Now THIS is the content I subscribed for xD these places tend to be hard to track down, so it's actually nice to have so many of them listed and hear some of your experiences.
I couldnt agree more with your comments about Volcano guys.That made me realize that I’m fine that these hot guys get rejected too.😅 Osaka hot guys though were more welcoming than Tokyo’s.
Thank you for the video. Fascinating content, as always! Although I strongly disapprove of refusing entry for reasons that seem to me to be disguised racism (using language as an excuse and acknowledging that I may be totally mistaken and maybe it is not racism !). On the other hand, I like to know where I stand. If an establishment does not want me there, I prefer to go elsewhere. So in the end I cannot complain! If that makes sense!
It’s hard to apply concepts like “racism” from a western pluralist perspective to a society that is almost completely homogenous: Over 97% Japanese. It’s definitely xenophobic and discriminatory at the very least but I wonder if you actually have to have some amount of diversity in your society to even have a concept of race relations or racism.
I visited 24 and dick-dogg before. Dick-dogg, as Andrew have mentioned, has sporty, muscly clienteles. The day I visited, I saw quite a lot of really muscular and handsome guys. But, they were really really picky, I didn't see a lot of action going even though the place was quite packed. Also, it was a very small place with everything packed together, and not so hygienic (filthy even, to my standard). They had only 2 shower rooms, and the maze was essentially tunnels for people to squeeze through. People were forced to touch each other, which might or might not be a good thing. They had some small "rooms" which were rather kinky themed. I think the whole vibe is kinky and really encourage people to have raunchy sex, mindlessly. I didn't have a good time there, so it's easily a C, maybe it's different if you are muscular top. On a side note, it wasn't quite foreigner friendly. 24 (Shinjuku), the only downside for me is that it was indeed expensive, when compared to other options. However, it was rather spacious (which also means, basically no rooms for private acts) and was foreigners/age/body types friendly. It was rather quiet the day I went, so maybe not an accurate observation, but the clienteles were truly mixed, you can see all kinds of guys there, with much more international customers, compare to others places that I've been. I guess it would be a safer choice for travelers to have a taste of hattenba, with less rejection and xenophobia. Meng said it was little dirty, I think it was pretty ok (but again, it was not busy at all when I was there), but I would agree it wasn't very fancy. No specific theme, no eye-catching facilities, private space is lacking (which I actually like :P) and no maze area, as far as I remember. I would give it at least A just for the international inclusiveness alone. Sorry for the lengthy comment haha, there are so many aspects of hattenba experiences to share, even though I'd only visited 3. Thank you guys for the sharing! Happy pride month :)
agreed. i visited 24K twice on my recent trip to Tokyo. It was busy, international, and very happening. Highly highly recommended for visitors to Tokyo. Downside is the very expensive entry fee.
Please do a walking tour of bars in Ni-Chome followed by a Hattenba tour. I would so sign-up, pay and go. :) I was in Tokyo last month and as much as I loved it, I don't have much contacts there in the LGBT community to start. It would be a great ice-breaker for gay tourists. :) PS....you guys are lovely, hope to see you when i go back next month.
This is a good idea. I travel to Tokyo a lot and most, if not all of those travels, I’m doing it solo. So this is always a wish list to have contacts or a community who does group walks and what-not.
I've been to the ones you haven't been so here's my own review lol: Cave - This one's main clientele are "bigger" guys. I'd say bears but most of them dont really have bodyhair so I dont know if they qualify as bears. You dont have to be big to enter though. They have these ring lights that you wear that says if you like big or skinny guys. I've seen quite a few skinny guys looking for bigger guys. Id give it a high B Dads&Son - Okay, the cool part about this one is they have an open rooftop where you can have sex. lol. There are barriers though so its not really open. I dont think people outside can see you. Youngest Id say were in their 30s. Many hot daddies though. This ones a high B as well. oh and a bit of correction regarding Gate In They moved from Tokyo to Akihabara and theyve been there for a few years already iirc. The clientel is different now though. No more older guys. Most guys are like in their 30s max. They have these cubicles that have holes in them so you can check out who's on the other side. If you like the guy, you can actually open the wall and play with each other. I'd give this one a C cause the people there can be quite picky.
Ueno Cave was amazing. as an Indonesian where gay sauna is very hard to come by, it was quite an anxiety inducing experience but ends up with tons of joy and big confidence boost. I'm 110/168, brown skin, oral only. came there around 4/5 pm on a saturday. if i remember correctly it was 1900 yen, you'll get a locker key and some towels. there are no saunas, just red rooms, cubicles, and a sling room with a reflective ceilling. they provide lightstick band to tell other your role / what you're looking for based on where you put it. the shower was decent, only 3 if i remember so its quite often to see guys waiting to use the shower. clientelle there was very mix, mostly big guys but empahsis on GMPD. quite tourist friendly i could say. you dont have to understand any japanese, but knowing basic response always useful (hentai and anime really helps me lol). got some action with 3 locals there and none of them left a bad taste (literally and figuratively). definitely would go there again eventho would love to try some other place with a proper communal area to get to know the locals or maybe get some new friends!
The Volcano experience happens in gay saunas in Germany too. Especially when it's full (Sunday's around 3p/15 Uhr) Too many good looking people that are too busy with only looking and groping each other but not actually hooking up. Sensory overload!
