Tours and Tickets
Tokyo Gay Night Tour
5
Recommended by 100% of travelers
This number is based on the percentage of all Tripadvisor reviews for this product that have a bubble rating of 4 or higher
About
Tokyo has one of the largest LGBTQ communities in Asia and the Shinjuku Nichome district is famous for having hundreds of gay bars and nightclubs. With this tour, gain insider access to some of the hottest nightlife spots in town, discover the LGBTQ scene with a local guide, and visit gay bars, nightclubs, drag queen clubs, or quirky bars that you will only find in Japan.
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Ages 20-80, max of 8 per group
Duration: 3h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Japanese, English

Highlights
  • Visit three LGBTQ bars in Tokyo’s Shinjuku Nichome district
  • Welcome drink included at each bar
  • Insider tips on Tokyo’s LGBTQ hangouts from a local guide
  • Personalized tour with a maximum of 8 people

  • One drink included at each bar (3000 yen value)
  • Table charge (1000-3000 yen value)
  • Alcoholic Beverages
What's not included
  • Drinks after the first drink at each bar


Return details
  • Returns to original departure point

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Service animals allowed
  • Near public transportation
  • Infants must sit on laps
  • Transportation is wheelchair accessible
If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 88755P2

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers
  • Most travelers can participate
  • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 8 travelers

  • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

How much is Tokyo Gay Night Tour?
Tokyo Gay Night Tour price starts from $102.13. Discover and book Tokyo Gay Night Tour on Tripadvisor
What is the Tokyo Gay Night Tour cancellation policy?
Tokyo Gay Night Tour cancellation policy: For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience. Discover and book Tokyo Gay Night Tour on Tripadvisor
Which company provides Tokyo Gay Night Tour?
Tokyo Gay Night Tour is hosted by Tokyo Gay Night Tours with Tokyo Handsome Boys. Read reviews, discover additonal experiences or contact Tokyo Gay Night Tours with Tokyo Handsome Boys on Tripadvisor. Discover and book Tokyo Gay Night Tour on Tripadvisor
How much time do I need for Tokyo Gay Night Tour?
On average, this experience will take approximately 3h. Discover and book Tokyo Gay Night Tour on Tripadvisor

