Types of fuzoku in Japan, explained

The four types at a glance

What each course includes is explained by the shop before you start. Sex for money is illegal in Japan, and licensed shops don't offer it.

What is delivery health?

Delivery health (デリヘル) is the most common type of fuzoku in Japan. There's no shop to visit: you contact the shop, choose a course, and a cast member comes to your hotel room.

The catch for tourists: many business hotels don't allow visitors. Ask the shop which hotels work, or use a love hotel.

What is hotel health?

Hotel health (ホテヘル) works like delivery health with a front desk. You go to the shop's reception, choose a course and pay, then check into a love hotel nearby. The cast member meets you there. The love hotel room costs extra.

What is fashion health?

Fashion health (ファッションヘルス, also called "hako-heru") is the shop-based version. Everything happens in a private room inside the shop, so you don't need a hotel at all. Walk in, pay at reception, and you're shown to a room.

For tourists, it's often the easiest option. My Kyoto pick, Mitsuran Honkan, is a fashion health.

What is a soapland?

A soapland (ソープランド) is a shop with private rooms that each have their own bath. It's the most famous — and usually the most expensive — type of fuzoku, and visits tend to be longer. Many soaplands still turn foreigners away, so always check before you go.

Which one should I choose?

• Your hotel allows visitors: delivery health.
• Your hotel doesn't: hotel health or fashion health.
• You want it simple: fashion health. Walk in, walk out, no hotel.
• It's a special night: soapland. Book ahead and confirm they accept foreigners.

FAQ