Complete guide to how to walk around the famous FU-ZOKU district of Yoshiwara|Introducing FU-ZOKU shops that foreigners can use
Complete guide to how to walk around the famous FU-ZOKU district of Yoshiwara|Introducing FU-ZOKU shops that foreigners can use
2024-09-20
Yoshiwara in Tokyo is a famous FU-ZOKU district, but because it has a long history, it is also a place that can be enjoyed as a tourist destination for foreign visitors to Japan. There are also many soaplands (massage parlors), so you can also enjoy the “hospitality service” that is unique to Japanese FU-ZOKU. We will introduce the history and tourist spots of Yoshiwara, as well as the soaplands (massage parlors) that can be used by foreign visitors to Japan.
2024-09-20
Yoshiwara is famous as a Tokyo “fu-zoku” (erotic entertainment) district.
Although Yoshiwara is now known as a place where many “soaplands” (massage parlors) gather, it was originally a “red light district” with a history dating back to the Edo period.
Because of its long history, it is a place where there are many interesting tourist spots for foreign tourists visiting Japan who are interested in Japanese culture.
In this article, we will introduce some of the recommended tourist spots in Yoshiwara, as well as Soap Land (massage parlors) that foreign tourists can use with peace of mind.
Please refer to this article and visit Yoshiwara.
History of Yoshiwara
Yoshiwara in Tokyo is a FU-ZOKU district with a long history, from the Edo period when it was called a “red light district” to the present day. First, let’s take a look at the history of Yoshiwara, divided into the red light district period and the current Soap Land (massage parlor) district.
What kind of place was the red light district?
The Yūga was a town that was created in the Edo period as a “FU-ZOKU district recognized by the government”. There were many “Giro” (brothel) lined up, which were the type of FU-ZOKU shop that we would call a “store” today, and many “Yuujo” (prostitutes) lived and worked in each Giro.
A yūjo is a woman who works in a fu-zoku shop. Every night, large numbers of men would gather in Yoshiwara to enjoy a night with a yūjo.
The reason that the geisha houses and the yūjo were gathered together in one place was to make it easier for the Edo shogunate to enforce regulations and prevent public order from deteriorating.
In this sense, the Yoshiwara red-light district was also known as a “bad place”.
On the other hand, the red-light district also had aspects of being a cultural center. It has been the subject of various stories and ukiyo-e woodblock prints, and its glamorous past is still being passed down to the present day.
Yoshiwara as a FU-ZOKU district today
Today, Yoshiwara is known as one of the best Soap Land (massage parlor) districts in Japan. With over 100 Soap Land (massage parlor) establishments lining the streets, it is a rare sight in Japan, with no other FU-ZOKU shops to be found.
Because there are so many Soap Land (Massage Parlor) establishments, the prices range from cheap to very expensive, so you can choose a place that suits your budget.
Also, because the concept of the FU-ZOKU shop varies, if you choose a Soap Land (Massage Parlor) that suits your sexual preferences, you will probably be more satisfied after playing there. What’s more, the name value of “Yoshiwara is synonymous with Soap Land (Massage Parlor)” means that Yoshiwara is characterized by the fact that it attracts women of a very high caliber.
Also, since there are many Soap Land (Massage Parlor) that cater to foreign tourists, it is also convenient in that it is easy to play.
Yoshiwara tourist spots recommended for foreign tourists
First, let’s introduce some of the tourist spots in Yoshiwara that we recommend to foreign tourists visiting Japan.
Yoshiwara is known overseas as a “fu-zoku” district, so there are many foreign tourists who visit Japan just to go out and play in the “fu-zoku” district, but there are also many tourist spots.
In particular, those who are interested in Japanese anime or want to learn about Japanese history will enjoy stopping by the various places.
Mikaeriyanagi
The “Mikaeriyanagi” is a willow tree that stands next to the “Yoshiwara Daimon” intersection. If you pass by without knowing anything about it, you won’t notice it, but this willow is a famous tree that is said to be a symbol of Yoshiwara.
It also appears in many works based on Yoshiwara, and is a famous spot.
The Yoshiwara Daimon is the entrance to the Yoshiwara red-light district. After a night of fun in Yoshiwara, men would look back at the Yoshiwara Great Gate from this willow and remember the fun they had the night before.
Experiencing the Edo period vicariously next to this willow would make for a great memory of your trip to Japan.
Yoshiwara Shrine
Yoshiwara Shrine is a historic shrine that has been the focus of the faith of the women who worked in the Yoshiwara red light district since the Edo period.
Although the shrine itself is not very large, it is a place you should visit if you want to learn more about the Yoshiwara red-light district. The typical blessings it is said to provide include “improving your skills” and “improving your financial fortune”.
