Gay bars in shinjuku
A Gay Guide to Ni-Chome, Shinjuku
Tokyo is a city of extremes; and the city’s gay district- Ni-Chome- is no exception. Housing the world’s highest concentration of gay bars; Ni-Chome is an area of the Shinjuku district recognizable as one of Tokyo’s loudest and most crowded wards.
The area emerged as a hub of gay culture during the American occupation of Japan in the wake of the second nature war. The closure of Tokyo’s red-light districts contributed to the birth of Ni-Chome's gay scene, which saw a number of queer bars publically unseal during the s, and, as initial as there was mention of a Shinjuku gay teashop.
During the end of the 20th century, Ni-Chome’s identity as a gay district grew as it played host to a number of significant events contributing to the advancement of LGBT rights in Japan including the opening of a counselling room for gay men, the first AIDS candlelight vigil, the first Tokyo international lesbian and lgbtq+ film festival and Japan’s first self-acceptance parade in , and today Ni-Chome is still a symbol of growing respect for LGBT people in Japan.
Now home to a number of
Tokyo ranks as one of our legit favorite destinations ever! It's clean, extremely safe, the people just impeccable, foodgasms galore, and a fantastic gay scene with over gay bars in Shinjuku's Ni-Ch&#;me district!
Put it this way, Tokyo is so fabulous, even the gorgeous Queer Eye Fab Five team made it over here and filmed a few episodes exploring the queer identity of Japan.
We've visited Tokyo several times over the past few years and experienced the best Tokyo's gay scene has to offer. We've put together our LGBTQ travel manual to Tokyo based on our first-hand experience to help you have a fabulous holiday there.
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Experience Japan on a gay tour
Psst! Want in on a secret? Our friends at Out Adventures recently launched a super kawaii tour of Japan. On this all-gay
A Guide to Shinjuku Nichome: Dive into Tokyo's Vibrant Nightlife
What Kind of Place is Shinjuku Nichome?
Shinjuku Nichome has long been a hub for gay customs in Japan. Its increase began during an era when discrimination against sexual minorities was widespread. For many, it became one of the few spaces where gay men could freely express themselves and connect with others. Today, it has grown into a vibrant nightlife district with – establishments, including gay bars, lesbian bars, and mixed bars that welcome people regardless of gender or sexuality. While the area centers gay experiences, it warmly invites all who bring respect and a spirit of allyship.
Stop by “Kanva,” a Creative Washoku Spot, Before a Night Out
Established in , "Kanva“ offers inventive Japanese cuisine enhanced with global spices. Its placid, traditional-style interior makes it a cozy choice, even for solo diners. "Before heading out or demonstrating in Nichome, I often come here with my dancer friends and fellow queens for a compact meal"(Labianna)
"Before heading out or performing in Nichome, I ofte
Best tourist-friendly gay bars in Shinjuku Ni-chome
New to Shinjuku Ni-chome, Tokyo’s legendary gay neighbourhood? Start your night at these tourist-friendly bars. By Joseph Eddy
Whether it be dancing the night away at a club or drinking and meeting new people in a tiny dive bar, Shinjuku Ni-chome offers some of the optimal nights out in Tokyo. No matter if you’re straight, homosexual or non-binary, the capital’s LGBT hub will deliver. If you want to experience one of the best parts of Japanese bar culture – talking with and being entertained by the staff – but don’t quite know where to head for English-friendly banter, these five bars will fit the bill.
Café Lavandería
Café Lavandería is the kind of place where one minute you’re drinking and the next you’re suddenly filled with an overwhelming desire to smash the patriarchy and plan a revolution. Tucked away in a back lane opposite the famous Goldfinger block, this easy-going communist-come-anarchist café proposals very reasonably priced but high-quality drinks