The Shinjuku area in Tokyo is well known for its gay bars. But you don’t have to be gay to visit them. Going to a gay bar can be a good way to have fun and meet open minded people. Check out this list of Shinjuku’s best gay bars!
1. Gold Finger
Gold Finger is a mixed bar that provides a place to have fun for both lesbians and gay persons. Every Saturday the bar is women only. The establishment is very open to foreigners – besides Japanese customers you can also find people from all over the world! The main highlight of the bar is karaoke. Customers can enjoy singing both Japanese and foreign songs and have a blast together!
Information
- Address: 2 Chome-12-11 Shinjuku, Tokyo 160-0022
- Opening hour: 20:00
- Closing hour: 02:00
2. Cocolo Cafe
Cocolo Café is a relaxing restaurant that even though was created to cater to the gay community, it accepts other customers as well. You will see many heterosexual customers eating here. The bar’s name is a variation of “kokoro”, which means “heart”. The restaurant tries to be true to its name, offering a special atmosphere that will surely go to your heart.
Information
- Address: Tokyo, Shinjuku, 2 Chome−146
- Opening hour:23:00
- Closing hour: 11:00
3. Bridge!
Bridge is an alluring bar where although mainly has gay men as customers, it also encourages women to come in. The bar usually has chairs during the week, but becomes a standing bar every Saturday. Everyday during Happy Hour the price of all drinks drops from 800 yen to 500 yen, making this establishment even more attractive.
Information
- Address: Shinju-ku Ni-chome 13-16 Sensho Building 6F
- Opening hour: 22:00
- Closing hour: 04:00
4. Campy!Bar
Campy!Bar is a mixed establishment which welcomes customers with a variety of sexual preferences. What makes it different from other gay bars is that it is very frequented by drags. Drag queens start arriving every evening around 8 PM. There are also drag queens among the staff. Their job is to check on customers to make sure they are having fun and make conversation.
Information
- Address: Tokyo, Shinjuku, 2 Chome−13−10
- Opening hour: 13:00
- Closing hour: 05:0
5. Aiiro Cafe
Aiiro Café is a lively bar which attracts very diverse customers. Even if you are straight, it is a great place to find other open-minded people and make friends. What is interesting about the establishment is the torii gate in front of the entrance that can usually be found outside Shinto shrines. For less than 1000 yen, you can enjoy a beer blast, a.k.a all you can drink beer.
Information
- Address: 160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku
- Opening hour: 18:00
- Closing hour: 02:00
6. Leo Lounge
Leo Lounge is a bar that mainly caters to bear culture of the gay world. A “bear” refers to a large, hairy man who gives off a masculinity feeling. You will see many men of this type at the bar, although people with any sexual preferences are welcomed. The staff is very friendly and the music is good. Don’t miss this bar if you’re out for an amazing experience!
Information
- Address: 2 Chome-14-16 Shinjuku
- Opening hour: 18:00
- Closing hour: 05:00
7. Dragon Men
Dragon Men is said to be the most popular gay bar among foreign customers. The establishment offers both outdoor and indoor seating. Women might not feel entirely comfortable as the customers are mainly men. The bar’s highlights are its dance floor and the staff that dress provocatively. The dance floor in turned into a darkroom every Sunday afternoon and on some weekdays.
Information
- Address: 60-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku
- Opening hour: 18:00
- Closing hour: 03:00
Enjoy Shinjuku!
Have a good trip and travel!
