155VIEW

What does "sugar dating" entail? An experienced person explains the types of dates, typical compensation, and safe ways to get started.

What does "sugar dating" entail? An experienced person explains the types of dates, typical compensation, and safe ways to get started.

"I'm interested in sugar dating, but what exactly do you do?"
"Can't you make money without having sex?"

Many people probably have that question.

According to PATOLO's member data, operated by UNIVERSE GROUP,Many female members start their sugar daddy relationships with just meals and dates.doing

Source:PATOLO official website.

In other words, "sugar dating" doesn't necessarily mean a physical relationship; the majority of women engage in it only for meals and dates.

This article will explain in an easy-to-understand way for beginners what you actually do in "sugar dating," the going rates for different types of dates, and specific ways to get started safely.

Image of a writer Airi

Hi everyone! I'm Airi, 28 years old, and I've been involved in "sugar dating" for 5 years. Based on my experience of receiving over 400 million yen in allowances in total, I'll share the realities of sugar dating. At first, I was anxious, wondering "What exactly will I be doing...?", but by starting with the right knowledge, I've been able to continue my activities safely.

\If you want to start sugar dating with peace of mind/

PATOLO's official website is here.

This media outlet is operated by UNIVERSE GROUP and provides information to help women considering or engaging in "sugar dating" make safe and satisfying choices. The content is based on actual user reviews and our own research, and we prioritize an unbiased perspective that includes not only the benefits but also the risks and points to be aware of.
>>Editorial and Management Policy

What is "Papa Katsu"? A quick explanation of its meaning, origin, and how it differs from compensated dating.

A realistic, photographic illustration of a Japanese woman in her late twenties smiling with a cup of coffee across a table in a stylish cafe.

Let's clarify the basic meaning of "sugar dating" and the differences between it and compensated dating, which is often confused with it.

Simply keeping this in mind can significantly reduce unnecessary anxiety.

The definition of "sugar dating" and the origin of the term "sugar dating"

"Sugar dating" is an activity in which a woman enjoys meals and dates with a financially well-off man (a "sugar daddy") and receives an allowance (financial support) in return.You read it right!

The term "sugar dating" is said to have been coined by a marketing representative at UNIVERSE GROUP, a major dating club.

Source:Diamond Online

This neologism was created to dispel the negative image of dating clubs and increase awareness of them, and it began to be used around 2015.

Since 2017, the emergence of matching apps specifically for "sugar daddy" relationships has led to a rapid increase in their popularity.

What I want you to know here is,There is no law that directly prohibits "sugar dating" (papakatsu).It is that.

There is nothing legally wrong with two adults over 18 going out for meals or dates and receiving money in return.

Three key differences from compensated dating

While "sugar dating" and compensated dating may seem similar, they are fundamentally different.

Comparison itemDaddyAid communication
Physical relationshipIt's not mandatory (many only include meals).Basically, it's a prerequisite.
Continuity of the relationshipI meet with a specific man regularly.Often it's a one-time thing.
The man's purposeHealing, conversation, and simulated romancePrimarily for sexual purposes

In sugar dating, the value lies in the "sharing of time" itself, through meals and dates.That is the biggest difference.

In many cases, men also value not only sexual relationships but also conversation and the time they spend together.

Why do men pay? The real psychology of men involved in "sugar daddy" relationships.

Some people might wonder, "Why do I have to pay just to eat a meal?"

Many men who engage in "sugar dating" are people with high social status, such as business owners or doctors.

These men are busy with work, so their opportunities to meet people on a daily basis are limited.

Furthermore, many of them have been divorced or their relationship with their wife has become a mere formality.

What they are looking for is,"Fresh conversations with young women," "healing," and "someone who relies on me.".

"I want to spend quality time with a woman I get along with, even if it means paying for it." This is the real psychology of men who engage in "sugar dating."

Image of a writer Airi

At first, I couldn't believe that you could get paid just for having a meal, but once I actually started doing it, I was surprised to find that there are far more men than I imagined who genuinely just want to enjoy a conversation.

What exactly does "sugar dating" entail? 7 date ideas.

The silhouettes of a man and a woman enjoying a meal across from each other, with food laid out on a table in a high-end restaurant.

Here are seven typical patterns of what actually happens during "sugar dating."

Use this as a reference to find a style that suits you.

1. Meeting (for tea or coffee)

Meeting in person is the first step in sugar dating.

