Gay and Lesbian Tokyo
- Published on : 25/12/2012
- by : Japan Experience
- Youtube
See Gay and Lesbian Tokyo listings: bars, clubs, listings, links, useful telephone numbers.
Gay and lesbian Tokyo (with full map of gay Shinjuku) ゲイ・レズビアン東京
- What's on this month in gay/lesbian Tokyo
- Gay bars in Shinjuku
- Gay bars in Shinbashi
- Gay bars in Roppongi
- Lesbian bars in Tokyo
- Gay clubs in Tokyo
- Gay/Lesbian useful Tokyo telephone numbers
- Gay Japan
(Addresses being notoriously difficult to find, please check bar websites for map where possible. For bars and clubs listed here, simply refer to the JapanVisitor gay Shinjuku map below.)
Gay Tokyo
Tokyo gay bars in Shinjuku
(Shinjuku Ni-chome is accessible from the 'Shinjuku San-Chome' subway station on the Marunouchi or Shinjuku Lines.)
Also read about How to Hit Shinjuku Ni-Chome: what to do and where to go
Japan Visitor's Gay/Lesbian map to Shinjuku Ni-Chome
The gay and lesbian Shinjuku 2-Chome area is very small and crowded. It is difficult to indicate the exact position of gay and lesbian bars and clubs in the confines of a map without cluttering it. The following map therefore assigns each block in Shinjuku 2-Chome a letter of the alphabet. The listings below indicate which block, and where on the block, the particular bar or club is on.
Right click on the map to print it out.
AiiRO Cafe (1F, Dai-7 Tenka Building, Shinjuku 2-18-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022. Tel. 03 6273 0740). On block J, facing block R.
Open 6 pm to 5 am, Mon-Sat; 6 pm - 1 am Sun.
Hole-in-the-wall gay street cafe on the main drag. A popular place to start the evening. English-speaking proprietor.
Alamas Cafe (Garnet Bldg., 1F, Shinjuku 2-12-1, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022.
Tel. 03 3358 3988). Alamas is located on block L, facing block U. See our
Open 6 pm to 2 am, Mon-Thu; 6 pm - 5 am Fri; 3 pm - 5 am, Sat; 3 pm - midnight, Sun.
Alamas is a trendy cornerside bar/cafe, semi-open-air, with DJ booth. Gay Shinjuku map
Arty Farty (2F, No.33 Kyutei Bldg, Shinjuku 2-11-7, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022. Tel. 03 5362 9720) On block E, facing block D.
A stylish mixed bar with a dance floor, more spacious than the usual holes-in-the-wall that make up most of Shinjuku 2-chome. A real scene-queen anything-goes party spot that jumps till morning.
(Also listed in Clubs)
The Annex (1F, Futami Building, Shinjuku 2-14-11, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022. Tel. 03 3356 5029) On lower part of block R, facing block Q. Gay Shinjuku map
Run by Arty Farty as its ... annex. Features a mezzanine floor, and a fountain in the middle of the dance floor. Also listed below in Gay Clubs.
Campy Bar (1F, Musashino Building, Shinjuku 2-13-10, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022. Tel. 03 6273 2154) On block S, facing block K. Gay Shinjuku map
Campy Bar was started by celebrity drag queen Bourbonne, and is a vivid little bar on the main street of Ni-Chome overflowing with cheer, catering to mainly a gay crowd but welcoming all.
DNA (1F, Musashino Bldg., Shinjuku 2-13-10, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. Tel. 03 3341 4445) On block S facing block K.
A sharply styled bar on the main drag that attracts a varied clientele. Great place for quiet chat. Hours: 3 pm-5 am; open every day.
Dragon Men (1F, Stork Nagasaki Bldg., Shinjuku 2-11-4, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. Tel. 03 3341 0606) On block E facing block F. Gay Shinjuku map
Gay Ni-chome's most spacious streetside bar. Plenty of room to move, cruise, or sit down and chat. Fresh, upbeat, modern layout and decor, hip multi-genre crowd, and good, reasonably priced drinks. 6 pm-9 pm daily happy hour. Hours: 6 pm-3 am, Sun-Thu; till 5 am Fri-Sat.
Fuji (B104, Saint Four Building, Shinjuku 2-12-16 , Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022. Tel. 03 3354 2707). On block L, facing block T. Gay Shinjuku map
An intimate space for more mature foreign guys and Japanese guys into them. Has karaoke.
GB (B1, Shinjuku Plaza Building, Shinjuku 2-12-3, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022. Tel. 03 3352 8972) On block L, facing block D. Gay Shinjuku map
A roomy-for-Ni-Chome downstairs shot bar very popular with non-Japanese and Japanese gaisen (i.e. potato queens). Great for pre-clubbing.
Kinsmen (2F, Shinjuku 2-18-5, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022. Tel. 03 3354 4949) Bottom right corner of block I.
