Ni chome gay bar

Now celebrating its 10th anniversary, this beloved bar is known for its open-air vibe—guests can sip drinks inside or out front.

Staff member Chris, whose Instagram posts keep regular customers entertained.

Though compact inside, the space naturally encourages conversation with fellow patrons. While this practice may seem exclusionary, it's part of the unique culture of Ni-chōme that allows for highly specialized spaces.

For first-time visitors, especially non-Japanese speakers, it's recommended to start with more foreigner-friendly establishments.

For first-timers, stick to the surface-level bars and clubs along the major roads that clearly are inviting in new people to avoid intruding on a more intimate patrons-only venue. “It’s a little messy sometimes, but it’s cozy and warm. Labianna even performs drag shows during outdoor events here.

"There are always people enjoying drinks at the outdoor tables, so even first-timers feel comfortable.

They can also be highly specific to gender and type: masculine gay men only, for example, or BDSM aficionados only.

It is quite possible to experience Ni-chome without even entering a bar: a great deal of the neighborhood’s social life takes place on the streets each weekend, where folks cooling down after too long in the clubs, or sipping cheap convenience store alcohol mingle together on the sidewalks and in the alleyways.

The transformation of Ni-chōme into a gay district is closely tied to the fall of Tokyo's red-light districts following the passage of the Prostitution Prevention Law in 1956.

As the traditional sex industry left Ni-chōme, a gay subculture began to fill its place. The deeper you venture into Ni-chome’s alleyways, the smaller and more exclusive these box-like bars become.

Its tranquil, traditional-style interior makes it a cozy choice, even for solo diners.

A Guide to Shinjuku Nichome: Dive into Tokyo's Vibrant Nightlife

What Kind of Place is Shinjuku Nichome?

Shinjuku Nichome has long been a hub for gay culture in Japan. But this bar is wonderfully LGBTQ+ friendly, and it immediately puts me at ease.

While there is still a red light aspect to Ni-chome, the neighborhood today has expanded to a place for general queer socializing, clubbing, and dating, as well as a good spot for drag shows.

What is truly special about Ni-chome is not its size or the number of its venues, however, but its diversity. All of these easily accessible venues are near the main thoroughfares of the neighborhood, ‘near to the surface,’ as it were, where the younger and more international crowds gather.

Its rise began during an era when discrimination against sexual minorities was widespread. In his chapter, “Lifestyles in the Gay Bars” in Queer Voices written in 1955, Kazuhiko Kabiya states that Ueno at this time only had one gay bar; there are now roughly 100.

Even in the summer, hugs from people here don’t feel suffocating.”

All photos courtesy of Michael Troy Judd

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This entry was posted in LGBTQ, Nightlife, Tokyo, Tokyo and tagged Tokyo by Kat Joplin. Bar, run by a drag queen, on Naka-dori Avenue, Shinjuku Ni-chome

Dining options in and around Shinjuku Ni-chōme

While Ni-chōme is primarily known for its nightlife, the area also offers a variety of dining options for those looking to grab a bite before or after their night out.

Respect and human decency always come first." ( Labianna)

Same-sex marriage has yet to be legalized in Japan, and there are still no comprehensive laws to protect LGBTQ+ individuals. It serves as a safe haven where individuals can express their identities freely, something that's not always possible in other parts of Japanese society.

It was a way to hook up easily in an environment I felt comfortable in. At the same time, the number of bars across the five historic neighborhoods has also steadily increased.