Japan:info Of Bars & Saunas For Young/old In Tokyo

[Andy@Tokyo]

Hi,

Did promise sometime back to write about Japan after coming back from Singapore and here is it:

I think i would concentrate on bars where matures look for younger, vice versa. (For 20s,30s looking for 40s-60s)

The Main Areas for Bars-

In shinjuku there are 4 main bars which i know of, they are kinohana, nobu, popular and hiromi. I ranked them in order of my preferences for the masters of the bar.(would explain later) For those who dont know any japanese at all, i would recommend popular becasue the master of the bar knows more england than the rest.

In shimbashi, there are 3 main ones. They are Oasis, Haru and Dan. In shimbashi, the mean age for younger is 30s-40s. And most people (i think many of u would know this) dresses in suits. Anyway shimbashi is not an easy play ground compared to shinjuku and ueno.. so i dont recommend shimbashi to beginners (advise is for those in 20s-30s).

In ueno, i know of only 6 bars. Moto, Chao, Reno, Pegasus, eagles and Takashi. Again ranked in order of my preferences. Moto, chao and takashi would be a good start for beginners.

And finally Asakusa, still a mystery to me or rather i am still exploring as the place is more suitable of mature/mature crowds. In anycase, i have come across 2 shops which i know are good in their reputation. Ichi and papa no mise.

There are also some shops which i know of which are not in the above mention areas but instead of giving more names i think i would go into explaining some terms and style of the Japanese Bars.

The main bartender is call the Master. He is usually the owner of that bar and there might be helpers(mostly part-timers, 1 or 2 person) depending on the size of the bar.

The master of the bar is important and the personality of the master is my main criteria for choosing my fav. bar. The type of master reflects on the kind of customer frequenting the bar. To me, Good Daddies gather at bars with good masters.

The busiest period is Friday/saturday evenings and holidays/holidays eves. And generally, Rainy days/bad weather=few customers. Sometimes, Monday and wednesdays are also good to visit bars.

Next, In the bar-

-For first timers, take a quick glance and sit near ur type or just choose any seats available. Subsquently, when the master know ur type he might help assign according, depending on the situation.

- Basic charge is from 1200~1500yen depending on the bar. U are entitled to a drink and a small meal/snack. For drinks, mainly, Beer, Japanese wine(shochu-) or whiskey. Non-alcoholic beverages(Japanese tea, tomato juices, orange juices)

-additional drinks 700-800yen

-Karaoke 100yen per song (most bar offer free karaoke all u wan after 5 songs)

-You can choose to keep a bottle of alcohol if u are frequenting that bar or if u go in group. this is more worth while.

Looking for ur type-

-Master would normally ask u abt the type u like.

-If there is someone u like, it is better to go through them. i.e. let the master know abt it and he would help relay.

-oldtimers/matures in the bar might also offer u drink if they are fond of u.

-Better learn some Japanese song. i know jap songs. i learnt them for interests and initially i though it wasnt impt. but then, overtime it work again and again to gain attention of those u like and of course, those tat are not ur type might also find interest in u when they hear ur song.

Finally,

-Not everyday is sunday.

-My advice is dont rush into sex if u are staying in japan for long time

-Take more time to know abt the person.

Just an overview of Tokyo bar from my experiences.

Shoot ur questions/comments, if any.

Cheers

Andy

P.s Benefitted from this forum and enjoyed my trip back to singapore. Was busy too and Sry that i didnt get to meet some of u. ANyway, thank you!

[LupCheong]

Aiyoh so ma fan, must play the courting game. Just go to 24 kaikan and makan whoever you like on the spot lah But still, thanks Andy for the info. :thumb:

[Andy@Tokyo]

Dear Lupcheong ,

Thanks!

For long-term relationship, bar still better. Also, somewat safer.. in many ways, from STDs and so on. Maybe just to me. Anyway depends on one's preferences. The master of the bar i go to intro to me gd quality daddies.

