Understanding Hook-Up Culture in Japan
Japan still values a little bit of coyness when it comes to establishing relationships: people prefer to get to know a potential partner before dating. However, it is by no means the case that hook-ups do not happen. For LGBTQ+ people, especially gay men, there are a fair few options that one has, both in terms of apps, and places to go. So, let us take you through them!
Hooking Up in Japan as a Foreigner
One thing that you might be wondering about is: as a non-Japanese person, is hooking up easier, more difficult, or about the same as your homeland? Well, it can depend. For some Japanese people, it is true that a foreign partner can be a source of enthusiastic curiosity, or even seen as a status symbol.
Some Japanese people, however, will be aware that foreigners can tend to fetishize Japanese people. This means that, for a relationship, things might be a little tough. But for a hook up? You might find that it becomes relatively easier — though you will need to speak at least a little Japanese.
Even between foreigners, there can be a sense of camaraderie in finding one another, and the thrill of that can lead to a one-nighter. But be aware: the foreign community in Japan is small, and people tend to know one another: this goes double for the LGBTQ+ expat community.
Best Gay Hook-Up Apps in Japan (2025)
Well, we’re in the 2020s now, so I’m sure you’re familiar with at least a few dating apps. But as a reminder for anyone who is a little less sure of which apps are available in Japan, and what they offer, here are a few of our recommendations.
Tinder
消息来源 Tinder
虽然它并不完全是一款同性恋交友应用、 Tinder 仍然是日本使用最广泛的应用程序之一，而且它还包括 LGBTQ+。在东京、大阪和福冈，你会发现许多同性恋用户使用它来寻找约会对象，尤其是年轻人和学生。
Best for: 愿意约会或随便交朋友的同性恋旅行者和当地人。
Grindr
仍然是使用最广泛的 日本同性恋交友应用程序Grindr 将当地人和游客即时联系在一起。您会发现它在以下地区非常热闹 Nichome, 多山和 名古屋的荣 区。
Best for: 旅行者和外籍人士寻求即时的本地联系或偶然的邂逅。
9monsters (ナインモンスターズ)
日本最受欢迎的 同性恋交友软件, 9monsters (或 "9mon"）是专为日本同性恋群体制作的。它集约会、社交网络和游戏元素于一身，有趣而独特。
Best for: 希望在友好、不令人生畏的环境中结识日本男同性恋的本地人和游客。
Heesay
Formerly known as “Blued,” this is a massive gay social app from Asia (especially popular in China and Southeast Asia), Heesay is also gaining traction in Japan. It’s known for being safer, inclusive, and community-driven.
Best for: 在日本居住或访问日本的国际同性恋用户。
杰克
With over 15 million users, and the ability to hone in on exactly the sort of person you’re looking to hook-up with, Jack’d is very popular among LGBTQ+ people. It also lists nearby events, so if there’s something on, you’ll be able to find it easily!
Best for: People with a specific type of partner in mind.
Romeo
又称 罗密欧星球这个历史悠久的男同性恋交友平台在日本仍然拥有一批忠实用户，尤其是成熟用户和外籍人士。
Best for: 寻求认真联系或全球 LGBTQ+ 社区联系的人。
Where Hook-Ups Happen in Japan
Apps seem to have been around for eternity… but if you can believe it, people have been hooking up for generations! So, where should you go if you want to do things the old fashioned way, and — urgh — talk to a fellow human being? Well, there are plenty of places for queer folks! Here are just a few.
新宿二丁目
"(《世界人权宣言》) uncontested home of LGBTQ+ life in Japan, this is arguably the biggest gayborhood in Asia. As such, you’ll be bound to find someone who takes your fancy in one of the 300+ LGBTQ+ bars. There are bars for GMPD people, bars for those who like things on the wild side, and places for regular, chilled out conversations.
24 Kaikan Shinjuku
Now we’re talking hook-ups. The flagship of a small chain of men-only sauna, this is the cruising spot to end all cruising spots. With over six floors of delights, from the sensual to the sadistic, this is the perfect place for anyone who wants to get a little dirty before they get squeaky clean.
多山
Osaka’s answer to Nichome, this is the queer hub for Japan’s second city. There are a ton of bars and clubs you can visit, and while it may not be as big as in Tokyo, Osaka also offers a lot of options for the voracious visitor or lovelorn local.
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Japan’s Gay Hook-Up Culture: Discreet Yet Thriving
Japan is still somewhat conservative when it comes to sexuality: if you meet a colleague in a gay bar, or find them on an app, it is best not to mention it to anyone without their consent. However, with this in mind, you can find that the Japanese gay scene can be as open and welcoming as any other, and the same goes for hook-ups.
How to Hook Up in Japan Respectfully
Even if you are on the prowl, remember that there are unwritten rules here that apply just as much as anywhere else. For the most part, these are common sense. However, for the sake of those whose sense is somewhat rarer, we’ll go over them here:
- Start on apps — they’re safer and are culturally appropriate.
- Be curious, not pushy — small talk before flirting is always wise.
- Use “love hotels” for a quick night — they are affordable, clean, and designed for privacy. Beware that some outside of major areas may not accept two people of the same gender.
- Avoid assumptions — not everyone on apps is looking for sex.
- Enjoy the culture — hook-ups here could lead to real connection and even a relationship, so be open-minded!
That’s more or less all there is to it. Whether you’re just feeling curious, or have a lust that needs to be slaked, trying out Japan’s hook-up culture can be a lot of fun. Just remember to stay safe, stay sane, and stay cool!
