Shinjuku ni-chome

Shinjuku ni-chōme (新宿二丁目, referred to colloquially simply as ni-chōme) is an area in the special ward of Shinjuku in Tokyo, Japan.

Ni-chōme is the centre of Tokyo's gay scene, and estimates of the number of gay pubs, clubs and bars in this area alone range between 200-300. In fact, it is frequently said that Ni-chōme has more gay bars per block than any other place in the world.

The area is also home to a wide array of gay restaurants, cafes, shops, saunas, gyms, hotels, 'host bars ' (bars where patrons can meet hustlers), cruising spots, massage parlours and brothels of varying sizes and legality. Establishments vary in size from about 5 seats to full-sized dance clubs.

Bars tend to be segregated by "scene" -- for example, there are bars that cater to the bear community and their admirers, or "specialize" in S&M, muscular men, young men, and so on -- and frequently by gender as well.

Ni-chōme is also the site of Tokyo's gay pride parade and various gay festivals and activities.

Related topics

• Gay village

External links

• Shinjuku ni-chome Information Site (English & Japanese)
• Club Zone.com (Tokyo club listings) (English)