[oralb]

i guess if you only have 2 or 3 days in tokyo, the saunas and cruising grounds will get better results. however like all places, there are a number of men that do not go to such places.

put it another way, if you are staying tokyo for quite some time, while you may patronize the sauna the 1st few months, but in no time, you would wanna try out another venues.

personally i have not been to the pubs, when i was shinjuku, really tempted to enter one such place but afraid of the language barrier. the pub i wanted to enter was a fundoshi bar, where mature men only wear fundoshi inside.

[Andy@Tokyo]

Hi OralB,

U are rite, 2-3days saunas or cruising area is best.

Just to add to previous info abt cruising area in Ueno. the toilet beside No13 line inside the station is also one such place.

Abt timing need to go after office hours. during office hours parks or toilet sure noone or few people. Like hibiya park, it is true that the place has quite down. but after office hours still got actions one.

Because singaporeans are so rare, if u enter i think u would receive great attention and not to mention popularity. So next time no need to worry abt langage barrier. Just do it. lol.

[crazygolfer]

Thanks for the update Andy.

So far, I’ve never been in any bars but twice went to Kaikan24, one in Ueno and the other one at Shinjuku. It’s recommended for us as foreigner in Japan. My friend and I tried to enter one hattenba called ‘Treffpunkt’ in Asakasa but we were denied entrance.

Anyway, do you have any recommended sauna for Osaka? Tks

[Andy@Tokyo]

Hi Crazygolfer,

Thanks!

I think if u are chinese.. i.e. look like Japanese, any saunas can enter. Think i saw a post that talked abt it too. Just have to act pro when entering and keep quite. I dont know what is your type of man. but there is also another chain sauna which i think is good (dont have facilities like kaikan24). It is call OoBan. Shinjuku, ueno and asakusa also have.

Havent been to Osaka personally, but can easily find out from friends here. (let u know later)

Anyway, as most of u know, 'Type' in Japan is quite well define. i.e. whether u like slim or chub or old or young. they have specific bars or saunas suitable for individual.

Not sure whether singapore also the same or not.. (only Went to diamond once when i was back and liked it)

Best

[gpfun]

For saunas in Osaka, it depends on your taste. Generally, those in their 20s and 30s will visit Hokuoukan (http://www.hokuoukan.jp/english.html). The system is pretty similar to 24-kaikan in Tokyo but slightly cheaper. It is also 24-hours. It is located near to JR Osaka Station.

If you are into matured crowd (late 30s upwards), you should visit Business Inn Royal Sauna (http://www.sauna-royal.jp/english.html). Similar system and 24-hours.

Both saunas are foreigner friendly. Peak period is generally from Friday evenings onwards till Sunday afternoons. Other times, it can be a little quiet. Hope this helps. Let me know if you require more info.

[GachiMuchi]

Andy, I've been to Oban in Tokyo's Kabuki Cho and I can tell you that foreigners are not welcome at all. They even have a sign in Japanese and English (if I remember correctly) about no entry to foreigners. Anyway, I managed to get in with my ex. Only upon leaving were we found out. The counter staff was pretty furious. Oban sucks.

Anyway, I would rather prefer 24kaikan, besides being foreigner friendly, they also have the types I like. Periodically, there will be announcements in Japanese and English to patrons about safety, etc. Which is good.

Another good place is Osaka's Hokuoukan (Business Inn). Mentioned earlier.

Frankly, the sauna in Japan are run like no frills hotels. Unlike some saunas in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia & Taiwan those Japanese saunas are clean, with good amenities and facilities. It is really pleasant staying in those 24hours saunas.

[lazyone]

My friend and I tried to enter one hattenba called ‘Treffpunkt’ in Asakasa but we were denied entrance.

Treffpunkt does admit foreigners.. and the Japanese who patronise it are quite young & hunky.

when i was shinjuku, really tempted to enter one such place but afraid of the language barrier. the pub i wanted to enter was a fundoshi bar, where mature men only wear fundoshi inside.

