Nori-san was a lovely guide and a lovely person. We totally enjoyed our time with her and she was very accommodating to move at our pace and to answer questions for us and give us some insights into Japanese culture and history.
Guided tour
Asakusa Hidden Tokyo Queer Experience
1 option available
Asakusa Hidden Tokyo Queer Experience
- Duration: 2 hours
- Guide: English
- Free cancellation
- Meeting point
Starting time
Make it even better
Nomihodai Upgrade
All-you-can-drink upgrade for the Ni-chome bar crawl night. Sake, beer, cocktails, shochu — glass never empty from karaoke through to Kingdom.
+¥7,700 per person
Kimono
Kimono Includes Makeup and clothes
+¥15,800 per person
ZCart Activity
Ride a Kart Arround Tokyo
+¥24,400 per person
All taxes and fees included
Free cancellation
Free cancellation within 24 hours of booking (up to 3 days before your tour).
Duration 2 hours
Check availability to see starting times
Live tour guide
English
Why travelers loved this
See More ReviewsLloyd was great! So fun and energetic, he taught us so much about the history, we felt very comfortable with him, so easy going; would definitely do it again and will recommend it with my friends.
Highlights
- Walk Asakusa, one of Tokyo's oldest neighborhoods, with a guide who knows its queer history
- Learn how wakashudo, the samurai code of male love, shaped Japanese culture
- Stop at a traditional theatre and hear how kabuki's onnagata tradition began
- Hear how Buddhist monks kept chigo relationships at Senso-ji for centuries
- Take in a panoramic city view from a 9th-floor spot few tourists know
Overview
Walk through one of Tokyo's oldest neighborhoods and hear the queer history that no guidebook tells you. Over two hours, a local guide takes you from samurai and monks to kabuki stars, with stories that are surprising, a little scandalous and told by someone who loves them.
Meet at the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center and head to the 9th floor for a panoramic view of the district, a photo spot few visitors know about. Then stroll past Kaminarimon Gate and down Nakamise Dori while your guide sets the scene: how Asakusa grew into Edo-period Tokyo's entertainment district, and why that mattered for queer life.
Next, pass a traditional theatre and hear how kabuki began with all-women casts, was banned, and ended up with men playing every role, including the onnagata tradition of male actors who played women. At a katana shop, learn about wakashudo, the samurai code of male love between warriors, celebrated in literature and woodblock prints.
Finish at Senso-ji Temple, where Buddhist monks kept chigo relationships with their acolytes for centuries. Along the way you'll hear stories of samurai lovers, gender-fluid monks and kabuki's cross-dressing stars.
The tour covers sensitive topics. The group is capped at 10, so there's room for questions and conversation.
Itinerary
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Start with a panoramic view of Asakusa from the 9th floor, a photo spot few visitors know about. Your guide introduces the group and the story you're about to walk through: Japan's long, surprising history of same-sex love and gender-bending performance.
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Pass under the famous Thunder Gate, the entrance to Senso-ji. Your guide explains how Asakusa grew into Edo-period Tokyo's entertainment district, which set the stage for kabuki and the stories ahead.
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Stroll the old shopping street to Senso-ji while your guide tells stories of Edo-period Asakusa: the theatres, the crowds, and the young performers whose looks sparked fan obsessions, fights and even poetry.
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Pass by a traditional theatre and hear how kabuki began with women, was banned in 1629, and moved to all-male casts. Learn about the onnagata tradition of male actors playing women, and the performers who lived as women in daily life.
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Step into a katana shop and learn about wakashudo, the samurai code of male love between warriors, celebrated in literature and depicted in woodblock prints.
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End at Senso-ji Temple, where Buddhist monks practised chigo relationships with their acolytes for centuries. Your guide ties the threads together, from samurai lovers to gender-fluid monks, and answers your questions.
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Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
Upcoming departures
Meeting Location
Meet your guide at the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center, right by Kaminarimon Gate in Asakusa, at 1:00 PM or 3:00 PM, depending on the departure you booked. The nearest station is Asakusa Station, and the Kaminarimon exit leads straight to the meeting point (CONFIRM the walking time). Your guide will be holding a Japan Gay Guide fan. Please arrive a few minutes early, and download WhatsApp so your guide can reach you.
What’s Included
- Local guide who knows Asakusa's queer history
- Guided walk of Asakusa
- Visit to Senso-ji Temple
- Stop at a traditional theatre (pass-by, not inside)
- Visit to a katana shop
- View from the Asakusa Culture Tourist Information Center
What’s Not Included
- Personal expenses
- Tips (optional)
- Alcoholic drinks
- Transport to the meeting point
Important Information
Not allowed
- Oversized luggage
- Luggage or large bags
Know before you go
- Small group, maximum 10 guests.
- The tour explores Japan's queer history, which may include sensitive topics.
- Mostly outdoors and on foot for about 2 hours. The tour is accessible. Wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather.
- Alcohol is not part of this tour.
- Please be respectful at the shrine and temples. Asakusa is crowded, so be considerate of other visitors.
- Families are welcome. Guests under 18 must be with family or people over 18.
- Kimono rental is optional. If you add it, arrive 1 hour before your departure (12:00 or 14:00) for your fitting at Wargo, then walk to the Culture Center for the start.
Cancellation Policy
We know that planning a trip requires a little flexibility. You are welcome to cancel your tour for a full refund within 24 hours of making your reservation, provided your scheduled tour is still at least 3 days away. After this initial 24-hour window, or if your tour is coming up in less than 3 days, bookings become non-refundable. This policy helps us ensure our amazing local guides are fairly compensated for their reserved time.
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More Photos
Customer Reviews
4.8
Based on 5 reviews
- 5 ★4
- 4 ★1
- 3 ★0
- 2 ★0
- 1 ★0
5.0
Chris – United States
October 25, 2026 · via GetYourGuide
Nori-san was a lovely guide and a lovely person. We totally enjoyed our time with her and she was very accommodating to move at our pace and to answer questions for us and give us some insights into Japanese culture and history.
4.0
JGG verified traveler – United States
September 7, 2026 · via GetYourGuide
Lots of great info
5.0
Luis – El Salvador
July 24, 2026 · via GetYourGuide
Lloyd was great! So fun and energetic, he taught us so much about the history, we felt very comfortable with him, so easy going; would definitely do it again and will recommend it with my friends.
5.0
Herman – Norway
May 31, 2026 · via GetYourGuide
We loved the tour. Toni was a great guide, very knowledgeable!
5.0
JGG verified traveler – United Kingdom
May 28, 2026 · via GetYourGuide
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. It's a small group of up to 10, so solo travelers fit right in.
No. Anyone who wants to learn about Japan's gay history is welcome.
No. This is a daytime walking tour, and alcoholic drinks aren't included.
Comfortable walking shoes and clothes for the weather. You'll be outdoors for about 2 hours.
The tour runs rain or shine, so bring an umbrella or a light rain jacket. Free cancellation applies up to 3 days before the tour.
Yes, families are welcome. Guests under 18 must be with family or people over 18. The tour covers sensitive topics, so use your judgment for younger children.
No. The tour runs in English.
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