The concept of gogo dancers was born in France in the 1960s before becoming popular worldwide. Gogo dancers are basically entertainers for night-clubs. Employed by the club itself, they wear sexy clothing, and dance and play with clients.
Although originally it was more attractive for the general population that the gogo dancers were women, male gogo dancers became popular little by little, especially in gay bars.
In Japan, those “gogoboys” are a fixture of the local gay scene. Most gay bars employ a few to a dozen male gogo dancers. Some of them are actually famous and in high-demand!
In Japan, rather than just being mixed in with the crowd and pushing patrons to buy more drinks, gogoboys are a show in and of themselves. Clients woo and holler and run to their itty-bitty underwear to offer tips.
Here is where to enjoy the art of gogo dancing in Tokyo.
Best Clubs/Bars in Japan with Gogoboys
Kingdom Tokyo
Why we love it
Kingdom, a remodel from Icon Club, features an edgy and modern design that will please most. Their varied themed nights are sure to attract the biggest crowds. With several returning gogoboys, you’ll be sure to meet and come back for your favs there. And even when they aren’t there, the bartenders are sure to sway your heart. They have warm and friendly staff and a welcoming atmosphere for all genders and sexualities.
Things to note
Kingdom Tokyo have all-you-can-drink everyday from 6-10pm for 1500¥. They have events every friday and saturday, mainly consisting of gogoboys x drag queen shows. They have also hosted other events, such as open-mic night, in the past.
They also own the bar “King” nearby.
How to get there
〒160-0022 2-10-7 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, Japan
7 minutes from Shinjuku-Sanchome station or 11 minutes from Shinjuku Station
D-light
Why we love it
D-light is a new, large venue, with an availability of up to 80 customers, and an exciting party atmosphere. The bar is rather large, able to serve many customers at once. With gogo dancers a gogo, you are sure to find your lot there. No matter the theme of the party, they will be there to entertain you. Sometimes, the venue hosts more extreme parties, such as kink events.
Things to note
While D-light is a proper gay bar located in the heart of nichome, some events are reserved to women only, so be sure to plan your visit in advance.
This bar is a smoking facility.
How to get there
〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 2 Chome−7−3
8 minutes from Shinjuku-Sanchome station or 12 minutes from Shinjuku Station
AiiRO CAFE
Why we love it
AiiRO Cafe is a more lowkey hangout spot, and unapologetically queer – as proven by the rainbow torii adorning its entrance. This bar, that prides itself in accepting all genders and nationalities, is a safe destination for nichome. Gogoboys are present at some events of this venue.
Things to note
This bar is quite small, it gets really crowded and parties tend to spill out onto the street.
There is no table charge.
How to get there
〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, Shinjuku, 2 Chome−18−1
6 minutes from Shinjuku-Sanchome station or 12 minutes from Shinjuku Station
CLUB BLACKNUDE
Why we love it
Here is another smaller venue in nichome. With its dark decor and low light, this space definitely exudes a sexier atmosphere. Staffs and bartenders alike lend themselves to the gogoboys looks and demeanor. On their website, staff members are rated by torso, so… that should tell you everything you need to know. The venue is divided into two spaces: regular bar on 1F, and muscle bar on B1F where the gogoboys are.
Things to note
Only one to two gogoboys perform every night.
As of this September, the place is a karaoke bar for “older” customers on weekends.
The entrance price to either floor is 1500¥ including one drink and snacks.
How to get there
〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, 2 Chome-15-12 Shinjuku
6 minutes from Shinjuku-Sanchome station or 13 minutes from Shinjuku Station
Ageha
Why we love it
This bar hosts some of the legendary Shangri-la parties, stock full of gogoboys. It is the biggest venue on this list, able to host several hundreds of people. The demographic is young and friendly, and the drinks are above average.
Things to note
This venue is not a gay bar, having a large heterosexual demographic, but definitely gay-friendly. Just make sure you come on the right night if you want to enjoy yourself fully!
How to get there
〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, 2 Chome-10-3 Shinjuku
4 minutes from Shinjuku-Sanchome station or 11 minutes from Shinjuku Station
AiSOTOPE LOUNGE
Why we love it
This bar offers a wide variety of events catering to a large range of LQBTQ+ people, from gogoboys, to costume parties, retro nights, drag queen shows, and more. It is one of the biggest centers of the nichome nightlife, and has a capacity of at least 100 people.
Things to note
The venue has two floors, one which serves more as a welcome floor, and the other as a party floor.
Drinks range around 700-900¥.
How to get there
〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, 2 Chome−12−16 Shinjuku
6 minutes from Shinjuku-Sanchome station or 11 minutes from Shinjuku Station
EAGLE TOKYO BLUE
Why we love it
This bar specializes in hairy, beefy gogo dancers. So if that’s your style, make your way there! The venue is also one of the only official Drag Race viewing party locations in Japan, typically taking place on Saturdays. On those days, drag queens host and / or perform and there are no gogoboys.
Things to note
Customers are required to pay for one drink to enter, as well as a fee on some specific events.
Eagle owns two bars in Nichome, be sure to go to the right one for the event you wish to attend!
How to get there
〒160-0022 Tokyo, Shinjuku City, 2 Chome−11−21 Shinjuku
5 minutes from Shinjuku-Sanchome station or 10 minutes from Shinjuku Station
Getting to know Gogoboys
Although they are mostly employed for their bodies rather than their conversations, we wanted to know more about gogoboys in Japan, and got to interview four male gogo dancers from Kingdom. Check out our article to know more about the Japanese male gogo scene, the dancers’ personalities, their motivation, from their own mouths!
Conclusion
Gogoboys are one of the most popular attractions in Japanese gay bars and an unmissable experience when visiting Japan for those who love the nightlife, LGBTQ+ or not. These muscular, good-looking men are waiting for you, so run, not walk to one of the bars we presented to rinse your eyes!