Been to this fundoshi bar twice with a Japanese friend. It's a very interesting place. Yes, mostly older men. Master's body is covered with traditional Japanese tattoo all over. Very friendly if you have someone they know to bring you in. Otherwise they will tell you the place is full unless you are drop dead gorgeous. Some young cuties(in the nude) who frequent this bar who like being sex slaves to the older men. Anything goes if the chemistry is there, but everyone else watches or touches you when anything happens.. quite a thrill! First time I was there, I had 2 naked sex slaves tearing my clothes off when my friend intro me as from Singapore and all the older guys joined in till some one accidentally knocked a beer glass over and everything stopped because of cleaning up.

[Andy@Tokyo]

Andy, I've been to Oban in Tokyo's Kabuki Cho and I can tell you that foreigners are not welcome at all.  They even have a sign in Japanese and English (if I remember correctly) about no entry to foreigners.  Anyway, I managed to get in with my ex.  Only upon leaving were we found out.  The counter staff was pretty furious.  Oban sucks.

Anyway, I would rather prefer 24kaikan, besides being foreigner friendly, they also have the types I like.  Periodically, there will be announcements in Japanese and English to patrons about safety, etc.  Which is good.

Frankly, the sauna in Japan are run like no frills hotels. Unlike some saunas in Singapore, Thailand, Malaysia & Taiwan those Japanese saunas are clean, with good amenities and facilities.  It is really pleasant staying in those 24hours saunas. 

Dear Gachi,

Haha i didnt go to oban in kabuki cho.. coz my type would not be there. But if one likes mature. then ueno oban is gd. been there before, some taiwanese and koreans also visit the sauna there.

But i agree with u 24kaikan is more foreigner friendly...

Ya i also agree that the sauna culture for singapore and japan is different.. maybe that is y i dont frequent sauna here..

Btw, Wow so many specialist in saunas..

[crazygolfer]

Would Andy help to recommend Ryokan (Japanese Traditional Hotel) in Tokyo?

[Guest Guest]

Hi Andy,

would you know your way around Yokohama?

I will be visiting next week and looking for some nice Izakayas and restaurants and if can slip away from the colleagues some saunas.

Any recommendations?

BTW from Tokyo airport what bus should I take to Yokohama?

Thanks

R

[Andy@Tokyo]

humm.. i becoming tour guide like tat..

crazy golfer... i know this ryokan near ueno station that can admit gay couples.. cant remember the name.. let me check it out and get back to u ok? dont know where u prefer to stay too, and ur budget....

there are also a few treads posted by oralB regarding his trip to Japan.. maybe u also wan to check it out.

>guest

i havent adventure into yokohama gay spots yet. but i have the gayguide book at home... would reply again when i get home. but if u could let me know ur type then better.

From Narita airport, i presumed。once u get out of the gate bus services are available check this out

http://www.limousinebus.co.jp/en/index.html

take train better leh... for bus if got traffic jam then u wait long long.. think the price is not sooo different.

http://www.jreast.co.jp/e/nex/index.html

hope this helps.. think maybe others know more than me.. so if i miss out anything or if there are better options do feel free to post.

[Andy@Tokyo]

lol

i found this shop in the guide book

yokohama

scary

http://www91.sakura.ne.jp/~ashiba/

and this is another at yokohama

http://my.peps.jp/hamadora

there are some more but with link... sry

[crazygolfer]

humm.. i becoming tour guide like tat..

crazy golfer... i know this ryokan near ueno station that can admit gay couples.. cant remember the name.. let me check it out and get back to u ok? dont know where u prefer to stay too, and ur budget....

Thanks Andy for it :thumb:

Talking about Treffpunkt Hattenba in Tokyo, maybe just unlucky where we were refused to enter. We did not even see the guy manning the counter. Once we arrived at the foyer, the guy behind the counter (he was behind the one-way glass counter where he could see us but we couldn't see him), however he just gave a sign language to leave the place.

Actually their ads in Utopia Asia was stated 'foreinger welcome', anyway we were very happy to explore the Kaikan24 both in Ueno and Shinjuku :thumb:

Treffpunkt means Meeting Point in German language.

