Add this to your next gay-cation: Shinjuku Nichome in Tokyo is home to the world’s highest concentration of gay bars in a single area.
Shinjuku Nichome - image © Florentyna Leow
Shinjuku Nichome - usually referred to as Nichome in the vernacular - is an area in Shinjuku that’s become Tokyo’s centre of gay subculture. This is where the LGBTQ crowd comes out to play at night. With several hundred gay bars, nightclubs, love hotels, cafes, restaurants, massage parlors and more within five blocks, there are plenty of drinking and fraternizing options for the queer tourist in Tokyo.
Unsurprisingly, the establishments here can be quite specialized, with some only catering to specific subcultures and scenes. Most bars are fairly accepting of non-Japanese customers, and some even go out of their way to attract foreign customers, but most are primarily aimed at locals rather than tourists. Once you find a bar you like, don’t feel shy about chatting with the people behind the counter. They’re usually quite friendly.
You’ll find both gay bars and lesbian bars here. Some bars here are also popular with women as a safe space, as they’re much less likely to be hit on by straight men. Japanese language may be a barrier to some interactions, but just be polite and considerate of everyone’s social situations when befriending people.
Unlike Roppongi where one is almost obliged to dress up to go drinking or clubbing, Nichome is a much more laid-back and accepting environment. No one really cares what you’re wearing. Go just as you are, be friendly, and have a great time.
English name:
Shinjuku Nichome (gay area)
Japanese name:
新宿二丁目
English address:
2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0022
Japanese address:
〒160-0022 東京都新宿区新宿2
Opening hours:
Varies by shop
Admission:
Varies by shop
Nearest Transport:
Subway: 2-minute walk from exit C8 of Shinjuku-sanchome Station on the Toei Shinjuku line, and Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Fukutoshin lines.
Train: 10-minute walk from the east exit of Shinjuku Station.
Telephone:
Website:
none
Near To Here:
Shinjuku Nichome is located in Tokyo's Shinjuku district. See our complete list of things to do in Shinjuku, including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.
Tokyo Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
- Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com – usually you can reserve a room with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out. Free cancellations too
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
- You can buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals.
- If you're visiting more than one city, save a ton of money with a Japan Rail Pass – here's why it's worth it
- A prepaid Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
- Get essential travel insurance for Tokyo – World Nomads is well-regarded (and here's why)
