QB HOUSE Japan Guide for Tourists: How the 10-Minute Haircut Works, Price & Ticket Machine Tips

Quick Facts

What it is

QB HOUSE, operated by QB Net Holdings Co., Ltd., is Japan's signature express haircut-only salon chain, operating more than 550 stores nationwide (over 600 locations listed on its store locator as of October 2026) inside major train stations and shopping malls, alongside branches in Singapore, Vietnam, Malaysia, Hong Kong, Taiwan, the US, and Canada. Built around the concept of "10-Minute Grooming" (10-pun no midashinami), it strips away shampooing, blow-drying, and shaving to focus exclusively on fast, hygienic haircuts for men, women, and children. Instead of washing your hair afterwards, stylists use a specialized overhead vacuum system called an Air Washer to remove loose trimmings. With no reservations or membership needed and a flat rate of around ¥1,400 (as of October 25, 2026), it is an easy stop for travelers who need a trim on the road.

How to order

Getting a haircut at QB HOUSE requires zero advance booking and follows a step-by-step walk-in flow:

1. Check the storefront signal light (or website) for wait times: Before walking in, look at the three-color lamp outside the shop (or check live waiting counts on the Official Store Search):
   • Blue / Green: Immediate seating (almost no wait)
   • Yellow: Approximately 5–10 minutes wait
   • Red: 15 minutes or more wait
2. Buy a ticket at the vending machine: Step inside and purchase your haircut ticket (around ¥1,400 tax-included as of October 25, 2026) at the ticket machine (`券売機`). Note that ¥1 and ¥5 coins cannot be used in the machine, and cashless payment (transit IC cards / e-money) varies by location.
3. Wait in the numbered waiting chairs: Sit in the waiting row and slide down one seat at a time as customers ahead of you are called (at select stores with digital queue monitors, a numbered ticket lets you wait outside the shop).
4. Hand your ticket to the stylist and show a photo: When called to a styling booth, hand over your ticket. You do not need fluent Japanese—the Official Usage Guide explicitly recommends showing a photo on your smartphone of how you want your hair cut (or asking to trim just the length that has grown out, e.g., "about 1 cm").
5. Check the finish and get vacuumed with the Air Washer: After the cut, the stylist holds up a mirror so you can request any touch-ups. Instead of a shampoo rinse, they use the overhead Air Washer hose to vacuum loose hairs off your head and neck, and you are ready to go.

What to order first

As stated on the QB HOUSE Official Website, QB HOUSE has only one menu item:

• Standard Haircut (`ヘアカットのみ`): Priced at around ¥1,400 tax-included (revised February 1, 2025; verified as of September 12, 2026 and October 25, 2026 on the Official Usage Guide and QB Lab Page). Available for men, women, and children, with no extra charge even if your haircut takes longer than the 10-minute target time.
• How to Specify Your Style (4 Official Ordering Approaches on the Usage Guide):
  1. Show a smartphone photo: Show a picture from the web, a magazine, or a past photo of yourself when your hair was at your preferred length.
  2. Describe the general length and vibe: E.g., a shoulder-length bob or short tapered back and sides with a longer top.
  3. Point out specific areas to watch: E.g., thinning out heavy sections or leaving sideburns longer.
  4. Ask for a maintenance trim: Ask to trim off just what grew over the past month (such as 1–2 cm) to keep your current shape.

Payment & practical info

Because ticket vending machines vary by store location, check the Official Store Search (where you can filter by `キャッシュレス決済あり` / Cashless Payment Available) before visiting:

• Accepted Payment Methods: Varies by location. All stores use a ticket vending machine (`券売機`) that accepts cash—note that ¥1 and ¥5 coins are never accepted (Official Usage Guide FAQ). Keep ¥1,000 bills and ¥10/¥50/¥100/¥500 coins handy. Select locations also accept transit IC cards and electronic money.
• No Shampoo, Blow-Dry, or Shaving: QB HOUSE is strictly a dry-cut specialty salon; shampooing, blow-drying, hair coloring, and beard shaving are not offered.
• Wi-Fi & Power Outlets: Not provided (stays are brief 10-minute haircut sessions).
• Tax-Free Status: Not eligible for tax-free shopping (barber and beauty services are consumed in Japan).

Good to know / Common mistakes

• Trying to pay with ¥1 or ¥5 coins (or assuming every store takes credit cards): Ticket machines do not accept ¥1 or ¥5 coins, and cashless payment (transit IC / e-money) is only installed at select locations. Always check the `キャッシュレス決済あり` filter on the Store Search or bring ¥1,000 yen notes.
• Arriving with heavy hair wax, gel, or wet hair: Because QB HOUSE does not shampoo or wash your hair before cutting, arrive with clean, dry hair free of heavy styling products so the stylist can cut evenly.
• Worrying you'll be charged extra if the cut takes 15 minutes: The 10-minute timeframe is only a service guideline—per the Official FAQ, there is never an overtime fee if your haircut takes longer than 10 minutes.
• Trying to book an appointment or request a specific stylist: QB HOUSE does not take reservations and does not allow nominating a specific stylist (`スタッフの指名はできません`); all customers are served in queue order.

Sources

• QB HOUSE Official Website: https://www.qbhouse.co.jp/ (Row data verified: 2026-09-12; Official site re-verified: 2026-10-25)
• QB HOUSE Official Usage Guide & FAQ: https://www.qbhouse.co.jp/guidance/ (Verified: 2026-09-12 / 2026-10-25)
• QB HOUSE Official Store Search: https://www.qbhouse.co.jp/search/ (Verified: 2026-09-12 / 2026-10-25)
• QB HOUSE Official "5 Good Points" Page (`QB Lab`): https://www.qbhouse.co.jp/qblab/occasion/ (Verified: 2026-10-25)