Tokyo / Fukuoka / Sapporo (Japan ) - Massage / Sauna / Places To Visit (Compiled)

[Guest Guest]

Speaking of which, I messaged Andy quite a while ago but there wasn't any reply.

Looks like he found his new life in Tokyo. 

 

For some weird reason, many Singaporeans I know who have gone to Japan have gone offline.

They hardly post on Facebook or even talk on Whatsapp.

I wonder if it is a habit to do so or is the Internet that limited in Japan.

 

 

I will be in Tokyo for at least one year, legally, with the intention to extend my stay there for a couple of years. 

Do you know what Andy looks like? I hear that he is working in one of the gay bars in Shinjuku. You might run into him if you hang out there long enough .

 

Internet is definitely not limited in Japan. I lived there for half a year nearly 5 years ago and even then I had superfast broadband in the apartment I was staying in. I used it for downloading heaps of porn :oops: . Perhaps the people that you know, the ones that have gone over to Japan, are too busy living their new life that they cant take note of their previous life. Lets see how you turn out . So which part of town will you be staying in and which part of town will you be working in? Will you have to commute into the city since lodging in the city can be super expensive?

 

Pity Japan does not recognise gay partnerships. If it does, am sure that by the time 3 years rolls along, you will be able to stay on cos you would have found someone by then .

[Guest One year]

Great to spend one year there when you are still in your first few years of working life. Much later for a mid career person to uproot from here and spend one year there as it could be too disruptive to his career.

[darkflame]

Hola darkflame, nippon e yokoso I tried to message you but undelivered so i post here.

Lets meet for coffee after you settle down yea.

 

Sorry, I didn't realise that my mailbox was completely full. Have deleted a few conversations.

So you work in Japan too?

 

Let's meet for coffee when I settle down.

Actually I'll be staying in Yokohama temporarily and later move to Chiba due to rental issues.

 

Do you know what Andy looks like? I hear that he is working in one of the gay bars in Shinjuku. You might run into him if you hang out there long enough .

 

Internet is definitely not limited in Japan. I lived there for half a year nearly 5 years ago and even then I had superfast broadband in the apartment I was staying in. I used it for downloading heaps of porn :oops: . Perhaps the people that you know, the ones that have gone over to Japan, are too busy living their new life that they cant take note of their previous life. Lets see how you turn out . So which part of town will you be staying in and which part of town will you be working in? Will you have to commute into the city since lodging in the city can be super expensive?

 

Pity Japan does not recognise gay partnerships. If it does, am sure that by the time 3 years rolls along, you will be able to stay on cos you would have found someone by then .

 

I don't know how Andy looks like. 

If you know the gay bar, I could visit his bar. lol

There are over 200 gay bars in 2-chome so I can't possible visit all of them...

 

I was wondering if having a social life in Japan was so important that you'd be too tired to see Facebook etc.

I will stay initially in Yokohama and move to Chiba subsequently.

My workplace will be around Hanzomon but both areas will require a 1 hour commute.

Commute isn't a problem since my company is covering my transport expenses.

 

Seeing some YouTubers, I'm quite skeptical of 'spouse visas'. lol

 

Great to spend one year there when you are still in your first few years of working life. Much later for a mid career person to uproot from here and spend one year there as it could be too disruptive to his career.

 

I considered this factor when I was deciding to stay in Singapore (and take on a high paying job) or go to Japan.

I told myself if I decided to take the slow and steady way, it'd be almost impossible for me to be in Japan considering I'd have many burdens later in life.

Let's see if I'm still patriotic enough to return home.

[Guest Nearer]

Long commute is so tiring. Is the rental of accomodation nearer your workplace outside your budget? Or you prefer to save on the rental and endure the longer commute?

[Guest Guest-horny]

@Phil , I will prefer then guys in suit thus the 24kaikan will not be for me. Kind of how to suck those guys in suit like those Japanese porn. So anyone knows which part of tokyo area I can so that ?

[Guest Guest-horny]

@Phil , I will prefer then guys in suit thus the 24kaikan will not be for me. Kind of how to suck those guys in suit like those Japanese porn. So anyone knows which part of tokyo area I can so that ?

[Phil]

@Phil , I will prefer then guys in suit thus the 24kaikan will not be for me. Kind of how to suck those guys in suit like those Japanese porn. So anyone knows which part of tokyo area I can so that ?

OK, inside 24 kaikan, they don't keep their suits and ties...

You can see lots of them in the streets at Kasumigaseki, or Ginza. I saw some ones in gay bars in Shinjuku, and Ueno, but sorry, I don't remember the names.

There are certainly better experts than me here...

Good luck!

[darkflame]

Long commute is so tiring. Is the rental of accomodation nearer your workplace outside your budget? Or you prefer to save on the rental and endure the longer commute?

 

The rental in apartments nearer to my workplace is still affordable but I'm tied down by financial constraints such as insurance, money to give parents etc so I need to stretch my dollar yen.

Apartments that are about 50 - 70 minutes away from my workplace are cheaper and roomier too.

Since the company is giving me a transport allowance, transport cost isn't much of an issue.

[Guest Guest]

The rental in apartments nearer to my workplace is still affordable but I'm tied down by financial constraints such as insurance, money to give parents etc so I need to stretch my dollar yen.

Apartments that are about 50 - 70 minutes away from my workplace are cheaper and roomier too.

Since the company is giving me a transport allowance, transport cost isn't much of an issue.

You just have to "pay" in terms of time commuting to and from the office.

 

I used to work in Kudanshita and used to get off at Honzomon and walk from there. Nice place actually but not very many eating places or if there were, they were more expensive as compared to the places in Ueno or Shinjuku.

 

Strangely enough, some of the people I met at 24 Kaikan stay in Chiba Perfecture. I can only assume that housing there is relatively available. Yokohama going into where you work will take about as long I suppose as you will have to come in on the JR line and then transfer across.