A spacious upstairs bar with a well-established presence. A warm, relaxed, adult, subtley lit atmosphere ideal for sitting and chatting with friends, the friendly bar staff, or strangers. Foreigners welcome. No cover charge. Drinks from 800 yen.
Tac's Knot (2F, Room 202, Shinjuku 3-11-12, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022. Tel. 03 3341 9404) On block A: the corner nearest Shinjuku Shinjuku 3-chome Stn Exit C6.
Open 8 pm-2 am.
Run by an artist, Tac's Knot is, unsurprisingly, an arty space attracting a creative crowd and featuring exhibitions of gay artists' works. A small but venerable Ni-chome institution (although actually outside of Ni-chome proper. Across the road in San-chome.)
Usagi On block U, facing block V.
A 5th-floor bar up narrow stairs. Mainly Japanese but Japanese-speaking foreigners can also blend in. Non-smoking.
Gay bars in Shinbashi
(Shinbashi is in Minato ward, a little south of Tokyo station)
Shinbashi is a different gay scene from Shinjuku: more mature (30-plus) and, with that, generally more relaxed. However, it is also more traditional and, as such, less accessible to foreigners than most of Shinjuku Ni-Chome is. The following listings are foreigner-friendly.
Town House Tokyo (6F, Korutiire Ginza Bldg, Shinbashi 1-11-5, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0004. Tel. 03 3289 8558)
An expansive, popular and refreshingly welcoming space. Vibrant but not rowdy. Mostly seating, but standing too. Open terrace in warmer months. Has karaoke. All drinks 500 yen.
Just a few meters from Exit 3 of Shinbashi Subway Station on the Ginza Line. Elevator to 5th floor only. Walk up last flight to 6F.
Open 6 pm-2 am weekdays (but often till later on Fridays), 4 pm-midnight Saturdays. Closed Sundays and public holidays.
Bravo! (2F, Shinbashi 2-9-17, Minato-ku, Tokyo 105-0004. Tel. 03 3503 8805)
A clean, classy, laidback bar with a relaxed adult vibe and a good selection of spirits. Recently opened.
To get there, take the Hibiya Exit out of JR Shinbashi Station, go through Steam Locomotive Park. Take the street on the left hand side on which you see a land agent's called Kanbe Tochi. Turn left into the lane just after Big Echo Karaoke. Go left again when you get to the end of the lane. Bravo! is on the 2nd floor of the building just to the left of the Chinese restaurant. Look for the sign on the street.
Open 6 pm-midnight. Closed Sundays and public holidays.
Gay bars in Roppongi
Tokyo R Bar, Roppongi
Tokyo R Bar is a an oasis of gay-friendliness in the nightlife district of Roppongi. Tokyo R Bar has friendly, English-speaking bar staff who serve generous, reasonably priced cocktails from the well-stocked bar. This chic, spacious, loft-style venue buzzes on weekends when resident DJs spin deep house to a large, intimate, appreciative crowd. Located only a minute's walk from the main Roppongi intersection, Tokyo R Bar is easily accessible. Being on the third floor, it offers views of the lights of Roppongi from couches by the big window. 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. Monday to Thursday; 5 p.m. to 5 a.m. Saturday; 5 p.m. to midnight Sunday.
3F Yamato Bldg, 7-14-5 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 106-0063. Tel. 03 6434 7325
Read more about Tokyo R Bar in Roppongi Bars and Drinking.
Tokyo lesbian bars
In Shinjuku
(Most lesbian bars in Tokyo are to be found in Shinjuku Ni-chome, accessible from the 'Shinjuku San-Chome' subway station on the Marunouchi Line.
Most Ni-chome lesbian bars are along Shirayuri no Komichi (i.e. 'Easter Lily Lane', i.e. the lane that cuts through block Q).
Adezakura (2-15-11, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo Tel. 03 3351 4833)
Open Mon-Sat 9 pm-6 am, Sun 8 pm-5 am
Women-only until 2 am, then gay mix until closing time. Between blocks Q and R
Agit (1F Matsui Bldg., Shinjuku 2-15-9, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. Tel. 03 3350 8083)
Open 8 pm-5 am.
A small lesbian-owned bar for both lesbians and gays. 500 yen charge. Drinks from 800 yen. Karaoke. Counter and booth.
Diamond Holic (2-18-8, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku Tokyo Tel. 03 3225 5088)
Open Tue-Fri & Sun 7 pm-1 am, Sat 7 pm - 5 am
A red-and-black themed women-only shot bar with real atmosphere. On block I.
