Gay clubs in tokyo

Tokyo's LGBTQ+ nightlife scene is one of Asia's most vibrant and diverse, offering everything from intimate gay bars in historic Ni-chome to modern inclusive clubs across the city. Definitely try the takoyaki and Japanese curry!

And for those into anime, electronic gadgets, and manga, Akihabara is your geeky wonderland.

Tokyo Gay Bars and Clubs
8. A visit to see the Great Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple is a must. Gay Events in Tokyo
10. It’s free to enter but expect to buy a drink for around ¥500-800.

Gold Finger – A corner pub-style bar with specialty nights, like FTM Bois Bar, as well as holiday-centric parties. Book tour →

Kurand Sake Market – Enjoy all you can drink sake at multiple locations, including Shinjuku and Shibuya.

The location is also ideal with many main attractions easily accessible on foot or by subway.

Keio Plaza Hotel Tokyo – Stay in Shinjuku’s Skyscraper District, a 5-minute walk from Shinjuku Train Station. Meet & Greet service provides you with a personal pickup who will be waiting for you right after arrivals, help you exchange the Japan Rail Pass, take care of any business you might have at the airport and personally escort you to your onward method of transport.

It can make for a long night, but taxis charge an initial ¥710 to start and ¥250 for each subsequent kilometer.

EAGLE Tokyo – An international gay bar in Shinjuku Ni-chome. While Japan's approach to LGBTQ+ issues differs from Western contexts, Tokyo provides welcoming spaces where queer community and culture thrive alongside respectful coexistence with mainstream society.

Understanding Tokyo's LGBTQ+ Culture

Japanese LGBTQ+ Context

• Cultural Approach: Emphasis on harmony and not standing out
• Social Acceptance: Generally tolerant but quiet about diversity
• Legal Status: No national same-sex marriage, but growing recognition
• Workplace Culture: Often requires discretion in professional settings
• Generational Differences: Younger generations more openly accepting

Tokyo's Unique Position

• Urban Acceptance: Much more progressive than rural Japan
• International Influence: Global connections increase visibility
• Safe Spaces: Established districts provide community gathering points
• Business Environment: Supportive of LGBTQ+ tourism and nightlife
• Cultural Integration: LGBTQ+ venues part of broader entertainment landscape

Ni-chome: Asia's Largest Gay District

Overview of Ni-chome

• Location: Shinjuku ward, 2-minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station
• Size: Concentrated area with 300+ LGBTQ+ venues
• History: Established as gay district in the 1960s
• Atmosphere: Dense network of small bars and clubs
• International Recognition: Known worldwide as major LGBTQ+ destination

Navigating Ni-chome

• Venue Size: Most bars very small (5-15 people capacity)
• Bar Hopping: Common to visit multiple venues in one night
• Cover Charges: ¥1,000-3,000 (≈$7-20) per venue
• Language: Varying English levels, but welcoming atmosphere
• Etiquette: Respectful behavior and appreciation for space

Gay Bars and Male-Focused Venues

Iconic Gay Bars

Dragon Men

• Style: Classic gay bar with international atmosphere
• Crowd: Mixed local and international clientele
• Music: Pop hits, dance music
• Atmosphere: Friendly, welcoming to tourists
• Cover: ¥1,500 (≈$10) includes first drink
• Language: English-friendly staff
• Best For: First-time visitors, meeting people

Advocates Bar

• Reputation: Long-established, respected venue
• Atmosphere: Sophisticated, mature clientele
• Drinks: Quality cocktails, extensive selection
• Crowd: Professional, business-oriented crowd
• Cover: ¥2,000-2,500 (≈$13-17)
• Best For: Networking, quality drinks

Kinsmen

• Style: Bear-friendly venue
• Atmosphere: Casual, relaxed vibe
• Crowd: Bears, cubs, and admirers
• Events: Regular theme nights
• Cover: ¥1,500-2,000 (≈$10-13)
• Best For: Bear community

9 Monsters

• Style: Alternative, edgy atmosphere
• Music: Electronic, underground sounds
• Crowd: Young, fashion-forward
• Atmosphere: Dark, intimate setting
• Cover: ¥1,800-2,200 (≈$12-15)
• Best For: Alternative scene, younger crowd