 

I think exploring this Japan option now will not do your career much harm - from the little that I know of you, I think you are starting off your career and have not really hit mid career as yet. But time will fly and you need to be aware of it. An ex colleagues son went up to teach English in Tokyo and ended up marrying someone local. The wife speaks better English than the husband speaking Japanese! He has been there for ages and has no plans of returning, such is the allure of life in a foreign land. Btw, staying in a foreign land does not mean that you are patriotic or not! Am sure you will be very patriotic in terms of your food tastes - after a while in Japan, everything tastes of soy as all their sauces are derived from soy e.g. teriyaki sauce, that sauce used for pork cutlets, etc. Am glad their men dont taste like soy! .

[darkflame]

You just have to "pay" in terms of time commuting to and from the office.

 

I used to work in Kudanshita and used to get off at Honzomon and walk from there. Nice place actually but not very many eating places or if there were, they were more expensive as compared to the places in Ueno or Shinjuku.

 

Strangely enough, some of the people I met at 24 Kaikan stay in Chiba Perfecture. I can only assume that housing there is relatively available. Yokohama going into where you work will take about as long I suppose as you will have to come in on the JR line and then transfer across.

 

I think exploring this Japan option now will not do your career much harm - from the little that I know of you, I think you are starting off your career and have not really hit mid career as yet. But time will fly and you need to be aware of it. An ex colleagues son went up to teach English in Tokyo and ended up marrying someone local. The wife speaks better English than the husband speaking Japanese! He has been there for ages and has no plans of returning, such is the allure of life in a foreign land. Btw, staying in a foreign land does not mean that you are patriotic or not! Am sure you will be very patriotic in terms of your food tastes - after a while in Japan, everything tastes of soy as all their sauces are derived from soy e.g. teriyaki sauce, that sauce used for pork cutlets, etc. Am glad their men dont taste like soy! .

 

I supposed you stayed within the 23 wards?

 

When Kudanshita is mentioned, I think of Jimbocho.

But you're right.

I have went to Hanzomon before and I find the place having few eating places.

The district is full of office complexes. Will probably make my own lunches in this case.

 

Along Tokyo Bay, there are many 'new towns' in Chiba Prefecture.

Many people stay there for low cost housing so I suppose that's why many come from Chiba.

 

But quite right. I have barely started my career so this is a chance for me to try it out.

I didn't expect my 2nd job to be one in Japan. (I had intended to try applying for a job at 29 though...)

[Guest Guest]

I supposed you stayed within the 23 wards?

 

When Kudanshita is mentioned, I think of Jimbocho.

But you're right.

I have went to Hanzomon before and I find the place having few eating places.

The district is full of office complexes. Will probably make my own lunches in this case.

 

Along Tokyo Bay, there are many 'new towns' in Chiba Prefecture.

Many people stay there for low cost housing so I suppose that's why many come from Chiba.

 

But quite right. I have barely started my career so this is a chance for me to try it out.

I didn't expect my 2nd job to be one in Japan. (I had intended to try applying for a job at 29 though...)

I stayed in Rappongi and then transferred to Kamiyacho.  I was lucky in that the company that I was working for paid for my accomodation. My place in Rappongi was a studio, fully equipped (I would say cluttered) with a phone and fax machine, a trouser press and two plates in the small corridor going from the entrance to the room. The small bathroom was off the corridorr. The interesting thing about that place was that my next door neighbour was a male model!

 

My place in Kamiyacho was grand compared to the Rappongi studio. Very small but functional kitchen. A one bedroom place where the sitting room was as large as the bedroom but the bathroom was grand. One large bathtub that I could sleep in and enough space for a mirror and wash basin. The owner stayed in the penthouse and the rest of the building was rented out - 2 apartments per floor, 5 floors in total I think. Asian restaurant in the basement where there was a room for the 3 laundry machines cum dryers. Waaa.. luxury.

 

On my second work stint, I went to a place in Mita. Interesting place that has been renovated. My colleagues told me that the building is super expensive but I did not believe them as I found the one bedroom quite normal. BUT when I went and did my laundry in the basement, in the carpark I counted at least 3 Porsches and 4 Mercedes'. I found out later that on the lower floors, there were one bedroom apartments but on the higher floors, there were 2 apartments per floor and in one instance, just one apartment - much bigger and therefore much more expensive apartments. The rich in Tokyo are really rich.

 

In Hanzomon there are not many eating places. I used to get my bento from the grocery and 7-11 stores and eat them back in the office. There is normally quite a good selection but strangely enough, if you dont already know, most times the people who eat in the office are the girls. Guys seldom eat in the office. I dont know if it is a cultural thing. Go observe it when you start work. And oh, here is hoping you go to the onsens with your colleagues but then again, I dont think going to onsens with your work colleagues is something done much nowadays. Remember to start training your foreskin to pull back, with the head exposed, I am told that the Japanese wear their foreskins slid back - they will know that you are a foreigner if you dont wear it back, even if you do speak fluent Japanese, hahaha.

[darkflame]

If your company was willing to house you at Roppongi, you must really have an important position in your company!

Too bad I'm going to Tokyo on local employment terms (with reasonable pay of course).

During your second work stint, was this before the asset price bubble crisis or was the recession already in full force?

 

About eating in the office, my Japanese friend told me that I should hide myself in the pantry when eating, including bread for breakfast.

My team at work are comprised of girls so I'd end up eating my lunch with them I guess.

 

And for the million dollar question, did you pull back your foreskin when you were in Japan?

Or are you cut? 

[Guest Guest]

If your company was willing to house you at Roppongi, you must really have an important position in your company!

Too bad I'm going to Tokyo on local employment terms (with reasonable pay of course).

During your second work stint, was this before the asset price bubble crisis or was the recession already in full force?