We'll spend about 30 minutes to an hour having tea at a cafe or hotel lounge to check each other's conditions and feelings.

During the initial meeting, we'll discuss things like the content of the date, how often we'll meet, and the amount of compensation.

In a sense, it's an opportunity to check how well you two are compatible.

The going rate for an initial meeting allowance is around 5,000 to 10,000 yen.

However, some men may not offer compensation for the initial meeting, so be sure to confirm this via message beforehand.

2: Dinner date (lunch/dinner)

Dinner dates are the most common type of date in sugar dating.

For lunch, 1-2 hours is a good guideline, and for dinner, 2-3 hours.

Since many men involved in "sugar dating" (papakatsu) have high incomes, it's not uncommon for them to take you to high-end restaurants or hotel dining rooms that you wouldn't normally be able to afford.

The going rate for compensation is around 10,000 to 30,000 yen.

Prices tend to be higher for dinner than for lunch.

Table manners and demeanor are surprisingly often observed during a dinner date.

To avoid feeling embarrassed in a high-end establishment, make sure you know the basic manners.

3: Shopping and going out dates

On a shopping date, I enjoy shopping with my boyfriend.

While men may sometimes buy gifts, if a gift is given, the allowance may be smaller, so it's important to check the conditions beforehand.

The going rate for compensation is around 10,000 to 30,000 yen, and outings such as karaoke or drives are paid at a similar rate.

However,When meeting someone for the first time or when you haven't yet established a trusting relationship, avoid enclosed spaces (such as karaoke rooms or cars).It is safer to do so.

4: Travel/Overnight Date

Travel dates are one of the types of dates in sugar dating where you can expect to receive a high allowance.

For a day trip, the going rate is around 30,000 yen, and for an overnight stay, it's probably between 50,000 and 100,000 yen.

However, since you will be spending a long time together,The golden rule is to do it only after you have built a sufficient relationship of trust..

Avoid traveling with men you've just met or only met once.

When traveling, be sure to confirm in advance whether you will be sharing a room or staying in separate rooms, and whether or not there is an adult relationship between you and the other person.

5. Online dating (messaging and calling)

This style of relationship involves maintaining contact solely through messaging, phone calls, and video calls, without ever meeting in person.

This would be suitable for people who live in rural areas and can't meet often, or for those who want to get to know the other person thoroughly before meeting in person.

While the compensation for online-only work is small (around a few thousand to tens of thousands of yen per month), the advantage is that there is no travel time or risk.

6: A date that involves an adult relationship

In sugar dating, there are cases where physical relationships occur with mutual consent.

The going rate for compensation is around 20,000 to 50,000 yen, which is several times the amount you'd get for a dinner date.

However,Physical relationships should ultimately be decided based on one's own will..

There's no need to overextend yourself just because the market price is high.

Having sexual relations with multiple men carries the risk of being considered prostitution.

Image of a writer Airi

To avoid legal risks, it's important to limit your relationships to a specific, trustworthy man.

If you're having trouble choosing a sugar daddy app,Recommended Sugar Daddy Apps RankingPlease also check out "[this]".

7: Fixed-term contract (monthly)

A regular contract involves agreeing to meet a specific man a few times a month and receiving a lump sum payment each month.

The going rate is around 50,000 to 300,000 yen per month, but this can vary greatly depending on the type of date and how often you meet.

The advantages of a regular contract are,Having a stable income.

It makes it easier to plan for each month, and gives you peace of mind.

On the other hand, becoming too dependent on one father can have the disadvantage of causing significant financial damage when the relationship ends.

Ideally, it's best to enjoy meals and dates with two or three dads at a comfortable pace, or to ensure you have a stable income from your main job.

List of typical sugar daddy/sugar baby allowance rates by date type.

This table summarizes the typical compensation rates for different types of dates. Please use it as a guide to see "how much you can earn from different types of dates."

Compensation rates for different types of dates [2026 Edition]

Date contentAllowance ratesEstimated travel time
Meeting (for tea/cafe)5,000yen〜10,000yen30 minutes to 1 hours
Lunch date10,000yen〜20,000yen1 to 2 hours
Dinner date20,000yen〜30,000yen2 to 3 hours
Shopping and going out10,000yen〜30,000yen2 to 4 hours
Travel (day trip)Around 30,000 yenHalf a day to one day
Travel (1 night)50,000yen〜100,000yen1 night 2 days
Online onlySeveral thousand to tens of thousands of yen per month
Adult relationship20,000yen〜50,000yen2 to 3 hours
Regular contract (monthly)50,000 yen to 300,000 yen/month2-4 times a month

*The above is a general guideline. It can vary greatly depending on age, area, the man's financial status, and the woman's attractiveness.