Specialized Gay Venues

Leather and Fetish Venues

• Eagle Tokyo: Leather bar with strict dress code
• Tom's Bar: Fetish-friendly atmosphere
• Dress Codes: Leather, uniforms, specific themes
• Events: Regular fetish nights
• Atmosphere: Specialized community spaces

Karaoke Gay Bars

• 24 Kaikan: Popular gay karaoke venue
• Showtime: Performance-focused atmosphere
• Song Selection: Japanese and international hits
• Performance Culture: Encourages participation
• Social Aspect: Great for meeting people

Lesbian and Women-Focused Venues

Lesbian Bars

Goldfinger

• Location: Ni-chome
• Reputation: Most famous lesbian bar in Japan
• Atmosphere: Welcoming, inclusive space
• Crowd: Lesbian women, allies, some gay men
• Events: Regular parties and special events
• Cover: ¥1,500-2,000 (≈$10-13)
• Language: Some English spoken

Kinswomyn

• Style: Women-only space
• Atmosphere: Safe, supportive environment
• Events: Community discussions, social events
• Focus: Building lesbian community
• Cover: ¥1,000-1,500 (≈$7-10)

Women-Friendly Mixed Venues

• Arty Farty: Mixed venue welcoming all orientations
• Bar Zaza: Inclusive space for women and allies
• Atmosphere: Less male-dominated than typical gay bars
• Events: Women's nights and special events

Inclusive Clubs and Dance Venues

LGBTQ+-Friendly Clubs

AiSOTOPE LOUNGE

• Location: Shibuya
• Style: Electronic music club with LGBTQ+ events
• Events: Regular queer parties and club nights
• Music: House, techno, electronic
• Crowd: Mixed, young, international
• Cover: ¥2,000-3,500 (≈$13-23)

Womb (LGBTQ+ Events)

• Regular Club: Mainstream venue with special LGBTQ+ nights
• Events: Monthly queer parties
• Atmosphere: Large-scale club experience
• Music: Electronic, house, techno
• Cover: ¥3,000-4,000 (≈$20-27) for special events

Drag and Performance Venues

Madame JO JO

• Style: Drag bar with regular shows
• Performances: Professional drag shows
• Atmosphere: Theatrical, entertaining
• Audience: Mixed crowd including straight allies
• Shows: Regular schedule, check for times
• Cover: ¥2,000-3,000 (≈$13-20)

New Sazae

• Concept: Traditional Japanese drag (onnagata style)
• Cultural Experience: Blend of traditional and modern
• Performances: Unique cultural perspective on drag
• Atmosphere: Artistic, cultural
• Best For: Cultural experience seekers

Beyond Ni-chome: LGBTQ+ Venues Citywide

Shibuya Scene

Eagle Tokyo (Shibuya Branch)

• Style: Leather bar expansion from Ni-chome
• Atmosphere: Alternative, fetish-friendly
• Events: Theme nights, leather events
• Crowd: Leather community, fetish scene

Contact

• Type: Underground venue with LGBTQ+ events
• Events: Irregular queer parties
• Music: Experimental, electronic
• Atmosphere: Alternative, underground

Other Districts

Ueno and Asakusa

• Venues: Smaller, local LGBTQ+ spaces
• Atmosphere: More traditional, local crowd
• Experience: Authentic local gay culture
• Language: Limited English, cultural immersion

Harajuku and Omotesando

• Style: Fashion-forward, youth-oriented
• Venues: Pop-up events, temporary spaces
• Crowd: Young, fashion-conscious
• Culture: Gender-bending, experimental

LGBTQ+ Events and Festivals

Tokyo Rainbow Pride

• When: Usually April-May
• Location: Shibuya area
• Events: Parade, festival, vendor booths
• Attendance: Growing yearly participation
• Atmosphere: Celebration, visibility, community
• Activities: Music, speeches, corporate sponsors

Regular LGBTQ+ Events

Monthly Parties

• Department H: Alternative queer party
• Bauhaus: Goth/industrial LGBTQ+ night
• Mustache Bash: Bear community events
• Venues: Various locations throughout Tokyo

Seasonal Celebrations

• New Year: Special parties in Ni-chome
• Valentine's Day: Romance-themed events
• Halloween: Costume parties, drag shows
• Christmas: Holiday celebrations

Cultural Etiquette and Respect

Recommendation: Don't miss out on amazing Tokyo tours - book now!

