One of the newest bars in Nichome, Japan’s gay capital, SM Yamato has quickly become incredibly popular among both regulars and tourists. But what is it about SM Yamato that has launched it to be one of the go-to destinations in what is arguably the biggest and best gayborhood in Asia? Well, it’s time to Sit, Marinate, and get the scoop!
Cocktails for all Tastes
When one wanders off of the winding streets of Nichome into SM Yamato for the first time — especially in the middle of winter, which is the case at the time of writing — one is struck immediately by the friendliness and sincerity of the bar staff. Indeed, SM Yamato itself takes its name from the two managers: Slo and Monta, two easy-going guys with a talent for creating the exact drink that you need.
This is exemplified in the Nichome Story, a custom cocktail designed to evoke the feeling of being in the heart of queer life in Japan. It is fruity, zesty, and has exactly the amount of zing that you want. But if you’re a creature of habit, fear not! Old Fashioneds, Negronis, and Manhattans can be made on demand: and if you have a particular favorite that is not on the menu, then you can rest assured that they will be able to mix it up for you!
for me, the Nichome Story was an utter delight. Sipping on it with a couple of new friends was a real joy. The bar does not have any seating, but it is an easy-going and fun place to hang out. In Japan, tachinomi bars — or, “standing drinking” — are popular since, because you can’t sit, you must speak with the people around you.
Going Down… to Sing!
For many, the highlight of an evening at SM Yamato is heading downstairs after enjoying a libation or two. Heading down the stairs leads not into a BDSM dungeon — tragic for those with more particular tastes — but instead is a comfortable and somewhat spacious place to sing. Your. Heart. OUT!
With modern karaoke tech, retro B-roll videos, and staff who will check in on you to make sure that you have all the drinks you need to keep your vocal chords well-lubricated. Being updated regularly, you can be assured that you will have some of the latest hits to sing to: when I visited, it was a joy to listen to a rendition of ‘Golden’ by Huntr/x, of K-Pop Demon Hunters fame.
Making Friends
One of the best things about going to SM Yamato, however, is the way that it becomes almost effortless to make friends. From the second you wander into the bar, the staff are charming and hospitable, and happy to explain not only the bar and its beginnings, but also Nichome as a neighborhood, as well as the details of the tasty drinks they’re serving up.
Then, when you go downstairs, it only gets better. When my buddies and I headed downstairs, we met a group of people who had arrived and begun singing first. In Japan, karaoke is usually a fairly private affair, with rooms being booked for friends and family only. But here, there is a semi-private aspect that makes it easy to partner up with people you’ve never met before. After just a few songs, our two groups were cheering for one another and performing Disney duets!
While it may not offer everything that those looking for a specifically S&M scene might be looking for, SM Yamato is a bar with joy, comfort, and community that offers So Much to So Many. Do not miss.
