You have read the guides, chosen a group, and decided to visit your first host club. Now comes the practical part — how do you actually prepare?

This step-by-step guide walks you through exactly what to do before, during, and after your first visit. Follow these steps and you will walk in confident and walk out with a great story.

Before You Go: Preparation Checklist

1. Choose Your Club

If you have not decided yet, review our guide to Kabukicho's major host groups. For first-timers, we recommend starting with a group known for transparent pricing, such as Smappa! Group or a major group's flagship club.

2. Check the First-Time Package

Visit the club's official website, X (Twitter), or Instagram. Confirm:

• The first-time price (初回料金 / shokai ryokin)
• Whether it includes nomu-nomase hodai (飲み飲ませ放題 / drinks for you + host)
• Duration (60 min or 90 min)
• Service charge / tax rate

3. Make a Reservation

While walk-ins are often accepted, reservations are strongly recommended, especially for non-Japanese speakers. You can reserve by:

• Phone: Call and say "初回で予約したいです" (Shokai de yoyaku shitai desu/ "I'd like a first-time reservation"). If you don't speak Japanese, many clubs accept reservations via DM on Instagram or X.
• Direct Message: Many clubs have an active social media presence and will respond to English DMs.
• Walk-in: If you are confident, you can walk in. Clubs are generally open from around 7 PM to late (last entry ~1 AM).

4. What to Bring

• Passport or Residence Card — Required for age verification (must be 18+)
• Cash — Enough to cover your first-time package plus 35% service charge. For ¥3,000 package, bring at least ¥5,000 to cover the service charge.
• Credit Card — As backup (some clubs charge 5–10% convenience fee)
• Smartphone with translation app — Google Translate or DeepL for smooth communication
• Photo ID — Passport is best; some clubs accept residence card

5. Dress Code

There is no strict dress code, but smart casual is appropriate. Think: a nice dress or blouse with jeans/skirt, or a clean, fashionable outfit. You do not need to wear a party dress or heels — comfort is fine. Avoid looking like you just rolled out of bed.

During Your Visit: Step by Step

Arrival (~5 min)

A staff member (usually in a suit — these are called 黒服 / kurofuku, "black clothes") will greet you at the door. Show your ID, confirm your reservation or request a walk-in table.

Photo Selection (~10 min)

You will be shown a book or iPad with photos of available hosts. This is called写真指名 (shashin shimei). Take your time — pick someone whose face and vibe appeal to you. There is no wrong choice for a first visit.

Conversation (~45–60 min)

You are escorted to your seat. Your chosen host (or a referred host if you did not choose) joins you, introduces themselves, and pours your first drink. Conversation topics are light: where you are from, your travel experiences, your hobbies, Japanese culture you enjoy.

Other hosts will cycle through your table to say hello — this is 席替え (sekigae / seat rotation). It is normal and gives you a chance to meet multiple hosts.

Send-off Nomination (Optional, ~5 min)

Near the end of your set time, a staff member will ask if you want a 送り指名 (okuri shimei / send-off nomination). This means picking one host to see you to the door. If you choose someone, it signals you will likely request them on your next visit.This is optional. You can say "not today" with zero pressure.

Payment (~5 min)

Your bill is brought to your table or you pay at the entrance. Check the itemized receipt. Pay the total and head out. Your host (if you chose one) will see you to the door or elevator.

Conversation Tips for First-Timers

• Be yourself. Hosts are trained to make conversation easy. They will ask questions and keep things flowing.
• Use a translation app if needed. It is completely acceptable to pull out your phone and translate. Many hosts find it charming and will use their own apps too.
• Compliments go a long way. "Kakkoii" (かっこいい / handsome) or "omoshiroi" (面白い / funny) will make your host's night.
• You do not need to drink alcohol. Soft drinks, tea, and non-alcoholic options are always available. "Alcohol is not my thing" is completely fine.
• Silence is OK. Hosts are professionals at filling gaps. Do not feel pressured to entertain them — that is their job.

After Your Visit

• Save the receipt. Take a photo for reference.
• Follow on Instagram. If you connected with a host, following their social media is a normal way to stay in touch.
• Decide if you want to return. If you enjoyed it, go back and request the same host — this is how regular relationships begin.
• If you did not enjoy it, try a different group. Each group has a different feel. Do not judge all host clubs by one experience.

Ready to pick your club? Visit our clubs directory to explore groups and find first-time packages, or read our complete guide for foreign visitors for more background.