If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 88755P2

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Itinerary
  • Start
    See departure details
  • 1
    Shinjuku 2 Chome Gay Town
    Stop: 3 hours
    Shinjuku Nichome is said to have 300 gay bars. From those, we've narrowed it down to three spots from the gay bars, lounges, and clubs we usually go to on our own. The course may change depending on the availability that night. 1. Gay Bar First, we'll start things off with an authentic Japan-style gay bar! As for what makes a gay bar Japan-style, the first thing you'll notice is the size. Most Japanese gay bars can fit at most ten people, and at fewest four or five. Because hospitality is key at these places, they are made so that the guests can talk easily to each other, and the master can make sure everyone's having a good time. If you're looking to spend the night the way the Japanese do, make no mistake, it's not at a club, but one of these tiny gay bars! 2. Gay Lounge More spacious than the gay bars, the lounge style is popular with gay guys in their twenties and thirties, and we'll take you to the spot that's most popular with young gay guys. We'll hang out here and chat with and keep watch on hot young gay guys. This is my prime hunting ground! 3. Guest Choice We'll leave the choice of the last place up to you. Let's go somewhere in Nichome that caught your eye! There are so many styles of place in Nichome, from go go boy dancers to drag queens, to a bar where we wear traditional Japanese underwear. Grab Nichome by the horns! There's also the possibility to change the first two bars depending on the guests' preference. We are flexible!!
    Read more
  • You'll return to the starting point
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About the operator
  • Kevin H
    Kevin H
    0
    0
    Amazing Evening! Incredible Insight into the elusive LGBT scene in Tokyo
    I had an amazing time with Naoki on this tour. He was open and honest about what it is like to be gay in Japan and he opened doors, literally and figuratively, into the hidden world of the gay bars and lounges in Nichome. Without him, it is easy to find the places on the first floor that cater to tourists, but he took us to small bars that had specialized drinks (lemon with gin, vodka, etc.) and specialized crowds, from DragonMen to Twinks. He was a great host and I left knowing a lot more about the LGBT scene in Japan. I met so many people in one evening! From a 70 year old architect who used to be closeted to a 30 year old opera singer and concert pianist. Naoki took great photos of the evening so I could focus on enjoying myself. He never pushed us to spend more (one drink was included at each of three bars) but he made time for us if we wanted to try something else. I felt like I was with a friend and not a guide. All along, Naoki was clear on email and with the details of where to meet and in the end he sent a detailed map of the area. I would highly recommend this tour to anyone who does not have the Japanese language skills to navigate these bars and lounges.
  • Claudia C
    Claudia C
    0
    0
    Fun times learning a Japanese and meeting locals!
    We had a great time on Kevin’s Survival Japanese Communication tour, and we used the greetings and phrases we learnt for the rest of our travels in Japan. Even better it was interesting to visit a les touristy suburb of Tokyo we might not have otherwise, experience the izakaya standing bar culture and make some friends with locals while using our new phrases! Plus the tour is great value for money including a tea or coffee at the cafe first, plus some snacks and a beer at the bar! A really fun evening out, thanks for your great teaching and enthusiastic fun style Kevin!
  • elise2736
    elise2736
    0
    0
    Fun, friendly and extremely useful
    I met with Kevin of Tokyo Handsome Boys on my first day in Japan and was so thankful I did. Over a cup of tea and then a beer, Kevin taught me the basics and more ahead of my week in Japan. Japan is one of those places where a little knowledge of the local language can go a long way. Even for correcting the simple faux pas of thinking konichiwa means hello and saying arigato is fine just on its own. Beyond the language lesson, Kevin shows you around a local neighbourhood and gives you great insider tips for the rest of your stay. By the end of this class you will be ordering your own drinks and meeting locals at the bar.
  • Javier C
    Javier C
    0
    0
    Best night out in Tokyo. Don't miss on it
    Our night our in Nichome with Naoki and Kevin was an unforgettable experience. Small bars can be very intimidating in Japan for short-term visitors, especially if you do not speak the language. At the same time, this kind of bar is a big thing in Japanese culture, so having the opportunity to experience these places with Naoki and Kevin was amazing. Naoki and Kevin are very friendly and easy to talk to. I have to say, we had previously been on a full-day custom tour around Tokyo with them earlier that week. We had a great connection and it was like hanging out with old friends. I think it should be easy for anyone to connect with them just as we did. We enjoyed drinks in a tiny bar run by rugged but very friendly sports guys, with great cocktails., then we moved to a more standard bar with a young crowed where we had some drinks while we learned more about LGBT life in Japan (social acceptance, latest developments, etc.) Our favorite spot was an even tinier bar whose owner had run a theater group for years (with mostly LGBT members). It was a dark, cozy place with dozens of black and white pictures or theater performances displayed on the wooden walls. This kind of place has seats for 3 or 4 people at the bar and it can take maybe 3 or 4 other people standing behind, so it is almost impossible not to have some interaction with the bartender and the other customers. This would have been very difficult, if not impossible, without Naoki and Kevin. Some of the people we talked to did speak some English and after the ice breaks, it is easier to have a conversation. Alcohol helps, too, of course. We got a glimpse into the life of some bar customers and I am greatful for that. Naoki and Kevin can customize your Nichome tour depending on your preferences. If you are in Tokyo and want to have a fun night out and at the same time enjoy a meaningful experience, go for it. I wholeheartedly recommend it Thank you, guys!
  • David S
    David S
    0
    0
    A great, fun way to experience Tokyo's gay district
    Had a blast on this tour. Great guide, nice bars, some interesting insights to gay culture in Tokyo. Was my 1st night in the Japan and was made to feel very welcome. Thank you!!!