[BigBalls]

I just came back from Tokyo where I visited 24 Kaikan in Ueno. It was fun, and since I got the direction from this site, I thought I should return the favour by writing down how to go there from JR Ueno Station (or from the Skyliner Station which is just diagonally opposite from the JR Ueno Station).

Here you go:

1) Once you get off the train at JR Ueno, look for the Central Exit. To go to 24 Kaikan Ueno, use the "Asakusa Exit" at JR Ueno.

2) Once out of the exit and facing the main road, you would see on your left a row of shops - restaurants, supermarket, and also the flyover zigzagging. Walk towards the shops on the left, and then follow the direction of the flyover (which is the National Highway No 4, I think), walking under it and outside the shops.

3) Enjoy you walk, and look at what the shops sell. Some restaurants, a shop selling paper, ink and chinese brush...then you start to see a few shops selling scooters/motor cycles...and the accessories. Look up occassionally at the traffic lights - where there will be sign board showing what area you are in, and what direction you are heading....you should look out for "Higashi Ueno".

4) When you see fewer motor-cycle shops, (after about 4 or 5 traffic (zebra) crossing), you can cross to the other side of the road, but still heading the same direction.

5) You should be in "Kita-ueno" now, and about 15 min from Ueno. Start to look out for a 7-11. The 24 Kaikan Ueno is just a stone's throw from there. It is a tall (maybe 10 floors) dark-brown building.

6) If you hit "Iriya", then you have overshot, and may have to walk back towards JR Ueno. (Different story if you take the subway to Iriya Station 入谷....in fact nearer to walk from Iriya Subway Station...just look for the National Highway No 4, and 24 Kaikan Ueno is just next to it).

People there are friendly, and the place is super clean.

I look forward to my trip there again.

Thanks again everyone who previously provided info on Kaikan.

[Guest Guest]

big balls what types can we find in the 24 sauna ie age & size. I like uncles.

[crazygolfer]

I just came back from Tokyo where I visited 24 Kaikan in Ueno.

BigBalls, what was the latest experience, do foreign customers needed to show their passport to gain entry to Kaikan24?

In other thread it was said that foreign guys entering the sauna Kaikan24 in the evening required passport as the sauna has sleeping overnight facility or dormitory?

[Andy@Tokyo]

hi Crazygolfer..

if u are chinese and can pass off as japanese.. no need.

just need to know what to do.

it is quite SOP..

go in take off shoes,

put in coin to lock up ur shoes

take key to counter and pay

bf that take ur time to look at chart for amt to pay

the chart should be near the counter

pass key to the person manning the counter and pay

walk off to the locker room to strip and put ur belongings

remain calm and should be able to pass off without need to speak or show passport

[chubbylover]

NO such luck for me though. When I visited Ueno 24kaikan with my good friend we had to produce our passports for them to zap, and to fill up a separate form with some information like name, passport number, purpose of visit etc etc...and we were spending 6 nights in the same kaikan. The counter staff already recognised us by the 3rd night, but STILL need to let them zap our passports and fill up the forms etc.

Oh dear my Tokyo Withdrawal symthoms are acting again...

[Guest japan traveller]

not when i went to the one in shinjuku

went to a couple of bar in shinjuku

generally is very small

one of them can just hold up to 5 sitting patrons

[Andy@Tokyo]

NO such luck for me though. When I visited Ueno 24kaikan with my good friend we had to produce our passports for them to zap, and to fill up a separate form with some information like name, passport number, purpose of visit etc etc...and we were spending 6 nights in the same kaikan. The counter staff already recognised us by the 3rd night, but STILL need to let them zap our passports and fill up the forms etc.

Oh dear my Tokyo Withdrawal symthoms are acting again...

dear chublover,

u look like indian or malay or western is it? no offences to other races...

also if u look like traveler carrying backpacks and so on then bound to be asked

[GachiMuchi]

Crazy Golfer, I think there are other reasons for your refusal. Some clubs have specific age, or type of look or type of shape before one can enter.

Some hattenba only admits 20s and 30s, some requires you to be naked. Like wise for some pubs, some only allow bears, some requires you to wear the Japanese Fundoshi, etc.

