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Shinjuku Nichome, the Heart of Tokyo's LGBTQ Scene

Shinjuku Nichome, the Heart of Tokyo's LGBTQ Scene

Last updated: 24 October 2016

Shinjuku Nichome (or 2-chome, as it is sometimes written), is Tokyo's vibrant and colorful LGBTQ town. We will introduce you to two choice bars of the neighborhood that are especially welcoming to international visitors.

Bridge: Stylish and Sophisticated

Bridge: Stylish and Sophisticated

Bridge is a well-known name in the bustling Nichome, a bar popular among 30 to 40-year-old gay men for enjoying a relaxing drink after work. The cozy, stylish interior invites you to come chat over a cigarette or a drink, meet new people and old friends, and to simply make the most of your evening.

Bask in this Refined Atmosphere!

Bask in this Refined Atmosphere!

This place exudes a relaxing atmosphere with its wooden interior and dimmed lights which will make you feel cozy and comfortable immediately. The bookshelves are lined with books on gay history, comics, and photo albums, so those who love art will feel right at home.

The Recommended Drinks at Bridge

The Recommended Drinks at Bridge

According to the bartender, wine is the most popular drink among the customers. In addition, Bridge has a variety of alcoholic drinks and the bar also allows customers to keep the bottle of drinks they order, which is a unique practice in Japan.

Needless to say, people who aren't locals don't usually know of this practice since they're not likely to return every week. We recommend coming back to share your wine with a friend, new or old, for some good times.

A Cafe on Sundays

A Cafe on Sundays

For those who don't drink alcohol and want to experience a different kind of Bridge, try visiting between 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. on Sundays (Monday if it's a public holiday) when the bar becomes a cafe! It offers a warm atmosphere for first-timers where everyone can enjoy snacks and sweets with a cup of coffee or tea.

People are Welcome Anytime!

People are Welcome Anytime!

Bridge is a place where customers can relax and feel at home. Although it's primarily a gay bar, anyone from the LGBTQ community is more than welcome to join the Bridge crowd. They also have staff who can speak English, so please do visit when you are in Shinjuku!

  • Bridge
    Bridge
    • Address SENSHO Bld.6F, 2-13-16, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0022

Campy Bar

Campy Bar

Located on the main street of Shinjuku Nichome, Campy Bar has been immensely popular with Nichome's drag queens. Campy Bar's customers come from all walks of life, 20 to 70-year-old gay, lesbian, bisexual, and straight people - which is exactly what makes this bar so wonderfully welcoming.

The bar has a cheerful, welcoming atmosphere and the pop interior is the perfect setting for an evening of partying. Charm aside, what exactly makes Campy Bar such a landmark in Nichome? To find out, why not ask the queens of Campy Bar themselves?

A Moment at the Counter

A Moment at the Counter

Why not try experiencing the exquisite and quiet bar counter for a little while? Surrounded by glittering posters and fabulous drag queens, you'll immediately start to feel why so many people love coming back to Campy Bar.

The Recommended Drinks of Campy Bar

The Recommended Drinks of Campy Bar

The fact that Campy Bar has an English menu is a great help but they also have their own recommendations. Let's try asking the queens behind the counter. They may have different answers but most of them will recommend you to have the Amaretto Jinjure or the Zubrowka Tonic.

These drinks are particularly popular among the younger crowds around 20 to 30. To go with the colorful atmosphere, you can order delicious juice or vegetable juice and mix it with your favorite alcoholic drink.

There's Not a Dull Moment in Campy Bar

There's Not a Dull Moment in Campy Bar

Every person working at Campy Bar has an interesting story to tell. There are people who can speak English but if you bring a Japanese friend with you, it may help you to overcome the language barrier. You don't have to worry about table charges or whether your local credit card is accepted or not either.

Although it's quite rare, always remember that non-Japanese credit cards may not work. Once this issue is solved, however, you can solely focus on savoring the feeling of the place while being beside a Japanese queen with an eye-catching drink in your hand.

  • Campy! Bar
    Campy! Bar
    • Address Musasino Bld.1F, 2-13-10, Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0022
*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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