It is also known for its blessings in the area of “marriage”, so if you are hoping to meet a good woman, it would be a good idea to visit the shrine.
Jokan-ji
Jokan-ji Temple was a temple that served as a place for prostitutes to be thrown into during the days of the red light district. A “throwing-in temple” is a temple where the bodies of prostitutes who had no relatives were thrown when they died.
The bodies of the prostitutes who were thrown in were buried and memorialized at the temple as “unrelated Buddha”.
In the Edo period, when hygiene was not well developed, there were many prostitutes who died of illness, so this method was used.
While the red-light district was a glamorous place, I would like you to know that it also had this negative side.
There are also sightseeing tours for foreign visitors to Japan.
With inbound tourism on the rise in Japan, sightseeing tours for foreign tourists are also becoming more popular.
In Yoshiwara, there are also tours such as the “Yoshiwara Red Light District Tour”, so taking part in one of these tours is one way to get to know Yoshiwara more deeply.
In particular, for foreign tourists who are not familiar with Japan and are not confident in their Japanese, we recommend a guided sightseeing tour. You can enjoy Yoshiwara with peace of mind because they will guide you while giving you a thorough explanation.
Recommended FU-ZOKU shops for foreigners in Yoshiwara
We will introduce you to a shop where you can play with peace of mind even among the many Soap Land (Massage Parlor) in Yoshiwara.
If you use “YOASOBI HEAVEN”, you can also find a shop that suits your tastes, so please try using it.
The Thank You Group’s outcall escort services are characterized by their “extremely low prices”, and for this reason, CLUB39 also has the motto of “reasonable prices and top-class service”.
The women registered with the service range from their early 20s to their 30s, so it’s easy to find a woman to your liking.
There are also staff members who can speak English, so you can ask any questions you have with peace of mind.
“SOAPLANDE TOKYO” is a Soap Land (Massage Parlor) that is confident about the high level of the women it employs, even within the Yoshiwara area.
Not only are the women here good-looking, but many of them have big breasts, so it’s recommended for those who like big breasts.
As many of the girls on the register are in their early 20s, it could also be said to be aimed at foreign tourists visiting Japan who want to play with young Japanese women.
The fact that you can make inquiries using apps like LINE and WhatsApp Messenger is also a point that gives you peace of mind.
“Ailedore” is a FU-ZOKU shop known as a ‘high-class Soap Land (Massage Parlor)’ even within the Yoshiwara area.
You can enjoy a very luxurious and relaxing time here, thanks to the luxurious interior and the attentive service provided by the well-trained staff.
As you would expect from a high-class shop, the girls here are also of a high standard.
The criteria for passing the interview is very strict, and the girls are not only good-looking, but also very polite and have high-level playing techniques. All the girls are in their early 20s, so you can play with girls who have both youth and technique.
“BLUE TOKYO” is known as a top-class soap land (massage parlor) where you can enjoy playing with the most carefully selected women in Yoshiwara.
There are a huge number of young women with good looks, ranging from cute to sexy, so you can choose the type of woman you like and make a reservation.
The waiting room has comfortable sofas, and the play room itself is simple but very clean.
There are staff who can speak Chinese, so men from Chinese-speaking countries can also go there to play with peace of mind.
“TOKYO BUNNYS CLUB” is a Soap Land (Massage Parlor) where you can play with sexy girls dressed as bunny girls.
It’s rare to find a FU-ZOKU shop where you can enjoy time with girls dressed as bunny girls even in Yoshiwara, so the excitement level is sure to be high.
The girls who work here are young and all have big breasts that look great in bunny girl costumes.
It is also a soapland (massage parlor), but it is a shop where you can enjoy not only soapland (massage parlor) play, but also aroma esthetics.
You can enjoy a refreshing soapland (massage parlor) play and then be healed by the aroma esthetics.
“CASANOVA” is a Soap Land (Massage Parlor) that is known for its strict hiring standards for women, and as such attracts many high-level women.
It is more suited to men who prefer to be pampered by women rather than actively playing with them, and there are many women who are more of the sexy older sister type.
It is convenient that you can make a reservation online from the website, and it is easy to see how many women are available, so it is easy to make a reservation.
There are also staff who can speak English, so it is a shop that is easy for foreign tourists to use.
“KARAFURUBU” is a relatively new Soap Land (Massage Parlor) in Yoshiwara that opened in April 2024.
As it’s only just opened, the inside of the shop is very clean, so you can enjoy your Soap Land (Massage Parlor) play in a good mood.
The women are young and cute, and many of them look good in their uniform cosplay.
Also, because they have a system called “guaranteed close contact with all women”, if you are the type of man who wants to get close and cozy with the women, you will be able to spend a very satisfying time.
“COSPARA” is a FU-ZOKU shop that is unusual in that it only uses ‘amateur women’ in its Soap Land (Massage Parlor).