 

About eating in the office, my Japanese friend told me that I should hide myself in the pantry when eating, including bread for breakfast.

My team at work are comprised of girls so I'd end up eating my lunch with them I guess.

 

And for the million dollar question, did you pull back your foreskin when you were in Japan?

Or are you cut? 

Contrary to what most people think, there is comparatively affordable housing in Rappongi. For those that do not stay very long, places in Rappongi might be the only solution as 1) you dont need to sign leases and can rent from month to month and 2) there is no key money involved. My place in Rappongi was small, There was just enough space to walk round the queen bed and that was it. There was no way one could stay in all day in that place but it suited me fine as I would go and wonder around town. Once I even walked from there to Asakusa near the Sumida river (where that gold poo artwork is).

 

It will be a while before you think of gymming. Tipness Rappongi is super cruisy. Have walked in on people being jacked off or blown, in the steam room and people being fondled in the jacuzzi. Shower cubicles doors are mid height and the cubicles face each other so if you wanted to give your opposite number a show and vice versa, just crouch down and perform your "tiger show".  But hmm.. should stop telling you all this as you will get very disracted in your first year at work and that would be a no no ... .

 

The recession was in full force during my second stint but I think it got worse later. Tokyo did not feel as expensive as it felt in the years previous to that.

 

Hide in the pantry while eating? Did he really mean that? And what do you mean by pantry? Some pantries can be quite large although the general idea is that they are small. Now that you mention it, very few locals eat at their desk. During lunch, most would eat in the boardroom or in the General Managers office (lounge area), if he was not around. Lets see you eating sambal belachan with the girls - am sure you will be more than the topic of discussion for a few days . Oh, and lets see if you shave/shape your eyebrows the way most of the guys do over there.

 

Re your 81 million yen question, I tried. But the damn thing kept rolling back into position. I even tried using this method of using body plasters to hold it back (am not going to go into details as it can be looked up on the net ) but after a couple of weeks felt that my foreskin was getting stretched so abandoned the idea. Seriously thought of getting cut too - there is a Japanese doctor who works for this American clinic near Tokyo towers and he charges USD700 for a circumcision. Did not go through with it as I could not take time off even though it is supposed to be a day procedure.

[darkflame]

Contrary to what most people think, there is comparatively affordable housing in Rappongi. For those that do not stay very long, places in Rappongi might be the only solution as 1) you dont need to sign leases and can rent from month to month and 2) there is no key money involved. My place in Rappongi was small, There was just enough space to walk round the queen bed and that was it. There was no way one could stay in all day in that place but it suited me fine as I would go and wonder around town. Once I even walked from there to Asakusa near the Sumida river (where that gold poo artwork is).

 

It will be a while before you think of gymming. Tipness Rappongi is super cruisy. Have walked in on people being jacked off or blown, in the steam room and people being fondled in the jacuzzi. Shower cubicles doors are mid height and the cubicles face each other so if you wanted to give your opposite number a show and vice versa, just crouch down and perform your "tiger show".  But hmm.. should stop telling you all this as you will get very disracted in your first year at work and that would be a no no ... .

 

The recession was in full force during my second stint but I think it got worse later. Tokyo did not feel as expensive as it felt in the years previous to that.

 

Hide in the pantry while eating? Did he really mean that? And what do you mean by pantry? Some pantries can be quite large although the general idea is that they are small. Now that you mention it, very few locals eat at their desk. During lunch, most would eat in the boardroom or in the General Managers office (lounge area), if he was not around. Lets see you eating sambal belachan with the girls - am sure you will be more than the topic of discussion for a few days . Oh, and lets see if you shave/shape your eyebrows the way most of the guys do over there.

 

Re your 81 million yen question, I tried. But the damn thing kept rolling back into position. I even tried using this method of using body plasters to hold it back (am not going to go into details as it can be looked up on the net ) but after a couple of weeks felt that my foreskin was getting stretched so abandoned the idea. Seriously thought of getting cut too - there is a Japanese doctor who works for this American clinic near Tokyo towers and he charges USD700 for a circumcision. Did not go through with it as I could not take time off even though it is supposed to be a day procedure.

 

Actually I was considering to go to Tipness Roppongi a few months after I have settled down.

Didn't know it was that cruisy...but it is near to my workplace.

Hmmm, if it is too bad, I'll probably go to Tipness Urayasu instead.

 

I need my dose of chili. Hopefully some friends can bring it over when they visit Japan.

Also, I don't know about now, but I may also shape my eyebrows if I'm daring enough. 

 

I'm pretty sure if you got cut, you would be very popular. 

[Guest pazu]

does anyone know a good fitness(not for cruising, but real work out) in Osaka and Tokyo? I will travel there for 2 weeks but can't find any good ones. 

[Guest Guest]

Actually I was considering to go to Tipness Roppongi a few months after I have settled down.

Didn't know it was that cruisy...but it is near to my workplace.

Hmmm, if it is too bad, I'll probably go to Tipness Urayasu instead.

 

I need my dose of chili. Hopefully some friends can bring it over when they visit Japan.

Also, I don't know about now, but I may also shape my eyebrows if I'm daring enough. 

 

I'm pretty sure if you got cut, you would be very popular. 

Dont think you have tattoos (yet) but read if you do

 

http://www.fitnessjp.com/024_51_tattoo+you+and+japan%5C%26rsquo%3Bs+gyms

 

Hmmm... first time I am hearing of a gay guy fearing a cruisy gym .  Btw, wherever you join, you are allowed to visit any of the other Tipness branches. I went to the one in Shibuya and somewhere else. I think the one in Shibuya had a nice pool but the layout was kinda strange - the pool was one the floor above and you had to climb this spiral set of stairs to get there. I thought it would be cold going from the pool to the changing rooms but it was heated. As with most things Japanese, the planning was done well.

