[brief]

Hi all. Mature euro guy thinking of going to Japan/Tokyo.
Do any of the readers on this board have any info on Budget acommodation, gay bars, suana's, crusing area's, links etc.
Thanking you in advance.
brief

[billinbkk]

Brief:

Generally the words "budget" and "Tokyo" do not belong in the same sentence. Tokyo is a VERY expensive city. Now, about gay venues: you'll be hard pressed to find any...and if you DO find them, to be welcomed inside unless you're with a Japanese guy. The Japanese often view anyone other than their kind as unwelcomed.

However, if you CAN find a Japanese guide, he'll doubtlessly be able to direct you to places where westerners are welcomed.

Good luck and have a good trip.

[Gaijin]

I agree with billinbkk that budget and Tokyo do not go together.

However, I also disagree. There are many places for a westerner to go. Unfortunately, I am not a Tokyo expert as I had lived in Fukuoka in the south and usually visited Osaka more often.

Billinbkk is correct, in part, many places do close the door on non-Japanese.

I was lucky to be able to drop in on some traditionally J-only establishments by name dropping my friend's name who was a bar owner in Fukuoka. Connections and introductions are even important in the cruising community in Japan.

That said, let me try to help Brief.

The main gay area is Shinjuku 2-chome.

Arty Farty is probably the best place to start. Rather mixed on types, but generally on the younger side (under 40). Further down the street are two more bars.....the names escape me at present....they are nearly across from each other. One is definitely a gaisen (J-guys who like westerners) cruising bar. The other is a dance club. Lots of guys from Arty Farty and the the aforementioned bar end up there dancing. You could always ask the staff at Arty Farty more information about the other bars. They are usually pretty good at directly people to "their type". Bars in Japan are highly specialized acording to the type of guys you like.

Brief-san, You did mention being mature. These places may not be your style. But unfortunately that is all I know about Tokyo.

It is so sad that the Japan Board, which I moderate, is not as active as this one.

Gaijin

[df]

CITY HOTEL LORNSTAR
http://www.japanhotel.net/2005/hotel.asp?HotelID=60

This budget hotel is in the center of the gay bars and it is next to the subway exit.

Bars and Saunas
2 to 10 minutes walk from the hotel. The most popular bar for foreigners GB is right behind the hotel

[Gaijin]

Thank you Df,

That's the name I could not remember....GB

Thanks.

[fountainhall]

Utopia Asia has a very informative section on Tokyo along with addresses of bars, saunas etc. In addition to Arty Farty and GB (very crowded and smoky at week-ends), there are Fuji and Kinsmen both very close to GB and welcome gaijin.

For saunas, try the new 24 in Shinjuku. Utopia has a link to the 24 website. There are three 24 saunas (the other 2 are in Ueno and Asakusa) and this is the latest. Unfortunately there is no map, but there is for the one in Ueno which I have always found excellent - lots of different ages, some happy to meet gaijin, great rainforest steam room etc.

There is also a small one called Casablanca near Akasaka-mitsuke which welcomes gaijin and attracts some youngish businessmen. And if you like things fairly basic, there's a hattenba called Treffpunkt in roughly the same area - this is sometimes active at lunchtimes. On entering saunas, you have to take off your shoes and put them in a locker (10 Yen) before you go to the window to pay and get your towel and bathrobe.

The problem always is trying to find them because Japanese street addresses are just a series of numbers - like 5-12-14 something. With a detailed map that includes the area and block numbers, you are half way to getting close. Get help from the hotel receptionist. Whatever you do, DON'T expect taxi drivers to find the addresses. You will end up going round in circles and paying a fortune. Using the JR and subway system and then walking is best.

Lastly, don't expect all the handsome Japanese guys to fall for you. Lots of Japanese only like being with other Japanese, so be prepared to be rebuffed. And some who want to be with a gaijin may be a bit shy at first. Persevere - and keep a smile on your face!

[ViajeroGringo]

Thanks df for the tip on the Lornstar Hotel. That is quite reasonable and a great location. Do they have any trouble with guests in the rooms?

In the past I've gotten a decent deal at the Shnjuku Prince from various internet booking agents. They certainly don't have a problem with guests in the rooms. The lobby is so busy they wouldn't even notice.

FWIW, I'm a nice looking middle-age guy in decent shape and I've had good success at the bars mentioned above-especially GB. But also in the various cruising spots around town--Shinjuku Station men's rooms, the outdoor cruising area in bushes of Ueno Park (next to the Exhibition Hall, I believe). Before my first visit I was put off by the well-publicized stickiness of the Japanese. What I found was nothing like Thailand in terms of availability of companions--but I had a great time and fulfilled some long-held fantasies of Japanese men. In particular one gorgeous 30-ish guy I met in GB who walked his bicycle back to my hotel with me for a night of non-stop kissing, cuddling and passionate sex. I have rarely been so turned on by anyone. I'm normally attracted to guys with large endowments and am almost exclusively a top. But this guy had a rather small dick and I let him top me--twice! I spend the morning recovering--unfortuantely he had to get up and to to work.

[df]

Lornstar is very straight about guests. One better stay at Shinjuku Prince or Keio Plaza if one has a trick every night.

BTW, there are so many love hotels (short time hotels) in Shinjuku, your new found friend would know them well, or you two can go to the 24K sauna buying the short time tickets.

[asianad]

I have found on my visits the forums of
www.jguyusguy.com
extremely helpful
not only are there help forums but also many personal ads every day from jap wishing to meet cau and reverse
In all 6 regions
Tokyo is Kanto region
Shinjuka is in Kanto region