✂️ How to Find a Good Barber in Japan

A Simple Guide to Finding the Right Barber for You

A Gentle Guide for First-Time Visitors

✨ Introduction (Key Point First)

Finding a good barber in Japan is not as difficult as it may seem.

However, if you look for a barbershop without understanding Japanese barber culture,
you may feel unsure about things like:

“Is this place easy to enter?”
“Will they speak English?”
“Can I explain what I want properly?”

In this guide, we’ll focus only on the most important points
to help first-time visitors find a barber in Japan with confidence.

🧭 What You’ll Learn in This Guide

The difference between barbershops and hair salons in Japan
How to recognize a good barbershop
Do you need a reservation, or is walk-in okay?
Why English ability is not as big a problem as you think
Easy ways to communicate your haircut request (with English phrases)

Barber vs Hair Salon in Japan: What’s the Difference?

This is the first thing to know.

✔ Barbershops (理容室)

Strong in fades, short hair, and line-ups
Facial shaving is available
Often quiet and calm

✔ Hair Salons

Better for medium to long hair
More options for coloring and perms
Often more conversation

👉 If you want a short, clean, or faded style, a barbershop is usually the best choice.

How to Recognize a Good Barber (Very Important)

For visitors, the biggest concern is avoiding a bad experience.
These points help a lot:

✔ Clear Style Photos

Instagram, Google Maps, or the shop’s website
You can quickly see the quality of their fades

✔ Cleanliness

Most Japanese barbershops are clean
Well-organized shops often reflect careful, precise work

✔ Clear Pricing

“Cut ¥〇〇”
“Shaving included / not included”
Clear prices = peace of mind.

✔ Kind Communication

Google reviews with words like “kind” or “friendly” are a very good sign.

Do You Need a Reservation? Is Walk-In OK?

✔ Reservations Are Common

Especially in cities
Booking ahead is the smoothest option

✔ Walk-Ins Are Sometimes Possible

But waiting time is unpredictable
You may be turned away if the shop is busy

✔ Helpful Tip

Check Google Maps to see busy hours before going.

Why English Is Not a Big Problem

One of the strengths of Japanese barbers is observation and technique, not language.

Also:

Photos communicate better than words
Many barbers use simple Yes / No questions
More shops are becoming used to international guests

What matters most is not perfect English, but
showing what you want to become.

How to Order Your Haircut Clearly (Helpful English Phrases)

This is the most valuable part of this article.

It also helps to say when you last got a haircut:

“One month since last cut.”
“Last cut, two weeks ago.”

✔ Length

“Shorter here, please.”

✔ Natural or Strong Contrast

“More natural.”
“More contrast, please.”

✔ Fade Height

“Low fade.”
“Mid fade.”
“High fade.”

✔ Top Length

“Keep the length on top.”
“A little shorter on top.”

✔ The Strongest Method

“Like this photo.” (show a picture)

Photos are a universal language and remove most misunderstandings instantly.

⚠️ Important Note
Japan uses centimeters and millimeters.
Inches are rarely understood.

Common Worries and Simple Answers

“I can’t speak much. Is that okay?”
→ Yes. You don’t need to talk a lot.

“Is English absolutely necessary?”
→ No. Photos and gestures are enough.

“Is shaving always included?”
→ It depends on the shop.
You can say: “No shave, please.”
It is not rude.

“Do I need to tip?”
→ No. Tipping is not required in Japan.

✨ Final Thoughts

The key to finding a good barber in Japan is not English ability.

What really matters:

Show what you want with photos
Choose a calm, clean shop
Make a reservation if possible
Use simple, clear English if needed

With these points, even your first barbershop visit in Japan can be relaxed and enjoyable.

Let’s BARBER!! 💈
👉 Next article: Eyebrow Guide or Japanese Shaving Guide