  • LocaltravelerCH
    LocaltravelerCH
    0
    0
    Great tour with Naoki
    I just experienced the LGBT world in Tokyo with Naoki. I would have not seen if I would have just visited the known tourist bars by myself. Naoki is a great host, he knows the topic in depth and also how to make you feel comfortable.
  • tomwulff
    tomwulff
    0
    0
    Great Tour
    Naoki and Kevin are both really easy to talk to and a lot of fun. The tour of Nichome made my trip. You learn much about hidden gay places and Japanese gay culture. Thanks a lot, guys!
  • Worldtraveller56
    Worldtraveller56
    0
    0
    Naoki is a great ambassador for Japan.
    My first visit to Japan and the night out with Naoki was a great opportunity to find out more about Japanese culture and the local area. He is extremely easy to get on with and the bars we went to were awesome. Naoki even suggested a trip for my my final day (Team Lab *Planet Tokyo) which I thoroughly enjoyed. I hope to return to Japan and wouldn’t hesitate to do the tour again or recommend it to others. Thanks for a great night out.
  • Mitchell L
    Mitchell L
    0
    0
    This tour made my trip!
    Amazing tour of ni-chome with Naoki and the crew. It totally changed my understanding of Tokyo and my trip overall. We visited a bunch of great bars I'd never have found or gone to without Naomi's guidance. As a solo traveller a great way to meet people and find places to revisit later in the trip. I even met with Naoki later in the trip to explore other parts of Tokyo. Would highly recommend!!!
  • MikeyHove
    MikeyHove
    0
    0
    An unforgettable evening
    A Monday evening is perhaps not the ideal time to go on a bar crawl however Naoki-san made this a truly unique experience for us. He took us to places we’d have zero hope of finding on our own and we met, drank and laughed with his favourite bar tenders. He gave us insight into the LGBTQ+ world in Japan... so different to what we’re used to in the West and absolutely fascinating. I can’t recommend this tour and Naoki-san highly enough. It was absolutely brilliant!
  • 804ninoo
    804ninoo
    0
    0
    great fun! 👍🏻👍🏻
    I wanted to see and experience a different side of Tokyo on this trip, and this tour did not disappoint! We had drinks in really cozy bars that I would not have found on my own, and even if I did, I wonder how I’d make myself welome there. But Naoki-san is a great host; he introduced me to his friends and all the bartenders, and I absolutely enjoyed myself! Just imagine sitting with a small group of people who barely understand a word you’re saying and vice-versa, and yet we’re all having fun! Five stars for this one! Next time I’m in Tokyo I’d go on the same tour with Naoki-san, but with karaoke! Jh
  • Fred O
    Fred O
    0
    0
    A fun and interesting night out
    I participated in this tour just before I left Japan and I am glad it was my closing night out as I have not laughed and enjoyed myself so much with strangers. Naoki showed us around the bars along with a friend that joined us due to his partner travelling. We went to bars that you would not normally find being a foreigner in Japan and explained some of the history and reasoning behind the layout and intimate settings of the bars. We also visited a Karaoke bar with the funniest barman who just added to the experience. This is a must do tour for any LGBT+ people visiting Tokyo!
  • Christopher M
    Christopher M
    0
    0
    A Wonderful and Interesting Time
    My partner and I recently participated on this tour, and we had a wonderful and memorable time. Naoki was a great host. His fun and youthful sprit really made the evening something special. We visited three bars covering three different "scenes" that we would not have found on our own. The advantage of exploring Shinjuku Nichome with a guide like Naoki is access. Without his contacts, we not only would not have found the bars, we most likely would not have been allowed in. If you are interested in learning about the history of this important LGBTQ district, and if you want to experience some authentically Japanese gay bars, I highly recommend this tour.
  • gakuseikaibigan
    gakuseikaibigan
    0
    0
    Essential Ni-chome Tour: MUST GO!
    Unforgettable, truly fun, educational, entertaining! I had so much fun with Naoki and Kevin. They were friendly and kind, but also hilarious and entertaining! I laughed and smiled the whole time.The group and I learned so much from them. I would never have learned what I did about Ni-chome if not for them. Even after the official end, the group members and I went out drinking. This is a testament to the bond and community building from Naoki and Kevin. We also had such a personal, intimate experience that I was able to have deep conversations with both of them, and everyone else on the tour. I cannot recommend this tour enough!! I hope to see you both again!
  • Fassa R
    Fassa R
    0
    0
    Funtastic!
    Thank You So Very Much Naoki & Kevin! We have a trully funtastic nite, and still trying to processing all the many infos you given us from the “bible” and through out the experience
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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16 reviews
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David M
7 contributions
Jan 2020
Naoki is a great guide and a lot of fun to be around. This tour was one of the most interesting but also the most fun things I did in my two-week trip to Japan. I did the tour on a Thursday night, so the bars were quiet, but that was perfect since it gave us the chance to talk with each other and the bartenders at each place (with Naoki translating). Outside of the few bigger dance clubs, the Nichome gay bar scene is much more personal and intimate than I was used to coming from the US. Many bars don't accept non-Japanese speakers, and I now understand that's because part of the culture is that the bartender weaves together a conversation between everyone in the bar; I would never have been able to experience that without Naoki to make introductions and translate. As it was, it was one of the warmest and most fascinating experiences of my trip.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Alex C
1 contribution
Feb 2020 • Couples
Naoki was a lovely guide and this tour was one of my favourite memories in Tokyo. He even invited us out to come drinking the following night which we took him up on and saw all different bars. Would love to come back to Shinjuku and see him again.
Written February 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

