Tokyo Sky Tree & Asakusa - Tokyo - page 348

Best
Gay & Lesbian
Tokyo is more tolerant of homosexuality and alternative lifestyles than most of its
Asian counterparts, though you won't see public displays of affection, or even
hand-holding. Shinjuku-nichōme (nicknamed 'Ni-chōme') is the city's gay and les-
bian enclave, where hundreds of establishments, including bars, dance clubs,
saunas and love hotels, are crammed into a space of a few blocks.
Parties & Events
Shangri-La ( www.ageha.com/gn/ja/events/index.html ) is arguably the city's best gay
party, held roughly every other month at bayside super club Ageha. Fancy Him
( www.fancyhim.com ) is the city's most fashion-forward party, with a mixed straight
and gay crowd arriving in often over-the-top handmade costumes. Goldfinger
( www.goldfingerparty.com ) , hosted by the bar of the same name, is Tokyo's sexiest
women-only party. But for something totally 'only-in-Tokyo', check out monthly
event Dept H ( http://ameblo.jp/department-h ) , where you'll find drag queens rubbing
shoulders with cosplayers watching shibari (Japanese-style bondage) shows - it's
Tokyo at its most out-there and open-minded.
Tokyo Rainbow Pride ( http://tokyorainbowpride.com/en/parade ) , Japan's largest
GLBT festival, takes place in April and includes a colouful parade through the
streets of Harajuku and Shibuya. The Tokyo International Lesbian & Gay
Film Festival ( www.tokyo-lgff.org ) , which has been going strong for more than two
decades, usually hits screens in July.
Cosy neighbourhood hub Cocolo Cafe ( Click here ) is a good place to browse
flyers for upcoming parties and events.