What do you do for some unconventional fun?* Forgive me for throwing you overboard with that one*. Why not check out Asia's largest urban gay town in shinjukus ni-chome?. Unless you are homophobic I discourage you but its a scene that one shouldn't miss. A scene that we all think we know too well but do we?
In Japan, despite the level of tolerance, gay and lesbians still conceal their status by marrying the opposite sex to avoid discrimination. Therefore the mere mention of Shinjuku ni-chome might raise a few eyebrows, to some the existence of the gay town is rather appalling and best forgotten. However, this rather tacky little neighbourhood is under threat, business is slow and rumours has it that Tokyo's Governor Shintaro Ishihara once threatened to close this area as part of his " clampdown on fun" project.
There are approximately 300-400 small businesses in this area catering to the needs of the gay community. Most of the clubs and bars slowly start to open their doors to straight men and women for they cannot solely rely on their gay customers to keep them in business. However there are still some hardcore gay joints that wont allow entry to straight females.
This area use to be packed with young straight and gay men. Unfortunately, that's not true anymore, recent survey shows the decline of young people hitting this area. The reason, most of them fear that they could be mistaken for male prostitutes.
My first time in shinjukus ni-chome was memorable, we arrived early in order to hangout at Advocates cafe. This bar attracts all sorts, gay,lesbians, bisexuals, straight men and a few transverse, they all seem to gravitate towards the zebra-stripped walls and the huge mirrors of advocates cafe. Advocates cafe offers a 1000yen/3 hours all you can drink* draft beer only* on Fridays from 6pm til 9pm. The great thing about this bar is every body is anxious to hold a conversation with any body and of course cameras flashing here and there while they all stop mid way to pose.
After 9pm we went in search of arty farty, the highlight of Tokyo's gay scene. The entrance is free and is open to all sexes and sexualities still its advisable for women to enter with gay friends. You are obliged to buy a drink and get a stamp on your hand before you are allowed to showcase your dance moves. After 9pm you can request any song and will be played, however Mariah Carey's: Touch my body and Beyonces: Single ladies are the favourites which you can refer to as a guideline when picking songs or you might put the rest to sleep with an Elton John number. * just because its a gay club doesn't necessarily mean you have to be that obvious* . A majority of the crowd are foreigners who likes to challenge themselves on the provided pole and if you are brave enough hit the stage. It can get a bit too extreme sometimes, taking off their shirt is normal and french kissing is a common sight, just don't appear too disgusted, they might throw you out after a few bitch slaps.
It might look empty from the outside but theres always a party going on inside, this place is jam packed during the weekends but theres always a crowd from mid week. The interior is unconventional with little corners here and there, great tables and booth and the lighting is perfect. A total crowd pleasing atmosphere, where one can get down and feel right at home. The best thing about it is despite its mostly "young" crowd anyone can fit in and feel free to jive. The energy here keeps you punting to the vibes at a non-stop accelerating speed til dawn.
Apart from arty farty there are numerous restaurants that you can pick from if you are yet to have dinner but anxious to get there early. A grand selection of Chinese food, Thai and Indian and of course the convenient shops Onigiri*rice wrapped in seaweed* combo set.
The lesbian bars are restricted to females only and most of them can sit no more than 8 people, it is quite an interesting atmosphere. However unlike the gay men its a bit hard to tell the difference between a lesbian woman from a straight woman. Most of the Japanese woman I encounter are married with kids but as I have mention before, its normal for a gay Japanese to marry the opposite sex in order to avoid discrimination. *Just for the record: I'm straight*
The party in arty farty continued til daylight. We decided to leave by first train to avoid the rest of the population going to work while we look juiced, totally embarrassing!.
My one night in Shinjuku ni-chome turned into one year, I gotta admit its the best place to party in Tokyo. Ive been to Roppongi, shibuya, Ageha * Asia's largest night club* and Lord knows where but theres nothing like spending one night in Ni-chome. You feel more relaxed and can recreate yourself with each new song, the vibes are the best I've ever heard, the crowd is alive with so much energy in the air. The bar tenders are awesome, theres no big huge security standing around like most clubs *esp pure* watching your every move.
And the best thing about it is by the end of the night you have good gay friends who will help you pick out an outfit for the next outing or who can give you the harsh truth about your latest purchase ....or mood swings.
