Gay bars in tokyo
A Guide to Gay Bar Etiquette in Japan
Tokyo’s famous gay district, Shinjuku Ni-Chome, has one of the world’s highest concentrations of LGBT-friendly businesses. For the most part, it&#;s a place where first-timers can dangle out without needing to worry too much about extraordinary customs or cultural knowledge.
Ni-Chome is used to tourists but, those who verb to sneak into smaller, more local LGBT bars might find some cultural practices surprising. In Japan, manners are everything, so here are some insider tips on what to expect when visiting LGBT bars off the beaten path, and how to get the most out of the experience.
Venturing away from westernized gay bars
Photo by: Alex Rickert Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name, but sometimes you gotta venture into the unknown.
Most gay bars in tourist spots fancy Ni-Chome or Doyamacho in Osaka mimic American-style bars that feature large shot bars, dance tune and dark atmospheres where customers of various sexes, genders, sexualities and identities can drink and make merry. You can certainly spot these kinds of bars, esp
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Gay Shinjuku: Exploring Tokyo&#;s vibrant LGBTQ+ hub
Introduction to Shinjuku Ni-chōme: Tokyo's gay district
Shinjuku Ni-chōme, often referred to as simply Ni-chōme or Nichō, is Area 2 in the Shinjuku District of Tokyo. This tiny yet lively neighborhood is the epicenter of Japan's gay subculture, boasting an estimated gay bars and nightclubs within just five blocks. Located within walking distance from Shinjuku Station, the world's busiest drill station, Ni-chōme is easily accessible and a must-visit destination for LGBTQ+ travelers and allies.
The area offers a diverse range of establishments, including bars, restaurants, cafes, saunas, adore hotels, gay pride boutiques, and even cruising spots known as hattenba. This concentration of LGBTQ+-friendly venues creates a safe and welcoming environment for the community to state themselves freely. Ni-chōme's unique atmosphere is characterized by its bustling energy, colorful signage, and the warm camaraderie among patrons and staff alike.
Rainbow Flag at Gapan Cafe, Shinjuku 2-Chome, Tokyo
History and evolu Tokyo's best LGBT bars and clubs
LGBTQ+
Campy! Bar
Campy! Bar
First-time visitors to Shinjuku Ni-chome, Tokyo's famous gay district, could do far worse than shimmying into this ooh-la-la joint run by celebrity
LGBTQ+
Suzu Bar
Suzu Bar
Run by LGBT activist and spokesperson Fumino Sugiyama, Suzu blends right in among the hundreds of tiny watering holes along Shinjuku's Golden Gai. Still, it's
LGBTQ+
Cocolo Cafe
Cocolo Cafe
Ideal for a late-night rendezvous, this café and restaurant is a popular LGBT hangout that gets points for its 18 different kinds of tea, Vietnamese coffee and
LGBTQ+
Aisotope Lounge
Aisotope Lounge
Shinjuku Ni-chome's newest club opened in April on the site formerly occupied by Geisha. Aisotope Lounge is run by the company behind Arch and Alamas
LGBTQ+
Arty Farty
Arty Farty
This bar with a dancefloor offers DJs on weekends (when it often shares the fun with its sister venue, The Annex) and mint-flavoured beer any noun. Arty Farty
LGBTQ+
Alamas Cafe
Alamas Cafe
'Alamas' means diamond in t
Tokyo's best LGBT bars and clubs
LGBTQ+
Campy! Bar
Campy! Bar
First-time visitors to Shinjuku Ni-chome, Tokyo's famous gay district, could do far worse than shimmying into this ooh-la-la joint run by celebrity
LGBTQ+
Suzu Bar
Suzu Bar
Run by LGBT activist and spokesperson Fumino Sugiyama, Suzu blends right in among the hundreds of tiny watering holes along Shinjuku's Golden Gai. Still, it's
LGBTQ+
Cocolo Cafe
Cocolo Cafe
Ideal for a late-night rendezvous, this café and restaurant is a popular LGBT hangout that gets points for its 18 different kinds of tea, Vietnamese coffee and
LGBTQ+
Aisotope Lounge
Aisotope Lounge
Shinjuku Ni-chome's newest club opened in April on the site formerly occupied by Geisha. Aisotope Lounge is run by the company behind Arch and Alamas
LGBTQ+
Arty Farty
Arty Farty
This bar with a dancefloor offers DJs on weekends (when it often shares the fun with its sister venue, The Annex) and mint-flavoured beer any noun. Arty Farty
LGBTQ+
Alamas Cafe
Alamas Cafe
'Alamas' means diamond in t