One question that we often receive here at JGG, in one form another, is — to put it delicately — “where can I meet other like-minded fellows for a brief sharing of one another’s time, among other things?”. Well, let us give you some advice!
Firstly, we should say that, as you cruise through this article, none of these locations are named either as recommendations or carry the JGG seal of approval. Instead, these are locations that, for those looking for fleeting yet satisfying companionship are known to those who live here, for one reason or another. And so, let’s set sail on the cruise (through this article)!
Things to Know
Something that might be a touch alien to many from abroad when it comes to areas where gay men can enjoy one another’s company for as long or as short as one requires is that spots in Japan can be somewhat… picky. It’s not a reflection of one’s individual desirability (after all, there is someone for everyone), but some places cater to a specific clientele, for better or worse.
This means that your body type, age, or even hair style may get you turned away from one location or another. Additionally, some places prefer it if their clientele speak fluent Japanese. While there are many spots where foreigners who are not fluent are welcome, certain places have clients who prefer to get down to business without the need for an interpreter.
With that said, here are five places that are often highly thought of by those who visit!
Boiler Room
The owner of this nightclub, which has dim lighting and a classy, chessboard-like chequered flooring spread out before a gorgeous, black-velvet-like bar, conceived Boiler Room as a Japanese equivalent of gay bars he experienced during his time in Europe. With an “underwear-only” dress code, it is a place where wealth, status, and privilege fade away, with mutual attraction the only thing that matters.
While it did have something of a reputation for public naughtiness, it has somewhat mellowed to be a little more “respectable,” so while affection is common, open…connection is now somewhat rare. However, the owner is keen not to totally sanitize the space.
“Gay culture is very sexual, and that’s not a bad thing. Sex is natural, like eating or sleeping,” he says. “This makes us popular, and because we can speak English as well, we’re a good choice for tourists.”
Bears Camp and BodyBreath!
This is a two-for-one deal, with these two saunas being sister establishments that — although catering to different clientele — have a connection in the middle, meaning that if you’re more bear than twig, you can might still find someone big to gnaw on.
Bears Camp, if the name wasn’t a give away, a place for bears. However, this is not to say it is looking for chubby body types, but it is going for muscular, bull types, with short hair (and your hair length is important: if it is too long, you will be turned away. Each day has a different theme, from Dickong Saturdays where the better endowed you are, the lower the price, to Small Bear Mondays, where you get discounts for being short. A haven for bears and cubs.
Bears Camp’s sister sauna, BodyBreath! goes in the opposite direction and caters exclusively to skinny twinks. That said, it is still very clear that only those with short haircuts will be admitted: goth pretty boys need not apply. This is also a small location, meaning groups of four or more will not be allowed in. Get through these hurdles, however, and you’ll be able to enjoy one of the better cruising spots in Tokyo.
24 Kaikan
The main Shinjuku branch of 24 Kaikan Shinjuku is, in many senses, the Disneyland of gay sauna. It is made up of eight floors — though the first is for parking, the second for the reception and getting into your birthday suit. The upper six floors offer a range of baths, sauna, showers, video rooms, tanning rooms, and private rooms.
Within larger rooms and private rooms, you will find materials and items to help one fulfil what needs or desires one has, with few restrictions. However, while condoms are free, one will be required to pay extra for certain extras: whips don’t pay for themselves, after all.
The atmosphere is generally convivial, though, again, this is not the place for a bath and a conversation. The men here are here for recreation, rather than respite or refreshment. That being said, one need not necessarily get involved, should one prefer to watch.
24 Kaikan is known for being foreigner-friendly, and while a visit can be ¥3,900, making it one of the pricier places on this list, it has been attracting people for years for a reason.
Gate In
This is a place for anyone who likes a sharply-dressed man. Though there are occasional “nude days,” the appeal of Gate In is that many of the people who attend are in suits, jackets, and ties. However, those not wearing suits can enter too: you just won’t get a discount. This is a perfect place for anyone who’s ever thought of getting busy with the boss!
Although the age cut-off is 40, Gate In tends to attract a slightly older crowd, so if you’re looking for a silver fox (or, at least, a silver kit), then look no further. Be aware, though, that while Gate In is open and friendly towards foreigners, there are no English-speaking staff members, so you may have to rely on a daddy on a business trip if you have communication troubles.
Volcano
One of the most famous — or, perhaps, infamous — locations to make close if brief relationships, Volcano is notorious for letting only the hottest of the hot through. It is also somewhat biased towards muscular guys, so if you’re a beautiful bear ready for hibernation, or a twink so flexible that you make slinkies jealous, then I’m afraid that you may not be permitted entry, despite your obvious qualities.
For those who make the cut, though, the reviews are good: there are going to be a bunch of other hot guys in there with you, after all! That being said, some have reported that the downside is that, after being officially deemed sexy by the judge at the door, sometimes the guys who come to Volcano tend to look around and wait, hoping for someone even hotter to walk through the door at any moment.
We hope that this proves that one doesn’t need to overthink meeting new gay friends, especially when you’re in Tokyo. Although places are not our recommendations, they have been celebrated by many — and there are plenty of other places to discover! So if you’re in the mood, get in gear and activate cruise control.
