What Is Dohan in Japan? Hostess Club Etiquette Explained
By KTV Nightlife Japan Editorial Team · May 28, 2026 · Last updated: June 1, 2026
Dohan is a Japanese hostess club custom where customers meet a hostess for dinner before visiting the club. Learn the meaning, costs, etiquette and what foreign visitors should confirm first.
What does dohan mean?
Dohan refers to meeting a cast member before club hours, usually for dinner, and then entering the club together. It is a common part of Japanese hostess club and kyabakura culture.
How dohan works
A guest arranges dinner with a cast member before her shift. After dinner, both go to the venue together. The club may count this as a valuable visit for the cast member and may charge related fees depending on the venue.
Etiquette during dohan
Be punctual, choose an appropriate restaurant, pay politely and avoid pressuring the cast member. Dohan is about hospitality and relationship-building, not a private date in the casual sense.
What foreign guests should know
If you are unfamiliar with the system, ask the venue or concierge to explain fees and expectations before arranging dohan.
Quick answer
What Is Dohan in Japan?
Dohan is a Japanese hostess club custom where a guest meets a hostess before work and goes to the venue together. It can affect fees, reservations and expectations, so visitors should confirm details before booking.
Next steps
Related searches
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FAQ
Is dohan required?
No, it depends on the venue, hostess and booking context.
Does dohan cost extra?
It may involve meal costs, nomination fees or other charges, so confirm before agreeing.
Should foreigners do dohan?
First-time visitors should usually start with a normal booking unless the store clearly explains the rules.
Ready to choose a store?
Compare venues or ask for booking support based on area, budget and language needs.