | ¥20,000–¥40,000 | Mature, refined |
| Tokyo Kabukicho | ¥8,000–¥20,000 | Wide variety, lively |
| Osaka Kitashinchi | ¥10,000–¥25,000 | Premium, curated |
| Fukuoka Nakasu | ¥5,000–¥15,000 | Best value, quality |
No. The service charge on the bill covers gratuity. Tipping cash on top is not customary and can be confusing.
This rarely happens because pricing is transparent, but venues take it very seriously. ATMs are nearby in all major nightlife districts. Bring cash backup.
Most venues quote tax-inclusive prices, but always check the price board. Consumption tax in Japan is 10%.
Around ¥7,000 in Fukuoka Nakasu for a 40-min minimum set with no cast drink. Tokyo premium areas start around ¥12,000.
Compare specific venue pricing in our vetted store directory, read the complete beginner's guide, or message our free bilingual concierge for budget-matched recommendations.