We grab a train through the central mountain region to Kawanaza. After dinner Karl and I go out walking around while Kikumi and Ike take a bath.
Karl and I have been walking for a while when I see a rainbow-motif bar and make a mental note of it. We continue about 100 meters down the road when I say to Karl, "Those two guys are going to the rainbow bar. Let's make sure." Sure enough they head into the rainbow bar and soon afterward Karl and I are headed there also.
Karl says, "Based upon past experience, Ray, just crack the door open a bit and look in. If they don't want you to enter then they pull the door closed". Instead I pull the door wide open and bolt in as Karl follows. THe bar can hold about 12 people in total - it is tiny! We sit down and drink beer and water and talk in Japanese (Karl) and English with a patron and the bartender. Except for the fact that the bartender smokes (and that he probably thinks that Karl and I are a couple), I want the bartender.
The bartender shows us a gay/lesbian guide to Japan in order to show us where to go in Tokyo and Osaka. I flip through the book looking for maps but keep finding pages and pages of jpop ChiChis in various stages of undress, various positions, and performing certain acts. "Oh my" is what I say aloud as the entire club starts giggling. But I certainly find places in Tokyo and Osaka.
When it is time to leave the bartender escorts us out the bar and down the stairs. I say, "Arigato kawaii" ("Thank you, cutie") to him and give him a hug. I'm asleep before midnight.