Japan has all kind of price levels. Pink salons for example are really cheap, same price level as other down market services in any rich country.
For the handjob and massage services, i'd personally avoid walking into a random Chinese massage parlor because there is a good chance that the service is not good or the girl is not your type or there is no HJ. However, the well reviewed places here like Asian feeling/relax/smile and Ais massage place are indeed guarenteed to have a handjob and a massage and both usually of very good quality. Giving that a decent massage alone already costs quite something, i dont think their prices are unreasonable.
As for independends, i think the traveling escorts always ask a lot more than the women located in Tokyo, so obviously our prices aren't that bad compared to people from different countries. I'd say America has the most expensive high class ladies, and Australia always seemed expensive to me until i heard their dollar has dramatically dropped. (I actually dont think i'm really on the level of the traveling women with the beautiful websites personally, i intend to be a bit more amateuristic and i actually dont tour, but i'm pleased to offer a steady service in the same location and being usually available in return). With independends its always a bit different with agencies. I think when a girl joins an agency she agrees to their prices and rules and the agencies may change their tactics based on concurention and whatever, but independends are a bit more free, usually not able to meet as many clients, and can also base their price on how many clients they want to meet (so charge more money if they are busy with other things).
There has always been some discussion about prices of independents i think, but in the end its a free market and they can charge whatever they want, nobody is obligated to pay it.
As for agencies in Japan, it might be a bit higher than in some other countries. There seem to be a lot more cheap options for Japanese but they are often not available to foreigners.
As for the soaplands, i'm personally really impressed by the prices the high class ones can charge and how they can keep existing next to soaplands that are a lot cheaper, i haven't seen brothels with those kind of prices in Europe i have to admit (not saying they don't exist, maybe in London or something). I'm very envious of those kind of places.