 

You should be able to get (Yeos) chili sauce in Yokohama. But sambal belachan? That would be rare. Underneath the Ameyoko arcade in Ueno, there is a market that is mainly run by Chinese and they cater to the Chinese market. You might find some other brands of chili sauce there. Am sure lots of BW people will want to meet up with you over there - perhaps the introductory price of a meetup might be some chili sauce of some sort? .

 

As far as I know, the Japanese do not have a fetish related to guys who are cut. They DO have a fetish with hair. So, if your pubes are as lush as the hair on your head, am sure you will be more than popular! :twisted:

[Guest Guest]

does anyone know a good fitness(not for cruising, but real work out) in Osaka and Tokyo? I will travel there for 2 weeks but can't find any good ones. 

Because of how small gyms are and how many people there are wanting to join them, very few gyms allow non membership visits. If they do, the entry fees would be quite expensive e.g. $25 an entry. One option is to book a hotel where there are gym facilities or where the hotel has some arrangement with a gym. If not then you might have to generate your own exercise e.g. lots of hotel guests go running in a nearby park or round the block, early in the morning.

[Guest pazu]

Because of how small gyms are and how many people there are wanting to join them, very few gyms allow non membership visits. If they do, the entry fees would be quite expensive e.g. $25 an entry. One option is to book a hotel where there are gym facilities or where the hotel has some arrangement with a gym. If not then you might have to generate your own exercise e.g. lots of hotel guests go running in a nearby park or round the block, early in the morning.

thx for ur info. I think about going to the gold gym but the rate is quite high and s'one suggest me to go to the gymnasium. I don't know if they have proper weight lifting machines etc.

 

For the gay scene, do u have any idea about gay spot for younger? , or any friendly bar? I can speak few Japs tho.

[darkflame]

Dont think you have tattoos (yet) but read if you do

 

http://www.fitnessjp.com/024_51_tattoo+you+and+japan%5C%26rsquo%3Bs+gyms

 

Hmmm... first time I am hearing of a gay guy fearing a cruisy gym .  Btw, wherever you join, you are allowed to visit any of the other Tipness branches. I went to the one in Shibuya and somewhere else. I think the one in Shibuya had a nice pool but the layout was kinda strange - the pool was one the floor above and you had to climb this spiral set of stairs to get there. I thought it would be cold going from the pool to the changing rooms but it was heated. As with most things Japanese, the planning was done well.

 

You should be able to get (Yeos) chili sauce in Yokohama. But sambal belachan? That would be rare. Underneath the Ameyoko arcade in Ueno, there is a market that is mainly run by Chinese and they cater to the Chinese market. You might find some other brands of chili sauce there. Am sure lots of BW people will want to meet up with you over there - perhaps the introductory price of a meetup might be some chili sauce of some sort? .

 

As far as I know, the Japanese do not have a fetish related to guys who are cut. They DO have a fetish with hair. So, if your pubes are as lush as the hair on your head, am sure you will be more than popular! :twisted:

 

I don't have tattoo. I'm well aware of the stigma associated with tattoos in Japan.

 

I was looking at the 'Entry' package. So it allows you to visit other Tipness branches. Cool!

Swimming-wise, I head from my friend that they practise a 'one-way rule' so you can only swim from one end to the other and then run back to where you started.

Is that true?

 

I will probably make the trip to Ameyoko to see what I can get.

I don't have a lot of BW people coming up to Tokyo to meet me.

Most of my BW network only told me to take care and 'see you sometime back in SG'.

Might be a different case if I was posted to Taiwan.

 

Well, with regard to pubes, I did post on other threads in this forum that I trim my pubes.

Yes, it is lush when it is not trimmed but I find it uncomfortable. 

I can only offer my lush leg hair to the Japanese. lol

[Guest Guest]

I don't have tattoo. I'm well aware of the stigma associated with tattoos in Japan.

 

I was looking at the 'Entry' package. So it allows you to visit other Tipness branches. Cool!

Swimming-wise, I head from my friend that they practise a 'one-way rule' so you can only swim from one end to the other and then run back to where you started.

Is that true?

 

I will probably make the trip to Ameyoko to see what I can get.

I don't have a lot of BW people coming up to Tokyo to meet me.

Most of my BW network only told me to take care and 'see you sometime back in SG'.

Might be a different case if I was posted to Taiwan.

 

Well, with regard to pubes, I did post on other threads in this forum that I trim my pubes.

Yes, it is lush when it is not trimmed but I find it uncomfortable. 

I can only offer my lush leg hair to the Japanese. lol

Yes, if you join up at one Tipness, it allows you entry at all other branches. But before you join up, check with them to make sure - you dont want to get caught out just in case they have changed the rule . Nope, the one way rule is certainly not what was happening in Tipness but one does have to swim clockwise I think meaning swim on the left side of the lane going up and on the left again on the return. So basically not different from what people normally do when lane swimming. And oh, dont forget to buy your swim cap from Singapore. Swim caps are required when swimming in Japan. You can get swim caps in Japan too but of course they would be more expensive. In Summer, some schools open up their swimming pools to the general public but they normally limit the time per session i.e. a session might be 1.45 hours and then everyone exits the pool and then another session runs starting in 15 or so minutes. This serves a double purpose, it lets more people have a chance at swimming plus it ensures that people do not spend too much time under the sun. Of course if you really want, you can wait and stay for another session but normally 1.45 hours swimming is more than enough for people.

 

Hmm.. time to expand your BW network cos I am sure many of us BW'ers do travel to Japan too. When and if I do travel there, I will remember to bring you hot hot hot chili - you will need soft toilet paper. ha! Btw, Ameyoko is great for swimming or sports gear and it is not too expensive. Now that I think of it, the Japanese do not eat a variety of vegetables. I dont think I have ever seen the likes of brocolli, lady fingers and chinese brocolli there. When it comes to greens, cucumber seems to be the main item served.

