Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
265
maps in chapter 5 for locations); you'll find a lot more in the immediate area by explor-
ing on your own.
Advocates
Attracting both gays and straights, this small bar opens onto the street
with a few sidewalk tables and overflowing crowds, making this a good vantage point for
watching the street action and for networking. Hours are Monday to Saturday 6pm to
5am, Sunday 6pm to 1am.
2-18-1 Shinjuku.
&
03/3358-3988.
Station: Shinjuku Sanchome (4
min.). On the street behind Bygs, to the right.
Arty Farty
One of Ni-chome's larger gay bars, this is also one of the best places to
dance, due to a good sound system and music that ranges from house to hip hop.
Although it used to be strictly males only, it recently moved to a new location (across
from the legendary Pit Inn jazz house) and threw open its doors to all. A fun climax to
a pub crawl in Shinjuku. It's open Sunday to Thursday 7pm to 3am, Friday and Saturday
7pm to 5am.
2-11-7 Shinjuku.
&
03/5362-9720.
Station: Shinjuku Sanchome (3 min.). North-
east of the Shinjuku Dori/Meiji Dori intersection.
Kinsmen
This long-standing second-floor gay bar welcomes customers of all persua-
sions. It's a pleasant oasis, small and civilized, with occasional live music. Hours are
Sunday and Tuesday to Thursday 7pm to 1am, Friday to Saturday 7pm to 3am.
2-18-5
Shinjuku.
&
03/3354-4949.
Station: Shinjuku Sanchome (4 min.).
Kinswomyn
This casual, tiny, but welcoming women-only bar attracts a regular cli-
entele of mainly Japanese but also foreign lesbians. Weekends can get quite crowded,
especially when some of the younger patrons start dancing, making weekdays preferable
for those seeking a more relaxed, quiet setting. Hours are Wednesday to Monday 8pm to
4am.
2-15-10 Shinjuku.
&
03/3354-8720.
Station: Shinjuku Sanchome (4 min.). On a street
behind Kinsmen.
5
MOVIE THEATERS
10
Going to the movies is an expensive pastime in Tokyo, with admission averaging about
¥1,800 for adults, ¥1,500 for senior-high and college students, and ¥1,000 for children
and seniors over 60. Look for weekday specials; some theaters, for example, offer women
discounts on Wednesday or late-show discounts. If you want to see one of Hollywood's
latest releases (which usually take a few months to reach Japan), you may have to contend
with long lines and huge crowds. Movies are shown in the original language, with Japa-
nese subtitles.
Although there are movie theaters spread throughout the metropolis, none is as
sophisticated and upscale as
Toho Cinemas,
located in the Roppongi Hills development
at 6-10-2 Roppongi (
&
03/5775-6090
). It offers seven screens at the usual movie-
going price, plus a Premier Zone with its own bar, Japanese garden, and viewing room
with armchair seating and side tables (admission here is a hefty ¥3,000, including one
drink). Like many other cinemas, it offers discounted tickets for ¥1,000 on the first day
of each month and for ladies on Wednesday (except in the Premier Zone). Unlike other
theaters, however, it shows movies Sunday to Wednesday from 10am to midnight, and
Thursday, Friday, and Saturday from 10am to 5am (note that city law bans children
under 18 inside movie theaters past 11pm).