I'm a foreigner student from the Dominican Republic and I've lived in Fukuoka since april last year. I've been to hattenba twice, and both times people just ignored the hell out of me ‾\_(ツ)_/‾ (gotta admit made me feel bad and insecure) and the variety of places here is not as much as in Tokyo or Osaka. I'm 25, workout, do sports and I can speak japanese, but I know I might get rejected from a lot of these places just because my skin color or my hair (long and curly, sometimes I wear braids), many of these things are clearly expressed on their website and that was shocking to me that a business can be so openly discriminatory to its potential clientele. Anyways, if anything, I learned that you can't let these rejections get so much to your head. Yeah, they make you feel bad, but they do not define AT ALL who you really are. Thanks for making these list and if I return to Tokyo soon now I know better which places to avoid. ありがとう
This was great video love the ranking of bathhouses and if I would go to Japan in future I would definitely visit some of these places. Also happy pride 🏳️🌈
Different branches of the same hattenba can be different! 24 Shinjuku is for everyone, 24 Ueno clientele is a little older and there are more GMPD. I haven't been to 24 Asakusa but I heard it was almost exclusively ojisan. Cave Ueno is great, but limited showers. I once lined up behind 6 guys haha. Had a lot of fun here. But Cave Shinjuku is very small and kinda... grimy. Gloryhole Bar Ueno is also good. Noticed a number of young/fit guys getting it on with older guys. The bartender is hot. Deepthroat Men Shinjuku is popular with gaijin. Very convenient since it's 1-2 minutes walk behind Kabukicho Tower. Guys here are very... hungry. Multiple times I've been here and the guy I played with also played with 5+ other guys after me lol.
Thanks for the video! It's really eye opening to see so many different types of hattenba in Tokyo. I think you guys may have touched on this before, but can you explain why there are so many rules/restrictions for Hattenba culture in Japan? The hair style rule is ridiculous. Does Japan have a high beauty standard in general? I understand being fit/muscular is universally more popular for gays. But still, you have to put yrself in a box to fit a certain type to gain entry. And you might get denied even if you try. What if someone is interested in guys who are his opposite? Thank you Meng and Andrew for doing the research for us😘
The ones I’ve been to: 24: This one is super convenient because it’s right in Ni Chome and once you’re done, you can walk over to the gay bars. I like the facilities since it’s also a sauna as well, and if you wanna take a break from cruising, you can go into the jacuzzis or TV room. The thing is, seems like they let anyone in, so there’s a lot of diversity, but it’s hit or miss with the types we want. Bodybreath: It’s small and dark, and many different dark rooms. I hear they have restrictions as well and only want young attractive guys with short hair, but friends and I went during Pride and there were different types. Might go back once in a while as it’s close to Ni Chome. Volcano: Went with friends during Pride and they had to let in one person at a time as it was crowded. The place was realllyyyy tiny. There were hot and cute guys, muscle and lean, but yes, they just all stood around, and the place was so cramped that you can’t walk by without rubbing up against someone. I personally wouldn’t go back as I felt it was a waste of time. Junction: This one I went to about 7 years ago as well. Thing was, I went with a Japanese friend and he got in. I’m an Asian foreigner so the desk guy was telling me something and I didn’t know what he was saying. My friend talked to him and surprisingly I was let in. Yes the place felt like a ship and a maze. Cute guys, but it’s kinda far so wouldn’t really go back. I will prolly just stick with 24 as I can just use the facilities when I’m bored or just wanna relax. It’s also good for the weekend when I can go around 7-8pm and then go to the bars after.
Literally was about to say this. I was there for a good 15-20 mins and guys were just... waiting. Don't these guys have other things to do with their time, like have dinner or go to the gym? I wanted to be in and out in 10 mins but sadly I only got my action about 30 minutes in.
Thank you guys for your amazing content. It will be my first time in Japan soon, and I've learned so much about the Japanese gay night life thanks to you both :) It's a shame I cant speak Japanese, and that I can be a bit shy, otherwise I would have tried some of the hattenbas in your list
You guys have got to share what is considered expensive in Japan. Because I heard one of you mentioned a place with ¥1800 which today converts to about $11.50 USD. We pay more than that to get into a dance club. That’s the less than a movie theater ticket in a major US city.
Great Video, will be very useful when im in japan someday,.. although i would be more into the GMPD spots 😅 by the way it would be very cool if you guys would consider doing more GBPD stuff.. like checking out locations and stuff..the boom boom bar is one of my favorite videos 💫
Meng and Andrew, the gay scene that you describe in your excellent videos appears to be strictly for young men. Is there a scene for older gay men in any of the major Japanese cities? Or do they just disappear when they reach a certain age?
And now i am thinking for another trip this year and I just came back last May! Btw is Isotope a Hattenba ? and also the bj bar near ng Shinjuku station?
Aisotope is a totally regular bar/club, NOT a hattenba, but occasionally they doooo have “hatten” events, like “No Pants Sweat Night.” The bj bar in Shinjuku closed down and reopened as “Deep Throat Men”!
@@TedMeow Thanks, thats my confusion cause i been to isotope on the No Pants night and the dark room is wild well even the walls lols. Ohh yeah thats it Deep Throat Men there some really hot salary guy when i went.
In my observation, Japanese Bars (gay or straight) are very about curating an experience, and part of that curation maintaining a certain "appearence" for their clientele. This happens in the US too, but urban Japan has much more competition from other bars being located in a similar area, so they really have to fight to distinguish themselves, and it comes with actively rejecting people. It is pretty awful, because being gay often involves a fear of rejection from others, but thats just how it is i guess.