 

Well, your lush leg hair can be the lure then. People will think that the lush leg hair leads to a lush honeypot and by the time they find out, they might be too high to care ... so you have achieved your goal .

[darkflame]

Woke up to a cold morning in Yokohama.

 

I couldn't get a swimming cap in time so I guess I'll have to get mine in Tokyo.

I wonder if Daiso has it.

I swim 1.5 hours at the maximum, even in Singapore so 1 session is fine.

 

Well, I do have a BW network but most are more interested in Taiwan than Japan. lol

Japan, unfortunately, has a language barrier so I think it's still an issue to many who wants to visit here.

A few friends (not AJ) whom I brought to Japan told me they didn't like Japan at all.

Even one of them kept talking about Korea during the whole trip.

[Guest Guest]

Woke up to a cold morning in Yokohama.

 

I couldn't get a swimming cap in time so I guess I'll have to get mine in Tokyo.

I wonder if Daiso has it.

I swim 1.5 hours at the maximum, even in Singapore so 1 session is fine.

 

Well, I do have a BW network but most are more interested in Taiwan than Japan. lol

Japan, unfortunately, has a language barrier so I think it's still an issue to many who wants to visit here.

A few friends (not AJ) whom I brought to Japan told me they didn't like Japan at all.

Even one of them kept talking about Korea during the whole trip.

Kon ban wa, Darkflame-san. Welcome to your new life in Japan.

 

It might be cold in Yokohama but it is a very nice time to be in Tokyo. Near your workplace, near the Grand Palace, the cherry blossoms should be in full bloom. Are you and your work mates planning to do Hanami under some trees in a park? Just make sure you dont get so drunk that you crawl across to groups of guys or maybe thats what you do want to do, under the guise of drink! hahaha.

 

Go check out Daiso. I did not see any when I was at Daiso in Asakusa but then again, I was not looking for a swim cap. I should give you mine as chances of my doing a swim in Japan are probably very small, in the near future.

 

I think people are influenced by Korea cos of the K-wave. To me, Korea and Japan are very similar in that in both situations, I dont understand the language so when walking in the streets, the sounds that I hear dont make sense to me. However, in Korea there is more variety when it comes to shopping, with the likes of goods that one can find in Itaewon and Nandaemoon.

 

So, dont forget to start posting about Yokohama and Tokyo, even if you post regular stuff and not the sex stuff . On Monday, you will be squeezed on the trains on the way to work - dont forget to fondle and get fondled.

[Guest Guest]

thx for ur info. I think about going to the gold gym but the rate is quite high and s'one suggest me to go to the gymnasium. I don't know if they have proper weight lifting machines etc.

 

For the gay scene, do u have any idea about gay spot for younger? , or any friendly bar? I can speak few Japs tho.

The gym? Meaning Golds Gym? I dont know about Golds Gym specifically but most gyms in Tokyo are fully equipped meaning they will have weight training machines. The issue is whether you can get in or not. If you use the gym early in the morning or towards the later part of the evening, you will be ok. Most gyms close at 10pm.

 

Gay cruising spot for younger? 24 Kaikan in Shinjuku. For dancing, try Arty Farty and Annex. I cant comment on the smaller bars as I cant read Japanese and therefore have not tried them. Because of how small they are, some of them are very specialised e.g. only for bears, etc. Read up on Utopia Asia for some of the more westernised ones.

[Guest Guest]

thx for ur info. I think about going to the gold gym but the rate is quite high and s'one suggest me to go to the gymnasium. I don't know if they have proper weight lifting machines etc.

 

For the gay scene, do u have any idea about gay spot for younger? , or any friendly bar? I can speak few Japs tho.

The gym? Meaning Golds Gym? I dont know about Golds Gym specifically but most gyms in Tokyo are fully equipped meaning they will have weight training machines. The issue is whether you can get in or not. If you use the gym early in the morning or towards the later part of the evening, you will be ok. Most gyms close at 10pm.

 

Gay cruising spot for younger? 24 Kaikan in Shinjuku. For dancing, try Arty Farty and Annex. I cant comment on the smaller bars as I cant read Japanese and therefore have not tried them. Because of how small they are, some of them are very specialised e.g. only for bears, etc. Read up on Utopia Asia for some of the more westernised ones.

[darkflame]

Kon ban wa, Darkflame-san. Welcome to your new life in Japan.

 

It might be cold in Yokohama but it is a very nice time to be in Tokyo. Near your workplace, near the Grand Palace, the cherry blossoms should be in full bloom. Are you and your work mates planning to do Hanami under some trees in a park? Just make sure you dont get so drunk that you crawl across to groups of guys or maybe thats what you do want to do, under the guise of drink! hahaha.

 

Go check out Daiso. I did not see any when I was at Daiso in Asakusa but then again, I was not looking for a swim cap. I should give you mine as chances of my doing a swim in Japan are probably very small, in the near future.

 

I think people are influenced by Korea cos of the K-wave. To me, Korea and Japan are very similar in that in both situations, I dont understand the language so when walking in the streets, the sounds that I hear dont make sense to me. However, in Korea there is more variety when it comes to shopping, with the likes of goods that one can find in Itaewon and Nandaemoon.

 

So, dont forget to start posting about Yokohama and Tokyo, even if you post regular stuff and not the sex stuff . On Monday, you will be squeezed on the trains on the way to work - dont forget to fondle and get fondled.

 

I'll only meet my colleagues on Monday but the sakura are almost gone so I don't think there will be hanami.

I saw some sakura when I was walking through Yokohama just now.

 

Actually I brought a friend to Arty Farty yesterday.

He expressed interest in one guy but due to the language barrier, nothing came to fruition.

Japanese clubs are, unfortunately, like those in Singapore so the people are rather clique-ish.

 

I tried looking at Ameyoko but I couldn't find any swimming caps.

