Known in Japan as “SM,” BDSM (or kink, fetish, whatever floats your boat — we’re not going to yuck your yum when it comes to terminology) is as popular here as it is elsewhere in the world — which is to say, more than you may think. With its reputation for salacious materials preceding it, you might believe that Japan can be a great place for those who like their pleasure with a little pain, and you’d be right.
But what about making things more specific: what about queer BDSM spaces in Japan? Like many other niche interests in any country, you’ll find more success in larger cities (and especially Tokyo). Resources like Fetlife can help you find groups, discover new interests, and even make friends. But what about events (known to some in the community as “munches”)? Where can you go in Tokyo for a BDSM event? Sit down like a good boy, and we’ll tell you.
What Is the Queer Japan BDSM Scene Like?
The Japanese queer community is known as being welcoming to the BDSM community. If you visit Eagle Tokyo Blue, the souvenir shop at the entrance even gives away free GMPD BDSM manga.
It is, however, not a good idea (unless you really like trying your luck) to visit a bar in Shinjuku Nichome and and declare to someone who has caught your attention that you want to tie them up, or that you want to get over their knee for the punishment you deserve, you might be asked to leave.
So, where is one to go, either alone, or with one’s dom or sub, to be among likeminded kinky queer people? Luckily, there are a number of regular events held in our capital, and thanks to a whip-smart friend of the Japan Gay Guide, we’re happy to serve our readers and humbly offer up the answers!
Top Queer BDSM & Fetish Events in Tokyo
Here are just a few of the most significant and/or recurring queer kink events in Tokyo. Some have an international flare, some are in places you are already familiar with, and all of them are bound to satisfy.
Gegen
This is a 2025 Halloween treat for all the queer kinksters out there. “Gegen,” an event began in Berlin, represents the dual meanings of the German word that, depending on context, can mean either “against” or “around.” The event’s embrace of the dual meaning is perhaps best thought of as the duality of the world being “against” those who do not fit the ordinary, including (and in this instance) especially queer kinky folk.
Be aware, though, that this is meant to be more than just one night for a quick meeting and maybe some fun: Gegen wants to challenge your super ego, as well as allowing you to indulge your id.
“We are not selling you the possibility to be ‘queer’ for one night,” the website says. “We want to expose you to your own fears and pleasures by pushing you to understand how your own power mechanisms are produced.”
Scheduled to be held in Tokyo on October 31, detail will be unveiled on their website nearer to the time, but this is definitely worth keeping an eye on.
Folsom Black Tokyo
Every few months, the famous gay bar Arty Farty turns “Shinjuku” into “Sinjuku” with its party, Folsom Black Tokyo. This is a party for gay men who are into the leather scene. Running for many years now, the next event will be held on December 14, 2025. Entry is typically ¥3,500, but those with fliers or SNS tickets can get a ¥500 discount.
The party is not just a great place to meet twinks and bears who love the touch of leather, it also has DJs, gogo dancers, and the special “Folsom Guys!”. This is also one night where the bar doesn’t have a “Mama-san”: tonight, it has a Master.
SM Land
Held every four months at AiSOTOPE Lounge, the most popular club in Tokyo’s gayborhood of Nichome, SM Land is a men-only party for anyone whose tastes lie a little outside of the conventional. Each time the event is held, there is a different theme. For example, the 7th event was “Field Day,” as it was held on the national holiday of Sports Day; the 6th was a “try and see! No Fear!” gathering for beginners; and the 5th was slightly more hardcore, where whips, wax, vacuum sealing, and shibari were all on display.
This is in addition to the pumping music, powerful doms, and seductive subs that perform during the event. Door tickets are ¥4,500, couples are ¥6,000, and you only pay ¥4,000 if you follow their social media, or if you come dressed to impress, as it were.
KinkTokyo
Sadly, this annual event is taking 2025 off — perhaps after working so hard to please everyone, it has taken a moment for some well-deserved aftercare. However, its position as a mainstay in the Tokyo BDSM scene means that we feel compelled — almost ordered by Daddy — to include this event in our list.
Hosted by the legendary Eagle Blue Tokyo, the KinkTokyo party can be summarized with the two words it used looking back on its most recent event: “Unapologetic” and “Bold.” It is a place for both pleasure and performance (one domme received the gift of a teddy bear from their slave… with another slave inside!).
Beyond this, it also has DJs, gogo dancers, and participants in all sorts of wild attire. Pup play is just the start! Look forward to this event hopefully coming back in 2026!
Department H
Arguably the biggest night of the month for Tokyo BDSM enthusiasts. The “H” stands for “hentai” (変態) or, “pervert,” and it is a place where people love to let their freak flags fly. Although the event is not queer exclusive, as anyone who has picked up a paddle or put on a French Maid’s pinafore knows, the BDSM community is extremely welcoming, so no queer people should feel anxious about coming.
Held on the first Saturday of every month, the location can change, so it is a good idea to keep an eye on their website to know where to go. You might want to be prepared to stay out the night, as things really start to come alive after the last train has left. Entry is ¥5,000 on the door, ¥4,500 with a flyer, and a mere ¥3,000 for those who follow the “dress code.” So don’t leave those heels at home!
Tips for Attending Queer BDSM Events in Tokyo
While the typical rules of any bar and party apply to visiting a queer BDSM event, there are some extra things to remember.
While everyone here will have, to one degree or another, an interest (or at least a curiosity) in kink, this is NOT and invitation to start acting weird and imposing yourself on people: this goes double for you, dom/mes!
Most places will practice SSC: safe, sane, consensual. This means that you must, at all times, treat people like people. Maybe for a show, someone is acting like a bad puppy, but that doesn’t mean that they — or anyone else — is your bad puppy.
This leads to the next step: never forget that the people with you are actually people. They’re not fetish objects for your amusement, even if they might dress/present that way for the evening. If you act like they are, you might get thrown out, and for good reason. Plus, striking up a conversation about something else is fun! Maybe that guy you want to punish is also in The Legend of Zelda, or perhaps the dude you’re hoping will tie you up is also nuts about documentaries.
And so, those are our top five recommendations for a BDSM party! We hope these will inspire you to break free from the shackles of the every day and find your liberation in bondage, some pleasure in pain, or just a fun night out with the raddest people you’ll ever meet.
