Toda Soapland: Tall Girls

"Toda soapland, tall girls" — some people hear that and instantly get it, others don't. I figure both crowds are reading this. (Soapland — Japan's bathhouse-style full-service format.)

I'm 42 and still out in the field of this world, so I'll sum it up from a real, on-the-ground point of view.

Why This Topic Matters

Information about fuzoku (Japan's licensed adult-entertainment business) is surprisingly disorganized. Beginners especially end up not even knowing where to start looking.

ElonAfter surveying nightlife all over the world, my conclusion is this: the richest nightlife is the kind rooted in local culture. By that measure, Japan's fuzoku is world-class. That's not blind love — it's a verdict reached by comparison.

What It Actually Comes Down To

In a word: whether or not you know it changes the quality of the experience.

ElonI was 25 the first time I hit a soapland in Yoshiwara. Back then I hadn't gotten the pearls put in yet. These days, the reaction when I show up with them is half the fun. Those "wait, what is that?" conversations with a girl turn out to be surprisingly enjoyable.

What I've written here is the distilled essence of the knowledge I've built up over 20 years.

Finally

ElonI'm not trying to conquer every soapland in the country, but I've worked through the "landmark" spots region by region. My conclusion: service quality and cleanliness don't correlate. Some bargain joints deliver god-tier hospitality.

If you've got questions on this topic, hit me in the comments or on social. And while you're at it, check out First Class Ruby too.