Only A Japanese Can Enter It...

I have heard vague rumors of establishments not offering services to foreigners in Japan.  But to be honest, apart from the standard, rather institutionalized racism practiced by landlords I can't say that I have been refused service; at least not pre-civil rights (or now still?) American style. No fire-hoses or sit-ins just the awkwardness some Japanese proprietors feel (often more to do with language) when dealing with a "gaijin" whose Japanese skill is sub par.

Also, my knowledge of love hotels- rooms for hourly rent used for... well anyways my knowledge is lacking for those in the Shibuya area.  These two ingredients made for two lovely encounters!

The picture above was taken in a remote alley of Shibuya's love hotel district behind the 109 shopping mall.  Just as you pass Dubliner's pub turn right and make your next left up a steep hill. 

My first reaction was one of disbelief at that sheer audacity exercised by the hotel placing it in plain view from the street, then my friend realized that the management was so naive that they deserved a lesson.

BULLOCKS

Several months later I decided to visit my favorite sign with less than honorable intentions. It was gone! Had they moved it, gone out of biz?  Undeterred and brimming with liquid courage I ascended stealthy...and there it was!

 Unfortunately, our editorial had caused the love hotel to move it up into the stair well and management had set up a motion detector, which I realized upon hearing a BEEP. I snapped another shot... and then a revelation hit me that this had to be posted in my toilet! But just as I was about claim my prize I was greeted by a small man bearing a shit eater's grin who explained what I had already read: "I'm sorry foreiners cannot enter it."

INDEED!

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