@@TokyoBTM Wouldn't that be fair and more accurate though ? Rate the venue, the clientele,the price, the safe sex access and the outcome of a night. Since this is mostly aimed at foreigners, they might aswell know all the good and bad.
i really liked bears camp because you could also get into bodybreath if you wanted to since they're connected. Ueno cave was fun too - liked it more than the cave in nichome
In my visit in Japan i went to 24 in tokyo and in osaka i went to a gay sauna in gay district. In tokyo was fine, crowd was mix and you get attention as foreigner. The one i went in osaka... Omg, i have to admit that i didn't do much research but i wasnt mentally prepared to the level of rejection and ignored i got. I think i was the only westerner there and it wasn't very full but oh boy. People would just reject me in a super direct and weird way. They would look at me and when then loot at my face was like rebounce. I find the experience quite bad and I guess i wasn't mentally prepared for this. And im not talking about regular rejection, i am not the most attractive guy ever, but they clearly reject me in a way i never experience before. I was quite unpleasant... I also think the dynamic of these places seem to be way different to what i am used to (in Amsterdam). Interesting video. If i go back to Tokyo i will check out maybe some of the places that seem more foreigner friendly
Wow, I haven't been to Japan since year 2005, yeah, ancient time so I see so many places I've never heard of. It's also incredible how many places you can chose from. Where I live, there are pathetically only 3 places and the price now is ridiculously expensive to get in. The average to get in is between $25 to $30 and that is with your membership so for brand new person or visitors, you would spend $5 or more on top of that depending on the length of membership. Crazy. I miss Tokyo and the whole Japan for sure.
Feel like you need more opinions from different body types. This list would be very different if you are heavy or hairy...lots of these places are very "slim and muscular only" or even if they dont say that, reality is you will be ignored if you arent that and the same vice versa some of these are literally bear only so even if you like bears u will be rejected (unless you go to cave X the S専D専 place)
You guys have got to share what is considered expensive in Japan. Because I heard one of you mentioned a place with ¥1800 which today converts to about $11.50 USD. We pay more than that to get into a dance club.
This is messy. I'm from Spain and I was curious about those admission rules in Bears Camp, for instance, so I looked out for them in their website. Japanese gays are that prejudiced? I mean... Long hair is a problem. Age is a problem. Body type is a problem. Genitalia is a problem. I mean... Can't someone slim in their 50s be into bears? They don't accept trans guys? I know I live in one of the best countries socially speaking for the LGBTIQA+ community and I acknowledge my privilege, but this is so f***ed up. Japan, welcome to 2024, honey! Things are different around here!
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to your commentary. However, based on your experiences, I don't think I would ever be brave enough to frequent the Japanese gay club scene 😅
From what has been said, "Men's Club Meat" seems to be the friendliest and more opened to foreigners one here, so It may be the one I visit when I visit Tokyo. As a black guy, the rejection at entry is not something i'd like to experience xD
There are some wonky comments in this comment section so I’m sending you all some love 🥰 Also my partner and I still make fun of the time I hooked up with some muscle hunk at volcano that was the most robotic person to have ever existed 🤖
Okay out of curiosity from my favorite Tokyo Btms - as someone in his very early 50s, going a bit greyer and having a bear/dad bod, which of the listed places do you think me and my 30-something bearcub bf should try to visit. Mostly for the experience when we visit in a few months (to say we went) rather than expecting complete debauchery :D It's on our bucket list, so we just want to avoid getting rejected at the door, lol
Visited Boiler Room/D’Lite 2x when I was in Tokyo.First visit was good.There’s an event that day but the second one was kind of discriminating.I was allowed to get in but the bartender and one of the guy who was there kept on teling me that most of the guys who’ll go there are Nihonjis so I’d better go somewhere where the crowd is diverse.
Are there any for lesbians & bi women any do your gal Pals would recommend? What about any that are welcoming of transgender people for cruising or similar intimacies?
I think there is no one POC experience for all. Your experience will differ greatly depending if you are a south-east asian, south-asian, black, pacific islanders, latino or middle eastern person.
@@getgt The darker your skin, the more challenging your experience might be, especially in East Asia. This prejudice is particularly strong in Korea. Your country of origin also plays a role; those from wealthy or Western nations often face less discrimination. Additionally, being a top can make a difference as this is generally regarded more highly in gay world. Political context matters too, as being dark-skinned and from a country near Japan can be more problematic than being from a distant region like Latin America. I'm not sure about your specific situation, but based on your questions, it might be wise not to invest too much time and effort into Japan. Definitely visit if you're interested, but keep in mind that the love you have for Japan will likely wear off as you get to experience it more.
@@getgt My comments were aimed at societal behavior in general. During the day, people are more concerned about how being seen with you affects their image. This is a problem everywhere but more emphasized in east Asia. In cruising spots, however, individuals are more likely to act on their deepest desires and approach you. Nonetheless, I still believe you should visit Japan and explore some of these cruising spots.
