Gay Tokyo Tour
LGBTQ+ TOKYO NIGHT TOUR
Pull back the curtain on how an alternative cultural disposition was 100 years ago, and how it is today.
Tour Introduction
The heart of LGBTQ+ culture in Japan is nestled on the edge of Shinjuku, in 2-Chome (pronounced “knee choh-may”). In a region with millions of people, there are plenty of vibrant spots and a rich history to explore. Our tour begins in Asakusa, a neighborhood most visitors know for its famous temple and bustling shopping district. But there’s a world of LGBTQ+ history here that even many locals are unaware of. Although not large, this area is Tokyo’s most historic and still-thriving LGBTQ+ hub. After exploring the sights and hearing stories of the past, we head to Shinjuku to experience the contemporary scene. Along the way, enjoy a light dinner and a couple of drinks, all included in the tour price. Join us on this LGBTQ+ Tokyo tour for an evening of history, culture, and just a fun night out!
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Historic Landmarks
Though it is subdued, the gay cultural heritage of Asakura is palpable. Once we’re in Shinuku 2-Chome, it’s just flat out about gay culture NOW.
Professional Guide
Real English, real skills, and great personalities. Our guides have the knowledge and expertise to provide you with interesting, fun, and memorable tours.
Fully Narrated Tour
Our tours never leave you to wonder about on your own. Your guide stays with you the whole time, unless, for example, you want a bit of time to roam a garden or have lunch on your own.
Easy Access
This tour starts just outside a rail or subway station, making meeting up an anxiety-free experience.
Tour Overview
Long ago, Asakusa was the playground for young straight people. Through the 1920s and 1930s, before Shinjuku and Shibuya were much to speak of, it was Asakusa and Ueno where the middle class went out for a good time, did their shopping, and just lived life in the hustle and bustle. As time passed, the map of the city changed, and this holds true for the LGBTQ+ scene too. It’s hard to imagine young gay men going out for a good night of revelry in Asakusa, but the older generation (as in 60s+) still has quite a solid home here.The difference between Asakusa and Shinjuku isn’t just age group, but also format. In Asakusa, everything is still very hush-hush. Gay bars are hard to identify. Then there’s the gay saunas, and the cruising park too. Again, most Japanese have no idea this is going on in Asakusa. They only know of 2-Chome, if anything.Most of the people at these various gay venues have something in common: Extreme closeted living. Nowadays, slowly but surely, if not acceptable to be openly gay, it is becoming acceptable to at least not be married (of course I mean to someone of the opposite sex). In the old days however, there was tremendous pressure for men to be married by 30 and women to be married a good seven years before that. Even today in Japan, fighting the system rarely works out very well, so getting married is exactly what Community members did. Then think sexy thoughts and have a child or two. However, as it turns out, those urges don’t go away! Thus the world of secret lives, where going out with friends might mean something extra friendly and going to soak in the baths may involve some splashing out, and a walk in the park with the dog may extend to a bit of a wilderness experience.
Dinner and a drink
After walking around Asakusa, we’ll catch the subway to Shinjuku’s 2-Chome district. Before diving into the big scene. However, a little food is in order. Not good to drink on an empty stomach after all! We have a few nice options to choose from in the restaurant district just across the road from 2-Chome’s bars. Local places with food Tokyo businessmen and youth alike tend to really enjoy. Your light meal and one drink is covered as a part of your tour.
Of course your gay Tokyo tour goes to 2-Chome
Part three of our evening together finally takes us to where it all comes together today, Shinjuku 2-Chome. Also, it should be noted that whereas Asakusa’s scene is really only directed at older gay men, the 2-Chome scene includes not only something for men of varying ages and categories, but also something for women looking for the company of another woman.2-Chome is the most openly gay district in Japan. Especially over the last 5-10 years, more and more bars have been open to the street or having large glass windows. The veil is being lifted and people seem pretty ok about it. Our stroll about the ‘hood will walk by casual, kink, steamy, hookup spaces, and more. We know the district well. Afterwards, we’ll end the night with a drink in one of the less cruisy bars so as to allow you to see the community in casual mode.Although our gay Tokyo tour doesn’t visit these areas, Shibuya has a sprinkling of gay bars and the Shimbashi area has a sizeable gay scene oriented towards the (generally closeted) Japanese businessen type. Ask your guide for more info!
Tour Itinerary
Decades ago this was a major gay playground. Now it is richer in history than action, but what is still left is well aged and smokey. We’ll walk around and explain it all, but we don’t go into any of the places here. About 60 minutes of exploration and storytelling.
Just adjacent to Shinjuku 2-Chome gay district is 3-Chome, and we like the atmosphere here quite a bit. We’ll chat and figure out a good place to have a light meal and a drink before heading over the 2-Chome. Around 75 minutes with transport from Asakusa.
The eye candy and storefronts in 2-Chome are a world apart from Asakusa, and we know all the nooks and crannies to navigate you about. Afterwards, we’ll stop somewhere for a drink where foreigners are welcome and the people are friendly. To be honest, most everywhere is foreigner friendly; it’s just that sometimes the language barrier can be tricky. About 45 minutes or so with all this.
Historic and Cultural Landmarks
Though it is subdued, the gay cultural heritage of Asakura is palpable. Once we’re in Shinuku 2-Chome, it’s just flat out about gay culture NOW.
Easy Access
We meet on the corner (that doesn’t seem fishy, does it?) right in front of Kamiya Bar, which is itself right at Asakusa subway station.
Know Before You Go
- More than six people on a gay Tokyo tour couldn’t possibly be fun, and indeed our tour often runs as a private tour
- The legal drinking age in Japan is 20
- The minimum age to join this tour is 18
- Please come wearing comfortable shoes, as there will be a fair bit of walking and standing, though most likely sit down for some food and also when we have that second drink.
- A light dinner in Shinjuku
- Up to two alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks (one at dinner, and one at the bar we go to in 2-Chome)
- Train fare between our two neighborhoods
- Drinks beyond the two provided, but you are free to purchase additional ones directly from the restaurant or bar if you wish
- Would you like to have a guide come early and escort you to the tour start point? This is available within central Tokyo (defined as along or within the Yamanote Line) for 5,000 yen plus your train fare. Odaiba is a bit higher at 6,000 yen, and for pickup points beyond that, please inquire. Prices quoted are for the whole group, not per person.
In order to keep our pricing as low as possible, we aim to never charge more for solo travelers. However, if the minimum of 2 guests is not met for this tour we will offer you as a solo traveler one of the following 3 options.
- To attend the tour on an alternate date.
- Pay a 3000 yen solo supplement
- Receive a full refund
Our Tour Guides
We've got around a dozen guides at your service. Here we showcase a few of our most active ones.
Kevin
Shoji
Mardi
Dan
Levy
Suzie
Not profiled here are guides who speak Spanish (Kyoto, in addition to Dan in Osaka), French (Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo), and German (Kyoto and Tokyo).
Pickup Point
We meet in front of Kamiya Bar, just outside Asakusa Station.