Next time you visit Tokyo, try going to shinjuku ni-chome....who knows you might discover the gay side of you.......
In Japan, despite the level of tolerance, gay and lesbians still conceal their status by marrying the opposite sex to avoid discrimination. Therefore the mere mention of Shinjuku ni-chome might raise a few eyebrows, to some the existence of the gay town is rather appalling and best forgotten. However, this rather tacky little neighbourhood is under threat, business is slow and rumours has it that Tokyo's Governor Shintaro Ishihara once threatened to close this area as part of his " clampdown on fun" project.
There are approximately 300-400 small businesses in this area catering to the needs of the gay community. Most of the clubs and bars slowly start to open their doors to straight men and women for they cannot solely rely on their gay customers to keep them in business. However there are still some hardcore gay joints that wont allow entry to straight females.
This area use to be packed with young straight and gay men. Unfortunately, that's not true anymore, recent survey shows the decline of young people hitting this area. The reason, most of them fear that they could be mistaken for male prostitutes.
My first time in shinjukus ni-chome was memorable, we arrived early in order to hangout at Advocates cafe. This bar attracts all sorts, gay,lesbians, bisexuals, straight men and a few transverse, they all seem to gravitate towards the zebra-stripped walls and the huge mirrors of advocates cafe. Advocates cafe offers a 1000yen/3 hours all you can drink* draft beer only* on Fridays from 6pm til 9pm. The great thing about this bar is every body is anxious to hold a conversation with any body and of course cameras flashing here and there while they all stop mid way to pose.
After 9pm we went in search of arty farty, the highlight of Tokyo's gay scene. The entrance is free and is open to all sexes and sexualities still its advisable for women to enter with gay friends. You are obliged to buy a drink and get a stamp on your hand before you are allowed to showcase your dance moves. After 9pm you can request any song and will be played, however Mariah Carey's: Touch my body and Beyonces: Single ladies are the favourites which you can refer to as a guideline when picking songs or you might put the rest to sleep with an Elton John number. * just because its a gay club doesn't necessarily mean you have to be that obvious* . A majority of the crowd are foreigners who likes to challenge themselves on the provided pole and if you are brave enough hit the stage. It can get a bit too extreme sometimes, taking off their shirt is normal and french kissing is a common sight, just don't appear too disgusted, they might throw you out after a few bitch slaps.
It might look empty from the outside but theres always a party going on inside, this place is jam packed during the weekends but theres always a crowd from mid week. The interior is unconventional with little corners here and there, great tables and booth and the lighting is perfect. A total crowd pleasing atmosphere, where one can get down and feel right at home. The best thing about it is despite its mostly "young" crowd anyone can fit in and feel free to jive. The energy here keeps you punting to the vibes at a non-stop accelerating speed til dawn.
Apart from arty farty there are numerous restaurants that you can pick from if you are yet to have dinner but anxious to get there early. A grand selection of Chinese food, Thai and Indian and of course the convenient shops Onigiri*rice wrapped in seaweed* combo set.
The lesbian bars are restricted to females only and most of them can sit no more than 8 people, it is quite an interesting atmosphere. However unlike the gay men its a bit hard to tell the difference between a lesbian woman from a straight woman. Most of the Japanese woman I encounter are married with kids but as I have mention before, its normal for a gay Japanese to marry the opposite sex in order to avoid discrimination. *Just for the record: I'm straight*
The party in arty farty continued til daylight. We decided to leave by first train to avoid the rest of the population going to work while we look juiced, totally embarrassing!.
My one night in Shinjuku ni-chome turned into one year, I gotta admit its the best place to party in Tokyo. Ive been to Roppongi, shibuya, Ageha * Asia's largest night club* and Lord knows where but theres nothing like spending one night in Ni-chome. You feel more relaxed and can recreate yourself with each new song, the vibes are the best I've ever heard, the crowd is alive with so much energy in the air. The bar tenders are awesome, theres no big huge security standing around like most clubs *esp pure* watching your every move.
And the best thing about it is by the end of the night you have good gay friends who will help you pick out an outfit for the next outing or who can give you the harsh truth about your latest purchase ....or mood swings.
Next time you visit Tokyo, try going to shinjuku ni-chome....who knows you might discover the gay side of you.......
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