So I guess, you were refused entry due to other reasons than you being foreigner.

As some has mentioned, due to the space constrain, they can't allow everyone to be in the bar, therefore, they cater to specific customers or their admirers.

The "types" there are very diverse. From Kuma (Bear) pub to Fundoshi Pub, to G-men pub, to SM pub, to Tranny pub, etc.

[chubbylover]

NO such luck for me though. When I visited Ueno 24kaikan with my good friend we had to produce our passports for them to zap, and to fill up a separate form with some information like name, passport number, purpose of visit etc etc...and we were spending 6 nights in the same kaikan. The counter staff already recognised us by the 3rd night, but STILL need to let them zap our passports and fill up the forms etc.

Oh dear my Tokyo Withdrawal symthoms are acting again...

dear chublover,

u look like indian or malay or western is it? no offences to other races...

also if u look like traveler carrying backpacks and so on then bound to be asked

Hahaha....I look like singaporean.

Ya I was carrying a backpack to hold my clothes and toiletries and camera, and also carrying on my hand a tokyo guide book which I bought in HK. Most likely the counter guy saw the guide book and picha lobang lah.

[akated]

hmmm.... i wasn't stopped for my passport at shinjuku kaikan even though i spoke to the attendants in english... guess i was just lucky...

onward to ueno!

[BigBalls]

Yes, I was asked for my passport at 24 Kaikan Ueno. But no worries. I guess it is not a crime to spend a night there....even Singapore is going to decriminalise homosexuality. Maybe the next time when I fill in the Immigration Entry form, under the column of address in Japan, I will consider putting "24 Kaikan Ueno".

For information, I understand that overnight bathhouses in China also require IDs or Passports.

[Andy@Tokyo]

yeah , i think if u look like tourist, carrying big bag, small bag plus guide book and camera.. sure gana asked for passport.

well, on the other hand like big balls says i think it is okie lah.. (to show passport). maybe they find u cute and wan to find out more abt u thats why they asked.

[crazygolfer]

Crazy Golfer, I think there are other reasons for your refusal.  Some clubs have specific age, or type of look or type of shape before one can enter.

It's possible that our appearance didn't meet their requirement and therefore our entry was denied although their ads (the Treffpunkt Hattenba) specified in Utopia-Asia all are welcome

Well, I learn another lesson. Anyway, the Kaikan24 in Ueno and Shinjuku was a great experience. In comparison to Korea sauna, I believe they are more welcoming.

[BigBalls]

Anywhere I can get info. on Korea sauna?...Sorry, I know this is the wrong forum...but please direct.

[Andy@Tokyo]

its okie lah, i wouldnt crush ur big balls for tat.

this was initially meant from jap bars but in the end also become sauna talks liao.. so anything..

its like the btm who had been f..k till no feeling so anyone enter also can lol

maybe we should start a country theme section not thread. i can help with the tokyo one. what do u all think? Mod?

so fast the title changed.. thanks mod! :thumb: :clap:

[GachiMuchi]

I've changed the topic to reflect on the current discussion.

Gachi

P/s : for those who heard about what I said yesterday nite during the meeting about Japan, it is pretty much the same as in the discussion except it is not as colourful as I have described it.

[erection day]

Do the Japanese like Chinese men? I always wonder. Got one experience at the sauna only.

[Andy@Tokyo]

Hi erection day,

u talking abt sauna in jap or singapore?

In Jap

I think most wouldnt mind chinese. some in fact like chinese. but maybe depending on the sauna u go. well, again if it is just sex they wouldnt know u not japanese lol..

[erection day]

Oh Andy, I was talking about sauna in Jap. You hardly get Japs in our saunas here. If you do see them, they will be quickly grabbed by those hunters eager for a piece of foreign meat.

[GachiMuchi]

Frankly, the Japs won't be able to tell the Chinese from their own, because most Asians looks about the same.

In Japan, you have Koreans, (China)Chinese, (Taiwan) Chinese, (Malaysian)Chinese, (HK) Chinese, (SG)Chinese, etc.

