So you’re here, in Japan — even better, you’re all set to go to Shinjuku Nichome, Japan’s beloved gayborhood! But hold on: you’ve learned to bow as a sign of gratitude or respect, but is there different etiquette you should know for drinking in a bar — especially in a gay bar?
Well, sure! Today, we’ll take you through the things you’ll need to know before you get your drink on in the Japanese capital of queer. We’ll explain what the different types of bars are, cover charges, photography rules, dress codes, and more! Not in Nichome? Well, while this advice does relate to JGG’s stomping ground, don’t worry: a lot of this will apply to Doyamacho in Osaka, or other gay bars across the country. Bottoms up!
Shot Bars, Mix Bars, and Snack Bars: What to Expect
まず考えなければならないのは、どんなバーを訪れたいかということで、主な3つのタイプはショットバー、スナックバー、ミックスバーである。
ショットバー
ショットバーは、訪日外国人や海外のバーを訪れたことのある地元の人たちにとても人気がある。通常、カバーチャージはないか、もしくは1、2杯のドリンクが含まれたごく少額のもので、ドリンクはその都度支払う。ショットバー」と呼ばれているが、ショット酒だけを売っているわけではなく、ビール、ワイン、ソフトドリンクの品揃えも豊富だ。
Although shot bars are small, some have space for dancing later in the evening. As such, they may play host to guest DJs. Check the social media of a bar that’s caught your eye: you could find an upcoming event that scratches your musical itch.
Shot bars may be segregated by gender or sexuality, and this distinction will often be posted at the door. On the other hand, you may come across a “mix bar.”
Mix Bars
Mix bars are similar to shot bars, but while they may have a focus on an LGBTQ+ clientele, they are welcoming of anyone, regardless of gender or sexuality. This welcoming atmosphere is great for people who are new to the scene, or if you’re out on the town in a group of people of mixed gender and different sexualities. King Tokyo and Kingdom are terrific examples of this type of mixed bar.
多くのショットバーは混在しているが、時折イベントを開催したり、特定の性別やセクシュアリティに特化した曜日を設けている。例えば、ストリップ・ナイトを開催しているゲイ・バーでは、女性の入場をお断りしている場合があるので、金曜日や週末に訪れる予定のバーのソーシャルメディアを事前にチェックする価値がある。
Snack Bars
Snack bars are a little more traditionally Japanese in that they cater to regulars, and while they are initially expensive to attend, when used correctly, they can be a little cheaper. Snack bars will generally have a cover charge that will include a small dish of food, and single drinks are extra. The initial big expense at some snack bars (though not all) is that guests must buy a large bottle, usually of a hard spirit like shochu or whisky. However, this bottle is kept for the patron behind the bar when they leave, encouraging repeat visits, as you don’t need to pay for a new bottle until the old one is finished.
スナック・バーは、ダンスや大音量の音楽がなく、騒々しくないので、会話に集中することができます。そのため、現在交際中の相手や、これから交際を考えている相手を連れてくるには最適の場所だ。もしあなたが一人で来ているなら、「ママ」と呼ばれるホストがあなたや他の客と会話を交わし、場を盛り上げてくれるのが普通だ。また、スナックのママがドレスアップしていることも珍しくない。
Some snack bars, however, can be difficult for foreigners to access: they may have hosts who only speak Japanese, or could be invitation-only. So if a Japanese friend invites you, you should jump at the opportunity!
At any of these types of bars, entrance fees, any mandatory drink purchases, age or gender restrictions, and whether or not there is a special event can usually be checked either on social media or will be advertised outside of the bar. The same is true of the language ability of the staff: many places will have signs stating whether or not their staff speak English. If you’re not sure, ask someone familiar with the establishment, or pop inside to ask a staff member yourself.
Gay Bar Etiquette: Photos, Clothing, Drinks, and Tipping
Now that you know what kind of bar you want to visit, what do you need to know about spending time there? While gay bars in Japan are a place for LGBTQ+ folks to gather and have a good time, there are a couple of things to keep in mind.
One of the first things to note is that taking photos of bar interiors when many other customers are around can be frowned on. While you should check with staff first, taking selfies is usually fine, but be careful not to catch the face of a stranger: if the picture is posted to social media, it’s possible you could accidentally out someone. While gayborhoods like Nichome are naturally welcoming, outside of Tokyo’s queer capital society can be a little more conservative. Additionally, coming out isn’t as essential a part of Japanese queer culture as in some other countries, so be careful.
Hiro, a bartender at Dragon Men, also cautioned against getting too revealing.
“In many gay clubs in foreign countries, men take off their shirts when they go dancing. There are special bars with looser clothes requirements, but most shot bars don’t appreciate it when people start getting half-naked.”
Some events do encourage showing a little skin, though, so check the bar’s socials beforehand if you find the shackles of cloth a little too restricting.
Another hint, given by a former bartender at AiiRO Cafe, is to consider the differences in the tipping culture. In Japan, tipping is extremely rare: many Tokyoites can drink in bars, eat in restaurants, or travel in taxis for years without tipping once.
元従業員（現常連）がアドバイスする、
しかし、もしあなたが常連なら、バーテンダーに飲み物を注文したときに一杯勧めるべきだ。礼儀正しく、感謝の気持ちを表し、友情を深めることができる。たとえ断られたとしても、頼まれるのは嬉しいものだ。
This isn’t a hard and fast rule — especially for visitors — but it is a polite gesture, and our friend at AiiRO’s suggestions are usually solid!
If you do manage to get your own bottle at a snack bar, the host will likely be pouring your drinks from the bottle for you. If you like, you can ask them if they want to pour one for themselves. Again, this isn’t strictly necessary, but it is a nice thing to ask.
Along those lines, the manager of Arty Farty, one of the oldest extant mixed bars in Nichome, makes it clear that some mixed and shot bars will expect clients to buy at least one drink if they want to enter.
“I know that in foreign countries, sometimes people come to gay bars, but they just use the bathroom, or talk with friends, without buying drinks. That’s considered very rude here. Since many bars don’t have a cover charge, you should at least buy one drink,” he says.
So, even if you’re only going in for a short visit, it’s polite to buy a drink. If you don’t drink and you’re just visiting with friends, don’t worry: buying a non-alcoholic drink is just as valid.
With that, you should be ready to party. Remember that these etiquette guidelines are just that, and aren’t hard-and-fast rules that can be applied across all of Japan. If you’re wondering where to start your night out in Nichome, why not check out our list of ten bars to visit while you’re here?
