Gay public bath house
The Freddie Guide to: Bathhouses
What is a bathhouse?
Bathhouses – also known as baths, saunas, or gay saunas – are spaces where queer men* meet to socialise, relax and contain sex. They are legal, licensed sex venues, as opposed to regular saunas or steam rooms where people cruise.
The number of gay bathhouses in North America peaked in the 1970s. Most of them closed in the 1980s, as local governments made public health rules to curb the HIV/AIDS epidemic. These rules were often rooted in homophobia.
Today, there are still bathhouses in most major cities across the world. You can find them through Google or on cruising sites like Squirt and Sniffies.
* Historically, bathhouses only admitted cisgender men. They are generally becoming more inclusive. Many have more relaxed door policies or adj times and events that are safer spaces for trans and non-binary people. If this applies to you, it’s best to check online or dial ahead before visiting a venue for the first time.
When you arrive
When you arrive at a bathhouse, you’ll get to a front desk with an attend
of Service to Asia's
Gay & Lesbian Community!
Located in Osaka, Konpira Onsen is a local and intimate bathhouse frequented by Japanese men and a modest number of Asian tourists. Known for its cruisy atmosphere, this venue is particularly well-liked within the queer community. Open from 3:00 pm, it's a compact, no-frills experience priced at 520 yen, with Thursdays off. Bring your own towels and toiletries, and assume to explore small but diverse spaces including saunas, steam rooms, and open-air areas. Despite its size, it can get bustling, especially during peak hours. Visit for a distinctive, community-focused experience in Japan's onsen culture.
Reviews summary
Konpira Onsen offers a unique experience praised for its friendly atmosphere and the variety of amenities like saunas and open-air areas. Visitors, mostly Japanese with some Asian and international guests, mention the onsen's popularity and engaging setting. A few reviews noted its crowdedness and minimal facilities, but generally, feedback was positive.
Although they may sound salacious, gay saunas are a fairly standard part of life for Hong Kong’s homosexual community. As much for general socialising as for more intimate encounters, there’s a surprising number to choose from if you’re interested – and if you know where to look. These are some of our favourites. By Jason Albano
Been there, done that? Think again, my friend.
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Hong Kong’s best gay saunas
Big Top Gay Sauna
Hidden inside a residential block, Giant Top boasts a cyber café, a reading area, a maze and a TV room alongside the usual amenities. So far so standard. However, things get a little more fun come Big Cock Fridays where if your member is more than 28cm long, you earn free entry. Entry for anyone under 25 also costs just $40.