First-Timer
一見さん · ichigensan
Also known as: ichigensan
A guest visiting for the first time without an introduction; venues that say "no first-timers" (一見さんお断り) admit only people a regular has introduced.
Ichigensan is a guest who arrives at a venue for the first time with no introduction from a regular and no reservation. The custom of refusing such guests, ichigensan okotowari, comes from Kyoto's teahouses and survives at some members-only clubs and a few snack bars, where you cannot get in without someone to vouch for you. The point is less to size guests up than to keep the room to familiar faces and keep payment on trust.
Hostess clubs, girls bars and most snack bars do take first-timers. Venues listed on this site accept first-time guests unless the venue page mentions membership or introduction only. If in doubt at the door, ask whether a first-time guest can come in.
When you'll encounter this
You meet it when a snack bar asks at the door whether this is your first visit, and in notices for members-only venues.
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