Rather, since it was Saturday, there were too many people, especially tourists.

Could hardly walk around slowly to get what I want.

[Guest Guest]

I'll only meet my colleagues on Monday but the sakura are almost gone so I don't think there will be hanami.

I saw some sakura when I was walking through Yokohama just now.

 

Actually I brought a friend to Arty Farty yesterday.

He expressed interest in one guy but due to the language barrier, nothing came to fruition.

Japanese clubs are, unfortunately, like those in Singapore so the people are rather clique-ish.

 

I tried looking at Ameyoko but I couldn't find any swimming caps.

Rather, since it was Saturday, there were too many people, especially tourists.

Could hardly walk around slowly to get what I want.

See? If there is you bringing people to Arty Farty and you playing the role of an interpreter, am sure BW folks will be swarming the likes of Tokyo soon .

 

Re the swimming cap, did you try the swimming gear shop in front of the temple? It is just around the corner from the sort of small shop selling tako-yaki and yes, it will be quite difficult walking around there cos it would be packed with people. But thats one of the charms of Tokyo/Japan, there are herds of people milling around but no one smells and you dont get shoved or pushed. You just need patience and go with the flow.

[taxme7]

I was at Ameyoko in last month. Nice place. Yes, its extremely crowded. Would like to go again in summer so that i can buy some sports gears suitable to be worn in SG.

[Guest autumn]

Summer is very hot and humid in Tokyo. Autumn is a nicer season and you can view the changing color of leaves.

[darkflame]

My friend dropped me a message as he saw what I posted on this thread.

I think I'll take a look at Loft at Yurakucho.

 

As of now, I love wearing my suit.

It keeps so warm...

[Guest Guest]

Anyone knows if there is any cruising spot around Tokyo area? I read about Ueno park , hibiya park but it's all not updated and now being Sakura season I think Ueno park a lot of Hanami party going on. I would like to meet suit Japanese guys. Any idea where I can try my luck? Tq

Hope you are paying attention. Darkflame-san just mentioned that his SUIT keeps him warm.

 

Dont forget your payment of a large bottle of chili sauce, yeah?

[Guest Guest_horny]

I am sure dark flame will look good in his suit BUT Japanese guys in suit is just different from our local guys in suit. I don't know how to explain but it's just look different. I think is becos either they are lean or gman type.

[BunnyK]

Anyone in Tokyo tomorrow till Tuesday?

@bunnynikko on instagram

[darkflame]

I went to Kawasaki & central Yokohama today to find my beloved swim caps.

Looks like swimming attire is not easily found; it must be the season I guess.

 

Sigh 

[Guest Guest]

I am sure dark flame will look good in his suit BUT Japanese guys in suit is just different from our local guys in suit. I don't know how to explain but it's just look different. I think is becos either they are lean or gman type.

In Japan, suits are the norm for office wear so there is a lot of experience wearing and selling suits. The wearer knows what they want and the seller knows what looks good. A lot of time is spent outfitting customers, discussing the colour, the fit and the look. Tailors in Singapore, while they know how to make suits, do not have enough experience to make adjustments to suits to mould suits to fit their customers, it is the slight adjustments that count. Same comment with regards to tailors in Bangkok. Worse there cos most times they rush orders so whilst they certainly have the skill, no time is spent on making sure that the suit looks good on customers.

 

I went to Kawasaki & central Yokohama today to find my beloved swim caps.

Looks like swimming attire is not easily found; it must be the season I guess.

 

Sigh 

 

Think you will find them soon Darkflame-san. Cant believe that in cities as huge as Tokyo or Yokohama, you cant find swim caps. Think you are right about the season thing. There is a street of sports wear, in Tokyo, a slight walk away from Kudanshita station actually, next to the street where they sell foreign books. Have you been there? Sometimes there are quite good sales. Towards the end of winter, I bought a good sleeping bag and a windbreaker from there.

[darkflame]

The weather was very cold for the weekend.

It was almost like winter!

Anyway, I'd probably check with the indoor pool if they have any swimming caps for sale.

[Guest Maurice]

Hi! I’m a tall (197m) and muscular built (87kg) black american ballet dancer. i will be in Fukuoka, Japan for about 3wks. Where can I meet other nice gay Japanese guys?

Looking for fun nights of drinks and dancing… maybe more ;-)

[darkflame]

Attended the Tokyo Rainbow Pride event today. Was pretty fun!

Much more international and bigger, almost close to the scale with Taiwan's parade.

Nevertheless, Taiwan's parade is very famous there that they have started offering the locals tour packages to Taiwan.

 

Next year's event will be a two-day one.

Can't wait to go again!

[Guest Guest]

Aiyoo Darkflame-san, share your good fortune and post pics lah.  Am glad you are having fun and new experiences - that should get rid of any lingering reservations you might have about your choice to head up to Tokyo. So, found a boyfriend as yet or not or are you too busy enjoy singlehood?

[darkflame]

I finally got my swimming cup at Kawasaki! About 970 yen though... 

 

Anyway the next event to look out for is Splash @ Shangri-la. Though a bit sian to go alone since nobody offered to go together...

 

[Guest Guest]

I finally got my swimming cup at Kawasaki! About 970 yen though... 

 

Anyway the next event to look out for is Splash @ Shangri-la. Though a bit sian to go alone since nobody offered to go together...

 

 

Ah yes, another event for you to look forward to, Darkflame-san. Your year is becoming very eventful yeah and this is even before the start of Summer!  Am amazed that the advertisement is in English - does this mean that there will be lots of out of country visitors esp given that it will be Golden Week in your part of the world?

 

970 yen, about SGD$11 ok lah. If the quality is good, it will last you a long long time. My swim cap looks almost new although I used it nearly every day, for close to a year. I think it has outlasted even a pair of Speedos. Talking of which, I hope you got your Speedos in Japan - the Speedos there are a lot more colourful and the cut a lot more 'daring' than Speedos anywhere else.