j97elroy
New York City115 contributions
Naoki was a great guide for our group of three friends who wanted to explore the gay nightlife scene in Tokyo. He was super friendly and fun and tailored the night to our interests, including a rugby bar and a drag dress up bar, where he even participated in putting on makeup and an outfit! Would definitely recommend!
Written October 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kai S
Sydney, Australia50 contributions
We did the gay bar tour last night (Monday). Lots of fun experiencing the gay district with a local. Naoki is full of energy & a bundle of fun! Would recommend. Being a Monday night the clubs were a little quiet but still plenty of options and plenty of fun!
Written August 27, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Scottie1975
Brighton, UK46 contributions
Apr 2019 • Friends
what a brilliant evening. Naoki is great. Very friendly, very funny and happy to answer all our questions. Most importantly he got us into places where we would not have been able to and because he was there we received a lovely welcome. I honestly can't reccomend this activity enough. Without it we would not have got our bearings and would have missed an entire side to Tokyo.
Written April 23, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Sightseer595856
Philadelphia, PA1 contribution
Not to be missed! Ni-Chome (Nee Cho May) is possibly the most unique gay district in the world. I'm the king of self guided vacations, but something told me I wouldn't really be able to experience this place fully without a local guide and boy was I right. Naoki chose a unique set of bars for us to enjoy and then partied with us all night long. He gave us such a unique view of such a unique place. We especially enjoyed his humor warmth. The benefit of sharing this experience with a small group of other travelers was just the icing on the cake. Learn all about Japanese gay culture and meet some friends while you're at it!
Written March 22, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ViaeWarrior
Washington DC, DC151 contributions
Nov 2018 • Solo
Kevin was my guide and I was the only guest that evening. He provided great background and historical perspective as we strolled past the endless array of doors along the streets and alleys. This is not a tour to be attempted on your own, unless you are Japanese. We visited three bars and were warmly welcomed by the proprietors and even chatted with some of the regulars - mostly translated by Kevin. A great introduction to a world that is fairly inaccessible to outsiders.
Written November 30, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Robert T
3 contributions
Apr 2023 • Solo
took night tour in Shinjuku, Tokyo - representative from travel agency (Out Asia Travel), a photographer and myself. went to dinner at GyoKyoto, great fun to grill my own steak slices on mini-grill - then we visited two bars in Shinjuku, The Eagle & The Bridge. it was my first visit to Japan, so this was a great introduction.
Written April 17, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

JJWhyphenA
1 contribution
Sep 2019
Naoki is as kind as he is passionate about gay Tokyo! We couldn't believe there are over 400 gay bars in Tokyo when the Lonely Planet book has 1 singular page about LGBTQ night life/culture in their guide book. Not only did Naoki show us a great and inclusive time, but it was educational as well, giving an inside perspective into what life is like as an LGBTQ person in Japan. It was truly an international coming together of "family", and one of the best experiences we've had abroad. BOOK NOW!!!!!
Written September 29, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

John H
Chicago, IL4 contributions
Sep 2019
We had a great time with Naoki. He showed us the gayborhood and several fun places. We met other visitors on the same tour and from a tour he did earlier that week. This tour made it possible for us to access Tokyo's gay scene in Shinjuku.
Written September 18, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Tokyo Gay Night Tour provided by Tokyo Gay Night Tours with Tokyo Handsome Boys

Product Overview: Tokyo Gay Night Tour

Prices From$0
Number of Reviews16
Number of Photos1
Duration180 minutes