The Secret Garden of Gay Men?! Japan's Happening Places (ハッテン場)

Hello everyone! In Japan, the places where gay men gather for casual encounters are called "ハッテン場" (happening places). These include paid facilities as well as public spaces like bathhouses and parks that are also frequented by the general public.

Today, I will introduce several well-known gay happening places in Japan!

What is a ハッテン場 (Hattenba)?
A "ハッテン場" refers to locations where non-specific groups of gay men gather for casual encounters. While some write it in kanji as "発展場," the hiragana version "ハッテン場" has become the more commonly accepted term.

Types of Hattenba
Hattenba can be broadly classified into two categories:

1. Dedicated Hattenba:
   These are paid facilities specifically operated for gay men, featuring private rooms and beds for sexual activities. The average cost is between 2,000 to 4,000 yen.

2. Public Hattenba:
   This includes public places like parks, restrooms, public baths, and cinemas that are also frequented by the general public. Unlike paid facilities, these are often referred to as "free hattenba" due to the absence of an entry fee.

Controversies Surrounding Hattenba

Dedicated hatenba, being exclusive to gay men, generally do not disturb others, and many see them as unproblematic. However, public hatenba have raised concerns. For example, if someone visits a public bath expecting relaxation but encounters unwanted advances, it can be distressing. Some public baths have experienced a decline in customers due to such incidents.

Additionally, many gay men criticize those seeking casual encounters in public spaces for negatively impacting the public perception of the gay community. Recently, Japanese police have increased patrols in well-known public hatenba, leading to a decline in their numbers.

Hattenba Etiquette

In dedicated hatenba, lockers are provided for personal belongings, and users often wear locker keys attached to rubber bands in specific locations to indicate their sexual preferences.

• Right Hand: 攻 (Tachi) - Active partner in sexual encounters.

• Left Hand: 受 (Uke) - Passive partner.

• Ankle: 攻受皆可 (Riba) - Versatile, open to either role.

Top 5 Hattenba in Tokyo

1. 24-Hour Club Shinjuku

   

   
   This popular paid hatenba is located in Shinjuku, a known gathering place for gay men. The club features a sauna, large bath area, rest lounges, and private rooms.
   

   24會館 新宿店

2. BEARS CAMP

   

   
   Located in Shinjuku, BEARS CAMP has specific entry criteria regarding appearance, targeting users aged 18 to their 40s with muscular builds.

   

3. Bump

   

   
   Established in 1998 in Shimbashi, this is one of Tokyo’s most well-known hatenba, frequented by office workers typically in their late 20s to 30s.

4. Furo no Ohsama Oimachi

   

   
   A famous free hatenba, this super sento (public bath) is known for its sauna, which has become a gathering spot for gay men. The facility has policies against sexual activities, yet it remains popular in the community.

5. Sumida Park

   

   
   A public hatenba that has seen increased patrols by police, leading to a shift from a sexual meeting point to a gathering space for gay men to socialize.

Conclusion
This overview highlights five significant gay hatenba in Tokyo. Although attitudes toward LGBT culture are gradually shifting in Japan, gay men still face challenges in forming romantic relationships. For many, hatenba serve as a refuge. It's important for individuals of all orientations to respect one another and foster a society that is inclusive of sexual minorities.