[darkflame]

Yeah, there will be visitors. Those who have a Shinkansen or air ticket can get a 50% discount for the entrance fee.

9 monsters members have 25% discount.

Anyway it looks quite fun when I read the contents.

I'm legally only allowed to stay for a year (though my company will extend it), I guess I got to grab the chance and go for it.

 

I have my own swimming trunks from Singapore so I didn't buy any swimwear here...

 

I did swim today though.

The water is warm and chlorine-less. You get your money returned when you return the locker key.

There is a hair dryer to do your hair. And you get to dry your swimwear with a machine.

[taxme7]

Machine to dry ur swimming trunks? Wow .. So lovely.. Pls show us pic next time

[Guest Guest]

Machine to dry ur swimming trunks? Wow .. So lovely.. Pls show us pic next time

taxme7, if you have been to 24 Kaikan before, or to a gym in Japan before, its that centrifugal thing that you put your towel (and trunks) in and that spins when you press a button. Not sure if I am making myself clear. Sorry, tried to find a pic of it on the net but could not. Hopefully Darkflame-san is able to post a pic - hope his new found Japanese friends catches him taking a photo of the machine - am sure they would find it very amusing!

[Guest Guest]

Yeah, there will be visitors. Those who have a Shinkansen or air ticket can get a 50% discount for the entrance fee.

9 monsters members have 25% discount.

Anyway it looks quite fun when I read the contents.

I'm legally only allowed to stay for a year (though my company will extend it), I guess I got to grab the chance and go for it.

 

I have my own swimming trunks from Singapore so I didn't buy any swimwear here...

 

I did swim today though.

The water is warm and chlorine-less. You get your money returned when you return the locker key.

There is a hair dryer to do your hair. And you get to dry your swimwear with a machine.

Thats a very good discount! Very seldom does one see something that is aimed at the non Tokyo market. I wonder if that means that guys outside of Tokyo will turn up too.

 

Money returned? What money returned? Are you talking about a gym? Dont think so. At Tipness, you submit your membership card and in exchange you get a locker key. Before leaving the gym, you hand the locker key back for the membership card. If your membership payment is due, they put a tiny red sticker on your card, to remind you. Cute system. No money is exchanged there. All membership payments are made at a seperate counter. There are about 8 hair dryers in the mens changing room, one per seat in front of the mirror. There are cotton buds (to dry the ears) and tissue paper for public consumption. An attendant comes around and mops up any water dripped onto the polished wooden floors. Its actually a very clean and well kept environment. The locker key system is good too - you put in a code of your own choice before removing the key. Sometimes the system plays up and you have to phone the front office to get someone to bring in a master key to get the locker open. These are often the gym instructors. So imagine you standing there almost naked (only the small modesty towels are allowed in the bathing area) with this hunk next to you

[darkflame]

I went to a public swimming pool. 

It was a 15 minute uphill walk since it was on top of a hill!

In order to use the locker, you need to insert a 100 yen coin. However, when you re-open the locker, the 100 yen will be returned to you.

Better than nothing after all, though lockers at swimming pool in Singapore are only 20 or 40 cents per use.

Unfortunately, they don't allow photography once you enter the changing room.

Since it's an indoor pool (for obvious reasons), the water has no chlorine so you don't have to use soap and shampoo to wash later.

Or rather, they also indicate in the shower room that soap and shampoo are not allowed.

 

I guess in Japan, since the men have longer hairstyles, it's necessary to have a hair dryer so that you don't look horrible.

And it will be cold when you exit the premises.

 

And the swimming pool is very clean! You must take off your shoes before you go into the changing room.

Plastic bags (need to be returned) are provided for you to put your shoes in.

 

The only big issue is probably language. 

There's nothing in English there so I have a feeling they would turn away foreign visitors if they didn't understand the rules.

 

Below is a picture I got from the website.

 

Edited April 30, 2014 by darkflame

[bobovincent]

Just confirmed my Japan trip (Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto) on 28 June - 6 July.

Travel alone so far and look for travel buddy. 

Tips or friends who are familiar with Japan are always welcome. 

[Guest Guest]

I went to a public swimming pool. 

It was a 15 minute uphill walk since it was on top of a hill!

In order to use the locker, you need to insert a 100 yen coin. However, when you re-open the locker, the 100 yen will be returned to you.

Better than nothing after all, though lockers at swimming pool in Singapore are only 20 or 40 cents per use.

Unfortunately, they don't allow photography once you enter the changing room.

Since it's an indoor pool (for obvious reasons), the water has no chlorine so you don't have to use soap and shampoo to wash later.

Or rather, they also indicate in the shower room that soap and shampoo are not allowed.

 

 

 

Is the pool near where you are staying and have you moved to Chiba yet? If it is, how very cool is that? Other than a school pool near where I was staying, I have never been to a proper public swimming pool cos I have never been able to find one! How much do you have to pay for entry and do you have to prove that you are a nearby resident? I suppose it would not have been too much of an issue with you, you speak the lingo - the locals probably think you are from out of Tokyo as I am assuming that your Japanese accent is not proper Tokyo accent as yet? Interesting comment about soap and shampoo not allowed - Japanese are known to soap up quite a bit before scrubbing down. All the onsens I have been to provide ample soap and shampoo, some even provide shaving foam and razors.

[darkflame]

Just confirmed my Japan trip (Tokyo, Osaka and Kyoto) on 28 June - 6 July.

Travel alone so far and look for travel buddy. 

Tips or friends who are familiar with Japan are always welcome. 

 

You can read the whole huge lot of literature here...

We have many fellow BWers who are veterans in travelling to Japan.

