Tokyo Club Drink Tickets: what 1D and 2D mean

The short version

• A drink ticket is the voucher you get on entry that you swap for one drink at the bar. At most clubs it’s included in the cover charge.
• “1D” and “2D” are short for “1 Drink” and “2 Drinks” — meaning the cover comes with one (or two) drinks.
• Using it is easy. Hand the ticket over at the bar counter and swap it for a drink. It’s as good as cash, so don’t lose it.
• Once you’ve used them up, you buy extra drinks in cash by default. Cards depend on the venue.
• No tipping. Japanese clubs have no tipping custom.

“What’s this voucher they gave me at the door?” The thing that throws first-timers at a Tokyo club is the drink ticket. The mechanic is simple: it’s a voucher you swap for one drink at the bar. It’s often bundled into the cover charge from the start, and knowing about it makes your moves smoother once you’re inside. This guide covers what “1D” and “2D” mean, how to use them at the bar, buying more, and the tipping rule, all for first-timers.

What a drink ticket is

A drink ticket is a voucher you get on entry that you swap for one drink at the bar. At most clubs, this ticket is included in the cover charge. In other words, “paying the cover” often means “your first drink or two comes with it.”

It’s usually a small paper voucher, but it may be handed over together with a wristband or a stamp. It’s as good as cash, so stash it deep in a pocket and don’t lose it.

What "1D" and "2D" mean

The “1D” and “2D” you see all over event flyers and price lists are short for “1 Drink” and “2 Drinks.” They tell you how many drinks come with the cover charge.

The going rate for the cover itself, plus how ladies’-free and early-bird deals work, are covered in The Tokyo club cover charge explained.

Using it at the bar

Using it is very easy.

1. Go to the bar counter. Say what you want to drink. Staples are beer, a highball, or a vodka mixer.
2. Hand over the ticket. Give one drink ticket and they'll swap it for an eligible drink.
3. Take it. That's your first drink done. No tipping, so head straight back to the floor.

One small tip: some venues fix which drinks the ticket covers (usually the standard ones). Premium spirits may need you to pay the difference, so asking “can I get this with the ticket?” before you hand it over keeps things smooth.

Once you've used them up

Once you’ve used up your drink tickets, you buy more in cash by default. Figure ¥700–1,200 a drink. Whether card or cashless works depends on the venue, so having cash ready puts you at ease. For the payment details, see Can you pay by card or cashless? and the paying guide.

FAQ

Do I tip at the bar?

No. Japanese clubs have no tipping custom. Hand over the drink ticket, or pay the stated amount in cash — that’s it.

What if I lose my ticket?

They generally aren’t reissued. Since it’s as good as cash, stash it somewhere safe the moment you get it. Not taking it out until right before you use it is the safe move.

What do I need to get in?

At the door you’ll need a government photo ID (passport, driver’s license, etc.), and entry is 20 and over. For visitors from abroad, a passport is the safe bet.

Learn the system and nail your first drink

On drink tickets, remember “a voucher that comes with entry — use it up first” and you’ll be fine. After that, it’s just enjoying the night light. Partner clubs get you in for less than usual with a guest pass, often with a drink included. To find where to go, see The Best Nightclubs in Tokyo: the ranked guide; if it’s your first time, the first-timer’s guide to Tokyo clubs is worth a look too.