Three factors that influence the amount of your allowance

The amount of your allowance will vary greatly depending on the following three factors.

  • age
  • Activity Area
  • Men's economic power

Regarding age, women in their early twenties are in the highest demand and command the highest prices.

However, there are many people in their 30s who are successful by using their "calm, mature charm" as their strength.

The influence of the area of ​​activity cannot be overlooked. Market rates tend to be higher in urban areas such as Tokyo, Osaka, Nagoya, and Fukuoka than in rural areas.

And a man's financial status is the most directly related factor in terms of allowances.

Choosing an app like PATOLO, where male members have high annual incomes, naturally tends to increase the level of compensation you receive.

Image of a writer Airi

At PATOLO, 6% of male members have an annual income of 2,000 million yen or more, and there is a system in place that allows users to check an estimated allowance in advance on their profile.

Can you make money through "sugar dating" that only involves meals? A realistic income simulation.

A flatlay photograph-style illustration depicting a monthly income plan, with a calculator and notebook on top, along with a planner and smartphone.

The question, "Can you really make money without a physical relationship?" is the most pressing concern for those new to sugar dating.

In conclusion,You can easily aim for a monthly income of around 5 to 8 yen just from food expenses..

Monthly income model based on meals only, once a week.

Let's do a realistic simulation of what would happen if you only went on dinner dates.

Let's assume a payment of 15,000 yen per dinner date, and meeting once a week for a total of four times a month.

In this case, 15,000 yen x 4 installmentsMonthly income 60,000 yen.

If I can find another sugar daddy and meet him twice a month, I'll have an extra 15,000 yen x 2 = 30,000 yen.Total monthly income: 90,000 yen will be important.

Wouldn't it be appealing to be able to earn a side income of 6 to 9 yen per month at a pace that you can easily manage in between your main job?

The advantages and disadvantages of sugar dating that only involves meals.

There are clear advantages and disadvantages to sugar dating that only involves meals.

The advantages include less mental stress due to the absence of physical relationships, virtually no legal risks, and the ability to earn money efficiently in a short amount of time.

On the other hand, the disadvantages include the lower per-meal rate compared to those involving adults, the need for strong conversational skills to maintain a long-term relationship based solely on meals, and the high competition for "meal-only sugar daddies."

Three tips for earning a living solely through food.

To make a sugar daddy relationship that only involves meals last, try keeping these three points in mind.

  • Improve your conversational skills
  • We value repeat customers.
  • Working with multiple dads simultaneously

First, regarding conversational skills, what makes a man want to meet someone again is not the meal itself, but rather the enjoyable conversation they had.

Having a broad range of topics to discuss, from current events to hobbies, will help you have engaging conversations with any man.

It's also essential to cherish repeat customers. Finding a new dad every time is a lot of work.

If you find a compatible dad, communicate carefully to ensure you can meet regularly.

Furthermore, working with multiple sugar daddies simultaneously provides a stable income.

If you become dependent on one sugar daddy, your income could drop to zero the moment that relationship ends.

Meeting with 2-3 sugar daddies at a comfortable pace is the secret to earning money in the long run.

Image of a writer Airi

I also started with "sugar dating" that only involved meals, and for the first six months, I was making around 5 to 8 yen a month. I think the reason I was able to continue for so long was because I didn't rush and continued at my own pace.

An honest explanation of the pros and cons of "sugar dating"

天秤のイラスト

There are both advantages and risks to "sugar dating." It's important to understand both before you start.

5 Benefits of Sugar Dating

The five main advantages of "sugar dating" are as follows:

  • You can earn extra income
  • You can interact with men from a demographic you wouldn't normally meet.
  • High-end shops and experiences
  • You can work at your own pace.
  • Communication skills are honed.

The ability to work at your own pace is a major advantage that sets it apart from shift-based jobs and part-time work.

Since you can only work on it during your free time, it will be easier to balance it with your main job or studies.

Five disadvantages and risks of sugar dating

On the other hand, there are also disadvantages and risks that you should be aware of.

