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Shinjuku ni-chome (新宿二丁目, referred to
colloquially simply as ni-chome) is an area in the
special ward of
Shinjuku in
Tokyo, Japan.
Ni-chome is the centre of Tokyo's
gay scene, and estimates of the number of gay
pubs,
clubs and
bars in this area alone range between 200-300. In fact, it is
frequently said that Ni-chome has more gay bars per block than any other
place in the world. The area is also home to a wide array of gay
restaurants,
cafes,
shops,
saunas,
gyms,
hotels, 'host
bars' (bars where patrons can meet
hustlers),
cruising spots,
massage parlours and
brothels of varying sizes and legality. Establishments vary in size
from about 5 seats to full-sized dance clubs.
Bars tend to be segregated by "scene" -- for example, there are bars
that cater to
bears and their admirers, or "specialize" in
S&M, muscular men, young men, and so on -- and frequently by sex as
well.
Ni-chome is also the site of Tokyo's
gay pride parade and various gay
festivals and activities.
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