Gay Bars in Tokyo

Gay culture is a little different in Japan than it is in the West. Though Tokyo has a Rainbow Pride event in late April that attracts hundreds of thousands and the gay presence on TV is increasing, most gay life still takes place well under the radar. Even so, there's less prejudice than you might experience elsewhere. People are more likely to be baffled than offended by gay couples, and some hotels may "not compute" that a same-sex couple would like a double bed. But with a little digging you'll find a scene more vibrant than you—or many Tokyoites—might expect. The city's primary LGBT hub is Ni-chome in the Shinjuku district (take the Shinjuku or Marunouchi subway line to Shinjuku-Sanchome Station; Exit C7). Ni-chome is sometimes likened to its more notorious neighbor Kabuki-cho, and the name is also spoken in hushed tones and accompanied by raised eyebrows. Ni-chome, however, is more subtle in its approach. Gay and gay-friendly establishments can be found sprinkled in other areas, too, among them Shibuya, Asakusa, Ueno, and, surprisingly, Shinbashi, where a cluster of gay bars near Shinbashi Station are cheek-by-jowl with establishments that cater to hard-drinking businessmen out for a night on the town.