Hello Tokyo Tops, Bottoms and Sides 😏 I'm traveling for work to Taiwan... any ideas for must see gay places and any tips for accommodations (hotels or airbnb) Thank you in advance!🙂✨
We find it very sad that Gay establishments refuse service to some in the gay community based on looks or age . We are discriminated against by a lot in society and to be rejected by your own kind is absolutely unacceptable. Henry& Joseph Florida USA
First time I went to 24, it was 2006 and I was 19. I can tell you it has not changed AT ALL in almost 20 years. Not a single thing has been updated. I’m American and I typically get ignored by the Japanese guys unfortunately
I went to bodybreath and 24 in march 2024 when I visited Japan.. Bodybreath had a lot of sexy muscle guys but their cubicles were so small and weird.. 24 kaikan was ok .. I would try other places when I visit Japan hopefully next year..
Wow! I'm amazed that Tokyo hattenbas can legally get away with all the arbitrary restrictions to club entry. I'd love to hear you guys compare and contrast Canadian/American baths with Japanese hattenbas. The arbitrary restrictions in Tokyo couldn't be applied in my home state--legally, at least. I've never seen it in California but maybe I'm naive. Once inside, the patrons have the same positive & and negative points as those talked about in hattenbas.
American in Canada here; been to bathhouses in CA, TX as well as BC. I give Japan credit as you know before you go (assuming you read on the website or heard via word of mouth). This is just like Grindr or other apps where honesty is appreciated (but removed by moderators) and hated at the same time. I hate being counted out because of my age or race before trying but at the same time, I do not want to waste time either. It's a double edge sword; you are cut either way.
As a white foreigner I always expect a certain level of racism against me when I go to these types of establishments in other countries. Japan particularly. We often think Japanese are super polite however in the bathhouse they can be very blunt and even a tad physical to reject you. But I’ve still managed to have amazing times and memories!!! Even meeting a few models and famous guys :)
I'm afraid most if not all of these places sound brutal what with being judged if you're worthy to even enter. Interestingly enough the bathhouse scene in LA has all but disappeared
I left in 2021 but Boiler Room had naked Wednesday and Friday night parties with lots of action happening everywhere and anywhere....if there was a crowd.
Hair style requirements is fricken nuts. I can understand listing a preference, but a ban on certain haircuts? That's neurotic...Sometimes I am ashamed of being Japanese lol.
I love the fact that Andrew has a whole detailed report in grwaeat in detail
Seriously. He must have a whole bathhouse category in his yearly budget
Stupid!!!
@@Globalastral5 like Japan’s Gay Bathhouse Google
I love this content so much. Having an authentic and practical guide to hit the best spot or knowing what to expect helps when planning a trip!
Exactly 🔥
This should have been your very first video ever and updated on annual basis 😋 I can't believe you have waited 4 years to make this.
Now THIS is the content I subscribed for xD
these places tend to be hard to track down, so it's actually nice to have so many of them listed and hear some of your experiences.
I couldnt agree more with your comments about Volcano guys.That made me realize that I’m fine that these hot guys get rejected too.😅 Osaka hot guys though were more welcoming than Tokyo’s.
?? 에??
Thank you for the video. Fascinating content, as always! Although I strongly disapprove of refusing entry for reasons that seem to me to be disguised racism (using language as an excuse and acknowledging that I may be totally mistaken and maybe it is not racism !). On the other hand, I like to know where I stand. If an establishment does not want me there, I prefer to go elsewhere. So in the end I cannot complain! If that makes sense!
It’s hard to apply concepts like “racism” from a western pluralist perspective to a society that is almost completely homogenous: Over 97% Japanese. It’s definitely xenophobic and discriminatory at the very least but I wonder if you actually have to have some amount of diversity in your society to even have a concept of race relations or racism.
I visited 24 and dick-dogg before.
Dick-dogg, as Andrew have mentioned, has sporty, muscly clienteles. The day I visited, I saw quite a lot of really muscular and handsome guys. But, they were really really picky, I didn't see a lot of action going even though the place was quite packed. Also, it was a very small place with everything packed together, and not so hygienic (filthy even, to my standard). They had only 2 shower rooms, and the maze was essentially tunnels for people to squeeze through. People were forced to touch each other, which might or might not be a good thing. They had some small "rooms" which were rather kinky themed. I think the whole vibe is kinky and really encourage people to have raunchy sex, mindlessly. I didn't have a good time there, so it's easily a C, maybe it's different if you are muscular top. On a side note, it wasn't quite foreigner friendly.
24 (Shinjuku), the only downside for me is that it was indeed expensive, when compared to other options. However, it was rather spacious (which also means, basically no rooms for private acts) and was foreigners/age/body types friendly. It was rather quiet the day I went, so maybe not an accurate observation, but the clienteles were truly mixed, you can see all kinds of guys there, with much more international customers, compare to others places that I've been. I guess it would be a safer choice for travelers to have a taste of hattenba, with less rejection and xenophobia. Meng said it was little dirty, I think it was pretty ok (but again, it was not busy at all when I was there), but I would agree it wasn't very fancy. No specific theme, no eye-catching facilities, private space is lacking (which I actually like :P) and no maze area, as far as I remember. I would give it at least A just for the international inclusiveness alone.
Sorry for the lengthy comment haha, there are so many aspects of hattenba experiences to share, even though I'd only visited 3. Thank you guys for the sharing! Happy pride month :)
Love this review 🙏 thanks for providing your perspective. It's fun to read
agreed. i visited 24K twice on my recent trip to Tokyo. It was busy, international, and very happening. Highly highly recommended for visitors to Tokyo. Downside is the very expensive entry fee.