As it only uses women with little or no FU-ZOKU experience, you can expect to see some very innocent reactions.
On the other hand, the women have been well trained in customer service, so you can enjoy a high level of satisfaction from their hospitality.
They also have a particular focus on uniform cosplay, and the fact that they have a range of high-quality, well-made cosplay costumes will also increase your excitement level.
“Versailles” is a FU-ZOKU shop that is classified as a high-class Soap Land (Massage Parlor) in Yoshiwara.
For that reason alone, from the level of the women to the cleanliness and luxury of the play rooms, this is the perfect place to enjoy a Soap Land (Massage Parlor).
The majority of the women on the register are in their early 20s.
As there are many women on the register, if you check the website carefully, you’re sure to find a woman to your liking.
The male staff are also very attentive, so you can play with peace of mind.
“LUXE” is a large Soap Land (Massage Parlor) with 19 rooms, the largest number of rooms in the Yoshiwara area.
As a result, even during busy periods, you can play without having to wait. This is a great place for foreign tourists with packed schedules.
Although it is a high-class Soap Land (Massage Parlor), it also offers authentic aroma esthetic treatments in addition to Soap Land (Massage Parlor) play.
The women are also highly skilled, so you can spend a relaxing time.
“Martini” is a FU-ZOKU shop that is included in the high-class category of Soap Land (Massage Parlor).
As a result, the standard of the girls’ looks is high, and there are also many young women on the staff. As a Soap Land (Massage Parlor) with a long history of 20 years, it is also a merit that you can play here with peace of mind.
In addition, the women don’t just use simple soapland (massage parlor) techniques to make you feel good. Many of the women can also enjoy flirting and conversation, so you can enjoy the Japanese hospitality service.
Points to note when foreigners visit the Yoshiwara FU-ZOKU
In Yoshiwara, there are only Soap Land (Massage Parlor).
If you don’t know the precautions when playing at Soap Land (Massage Parlor), there is a possibility that foreign tourists visiting Japan will get involved
Understand the fee system
Before going to a Soap Land (Massage Parlor), you should understand the fee system. There are two types of fee system at Soap Land (Massage Parlor): “total fee display” and “bathing fee display”.
In particular, at places with a “bathing fee display”, you will need to pay a service charge in addition to the bathing fee, so be careful that the total may be higher than you expected.
To avoid any money problems, you should confirm the amount you will be paying to the staff when you make your reservation. In particular, when you order optional services, please be careful as some of them may incur additional charges.
If you are asked to wear a condom, just do it.
At some Soap Land (massage parlors), condom use may be mandatory. If you are asked to use a condom at such a place, please comply.
If you refuse to use a condom, the play may be interrupted, or you may be asked to leave by the staff.
Also, you should wear a condom even if you are worried about contracting a sexually transmitted disease. We recommend that you use a condom to protect both yourself and the woman.
Treat women with care.
Not just in soaplands (massage parlors), but in Japanese fu-zoku shops in general, it is an ironclad rule to treat women with care. Some foreign tourists to Japan think of women as “just a tool for sexual gratification” and treat them roughly.
This kind of behavior lowers the reputation of foreigners and could even lead to Japanese fu-zoku becoming “no foreigners allowed”.
If you treat women with respect and communicate with them politely, they will provide you with more intense services. In order to truly enjoy Japanese fu-zoku, it is essential to treat the women with respect.
Summary
Yoshiwara in Tokyo is a FU-ZOKU district with a long history in Japan. As a FU-ZOKU shop, it is a fairly unique area in Japan, with more than 100 Soap Land (massage parlors) gathered together.
Yoshiwara has a long history, and there are also various tourist attractions.
It is a place that can be enjoyed by foreign tourists who are interested in Japanese history and culture, so while you are sightseeing, please be sure to enjoy the FU-ZOKU experience.
We recommend searching for FU-ZOKU shops that can handle foreign customers at “YOASOBI HEAVEN”. Various FU-ZOKU shops are introduced by area, so please use this as a reference for your FU-ZOKU experience.
【Q&A】 Q1. What are the characteristics of Tokyo’s FU-ZOKU district, Yoshiwara?
A1. Yoshiwara was known as a red-light district during the Edo period, and it is still famous today as one of Japan’s leading FU-ZOKU districts. There are over 100 soaplands (massage parlors) in the area, so it is a good place to choose a place to go that suits your budget and to choose a woman to your liking.
Q2. What should I be careful of when playing at a Soap Land (Massage Parlor)?
A2. When playing at a Soap Land (Massage Parlor), foreign tourists should be careful to check the price, confirm that condoms are worn, and treat the women with respect. To avoid problems, it is also important to find and use a shop that caters to foreigners.
