Shinjuku Nichome is where the biggest LGBT- related hub in the world. Colorful neon lights are bright, people laughing and gathering every day. However, for those who have never been to Shinjuku Nichome, might think that..
“I don’t know where to go”
“I’m scared of getting scammed.”
“I want to know what kind of customers are in bar in there. ”
“I want to know what are bars in there like beforehand.”
Many people might not know what to do as they are often both nervous and excited at the same time. Therefore, we conducted a research on Shinjuku Nichome to help people have a great time!
Table of contents: First step – Selecting a Store
- Get a hold of a map! Let’s aim for “Naka Dori”.
- If you want to enjoy meeting new people from different places then · · · “Gay bar”
- If you want to get wild then · · · “Club”
- If you gather information about the surround location then · · · “Gay shop”
- If you would like to make a one night relationship then ….. “Cruising area”
- Summary … Ways to have a fun and also safe time
Get a hold of a map! Let’s aim for “Naka Dori”.
For people who look at Google Map and Google Street View but would like more specific details, did you know that there is a Nichome map just for you? The Nichome map provided by the Shinjuku Nichome Promotion Organization (A shopping district organization) is updated every year so the latest information is available. Since it is posted on the website, let’s get a hold of it.
When you get the information on the map, let’s head for the “Naka Dori” intersection first. It’s relatively easy to understand what kind of shop is when you look at “Naka Dori” as a base point.
Nichome map→here（Shinjuku Nichome Promotion Association HP）
If you want to enjoy meeting new people from different places then · · · “Gay bar”!
For anything gay related, the “Gay Bar” is what you will find most on the 2F buildings and alleyways of Nakadori. There are many bars to choose from, from a loud and energetic gay bar to relaxing and having a peaceful conversation gay bars; it is all up to you. You can even choose what kind of body-types you prefer (athletic, chubby, bearded, normal, etc), to even choosing what kind of personality you want the owner to have. Now, this may all seem overwhelming to select from, but let me help you understand the flow of things.
Point #1 / Price structure
The price structure is based off of two factors, one is the seat fee and drinking fee. The seat fee is the basic fee, and will not go up in price. The other one is the drinking fee where one drink can cost up to a set price, and when ordering more, the fee increases as well. This is pretty easy to understand as we have all been to a restaurant before. One thing I would like to point out is that for the most part, there are something called charged appetizers, where you have to pay additional charge fee. Be prepared to pay up to 1500 yen for a drink including a snack/appetizer.
Let’s listen first as Point 2 / “I first entered the shop.”
When stumped, it is best to ask, “This is my first time here, could you explain to me what to expect?” . There are many gay bars that are very friendly and will welcome you no matter what. They are very talkative and helpful, so be sure to ask when you have any questions!
Information on “Gay Bar” in Tokyo→here
If you want to get wild then · · · “Club”
When it comes to clubs, there isn’t a “seat fee/table fee”, so the pricing structure is based on how many drinks you order. Compared to a gay bar, clubs brings in many customers who loves dancing and music. Expect it to be very crowded, but you can never know if you will find that certain someone on the dance floor.
Information on “Club” in Tokyo→here
If you gather information about the surround location then · · · “Gay shop”
For those who want to test the waters and experience the gay lifestyle, then why don’t you try out the gay shops or cafe? Compared to a gay bar or club, a cafe/shop is a lot easier to enter as the commitment level is much lower. You will find a lot of these stores on the 1F of the buildings in Nakadori, so I recommend you to try it out! A gay shop have a lot of LGBT goods, books, DVDs, and more. Popular and always increasing in numbers is the “Cafe”. They in a way resemble a bar, but it is a lot easier entering one as if it were a normal restaurant.
Information of a “Gay Shop” in Tokyo→here
I f you would like to make a one night relationship then ….. “Cruising area”
If you would like to feel the warmth of human contact, you could go to cruising areas. Cruising areas are not only at Shinjuku Nichome, but also at other districts in Shinjuku. Websites are very informative so you can check the fee and the type of customers. Remember to use condoms to prevent from any STDs..
For information on cruising areas in Tokyo→here
Summary … Ways to have a fun and also safe time
How did you like it? There are various types of cruising areas, and you can find a wonderful encounter at a place where you can really “be yourself”. Although having fun is important, please do NOT cut loose too much, and adhere rules in Tokyo. Here are basic manners in the Tokyo metropolitan regulation.
1. Do not smoke on the streets. (Those who break the rule to be punished with a fine)
2. Do not make too much noise. Keep in mind that Shinjuku Nichome is a residential area.
3. Do not litter your garbages in stores. Do no throw away garbage inside a store, as that might lead to some trouble. Please make sure to take all of your garbage home.