Venue Etiquette

• Respect Space: Understand each venue's specific community
• No Photography: Avoid taking photos without permission
• Inclusive Behavior: Welcoming attitude toward all identities
• Drink Purchases: Support venues by buying drinks
• Volume Levels: Keep conversations at appropriate levels

Cultural Sensitivity

• Japanese Values: Respect for harmony and discretion
• Coming Out Culture: Different from Western contexts
• Professional Discretion: Work life often separate
• Family Considerations: Traditional family expectations
• Language Use: Learn appropriate Japanese LGBTQ+ terms

Inclusive Language

• Japanese Terms: "LGBT" widely understood
• Respectful Language: Use inclusive pronouns
• Cultural Bridge: Explain Western concepts respectfully
• Non-Assumption: Don't assume experiences or identities

Safety and Support Resources

LGBTQ+ Support Organizations

• OCCUR: Advocacy and support group
• PURPLE HANDS: Support for sexual minorities
• Rainbow Talk: Counseling and support services
• Gay Japan News: Information and community resource

Health and Wellness

• Akta: HIV/AIDS support and prevention
• Medical Care: LGBTQ+-friendly healthcare providers
• Mental Health: Specialized counseling services
• Sexual Health: Testing and prevention resources

Emergency Resources

• Emergency Numbers: 110 (police), 119 (medical)
• Embassy Support: Home country embassy assistance
• Tourist Police: Specialized support for visitors
• LGBTQ+ Hotlines: Community-specific support

Practical Tips for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Planning Your Visit

• Research Events: Check for special parties and festivals
• Venue Hours: Many bars open late (9 PM+)
• Budget Planning: Cover charges add up with bar hopping
• Dress Appropriately: Smart casual for most venues
• Language Apps: Translation tools helpful

Meeting People

• Apps: 9monsters, Grindr, dating apps available
• Social Events: LGBTQ+ meetups and language exchanges
• Venue Hopping: Natural way to meet people in Ni-chome
• Cultural Exchange: Interest in foreign cultures appreciated

Accommodation Considerations

• LGBTQ+-Friendly Hotels: Many international chains welcoming
• Location: Staying near Shinjuku convenient for Ni-chome
• Ryokans: Traditional inns may have different comfort levels
• Airbnb: Check host profiles for inclusivity

Budget Planning for LGBTQ+ Nightlife

Tip: Discover the best Tokyo experiences with Viator Tours!

Typical Costs

• Bar Covers: ¥1,000-3,000 (≈$7-20) per venue
• Drinks: ¥800-1,500 (≈$5-10) each
• Club Entry: ¥2,000-4,000 (≈$13-27)
• Transportation: ¥200-500 (≈$1-3) between venues
• Late-Night Food: ¥1,000-2,000 (≈$7-13)

Money-Saving Tips

• Happy Hours: Some venues offer early evening discounts
• Event Packages: Special party tickets include multiple venues
• Local Friends: Introductions can reduce cover charges
• Drink Strategically: Pre-drinks at hotel or convenience store

Connect with Tokyo's LGBTQ+ Scene

Ready to explore Tokyo's vibrant LGBTQ+ nightlife?

The bar crafts signature cocktails, and the dance floor stays busy until the early hours.

6. All are welcome, and even the straight folk stop by. Don't miss out on the beloved cherry blossom season, which begins at the end of March until early April. Essentially, if you plan to go to one more major city apart from Tokyo, it should be worth it providing you with unlimited rides on JR trains for one to three weeks.

The rooms have a clean, crisp look about them and the hotel has a luxurious café with a roof terrace – perfect for sipping a fruit tea away from the beautiful chaos of central Tokyo. Happy hour deals and frequent event collaborations with other bars keep things fresh every week.

7.

Bar hopping between small venues is common, so cover charges add up.

When is the best time to visit Tokyo's LGBTQ+ venues?

Thursday through Saturday nights are busiest.