Dorobune (Shinjuku Vella Heights205 (2F), 2-7-3, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku,Tokyo. Tel. 03 3356 3358)
Open Tue-Fri, Sun 7 pm-midnight,
Sat 7 pm - 1 am
Mainly a women's bar (women-only on Saturdays). Good place to start. You can eat and drink and can ask where to go next from here. Very friendly atomosphere. 400 yen bar charge. On block V
Ellevie (Shin Chitosegai 2F, 2-18-10, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku,Tokyo. Tel. 03 3359 1672)
Open Mon-Wed 7 pm-1 am, Thu 7 pm-11 pm,
Fri, Sat 8 pm-5 am
500 yen charge. On block I.
Honey Bunny (Room B1, Hayashi Building , 2-12-11, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku. Tel. 03 3356 1766)
Open Tue-Sat 9 pm-4 am
A fancy-style, women priority bar. Men visiting for the first time must be accompanied and introduced by a woman. 1,000 yen charge. On block L.
Kizuna (3rd Kowa Build 3F, 2-16-3, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. Tel. 03 3341 7654)
Open Mon-Wed,Sun 7 pm-11:30 pm Fri, Sat, 8 pm-5 am
1,000 yen charge. On block P.
Lagoon (Shin Chitosegai 1F, 2-18-10, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku,Tokyo. Tel. 03 3226 3272)
Open Mon-Tue 8:30 pm-3 am
Fri, Sat 8:30 pm-5 am
500 yen charge. On block I.
Tamago (1F Yamahara Heights Bldg., Shinjuku 2-12-15, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. Tel. 03 3351 4838)
Open 9 pm-5 am.
Woman only bar. 2000 yen cover charge. Drinks from 1000 yen.
Rainbow Burritos Doumo (Shinjuku Bldg.3F 3-1-32, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo. Tel. 070 4349 5810)
Open Mon-Wed, Sun 7 pm-11:30 pm Fri,Sat, 8 pm-5 am
A tiny cozy bar where you can enjoy burritos and drinks. California style burritos bar. Very international atmosphere. On the bottom right block on the map - same block as Sekaido stationery emporium.
Tokyo gay clubs
Tokyo gay/lesbian club event listings
Ageha (in Studio Coast) (2-2-10 Shinkiba, Koto-ku, Tokyo 136-0082. Tel. 03 5100% 1515). Off Ni-chome
Huge club in Tokyo's Koto ward. Not a gay club as such, but hosts gay Ageha nights, usually 'Shangri-la' (approximately every two months) or 'Black'. Five dance floors with different DJs, including at least one big name, + darkroom. Parties at Ageha are a must-go.
Access: Shinkiba Station (JR Keiyo line). Shuttle buses from Shinjuku (from block O of the Gay Shinjuku map , in front of the Yachiyo Bank) and Shibuya.
Aisotope Lounge (1F, Shinjuku 2-12-6, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022. Tel. 03 6380 1504). On block L, facing block K.
Open 8 pm to 5 am.
A big two-level gay bar and club that opened in April 2012. Aiso Bar on the "sub-floor" and changing events on the "main floor." Aisotope Lounge is owned by the same people who run Club ArcH, well known for its relentless party schedule, so expect more of the same from Aisotope Lounge. Gay Shinjuku map
The Annex (1F, Futami Building, Shinjuku 2-14-11, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022. Tel. 03 3356 5029) Open 3 pm - 5 am. On lower part of block R, facing block Q. Gay Shinjuku map
Formerly Club Zip, now run by Arty Farty as its ... annex. Features a mezzanine floor, and a small fountain in the middle of the dance floor. (Also listed in Tokyo Gay Bars)
Arty Farty (2F, No.33 Kyutei Bldg, Shinjuku 2-11-7, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo 160-0022. Tel. 03 5362 9720) On block E, facing block D.
In spite of being subtitled 'The Lounge', Arty Farty on weekends is as much a small club as a bar. By far, Shinjuku 2-chome's most popular dance spot. A happy upper vibe for those who love to get down.
(Also listed in Tokyo Gay Bars)
Gay/Lesbian useful Tokyo telephone numbers
Tokyo English Life Line
03 5774 0992 (9 am-4 pm, 7 pm-11 pm)
AIDS helpline
0120-04-88-40 (freedial)
HIV & Human Rights Info for English speakers
Tokyo 03 5259 0256 (Saturdays only, noon-3 pm)
Run by the Japan HIV Center
HIV & Human Rights Info for Japanese speakers
Tokyo 03 3292 9090 (Mon-Thu, 9 am-9 pm; Fri 9 am-6 pm)
(commissioned by the Tokyo Metropolitan Government)
Tokyo 03 5259 0750 (2nd & 4th Sun 7 pm-9 pm)
(specifically for gay men)
Tokyo 03 5259 0259 (2nd & 4th Sun 7 pm-9 pm)
(specifically for lesbians)
Check out coverage here of the Tokyo Lesbian and Gay Parade 2006
Read more about gay Japan here.