@@weiwei001How much does it cost? If you don’t mind me asking :)
@@borborygmus3349 3300yen before 9pm, 3900yen after 9
@@borborygmus3349 25 euro lol
Perfect for our next trip in Japan in November 🎉😂 Thanks! Hope to see you both again ❤🤗
Thank you so much 🥰
Please do a walking tour of bars in Ni-Chome followed by a Hattenba tour. I would so sign-up, pay and go. :) I was in Tokyo last month and as much as I loved it, I don't have much contacts there in the LGBT community to start. It would be a great ice-breaker for gay tourists. :) PS....you guys are lovely, hope to see you when i go back next month.
This is a good idea. I travel to Tokyo a lot and most, if not all of those travels, I’m doing it solo. So this is always a wish list to have contacts or a community who does group walks and what-not.
I've been to the ones you haven't been so here's my own review lol:
Cave - This one's main clientele are "bigger" guys. I'd say bears but most of them dont really have bodyhair so I dont know if they qualify as bears. You dont have to be big to enter though. They have these ring lights that you wear that says if you like big or skinny guys. I've seen quite a few skinny guys looking for bigger guys. Id give it a high B
Dads&Son - Okay, the cool part about this one is they have an open rooftop where you can have sex. lol. There are barriers though so its not really open. I dont think people outside can see you. Youngest Id say were in their 30s. Many hot daddies though. This ones a high B as well.
oh and a bit of correction regarding Gate In
They moved from Tokyo to Akihabara and theyve been there for a few years already iirc. The clientel is different now though. No more older guys. Most guys are like in their 30s max. They have these cubicles that have holes in them so you can check out who's on the other side. If you like the guy, you can actually open the wall and play with each other. I'd give this one a C cause the people there can be quite picky.
Thank you!!! Yes I totally forgot that gate in moved to Akihabara and I actually went there once!!! How about volcano? Waiting for the review
@@TokyoBTM Sadly, I've never been. I also heard from others that people there are really picky so I just crossed it off my list.
Hello. Where exactly is D&S? :)
@@marrkqu9367 its in Ueno but they’re actually quite far from Ueno station. Google maps will show you closer stations.
Would you know if Dads&Son accepts "bigger" guys?
I've been to Cave in Ueno, had a great time and it's a lot bigger than CaveX in Shinjuku.
haaaaaa amazing! I rember you mentioned doing this list ages ago!
Finally we were able to do it!
Loved listening to your opinion and rankings, such a fun one
Now THIS is my kinda tier list 🤩🤩🥰😜🤪🤪
OMG! Needed this 2 weeks ago when I was in Tokyo. Shortlisted for my next visit 😂
What a great open/honest video (without judgement really). Thank you. Japan is on my travel list.
Ueno Cave was amazing. as an Indonesian where gay sauna is very hard to come by, it was quite an anxiety inducing experience but ends up with tons of joy and big confidence boost.
I'm 110/168, brown skin, oral only. came there around 4/5 pm on a saturday. if i remember correctly it was 1900 yen, you'll get a locker key and some towels. there are no saunas, just red rooms, cubicles, and a sling room with a reflective ceilling. they provide lightstick band to tell other your role / what you're looking for based on where you put it. the shower was decent, only 3 if i remember so its quite often to see guys waiting to use the shower. clientelle there was very mix, mostly big guys but empahsis on GMPD. quite tourist friendly i could say. you dont have to understand any japanese, but knowing basic response always useful (hentai and anime really helps me lol). got some action with 3 locals there and none of them left a bad taste (literally and figuratively).
definitely would go there again eventho would love to try some other place with a proper communal area to get to know the locals or maybe get some new friends!
The Volcano experience happens in gay saunas in Germany too. Especially when it's full (Sunday's around 3p/15 Uhr)
Too many good looking people that are too busy with only looking and groping each other but not actually hooking up. Sensory overload!
Coming to Japan next year this is perfect timing ❤❤
I'm a foreigner student from the Dominican Republic and I've lived in Fukuoka since april last year. I've been to hattenba twice, and both times people just ignored the hell out of me ‾\_(ツ)_/‾ (gotta admit made me feel bad and insecure) and the variety of places here is not as much as in Tokyo or Osaka. I'm 25, workout, do sports and I can speak japanese, but I know I might get rejected from a lot of these places just because my skin color or my hair (long and curly, sometimes I wear braids), many of these things are clearly expressed on their website and that was shocking to me that a business can be so openly discriminatory to its potential clientele. Anyways, if anything, I learned that you can't let these rejections get so much to your head. Yeah, they make you feel bad, but they do not define AT ALL who you really are. Thanks for making these list and if I return to Tokyo soon now I know better which places to avoid. ありがとう
You're cute probably they looked for butch dom top. I will try next year will see ;)
I love this content, I already saved it on my maps for my next trip to Tokyo
This was great video love the ranking of bathhouses and if I would go to Japan in future I would definitely visit some of these places. Also happy pride 🏳️🌈
Different branches of the same hattenba can be different!
24 Shinjuku is for everyone, 24 Ueno clientele is a little older and there are more GMPD. I haven't been to 24 Asakusa but I heard it was almost exclusively ojisan.
Cave Ueno is great, but limited showers. I once lined up behind 6 guys haha. Had a lot of fun here. But Cave Shinjuku is very small and kinda... grimy.