I was told by my Jap friend that I looked like a Jap when I am in Japan.

I also looked very Thai (Chinese) in Thailand. Very Malaysian in Malaysia, and Taiwanese in Taiwan, some even says I looked like Korean too.

So you see, Chinese in Asia, looked pretty much the like the country they are in, unless when you open your mouth or maybe from the way you dress, etc. Then they will know that you are not local.

So when I in a foreign country sauna, I will try to blend in and usually I don't speak so much, so as not to pichat lobang. Just fcuk and begone.

[Andy@Tokyo]

Aka..ted found someone who look like u gachi (in someways)

[GachiMuchi]

Non desuka? Honto ni?

Maybe my twin brother.

[chubbylover]

HI Andy I read abt those bars where the patrons are all clad in just a fundoshi? Any info on these bars? Do foreigners need to admit with a friend? Must we bring along our own fundoshi or they rent out fundoshis?

I am very keen to crash into one of those bars and stripped down to just my fundoshi...

[akated]

Non desuka? Honto ni?

Maybe my twin brother.

hahaha... actually, it's more of the 'aura' that he exuded...

many many cute bears young and old here in tokyo! the 'police-kuma' look especially droolsome in their uniforms

[Andy@Tokyo]

HI Andy I read abt those bars where the patrons are all clad in just a fundoshi? Any info on these bars? Do foreigners need to admit with a friend? Must we bring along our own fundoshi or they rent out fundoshis?

I am very keen to crash into one of those bars and stripped down to just my fundoshi...

Hi chubbylover,

i also like fundoshi!!

but i had only been to one such bars.

think first time it is better to go with someone who had been there bf.

they are not anti foreigener, at least the one i had been too wasnt.

The one i have been to-

we can bring our own, or we can rent there or purchase there

paiseh akated didnt bring u to fundoshi bar.. i too shy

[erection day]

Hi Andy, I might be going to Tokyo this Oct. Maybe I can stay with you?

Joking lah. Might be going with my family. Still deciding between Japan or Korea. I suppose it will be quite cold in Tokyo during Oct but hopefully with the wierd weather, it will just be mildly cold. I have always wanted to visit Japan and just love the way the people dressed there. Sadly, I wont be visiting the gay bars or saunas there. Who knows, if I do like Tokyo, I might just come back myself.

[Andy@Tokyo]

Hi erection day,

if u are coming do let me know. oct is nice.. can see maple leaves turn yellow and red.

even if u cant go to PLU places, can meet for a meal or wat. let me know then.

korea is also nice.. also wan to visit if i have the chance too.

[erection day]

Ok, Andy, will take up your kind offer. Who knows maybe I got time to sneak away with you to one of those bars you frequented. ha ha.

[bukitpanjang]

are there guides that bring foreigners to such places?

for chn guys its prob a lot easier to blend in...

but what about visitors like myself for eg.

[Andy@Tokyo]

Hi Btpanjiang,

Most bar can admit foreigners. If they dont, they would have a sign outside the bar.

In tokyo,

humm also the other thing is bars of most bar are not well proficient in english.

In general, shinjuku is better for foreigners.

In shimbashi, the bar most suitable for foreigners who dont speak japanese is, i think, Town House.

In ueno or asakusa, i think it is best if a japanese or one who can speak japanese bring u ard, at least for the first time.

Hope this help.

[Andy@Tokyo]

Do check out a write-up on tokyo, by our fellow BWer, Akated, on his experiences in Tokyo.

Click Here

[Andy@Tokyo]

Yesterday, a onsen/bath house in Tokyo/Shibuya exploded and it reminded me the history of 24 kaikan and oban (saunas for PLU):

Sometime back, i was chatting with the owner of the bar in asakusa (dz

[Andy@Tokyo]

Korean managed bar @

[Andy@Tokyo]

Found this Site sometime back. Create by a 76yr old Japanese with more than 50yrs of gay life experiences.

According to him Tokyo has the most gay bar in japan and