  • there is a risk of being exposed
  • I sometimes feel mentally burdened.
  • You may encounter a dangerous man.
  • Overall, the going rate for allowances is on a downward trend.
  • It's difficult to talk to people around you about it.

The things you should pay particular attention to are:Safety risks.

Since sugar dating is primarily based on interactions between individuals, it's impossible to completely eliminate the possibility of encountering malicious men.

That's why it's important to choose an app with a robust identity verification system.

If you want to know more about what to wear and conversation tips for meeting someone, please see "A Complete Guide to Meeting Your Sugar BabyThis is also helpful.

How to Start Sugar Dating | 4 Steps from Registration to First Date

A woman's hand holding a smartphone

This guide explains the specific steps to starting a sugar daddy relationship in four steps.

Step 1: Register on a safe sugar daddy app.

If you're thinking of starting sugar dating, the first step is to register with a safe sugar dating app.

I don't recommend looking for a sugar daddy on social media or free online bulletin boards, as it carries a high risk of encountering men whose identities are unknown.

There are three key points to consider when choosing a sugar daddy app.

  • Identity verification (submission of identification documents) is required.
  • There is a 24-hour monitoring system.
  • Features to prevent identity disclosure are comprehensive.

PATOLO is a sugar daddy app that fulfills all of these requirements.

For men, the process involves a rigorous screening process including an interview, and they also receive extensive support from affiliated stores (agents).

Furthermore, since transportation costs for the initial meeting are fully covered, you don't have to worry about situations where you meet someone but don't receive payment.

\Fully covered for travel expenses to the initial meeting/

PATOLO's official website is here.

Step 2: Create a detailed profile.

Once you've registered for the app, the next step is to complete your profile.

Profile pictureA clean and natural atmosphereis preferred.

I recommend taking photos in bright locations, wearing white or pastel-colored clothing.

If you overdo the editing, people will be disappointed because it doesn't look like the real thing, so it's best to do it in moderation.

Including specific details about your hobbies, interests, and the type of relationship you're hoping for in your self-introduction will increase the number of approaches from compatible men.

Step 3: Set conditions and send a message

Once a match is made, you'll exchange messages to confirm each other's conditions.

Specifically, deciding on four things in advance—the meeting place, the date activities, the amount of compensation, and the estimated time—can help prevent problems.

When stating your conditions, it's best to be specific and polite, such as, "For our first meeting, I'd like to have tea at a cafe near XX Station for about an hour. I'd appreciate it if you could give me 0.5 for transportation expenses."

In "sugar dating," unique expressions are used where "1" means 10,000 yen and "0.5" means 5,000 yen. If the other person asks, "Do you have any conditions?", it's okay to be honest and state your expectations.

Step 4: Go to the meeting

Once the conditions are finalized, it's time for the face-to-face meeting.

Choose a bright, public place such as a cafe or hotel lounge.

Image of a writer Airi

The key points for the first meeting are to dress neatly, to smile, and to listen attentively and show interest in what the other person has to say.

If you can make a good first impression and make them think, "I want to see them again," it will lead to a second date.

It's common to receive payment at the end of the initial meeting.

If the topic of compensation doesn't come up, it's perfectly fine to gently inquire about it as you're leaving.

5 Important Points to Keep in Mind for Safely Enjoying "Sugar Dating"

An illustration featuring a shield icon and a checklist.

Safety precautions are essential for enjoying sugar dating. Please be sure to follow these five points.

We will thoroughly manage personal information.

Never reveal your real name, address, workplace, or school name.That's the golden rule.

It's a good idea to decide on a name (nickname) for using "sugar daddy" services and create a dedicated account for contacting people on LINE or other messaging apps for peace of mind.

Avoid sharing your social media accounts. There's a risk that your personal information could be identified through photos and posts.

The first meeting must be in a public place.

For initial meetings or first dates,Always do it in a public place such as a cafe or restaurant.Please select.

Firmly refuse any offers of transportation by car or invitations to private or enclosed spaces.

No matter how kind a man seems, it's important to be cautious when meeting him for the first time.

The conditions must be decided in advance.

The three things to consider are the amount of compensation, the content of the date, and the end time.Always confirm via message before meeting.Let's do.

Be wary of men who say, "Let's decide after we meet."

Meeting without clearly defining the terms and conditions can lead to problems such as "I didn't receive my payment" or "The details were different from what I was told."

Choose an app that helps prevent your identity from being revealed.

One of the biggest anxieties about "sugar dating" is "being found out by someone you know."