Gloryhole Bar Ueno is also good. Noticed a number of young/fit guys getting it on with older guys. The bartender is hot.
Deepthroat Men Shinjuku is popular with gaijin. Very convenient since it's 1-2 minutes walk behind Kabukicho Tower. Guys here are very... hungry. Multiple times I've been here and the guy I played with also played with 5+ other guys after me lol.
Thanks for the video! It's really eye opening to see so many different types of hattenba in Tokyo. I think you guys may have touched on this before, but can you explain why there are so many rules/restrictions for Hattenba culture in Japan? The hair style rule is ridiculous.
Does Japan have a high beauty standard in general? I understand being fit/muscular is universally more popular for gays. But still, you have to put yrself in a box to fit a certain type to gain entry. And you might get denied even if you try. What if someone is interested in guys who are his opposite?
Thank you Meng and Andrew for doing the research for us😘
Thank you for telling me about namara! I live in Nakako so I want to check it out!!! 😊
Happy Pride Month 🏳️🌈
Also, it’s my birthday so learning about cruising spots from the best is a great gift 😂
Haha are you gonna go?
@@TokyoBTM Hopefully, one day
Me and my husband are westerns bears and we had an amazing time in Cave! It’s small, but all the guys were cute and inviting
wow so many new places I didn't know to visit
The ones I’ve been to:
24: This one is super convenient because it’s right in Ni Chome and once you’re done, you can walk over to the gay bars. I like the facilities since it’s also a sauna as well, and if you wanna take a break from cruising, you can go into the jacuzzis or TV room. The thing is, seems like they let anyone in, so there’s a lot of diversity, but it’s hit or miss with the types we want.
Bodybreath: It’s small and dark, and many different dark rooms. I hear they have restrictions as well and only want young attractive guys with short hair, but friends and I went during Pride and there were different types. Might go back once in a while as it’s close to Ni Chome.
Volcano: Went with friends during Pride and they had to let in one person at a time as it was crowded. The place was realllyyyy tiny. There were hot and cute guys, muscle and lean, but yes, they just all stood around, and the place was so cramped that you can’t walk by without rubbing up against someone. I personally wouldn’t go back as I felt it was a waste of time.
Junction: This one I went to about 7 years ago as well. Thing was, I went with a Japanese friend and he got in. I’m an Asian foreigner so the desk guy was telling me something and I didn’t know what he was saying. My friend talked to him and surprisingly I was let in. Yes the place felt like a ship and a maze. Cute guys, but it’s kinda far so wouldn’t really go back.
I will prolly just stick with 24 as I can just use the facilities when I’m bored or just wanna relax. It’s also good for the weekend when I can go around 7-8pm and then go to the bars after.
👏 thank you for the great reviews!!!
Stupid!!!
> super-informative - have bookmarked this video, thx guys ~
34 minutes of subtitles, that's a lot of effort! Bravo
Spot on for Volcano. Super hot guys just stand around staring at each other lol
Literally was about to say this. I was there for a good 15-20 mins and guys were just... waiting. Don't these guys have other things to do with their time, like have dinner or go to the gym? I wanted to be in and out in 10 mins but sadly I only got my action about 30 minutes in.
@@okayyyy335 This makes me realize that other people have very different expectations for how quickly they get into action xD
@@Kostus77 Oh I like a wham bam and then go get Lawson kinda session lol
Happy Pride Month M&A. Fun content. 🏳🌈🏳⚧
14:53 "Hey Meng, look over there at that guy's tool!" 🤣 Andrew, you're a poet.
Thank you guys for your amazing content. It will be my first time in Japan soon, and I've learned so much about the Japanese gay night life thanks to you both :) It's a shame I cant speak Japanese, and that I can be a bit shy, otherwise I would have tried some of the hattenbas in your list
You guys have got to share what is considered expensive in Japan. Because I heard one of you mentioned a place with ¥1800 which today converts to about $11.50 USD. We pay more than that to get into a dance club. That’s the less than a movie theater ticket in a major US city.
Cool to see there's Raijin for sides!
Glory Hole Bar, Suck’d, and Deep Throat Men are all oral-only, so good options for sides!
Great Video, will be very useful when im in japan someday,.. although i would be more into the GMPD spots 😅 by the way it would be very cool if you guys would consider doing more GBPD stuff.. like checking out locations and stuff..the boom boom bar is one of my favorite videos 💫
Not me taking notes like i have a big final at the end of the year lol😅
I was hoping this was cruising in the sense of like public spaces like toilets or parks... haha. do you guys have any suggestions for that??
20:19 that's the right mindset 💯
Meng and Andrew, the gay scene that you describe in your excellent videos appears to be strictly for young men. Is there a scene for older gay men in any of the major Japanese cities? Or do they just disappear when they reach a certain age?
Yes there are a lot. Especially in east Tokyo like Ueno
nice to see Glory Hole Bar on the list... I follow them on Twitter😉
And now i am thinking for another trip this year and I just came back last May!
Btw is Isotope a Hattenba ? and also the bj bar near ng Shinjuku station?
Aisotope is a totally regular bar/club, NOT a hattenba, but occasionally they doooo have “hatten” events, like “No Pants Sweat Night.” The bj bar in Shinjuku closed down and reopened as “Deep Throat Men”!
@@TedMeow Thanks, thats my confusion cause i been to isotope on the No Pants night and the dark room is wild well even the walls lols. Ohh yeah thats it Deep Throat Men there some really hot salary guy when i went.
