LGBT Tokyo Then and Now
Description
Behind every stoic Japanese businessman face there is a secret, thus one aspect of "honne tatemae," which loosely translates to something along the lines of keeping the publicly acceptable face forward, and the true face within. This, combined with Japanese culture's general disdain for public affection, might make Tokyo seem to not have as vibrant an LGBT presence as hoped. Worry not: In a city as big as Tokyo, there is of course a thriving gay scene -- if you know where to look. Tonight, you'll not only see Japan's largest gayborhood, Shinjuku 2-chome, but Asakusa in the evening as well. You'll also get a solid primer in Japanese gay society, both past and present. We'll stop along the way for a local Japanese meal (veg options available), and a couple of drinks too. Get ready for a well-rounded adventure into the heart of homosexuality in Japan, led by a friendly native (or equivalent) speaker of your selected language who knows what it means to be gay in Japan.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Sensoji (Temple) forms the deeply historic heart of Asakusa, but the shopping, dining, and entertainment areas alongside its approach is also the center of Tokyo's "elder gay" population. A century ago, Asakusa was in many ways what Shinjuku and Shibuya are like today. In fact, the Asakusa to Ueno stretch was so popular back in the early 20th century that Asia's first subway was built between those two areas (this is now known as the Ginza line). As the area aged, the clientele aged and changed faces too, and especially in more recent years, there has been a plethora of gay bars, saunas, and even cruising areas for the daddies and granddaddies of the gay persuasion. We'll walk around the neighborhood, talk about history, cultural context, and take a gander at some notable sights from the outside.
This thriving restaurant and shopping district is adjacent to 2-Chome, and it is here where we'll grab some food and a drink (included) at one of the sociable, casual restaurants dotting the streets.
2-Chome (pronounced "knee choh may") is the largest LGBTQ district in the largest metropolitan region in Japan (or the world, for that matter). Some bars are garish, some are low key. Most indoors, but some have sights visible from and spilling into the streets. We'll give you a thorough walk-through, and also stop at a bar for a drink (included).
Sensoji is arguable the top attraction in Asakusa, During the day, this Buddhist Temple compound dating back to 7th century, is thronged with visitors, but at night it's a mellower, perhaps more atmospheric scene. Beautifully lit up, you'll have your phone out for a picture before you know it.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Minimum age is 18 years
- Japan's drinking age is 20 years.
Reviews(36)
Reina was literally the best guide for this tour! His knowledge of Japanese culture and how it affects the LGBT culture in Tokyo was comprehensive! Really great guy and funny! Set a great pace for the tour through Asakusa then over to Shinjuku for some food and a cocktail at a local bar. I can’t say enough great things about him and this tour! Absolutely recommend!!! Thanks, Reina! Aloha and Mahalo!!
Adrian did a great job of bringing us through Asakusa and showing us the most beautiful aspects of the district while discussing the history. We had a great time on our small intimate tour having traditional Izakaya food and checking out the 2 chome bar scene. It was helpful to get an idea and explore the city.
We were really looking forward to this tour, but were disappointed. As visitors to Tokyo before, we have seen many sites and know a bit about local culture. We expected our guide to provide more knowledge and information about the local LGBTQ community, and history of our community here in Japan. Our suggestion, if starting in Asakusa, skip the temple and figure out a way to stop into a member only bar or snack. Otherwise just meet and focus the tour on Shinjuku ni chome. And have drinks in at least 3 queer bars. We only had one drink in one bar in 3 hours.
Thanks for the review. The vast majority of our guests have enjoyed the balance, but we understand it is not for everyone. However, I would like to point out that while there is one drink at a bar, there is also one drink at the restaurant before that. Not everyone wants to drink, and to build in the cost of three drinks at bars given the price of this tour... while also keeping in mind the commission that online tour sites take... well, it would be pretty difficult to pencil that out, especially considering the small group nature of our tours. As for the member bars, they are generally not interested in a gaggle of English speakers coming in.
Adrian was great and had plenty of insight into the area. Tasted some food I hadn’t experienced before and it was great; bacon wrapped cherry tomatoes on a skewer! As a solo traveler it’s always great to have knowledgeable people who know the ins and outs of an area and the tour was a fun way to see and experience Asakusa/Ni-Chome! Thanks again Adrian!
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience. We’re glad to hear the tour offered a fun way to explore Asakusa and Shinjuku, and that Adrian’s insights helped bring the area to life. It’s great to know you enjoyed trying new dishes along the way, and that the experience felt comfortable and engaging.✨
Hiroshi was an excellent tour guide who blended history and humor effortlessly. He was flexible when we wanted to explore and encouraging when we had questions that ventured beyond the schedule. He was a joy to have and I am appreciative of the knowledge he brought.
Thank you for sharing your experience. We’re delighted to hear Hiroshi’s blend of historical insight and humor made the tour both engaging and enjoyable. His flexibility and openness to questions are qualities we truly value in our guides, and your kind words will mean a lot to him.✨
Good overview of gay history and culture in Tokyo, especially Shibuya. The tour guide was very enthusastic.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! We’re glad the tour offered more than just a bar-to-bar experience, giving you a chance to explore the history and cultural background of Tokyo’s LGBTQ scene.☺️
I unfortunately didn’t go on this tour—I was told the guide would message me on what’s app. At 6:30, when the tour was scheduled to begin, I messaged Viator and told them I hadn’t heard from the guide. The guide then messaged me at 6:50 pm saying he could wait until 7. It seemed a bit shady and absolutely unprofessional.
Hi Sam. We are not shady, nor are we unprofessional: We've been in business ten years and served tens of thousands of guests. When you booked the tour, you were provided with the time and meeting point information. We did also tell you that we'd share the guide contact info (but, importantly, we never told you the guide would be in touch with you) just in case you needed it. Unforunately, a system error blocked that email containing the guide info from being sent. But again, you already had the meeting point location and timing information, so there was nothing precluding you from joining the tour. We are sorry the tour didn't work out for you, but we also feel the need to set the record straight (excuse the expression) regarding the question about whether you were able to join the tour or not.
As a solo traveler I never know what to expect. This tour, and especially our guide Hiro, exceeded all of my expectations!
We’re so glad to hear the tour felt enjoyable for you as a solo traveler, and that Hiro helped make the experience even better.😊
Hiroshi was a good guide. On time, friendly and knowledgeable. Spoke excellent English. Set a good pace. Decent meal at an authentic Japanese restaurant.
Thank you very much for joining our LGBT Tokyo walking tour. We’re glad to hear that Hiroshi’s friendly guiding and thoughtful pacing made for a pleasant experience, and that you enjoyed the authentic Japanese meal along the way. We hope the evening also gave some insight into Tokyo’s diverse culture.😊
Great tour! Hiroshi, our tour guide was amazing. Fluent in English, Spanish & Japanese. Good energy and easy going. So much information about the lgbt life in Japan. Good conversation, company, dinner and drinks. I loved it!
Thank you very much for joining our LGBTQ+ tour in Tokyo. We’re delighted that Hiroshi’s multilingual guidance and welcoming spirit made the evening both insightful and enjoyable. It’s wonderful to know the mix of conversation, food, and drinks created such a memorable experience.✨
