In contemporary Tokyo, these venues are designed as controlled sociability: softly lit bars with staff-mediated introductions, zones for conversation, and rooms that stage proximity. Services are not “menu-based”; rather, intimacy (e.g., kissing, petting, or, depending on venue culture, oral contact) emerges within house rules and consent protocols. Spaces are typically lounge-style (bar counter + sofas), sometimes with themed rooms. Customers range from 20s to 50s (locals and visitors), with growing multilingual tolerance in some places. As part of the city’s night-time economy, they are regulated through membership, ID screening, and posted codes of conduct to produce a predictable experience.

1. Where should you start in Shinjuku?

2. Which areas and how do you access them?

3. How much do you pay, how long can you stay, and who is eligible?

4. What venue types exist and what services do they stage?

5. How to reserve, behave, and what to say (useful phrases)?

6. Summary and Next Steps

1. Where should you start in Shinjuku?

1-1 Area overview

Most happening bars cluster along Kabukichō’s Yasukuni-dōri and Kuyakusho-dōri spines. A typical “first visit” flow is: check eligibility and IDs on the website → walk from Shinjuku East Exit → call from a landmark if the address is masked (common for privacy) → register as a member at the desk. For example, COLORS BAR publishes a step-by-step map from Shinjuku/Higashi-Shinjuku to its building, making it friendly for first-timers—see the venue’s Store Info & MAP (Japanese). Voluptuous (Kabukichō) posts a clear “System” page including fees and ID requirements—see System (Japanese). RETREAT BAR provides a detailed pricing/“System” page—see System (Japanese).

1-2 Venue distribution

Within Kabukichō, venues differentiate by atmosphere: “relaxed/lounge” (e.g., RETREAT BAR), “colorful and mixed hobby” (COLORS BAR), and “modern, station-proximate space” (Voluptuous). All of these operate members-only with entry desk screening. Conclusion: Start with venues that publish full systems and maps because predictability helps first-timers; numbers confirm this—COLORS lists three time blocks (13:00–19:00 / 19:00–05:00 / 05:00–13:00) and standard male fee around ¥13,000 at night; see COLORS prices (Japanese) and access (Japanese).

1-3 Typical session flow

Anthropologically, the experience is staged contact. You enter a bar-like space, check rules, and join the counter. Staff facilitate introductions. If mutual interest arises, pairs or small groups relocate to a semi-private zone. Time is usually “free time” (no 60-minute clock), bounded by business hours. Example figures: RETREAT shows free-drink with day/night pricing (male ¥8,000 day; ¥13,000–¥15,000 night), women ¥0, couples discounted—see RETREAT System (Japanese).

2. Which areas and how do you access them?

2-1 Access corridors

Conclusion: The reliable corridor is Shinjuku East Exit → Yasukuni-dōri → Kabukichō gates. Numbers: COLORS gives explicit street-by-street directions and mentions the second floor location beside a Korean BBQ—confirm on COLORS Store Info (Japanese). RETREAT emphasizes members-bar style with no map signage; still, the site lists hours and system, so call if needed—see RETREAT official (Japanese). Voluptuous situates itself at the Kabukichō entrance near Don Quijote and asks first-timers to phone from Yasukuni-dōri—see Voluptuous System (Japanese).

2-2 Table 2: Access & Hours

Table 2: Access & Hours

Figures summarize official “access” and “hours” blurbs; walking minutes are typical in Kabukichō grids. Always verify the day’s schedule on each venue’s site.

2-3 Landmark calling

Some venues reveal precise directions only after a phone call from a nearby landmark to reduce crowding and protect privacy. Happy (Shinjuku) asks you to call from the 100-yen Lawson area; the official site lists contact and event info—see Happy official (Japanese). Voluptuous similarly requests a call from the Kabukichō entrance near Don Quijote for first visits—see Voluptuous System (Japanese).

3. How much do you pay, how long can you stay, and who is eligible?

3-1 Table 1: Venue Types & Base Fees

Table 1: Venue Types & Base Fees

Conclusion → numbers → source: the three examples illustrate Shinjuku norms; always check the live “System/料金” page before visiting.

3-2 Eligibility & ID (very important)

Eligibility is a safety device. Conclusion: you must be an adult, sober enough, and carry the specified IDs. Numbers and rules: COLORS requires a health insurance card and a photo ID at entry; it also states full membership rules—see COLORS prices/notes (Japanese). Voluptuous requests two IDs (one photo ID plus another such as a health-insurance card) and may ask questions at enrollment—see Voluptuous System (Japanese). RETREAT lists ID presentation and house rules, and (as stated) accepts only guests who can speak Japanese—see RETREAT System (Japanese).