 

Is the pool near where you are staying and have you moved to Chiba yet? If it is, how very cool is that? Other than a school pool near where I was staying, I have never been to a proper public swimming pool cos I have never been able to find one! How much do you have to pay for entry and do you have to prove that you are a nearby resident? I suppose it would not have been too much of an issue with you, you speak the lingo - the locals probably think you are from out of Tokyo as I am assuming that your Japanese accent is not proper Tokyo accent as yet? Interesting comment about soap and shampoo not allowed - Japanese are known to soap up quite a bit before scrubbing down. All the onsens I have been to provide ample soap and shampoo, some even provide shaving foam and razors.

 

I haven't moved to Chiba. The swimming pool is at Minami Ohta in west Yokohama.

About how I found the pool, I got the information via Google Maps but you need to search in Japanese...

The pool is kept at room temperature and the swimming hall is heated.

When I entered the hall, the temperature felt as if I was back in Singapore.

 

The admission was 300 yen for 1 hour, and 500 yen for 1 day (unlimited). 

Since I felt I didn't need the entire day to swim, I bought the 1 hour pass and save my 200 yen for something else.

The pool is free for all. There's no discount for nearby residents.

 

I hardly spoke. In fact, there isn't much need to speak. You just need to be able to read and listen.

Read the signs. Listen to announcements.

I have no idea why they didn't allow soap and shampoo, but I never asked.

Well, unless you don't look East Asian, the people there won't really judge.

 

When I move to Chiba, I will probably be able to swim after work as there is a public pool in Tsukishima, which is along the way back home.

And when my expenses have stabilised, I'd join a gym at Soga.

Edited May 1, 2014 by darkflame

[Guest Guest]

I haven't moved to Chiba. The swimming pool is at Minami Ohta in west Yokohama.

About how I found the pool, I got the information via Google Maps but you need to search in Japanese...

The pool is kept at room temperature and the swimming hall is heated.

When I entered the hall, the temperature felt as if I was back in Singapore.

 

The admission was 300 yen for 1 hour, and 500 yen for 1 day (unlimited). 

Since I felt I didn't need the entire day to swim, I bought the 1 hour pass and save my 200 yen for something else.

The pool is free for all. There's no discount for nearby residents.

 

I hardly spoke. In fact, there isn't much need to speak. You just need to be able to read and listen.

Read the signs. Listen to announcements.

I have no idea why they didn't allow soap and shampoo, but I never asked.

Well, unless you don't look East Asian, the people there won't really judge.

 

When I move to Chiba, I will probably be able to swim after work as there is a public pool in Tsukishima, which is along the way back home.

And when my expenses have stabilised, I'd join a gym at Soga.

300 yen for an hour is not too bad. Imagine what the electricity bill must be to keep a place like that warm and the water heated.

 

I wonder if soap and shampoo are not allowed cos the water is recycled? And not having soap and shampoo in the water makes the process simpler? Never mind, am sure you will find out when you start making friends there. I would have thought it would be easier for you to strike up a conversation since you speak Japanese. Am sure lots of people will want to speak with you when they find out that you are not local - I find that the Japanese are friendly but even more friendly to people who are not from Japan. Wait till you meet a Japanese with English skills - that person would welcome the opportunity to practice speaking in English.

 

I am guessing you finish work at around 7pm now. By the time you have something to eat, you will arrive at Tsukishima around 9pm, an hour of swimming and then back to your (new) place. Yes, that will work out. Am sure Yokohama is easier to get to currently - you take the JR and switch at Shinagawa? The Express from there to Yokohama is really fast. I sort of took that line when I had to fly out of Haneda. It is amazing how that line has been upgraded, with Haneda coming on-line as being the more favored airport compared to Narita. 

[darkflame]

300 yen for an hour is not too bad. Imagine what the electricity bill must be to keep a place like that warm and the water heated.

 

I wonder if soap and shampoo are not allowed cos the water is recycled? And not having soap and shampoo in the water makes the process simpler? Never mind, am sure you will find out when you start making friends there. I would have thought it would be easier for you to strike up a conversation since you speak Japanese. Am sure lots of people will want to speak with you when they find out that you are not local - I find that the Japanese are friendly but even more friendly to people who are not from Japan. Wait till you meet a Japanese with English skills - that person would welcome the opportunity to practice speaking in English.

 

I am guessing you finish work at around 7pm now. By the time you have something to eat, you will arrive at Tsukishima around 9pm, an hour of swimming and then back to your (new) place. Yes, that will work out. Am sure Yokohama is easier to get to currently - you take the JR and switch at Shinagawa? The Express from there to Yokohama is really fast. I sort of took that line when I had to fly out of Haneda. It is amazing how that line has been upgraded, with Haneda coming on-line as being the more favored airport compared to Narita. 

 

I guess the water is recycled, because it is equally expensive to use just like in Singapore.

 

On the part of friendliness, it really varies from person to person.

As I work in a foreign MNC here, I accept it that the employees are usually bilingual. It's their job to speak English at times and they are paid highly for that.

Unfortunately, I read online about many sad cases of foreigners (even gay ones) being used for English language practice.

Many Japanese these days try to strike up conversations with foreigners on the street, and they either understand or don't understand.

If they understand the foreigner, it's fine.

If they don't, it becomes another story. They find fault with the foreigner's accent especially if he isn't American because Japanese cannot understand the concept of various world Englishes.

To them, American English is somewhat like standard Japanese and the other Englishes are simply dialects.

In Tokyo, speaking a dialect openly like Kansai dialect is frowned upon so they think people from other places are simply wilful.

 

So far, for the majority of Japanese I met, very few have the interest to learn or practise English.

Those who do speak very good English talk about nothing but Roppongi, because they want the foreigner to behave as a foreigner i.e. work in central Tokyo, live in a big apartment financed by the company, club/drink/fuck every weekend, pay for their meals and taxi etc etc.

 

When I commute to work, I take the Keihin Tohoku line and the Yurakucho line.