In my observation, Japanese Bars (gay or straight) are very about curating an experience, and part of that curation maintaining a certain "appearence" for their clientele. This happens in the US too, but urban Japan has much more competition from other bars being located in a similar area, so they really have to fight to distinguish themselves, and it comes with actively rejecting people. It is pretty awful, because being gay often involves a fear of rejection from others, but thats just how it is i guess.
Is it awkward when you guys go together? Or are you guys fine with being in the same room if you're both playing with others?
It's missing the most importang: a rating on the level of safe sex going on and the access to condoms.
@@TokyoBTM Wouldn't that be fair and more accurate though ? Rate the venue, the clientele,the price, the safe sex access and the outcome of a night. Since this is mostly aimed at foreigners, they might aswell know all the good and bad.
i really liked bears camp because you could also get into bodybreath if you wanted to since they're connected. Ueno cave was fun too - liked it more than the cave in nichome
Can we get an update on your New Years Resolution buff bods? Perhaps a show and tell?!? 😊
Boiler Room was A-tier for me, play-wise hahaha
What do you mean you get ignored? Like nobody approaches you or they really actively ignore you when you approach them?
They really actively ignore us when we approach them 😊
@@TokyoBTMdamn that's harsh. 😕
@@TokyoBTM whew
In my visit in Japan i went to 24 in tokyo and in osaka i went to a gay sauna in gay district. In tokyo was fine, crowd was mix and you get attention as foreigner.
The one i went in osaka... Omg, i have to admit that i didn't do much research but i wasnt mentally prepared to the level of rejection and ignored i got. I think i was the only westerner there and it wasn't very full but oh boy. People would just reject me in a super direct and weird way. They would look at me and when then loot at my face was like rebounce. I find the experience quite bad and I guess i wasn't mentally prepared for this. And im not talking about regular rejection, i am not the most attractive guy ever, but they clearly reject me in a way i never experience before. I was quite unpleasant...
I also think the dynamic of these places seem to be way different to what i am used to (in Amsterdam).
Interesting video. If i go back to Tokyo i will check out maybe some of the places that seem more foreigner friendly
Wow, I haven't been to Japan since year 2005, yeah, ancient time so I see so many places I've never heard of. It's also incredible how many places you can chose from. Where I live, there are pathetically only 3 places and the price now is ridiculously expensive to get in. The average to get in is between $25 to $30 and that is with your membership so for brand new person or visitors, you would spend $5 or more on top of that depending on the length of membership. Crazy. I miss Tokyo and the whole Japan for sure.
Feel like you need more opinions from different body types. This list would be very different if you are heavy or hairy...lots of these places are very "slim and muscular only" or even if they dont say that, reality is you will be ignored if you arent that and the same vice versa some of these are literally bear only so even if you like bears u will be rejected (unless you go to cave X the S専D専 place)
You guys have got to share what is considered expensive in Japan. Because I heard one of you mentioned a place with ¥1800 which today converts to about $11.50 USD. We pay more than that to get into a dance club.
Saved them all on my google map list 🤩
By the way, I find a site showing Ninja is closed, isn't it?
Very interesting video, guys! Some spots that I'll have to put on my "bear friendly" list for the next visit to Japan. Thanks.
Do all these places require you to show your passport or are they rejecting you based on appearance?
I’d like to go to some of these, but I can’t speak Japanese out of a paper bag 😅
Do you know any of these are English-friendly?
Something to visit in february
The background music is sending me lol
Please do Osaka Version !! 😂
Meng with bangs ❤
He looks like a pop start
This is messy. I'm from Spain and I was curious about those admission rules in Bears Camp, for instance, so I looked out for them in their website. Japanese gays are that prejudiced? I mean... Long hair is a problem. Age is a problem. Body type is a problem. Genitalia is a problem. I mean... Can't someone slim in their 50s be into bears? They don't accept trans guys? I know I live in one of the best countries socially speaking for the LGBTIQA+ community and I acknowledge my privilege, but this is so f***ed up. Japan, welcome to 2024, honey! Things are different around here!
It has been reported of an increase of STI cases lately... could you both do a video on the new medicine, Doxy Pep?
Very nice vidéo, can we have the same about bar and shop ? :)
Which one has an osen? Just 24?
Is there any sauna or onsen in these Hatenba ? I like to have sauna onsen time and s-x time too
Received my T-shirt today. Probably ordered too large but suspect it will shrink just right.
I thoroughly enjoyed listening to your commentary. However, based on your experiences, I don't think I would ever be brave enough to frequent the Japanese gay club scene 😅
From what has been said, "Men's Club Meat" seems to be the friendliest and more opened to foreigners one here, so It may be the one I visit when I visit Tokyo. As a black guy, the rejection at entry is not something i'd like to experience xD
I have a couple Black friends here who go to Body Breath semi-regularly!
There are some wonky comments in this comment section so I’m sending you all some love 🥰
Also my partner and I still make fun of the time I hooked up with some muscle hunk at volcano that was the most robotic person to have ever existed 🤖
I need to visit Tokyo.
Happy Pride Tokyo BTM!