Choosing an app with robust private mode and blocking features can significantly reduce the risk of your identity being revealed.

PATOLO offers private mode, a block/reporting function, and chat monitoring, in addition to signing confidentiality agreements with male members.doing.

With top-class security measures in place, it's also recommended for those worried about their identity being revealed.

If you want to know more about how to start a safe sugar daddy relationship,Guide to preventing your identity from being revealed during sugar datingPlease also read this.

Having the courage to say no | How to politely decline a physical relationship

In sugar dating, you may encounter situations where the man asks for a physical relationship.

What's important at that time is,Clearly express your intentionsIt is that.

Here are some specific phrases for declining.

  • "Today, I'd like to just have a meal. I'm not thinking about that kind of relationship..."
  • "I really enjoy having meals with [Name], but I find it difficult to go any further than that. I would appreciate your understanding."
  • "I'm not interested in adult relationships. But I'd love to go out for a meal or a date."

The key is to convey the nuance that "I like you, but I can't accept a physical relationship."

By setting your own boundaries without rejecting the other person, you can decline without damaging the relationship.

Image of a writer Airi

I've encountered situations like this several times, and there were many daddies with whom I continued the relationship even after I clearly refused. In fact, women who can firmly say no tend to gain men's trust more easily.

Frequently Asked Questions about "Sugar Daddy" Relationships (FAQ)

Here's a compilation of frequently asked questions about "sugar dating" (or "papa katsu").

Is "sugar dating" illegal?

It is not illegal for adults to have meals or go on dates and receive payment in return.

There is no law that directly prohibits "sugar dating" (papakatsu).

However, if the person involved is under 18 years old, or if they have sexual relations with multiple partners, there is a risk of violating the law.

Having the right knowledge is essential for safe activities.

Is a physical relationship a requirement in sugar dating?

A physical relationship is not required.

Many women only engage in activities like going out for meals or dates.

What to do and to what extent can be freely decided through discussion with the man.

The most important thing is to act within the limits that you feel comfortable with.

Can I get paid just for meeting them?

Yes, you can have it.

The going rate for an initial meeting is around 5,000 to 10,000 yen.

However, some men may not offer compensation for the initial meeting, so it's recommended to confirm the terms and conditions via message beforehand.

With PATOLO, travel expenses for initial meetings are fully covered, so even beginners can get started with peace of mind.

What should I do if I encounter trouble while doing "sugar dating"?

First, use the app's reporting and blocking function to cut off all contact with the other person.

If you feel your life is in danger, do not hesitate to call the police (110).

PATOLO has a 24-hour chat monitoring system in place, and a support system is in place where you can consult with a merchant's agent in case of trouble.

What are some recommended sugar daddy apps for beginners?

For beginners, PATOLO is recommended due to its comprehensive safety features.

Men are subject to a rigorous screening process that includes an interview, and can check the compensation amount and relationship type in advance on the profile.

Furthermore, since travel expenses for the initial meeting are fully guaranteed, there is no risk of "meeting but receiving nothing."

Since you can also receive support for taking profile photos, it's easy to get started even if you're not confident in creating your profile.

Summary | You can decide what you do in sugar dating.

This article has explained what to do specifically in sugar dating, the going rates for different types of dates, and how to get started safely.

To summarize the key points, there are seven types of dates involved in "sugar dating": meeting in person, meals, shopping, travel, online meetings, intimate encounters, and regular contracts.

Since you can freely decide what to do through discussion with your partner, it's important to choose a style that suits your own values ​​and lifestyle.

Even just going on dinner dates can easily generate a side income of around 5 to 8 yen per month, and choosing a trustworthy app is paramount for safe activity.

If you're even slightly interested in sugar dating, why not start by registering with a safe and secure app?

\6% of male members have an annual income of 2000 million yen or more/

PATOLO's official website is here.

The data regarding typical allowance rates in this article is based on reference values ​​derived from various media surveys and information from PATOLO's management, and does not guarantee actual amounts. Please enjoy sugar dating activities safely and at your own discretion and responsibility.

Person who wrote this article

Airi's icon
Airi

I'm Airi, 28 years old, and have been involved in "sugar dating" for 5 years. I've met about 25 people so far and earned a total of 400 million yen. Currently, I earn an average of 10 to 15 yen per month, and I share my experiences and insights about sugar dating.

ColumnsTOPBack to
Female applicantMale applicant