15% offFree cancellation
LGBT Tokyo Then and Now
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation up to 144h before
- Guided in English
- Instant confirmation
Highlights
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.
Inclusions
What's included
- Alcoholic Beverages
- 2 drinks (alcoholic or non-alcoholic)
- Dinner
- Gratuities
What's not
- 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)
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.
Cancellation
Free cancellation up to 144 hours before the experience starts, for a full refund.
Reviews
4.5
- 528
- 44
- 30
- 25
- 10
Ratings come from 37 reviews collected by our booking partner. They are travellers' own words, in the order they were written — never reordered to flatter the experience.
Know before you go
- Meeting point
- Please meet on the corner outside this famous bar/restaurant. Easily accessible by two different subway lines.
- Pickup
- Everyone meets at the starting point; there is no pickup.
- Ticket type
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- Group size
- Up to 6 travellers
- Operated by
- Pinpoint Traveler, Inc
- 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.
How it compares in Tokyo
- Its from-price is close to the median of the 4374 experiences we list in Tokyo.
- Its length is typical for the group.
- By number of reviews it ranks 537 of 4374.
About Tokyo
Neon-lit districts, quiet shrines, superb food and distinct neighbourhoods make up Tokyo, a vast, orderly metropolis linked by punctual trains.
Every district feels like its own city. Shibuya's famous scramble crossing and Shinjuku's towers, bars and Golden Gai alleys pulse with energy, while Harajuku mixes youth fashion with the forested calm of the Meiji Jingu shrine. In Asakusa, the Sensō-ji temple and its market street keep an older Tokyo alive, and Ginza offers polished department stores and galleries.
Top-ranked sights in Tokyo: Senso-ji Temple (Asakusa Temple), Tokyo Imperial Palace, Meiji Shrine (Meiji Jingu).
Special offers in Tokyo
Was/now prices come from the operator, never from us.
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