3-3 Day vs. Night economics

Daytime is cheaper: COLORS day male ¥7,000, RETREAT day male ¥8,000, while night escalates to ¥13,000–¥15,000. Voluptuous varies by “Cafe/Through/Bar” sessions (¥10,000–¥12,000). Women are generally free; couples pay mid-tier. See the official pages: COLORS, RETREAT, Voluptuous. AgreeAble (Kabukichō) publicly posts hours and periodic pricing within event posts (e.g., male night ¥12,000–¥15,000)—see AgreeAble event page (Japanese).

4. What venue types exist and what services do they stage?

4-1 Lounge model

RETREAT exemplifies a lounge model with multiple themed spaces and a clear system (free-drink list, smoking separation). The design aims for gradual proximity: bar counter → sofas → (where available) key-controlled rooms. Source: RETREAT System (Japanese).

4-2 Mixed-hobby / colorful social floor

COLORS frames itself as a “members entertainment bar,” not strictly a happening bar, yet the social scripting is similar: counter talk, hobby/cosplay props, and soft-partitioned zones. Price blocks are transparent and the map is public, which lowers first-timer friction—see COLORS Price and COLORS Access.

4-3 Station-adjacent, phone-assisted entry

Voluptuous positions itself right by Kabukichō’s entrance and requests a phone call for final guidance—useful for privacy. Its “System” page lists entry fees and the two-ID rule, and notes a ¥2,000/hour extension if you stay beyond the base window—see Voluptuous (Japanese).

4-4 Table 3: Reservation & Eligibility

Table 3: Reservation & Eligibility

Eligibility is set by each operator to manage safety and communication. When in doubt, email or call before visiting.

5. How to reserve, behave, and what to say (useful phrases)?

5-1 Reservation basics

Conclusion: Walk-ins dominate. Numbers: Voluptuous asks first-timers to call from a nearby landmark (03-6380-3192 listed on the System page); see Voluptuous System (Japanese). COLORS provides explicit map directions for self-navigation—see COLORS Store Info (Japanese). RETREAT’s System sets expectations on hours and IDs without a published map; call if you need guidance—see RETREAT System. If you prefer an English-friendly intermediary, SoapEmpire offers a 24-hour support line for bookings and basic coordination.

5-2 Etiquette pillars

• Consent first, always. Ask verbally; no assumption from eye contact or proximity.
• Follow staff choreography. Introductions and seat changes are often staff-led.
• Phone & camera off the floor. Many venues ban in-room phone use. Check rules.
• Mind time blocks. Free time ends with the block (or by last train). Voluptuous lists paid extensions at ¥2,000/hour; see official.
• Substances & demeanor. Sites ban intoxication and controlled substances; see house rules on each System page (e.g., RETREAT).

5-3 Useful phrases (plain, polite)

• 「初めてです。入会できますか？」— “It’s my first time. May I become a member?”
• 「ルールを教えてください。」— “Could you explain the rules?”
• 「一緒にお話ししてもいいですか？」— “May I chat with you?”
• 「触っても大丈夫ですか？」— “Is touching okay?” (Ask only after clear rapport.)
• 「英語スタッフはいますか？」— “Is there English-speaking staff?”

6. Summary and Next Steps

For deeper reading on the urban nightscape—see internal guides:
Tokyo Red-Light District 101,
,
“>How to Book in Japan’s Nightlife,
and our main site SoapEmpire.
For help in English, reach us anytime via contact.

FAQ

Q1. How much should I budget for one night?
A. Plan for ¥12,000–¥15,000 (men) at night, ¥7,000–¥8,000 by day; women are typically ¥0. Check the venue’s “System/料金” on the day: COLORS, RETREAT, Voluptuous, AgreeAble.

Q2. Do I need a reservation?
A. Usually no; these are members-only bars with walk-in registration. Some ask first-timers to call from a landmark (e.g., Voluptuous). See each site’s instructions.

Q3. What IDs do I need?
A. Many require two forms (e.g., insurance card + photo ID). Voluptuous and COLORS state this clearly; RETREAT lists ID and other rules on its System page. Bring physical IDs.

Q4. What’s the best time to go?
A. Early evening on weekends tends to be lively; daytime is cheaper and calmer. Check event calendars on the day; prices may change for weekends/holidays.

Q5. Is English okay?
A. Some venues are fine with basic English, but others (per their sites) may require Japanese proficiency. If uncertain, ask SoapEmpire to place a call for you.

Primary sources used in body:
COLORS BAR Price,
COLORS Access,
RETREAT BAR System,
RETREAT BAR Official,
Voluptuous System,
AgreeAble Event (hours/prices),
AgreeAble Topics,
Happy Official.