Opening a barbershop in Japan is a realistic way to run your own business, but you need a clear picture of upfront and ongoing costs. Rents and costs vary by city—Tokyo is generally more expensive than Osaka, Kyoto or Fukuoka—and by the size and fit-out of your shop. Everything in this guide is in Japanese yen (JPY / ¥). For licensing and legal steps, see our full walkthrough: How to start a barbershop.
How much does it cost to open a barbershop in Japan: quick answer
Small barbershop (1–2 chairs): ¥3,500,000 – ¥10,500,000. Medium (3–4 chairs): ¥10,500,000 – ¥24,000,000. Premium (Tokyo): ¥35,000,000+. These figures include equipment, rent (deposit plus first months), fit-out, licences and working capital.
Rent and premises: what to expect in Japan
Rent is one of the biggest fixed costs. Prime Tokyo and Osaka locations cost more; suburban and regional cities are cheaper. Below are indicative monthly rents so you can plan your barbershop budget by area.
- Tokyo (Shibuya, Shinjuku, Ginza, Omotesando): ¥180,000 – ¥700,000+ per month.
- Tokyo (suburbs, residential): ¥90,000 – ¥280,000 per month.
- Osaka (Namba, Umeda, Shinsaibashi): ¥120,000 – ¥450,000 per month.
- Kyoto, Fukuoka, Nagoya (city centre): ¥80,000 – ¥320,000 per month.
- Other cities and towns: ¥50,000 – ¥180,000 per month.
Landlords often ask for a deposit (e.g. 1–2 months’ rent) and key money (reikin). Factor in at least 2–4 months’ rent equivalent for deposit and first payments when working out your startup costs.
Equipment and licences
For a 1–2 chair setup, expect to spend roughly ¥1,200,000 – ¥3,800,000 on chairs, mirrors, clippers, scissors, wash basins and basic furniture. Licences and registrations (barber licence, tax registration, local compliance) can add ¥200,000 – ¥800,000 depending on your structure. More detail: how to start a barbershop.
Management software
Barbería Club helps you manage appointments and clients from day one. You can try Barbería Club for free.
Cost breakdown by shop size (JPY)
| Item | Small | Medium | Premium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Equipment | ¥1,200,000 – ¥3,800,000 | ¥3,400,000 – ¥8,800,000 | ¥8,800,000 – ¥17,500,000 |
| Rent (deposit + 2 months) | ¥540,000 – ¥2,100,000 | ¥1,080,000 – ¥3,400,000 | ¥1,800,000 – ¥6,300,000 |
| Fit-out, licences, marketing | ¥480,000 – ¥1,500,000 | ¥960,000 – ¥2,800,000 | ¥1,600,000 – ¥4,900,000 |
| Working capital | ¥540,000 – ¥1,650,000 | ¥1,080,000 – ¥3,300,000 | ¥2,160,000 – ¥4,950,000 |
| Total (JPY) | ¥3,500,000 – ¥10,500,000 | ¥10,500,000 – ¥24,000,000 | ¥24,000,000 – ¥35,000,000+ |
Profitability and ways to save
Typical gross margin for a well-run barbershop in Japan is 55–70%. Break-even often occurs within 6–12 months if location and pricing are right. To keep costs down: consider second-hand or refurbished equipment, negotiate rent or incentives with the landlord, use low-cost marketing (Google Business Profile, Instagram, LINE) and run the shop with efficient booking software.
Local SEO and visibility in Japan
Claim and optimise your Google Business Profile (name, address, phone, opening hours, photos and services). Use keywords like “理容室 [エリア]” or “バーバー [都市]” on your site and listings. Encourage Google and local directory reviews—they are a major local ranking factor in Japan.
Frequently asked questions
How much money do I need?
A small barbershop usually needs ¥3,500,000–¥10,500,000; a medium one ¥10,500,000–¥24,000,000. A premium shop in Tokyo can exceed ¥35,000,000.
Is it profitable?
Yes. With a good location and operations, many barbershops hit break-even within 6–12 months.
What licences do I need?
You need to obtain or employ someone with a barber licence (tokushu gyoumu), register your business, and comply with tax and local regulations. Full steps: how to start a barbershop.
How much does the owner make?
An owner who also cuts might earn ¥350,000–¥950,000 per month in a small shop. With 3–4 barbers, owner income often reaches ¥700,000–¥1,400,000 or more per month.
Opening a barbershop in Japan step by step
For licensing, qualifications and legal requirements, see our full guide: How to start a barbershop.