Take a stroll in Kinshicho
[QUOTE=Gaijin Otoko]One of our members had success at Kamiyamada Onsen last year based on an article in Tokyo Reporter, so I was wondering if anyone had a chance to check out Kinshicho, based on this article: [url]http://www.tokyoreporter.com/2010/04/16/gaijin-shitamachi-kinshicho-a-low-cost-alternative-to-kabukicho/[/url] I won't get back to the country for about another month or so, but I was wondering if anyone had done any recon they would be willing to share.[/QUOTE]I am around Kinshicho occasionally, but haven't verified the article's contents regarding the reported recent cheap karaoke trend. However, if true, it would be a welcome development, as some (not all) hostessy and snack-type drink places there are traditionally overpriced to start with, even before the occasional attempted p4p upsell. Maybe it's my J-speaking white N. American gaijin novelty factor, but I've found that being a fixture around the neighborhood can be helpful in establishing yourself as a known face to build relationships with welcoming proprietors and the girls themselves. Not all places are overpriced, but apparently from what the article touches on, as well as my own observations over many years, there are some reasonable options to be had in an evolving Kinshicho scene. I don't care for Roppongi or hang out much in Kabukicho or Ikebukuro, but also don't exclusively see Kinshicho as a mongering destination, as I'm generally out and about on the east side of town for anyway, yet I suppose it's good to have at one's disposal if so inclined. Just take a stroll.I use Kinshicho more for an occasional alcohol or "more-or-less legit" massage resource, but fun can be had wherever you look if that's what you're out for, and I have many great memories and experiences on a personal and often-impromptu, not-necessarily p4p level, around Kinshicho that could never be replicated in cheesy Roppongi. At night, Kinshicho has a lot of touts (oddly, a large number of Pakistani or Bangladeshi ones, I'm guessing -- imo, who needs some guys like that to steer me to Eastern European women, which aren't my bag, baby) to navigate through on certain streets, which I find annoying, unnecessary and superfluous, but that's just me and I can't change that factor or character of the neighborhood, so I don't let it bother me and just stick to what I am familiar and feel comfortable with. Also worth noting are the back streets of the neighboring Kameido area, one stop east on the Sobu Line or a quick taxi ride.Nonetheless, I do suggest walking around both day and night to get an idea for yourself of the contrast in the neighborhood and what's on offer, but like anywhere else, use common sense and take care.
Gotanda - Otakara (again) "emotion"
nothing really new.but got there again, and enjoyed it so much i couldn't even hear the loud techno music. where else can you have bbbj with pretty girls happy to give good service? there are even some girls who can speak english, or even french!and theres something perverse to peep other guys being blown off by the girl who blew you a few minutes ago.and i really like when you got out, when the tout asks you: "was it ok? " and he knows all customers say yes! and thats why its always full there!one day i should try to fully book it (kashi-kiri) with some "friends". that would be fun for sure!