Shibuya Home Bar

Welcome home, kings and queens and in-betweens! Actually, welcome to Home, one of Shibuya’s few gay bars. Unlike the many, more gender-exclusive gay bars of Shinjuku Ni-chome, Home proclaims a welcoming vibe, whether ye be straight or gay, Japanese or foreigner. It’s located so conveniently close to Shibuya station, why not check it out?

Atmosphere at Home

Home is a “mixed bar,” meaning it’s geared towards gay men, but women of any orientation and even straight tourists are welcome. The website jokingly describes the bar as a “kanko (sightseeing) bar,” making light of the fact that many straight customers come out of sheer curiosity about what it’s like to interact with the LGBT community in Japan. All of the staff are LGBT.

Photo by: Home Shibuya Nice slogan.

Moreover, Home is one of few Japanese gay bars that openly welcomes foreign travelers. While not all of the staff are fluent in foreign languages, the Mama (owner) of the bar can speak English and loves to party.

The bar is small (2 tables and a large counter area) so show up closer to opening hours if you’re worried about seats. The bar also has a karaoke machine, but it costs ¥500 (¥1,000 on weekends) per person to slay the stage. If no one has the courage to pick up the mic, the bar music videos featuring tons of topless guys on their projector.

Drinks at Home

Photo by: Alex Richert Home on a slow night.

As is the case with most bars in hot areas, Home has a cover charge of ¥1,000 to ¥2,000 depending on the night and if there are any events. They also have a 2-hour “all-you-can-drink” special for ¥4,000.

You can alternatively buy a “keep bottle,” which is a bottle of liquor you purchase at the bar and use for mixed drinks. You write your name on the bottle, and you can use it when you come back to the bar! It’s also customary for the bartender to pour himself drinks from your bottle as he serves you and makes small talk with the customers. This is the charm of Japanese gay bars: the bartenders are very friendly and talkative, and in lieu of tips we pay cover charges and supply them with drinks. Expect to pay about ¥3,000-¥4,000 per person, depending on how long you stay and how much you drink.

Home isn’t just about sitting around and chatting. They have plenty of events, like drag performances, and even an LGBT fortune teller (Japanese skills may be necessary)! Check out their website to stay up to date on what’s coming up.

?️‍? Anyone

⏱ 9 p.m. to 5 a.m. Monday – Saturday (Closed Sundays)

? Dai2-Ohban Building 403, Dogenzaka 1-11-1, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo. Located on the 4th floor.