In this piece, I’d like to talk about the drinking establishments in Shinjuku Ni-chome.
When people think of Shinjuku Ni-chome, “gay bars” usually come to mind, but these bars actually fall into two broad categories: literal “gay bars” and “tourist bars.”
Strictly speaking, a “gay bar” is an establishment accessible only to gay men.
It is standard practice to turn away straight men and women; consequently, these bars rely heavily on regulars and tend to cater to specific demographics or atmospheres—such as places for younger crowds or spots with a more relaxed, mature vibe.
In contrast, “tourist bars” cater to tourists and newcomers to the area, welcoming a diverse mix of patrons—including gay men, lesbians, straight people, women, and foreign nationals. They are easy to enter even if you are alone, so if you are looking to make your debut in Ni-chome, I recommend starting with a tourist bar.
In recent years, thanks to frequent media coverage of the area, I feel that the majority of establishments in Shinjuku Ni-chome have effectively become tourist bars.
The rise of social media likely plays a major role in this shift, as it has made it incredibly easy for gay men to meet one another.
You no longer need to go out to a “gay bar” to meet other gay men; social media allows for casual connections where you can get a sense of someone’s personality beforehand. This trend seems to have contributed to the decline of traditional “gay bars.”
In the pre-social media era, “gay bars” were the primary venue for meeting people. On weekends, the streets would be packed with gay men—so crowded that simply walking through the area was a challenge.
Even in the Reiwa era, foot traffic is heavier on weekends than on weekdays. However, hearing stories from those who came before me, it seems nothing compares to the bustle of those days. I, too, wish I could have experienced that kind of energy firsthand. Thanks to media exposure, “tourist-friendly” bars have come to be embraced by a wide variety of people.
It is an undeniable fact that media coverage has boosted the number of visitors to Shinjuku Ni-chome.
Shinjuku Ni-chome is also home to show pubs featuring performances by *new-half* (transgender/cross-dressing) entertainers. Audiences can enjoy the true essence of entertainment—never a dull moment—as the performers switch between dazzling, glamorous costumes and a comical side characterized by playful makeup and humorous movements.
Beyond their spectacular costumes and makeup, the performers display conversational skills that resemble a well-coordinated team effort; I often visit these show pubs myself to learn from them.
Fortunately, Shinjuku Ni-chome boasts between 300 and 400 establishments, including those in highly competitive areas. While the district certainly took a massive hit during the COVID-19 pandemic, the people here are incredibly resilient; they have shrugged off those past setbacks and moved forward as if nothing happened. In a society where uncertainty has become the norm, no one knows what the future holds, but the resilient “gay bars” of Shinjuku Ni-chome will undoubtedly endure.

※Translating Japanese articles into English with AI