Finally, you can take a taxi, but if your destination is more than a few kilometers away, you’re going to face pretty exorbitant meter fares, so be sure to set a phone alarm or reminder for when you need to leave to avoid an unwanted all-nighter. I’ve heard this can be a little expensive and sketchy, though I’ve never actually done it before. You can also use a love hotel or capsule hotel, but on crowded nights, it’s not often possible to book a room last-minute. You can stay out all night until the first train starts between 5 a.m. If you do miss your last train, you have a couple of options. If you’re lucky, you can often find a sort of unofficial doner kebab stand on one of the main streets for some sustenance on the way home. If you don’t plan to stay out all night, remember to start winding down around midnight or possibly sooner. You will often have to pay a cover charge which includes a drink, but I don’t recommend spending too much time at the bar unless you wanna chat up those bartenders. The bartenders, and sometimes the dancers, are often shirtless, which is a plus. The dance floor is fun because lots of Japanese and foreigners alike join in the communion of grinding and EDM. Although, if they have an event going on, you can expect it to be as crowded as a summer festival.
the penises are partly pixelated), adding real Japanese authenticity.ĭragon Men ( Map ) is another dance floor in Ni-chome.
Some Tokyoites come here to buy things like lube and condoms judgment free (even though you can totally also buy those things elsewhere). Sooner or later, you’ll just see a store obviously selling buttloads of gay porn (no pun intended). I can’t even recommend anything to you in this category. While strolling around, you will almost certainly happen upon one of Ni-chome’s many adult shops. It’s a good chance to walk around the area while enjoying a beverage, and you can also grab a pack of cigarettes for when your inner diva comes out: “I only smoke when I drink, I swear… ” is something I have heard (OK… said) far too often. Or, all those cool Japanese drinks like jugs of sake you can heat up in the microwave and even canned wine. While most bars require you to buy a drink to get in, you can save money by occasionally going outside to a conbini and enjoying a more reasonably priced can of beer. Social Lubrication (Pre-Gaming)ĭon’t be afraid to use the fair number of convenience stores in the area. The atmosphere is much less campy than a lot of the other Ni-chome establishments, and it feels like anywhere else in Tokyo - except you can hold hands with your boyfriend without getting weird looks. It’s another Japanese take on Mexican food, with a reputable taco rice dish on the menu. If you find Rainbow Burritos bombarded by fellow hipsters, my other favorite in the area is CoCoLo Cafe, probably one of the more spacious restaurants in this jam-packed little gay hub. Sometimes it’s packed, but if you arrive a little earlier, you can usually grab a seat. It’s one small, dimly lit room that only seats about 10 people. You may not expect to eat Mexican food in Japan, but these burritos are worth it, with prices to match. There’s a restaurant nearby called Rainbow Burritos. Take the C5 exit and then just cross the street into Ni-chome. The most convenient meeting point is Shinjuku San-chome station, one stop from Shinjuku on the Fukutoshin, Marunouchi and Shinjuku metro lines. (No judgment!)Īnyway, I like to arrive in time for dinner. So, be careful if you don’t want to crash at a cheapo love hotel or something unless, of course, you do want to crash at a cheapo love hotel or something. Getting There and Food Optionsįirst thing’s first: you should plan to arrive early-ish because of “last train” in Tokyo. Whatever your goals for the night, here are some of my favorite spots that have all the elements for a flawless night out.
There, you’ll find good food, drinks and atmosphere, plus open conversation and maybe even a romantic encounter or two. While Tokyo actually had pride month in May, show your pride anytime in Shinjuku Ni- chome, the gay district in Tokyo. Even though it’s coming to an end, that doesn’t mean you can’t still celebrate. If you’re the kind of person who clicked on this article, I hope you had a chance to participate this year - by spamming your friends with Facebook pride stickers, making ridiculous memes with The Babadook or by engaging in social change movements.