Shinjuku Nichome

Tokyo has amazing nightlife options, and the choices aren’t just for straight travelers. Just a convenient walk from Shinjuku lies Ni-chome, Tokyo’s gayborhood overflowing with outdoor bars, karaoke pubs, and cozy clubs for anyone on the spectrum.

A Night Out in Ni-chome, Tokyo’s Gay District

Exploring the area

There are countless options for food and drink. If you’re partial to Japanese-Mexican fusion (because two delicious cuisines are better than one), you could try visiting Rainbow Burritos, a tiny burrito joint with just enough space to snuggle up with a couple of friends. Another nice choice is CoCoLo Cafe, known for their taco rice.

Photo by: Alex Rickert CoCoLo Cafe.

Ni-chome also features outdoor bars, like Aiiro Cafe and various convenience stores where, if the weather isn’t crappy, you can cheaply refuel on a stairwell or at a nearby park.

If you aren’t a gay cis-male and you want to partake in the inclusivity, don’t fret. Campy! Bar among many others are staffed by drag queens for those who want a little gender-bending, and bars like Mock feature transgender (in this case FTM) staff and a trans-friendly vibe.

Photo by: Alex Rickert Gold Finger, a popular bar in Ni-chome.

For lesbians, Bar Gold Finger is run by lesbian staff and features many women-only events. They also have free popcorn and karaoke, so what isn’t to love? Another bar to check out is Adezakura.

Get Down

When you’re ready to grind on some strangers to catchy pop music, Ni-chome features fun, albeit cramped, venues for dancing. Dragon Men (Map) is one of the most popular dance rooms, with muscled staff in scanty clothing, catchy tunes and a large circular bar.

Photo by: Alex Rickert Dragon Men.

If it gets a little too crowded and kills your vibe, Arty Farty appeals most to both men and women and has a large platform for those who like to show off.

It’s a small area, so don’t hesitate to explore and find your own favorite places to hang.  Have fun and be safe!