Okay out of curiosity from my favorite Tokyo Btms - as someone in his very early 50s, going a bit greyer and having a bear/dad bod, which of the listed places do you think me and my 30-something bearcub bf should try to visit. Mostly for the experience when we visit in a few months (to say we went) rather than expecting complete debauchery :D It's on our bucket list, so we just want to avoid getting rejected at the door, lol
Brilliant pride content love it keep it up
Visited Boiler Room/D’Lite 2x when I was in Tokyo.First visit was good.There’s an event that day but the second one was kind of discriminating.I was allowed to get in but the bartender and one of the guy who was there kept on teling me that most of the guys who’ll go there are Nihonjis so I’d better go somewhere where the crowd is diverse.
43 yo, 90kg, 1,80m, latin, normal body type, not muscular not fat, which places should I definitly NOT GO?
Been to both Cave in Ueno and Xcave in Shinjuku... Cave is definitely more spacious.
Oooofff and I thought the "meat market" in the US was tough! 😂
Are there any for lesbians & bi women any do your gal
Pals would recommend? What about any that are welcoming of transgender people for cruising or similar intimacies?
What about foreigner friendly hattenba? Last year we visited Body breath..it was great.
Is there any way we can get the perspective of a POC’s experience at Japanese cruising spots?
I think there is no one POC experience for all. Your experience will differ greatly depending if you are a south-east asian, south-asian, black, pacific islanders, latino or middle eastern person.
I'm curious to know if akiba parks are as they say, cruising spots with lots of young guys offering
@@getgt The darker your skin, the more challenging your experience might be, especially in East Asia. This prejudice is particularly strong in Korea. Your country of origin also plays a role; those from wealthy or Western nations often face less discrimination. Additionally, being a top can make a difference as this is generally regarded more highly in gay world. Political context matters too, as being dark-skinned and from a country near Japan can be more problematic than being from a distant region like Latin America.
I'm not sure about your specific situation, but based on your questions, it might be wise not to invest too much time and effort into Japan. Definitely visit if you're interested, but keep in mind that the love you have for Japan will likely wear off as you get to experience it more.
@@getgt My comments were aimed at societal behavior in general. During the day, people are more concerned about how being seen with you affects their image. This is a problem everywhere but more emphasized in east Asia. In cruising spots, however, individuals are more likely to act on their deepest desires and approach you. Nonetheless, I still believe you should visit Japan and explore some of these cruising spots.
Hello Tokyo Tops, Bottoms and Sides 😏
I'm traveling for work to Taiwan... any ideas for must see gay places and any tips for accommodations (hotels or airbnb)
Thank you in advance!🙂✨
I like Mengs T-Shirt. Where did you get it from?
I forgot 🙀 I got it 10 years ago
残念 thank you for your answer though. 😊
We find it very sad that Gay establishments refuse service to some in the gay community based on looks or age .
We are discriminated against by a lot in society and to be rejected by your own kind is absolutely unacceptable.
Henry& Joseph Florida USA
I want to hangout!!! I’m coming in October!!!!!
Listening to you both makes me miss living in a big city.
Wanker's Union is such a funny name
Guys, you are cool! 🏳️🌈 Good luck to you!
First time I went to 24, it was 2006 and I was 19. I can tell you it has not changed AT ALL in almost 20 years. Not a single thing has been updated.
I’m American and I typically get ignored by the Japanese guys unfortunately
Not true. The price has been updated many times 😂
@@TokyoBTM I stand corrected
I went to bodybreath and 24 in march 2024 when I visited Japan.. Bodybreath had a lot of sexy muscle guys but their cubicles were so small and weird.. 24 kaikan was ok .. I would try other places when I visit Japan hopefully next year..
Is Hattenba from a foreign language or is it Japanese? When I lived in Tokyo I don't think there were any dedicated spaces - 93-'95. Correct?
I looked it up and got the kanji. Makes sense now. Keep on playing. (Even if it’s only a flute)
Wow! I'm amazed that Tokyo hattenbas can legally get away with all the arbitrary restrictions to club entry. I'd love to hear you guys compare and contrast Canadian/American baths with Japanese hattenbas. The arbitrary restrictions in Tokyo couldn't be applied in my home state--legally, at least. I've never seen it in California but maybe I'm naive. Once inside, the patrons have the same positive & and negative points as those talked about in hattenbas.
American in Canada here; been to bathhouses in CA, TX as well as BC. I give Japan credit as you know before you go (assuming you read on the website or heard via word of mouth). This is just like Grindr or other apps where honesty is appreciated (but removed by moderators) and hated at the same time. I hate being counted out because of my age or race before trying but at the same time, I do not want to waste time either. It's a double edge sword; you are cut either way.
As a white foreigner I always expect a certain level of racism against me when I go to these types of establishments in other countries. Japan particularly. We often think Japanese are super polite however in the bathhouse they can be very blunt and even a tad physical to reject you.
But I’ve still managed to have amazing times and memories!!! Even meeting a few models and famous guys :)
I'm afraid most if not all of these places sound brutal what with being judged if you're worthy to even enter. Interestingly enough the bathhouse scene in LA has all but disappeared
I left in 2021 but Boiler Room had naked Wednesday and Friday night parties with lots of action happening everywhere and anywhere....if there was a crowd.
Hair style requirements is fricken nuts. I can understand listing a preference, but a ban on certain haircuts? That's neurotic...Sometimes I am ashamed of being Japanese lol.
hattenba in karuizawa? please 😭
I went to W.U. Yesterday and was rejected entry because I have long hair.
Apparently suckd glory has lots of foreigners being denied entry