LGBT Tokyo Then and Now

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.

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.

• 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.

• LGBT Tokyo Then and Now
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• 2 drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)

• Hotel pickup (please inquire — this may be available for an additional charge upon request)
• Transportation (you’ll need 270 yen for the one subway ride we take)

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• You will be notified two days in advance of your tour with your guide’s name and contact information. You should please contact your guide directly should any issues arise. Please be aware that for group tours, the tour must start on time and it may not be possible to get in touch with the guide once they have started the tour.

• 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.

1) To attend the tour on an alternate date.
2) Pay a 3000 yen solo supplement
3) Receive a full refund

Please be advised..

• This Tour is Provided by Pinpoint Traveler, Inc.
• Tour Timezone & Starts at Asia/Tokyo.
• Mobile or paper ticket accepted.
• If you cancel at least 6 full day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a full refund.
  If you cancel between 2 and 6 day(s) before the scheduled departure time, you will receive a 50% refund.
  If you cancel within 2 day(s) of the scheduled departure, you will receive a 0% refund.
• This Tour is Rated 4 Stars based on 17 valid reviews on VIATOR.
• Minimum 1 Travelers is required to book.
• Maximum 8 Travelers is accepted for booking.