So you’ve booked your ticket, your hotel is reserved, and there aren’t many days left until you’re going to be touching down in Tokyo, and hitting up Nichome’s nightspots! You’re no doubt super excited… but there are probably things to make you a little nervous, too. What if you get lost on your way to that gay bar you’ve read about? What if the language barrier makes it difficult to be understood? Or what if you have questions about the area, but nobody to help you?
Well, that’s what a guided tour is for, of course! Tours like our own JGG Night Tours are perfect for taking the stress out of tour visit and letting you enjoy your time here in Japan’s premier gayborhood.
Gay Night Tour
Lesbian Night Tour
So what are the benefits? Let’s break ‘em down!
Navigational Know-How
This is the first and most obvious point, but when you’re new to an area… you’re new to an area. Getting to Nichome isn’t especially difficult once you’ve memorized the way, and found your favorite route from Shinjuku Station, but before you know that, even finding the area can be a little tricky: it’s easy to accidentally walk past the myriad ways in, because they can be a little unassuming.
Not only that, but with many side streets, and some similarly named bars and stores, it can be tough to find your way to the place you want, even if you’ve memorized the name by heart.
In particular, because real estate is a real premium commodity in Tokyo, it means that developers have had to think vertically, not horizontally, as is the case in many other cities. It’s not unusual to find bars and clubs in underground basements, or on the fourth floor of an unassuming concrete tower block, which newbies will find nearly impossible to find, even with Google Maps.
Luckily, trusted guides who have been in the area for years can help lead you to Nichome, and help you find your way around once you’re here. Serendipity is sweet, but it’s not a great evening plan!
Not Getting Your Tongue Twisted
The second most common concern for anyone from abroad coming to Japan is that, even if you’ve seen Cherry Magic 100 times, your Japanese might not be up to the level that is necessary for everyday conversation, let alone seductive bar talk (you might be okay with discussing psychic powers, though).
This can be a concern for little things like ordering drinks or asking where the bathroom is, or a big deal for things like asking about items on your bill, or how to get back to the station now that you’re a few cups in.
But with most reputable tours, including JGG Tours, the guides will be excellent Japanese speakers, as well as experience in handling delicate or difficult matters themselves. But that’s not all! Spot a cutie across the way, but too nervous to bust out your introductory “押す、元気かい？” Well, lucky you, a translation request is basically like having a wingman!
Cultural Cache
But communication can be more than just words. There are any number of small cultural issues that could make you look a little bit silly if you break or don’t follow one of Japan’s many unspoken rules.
Nichome is a bit more forgiving than other places, given its counter-cultural vibes and significant contingent of visitors from abroad, but there are still some things that could trip you up: did you know you’re supposed to take your shoes off in this bar? This place seems a little quiter than the other places, is PDA acceptable? And why is that guy staring at me: does he think I’m cute, or have I stuck my chopsticks in the rice?
Never fear, once again our guides can help give voice to the unspoken, express the inexpressible, and reveal the invisible rules that underpin Japanese life, even when you’re in a Nichome bar. And they can also tell you in which bars you need to take your shoes off.
Spotting Swindlers
Not only do JGG Tour guides know exactly what bars to take you to, they also know what places to avoid. It’s likely that, on your tour, a place might catch your eye that you note down as a place to visit tomorrow night, but our guides who know their way around can tell you at a glance if that place you’ve got your eye on is sharp or shady.
Not only that, but they can give you hints on things to avoid and things to watch out for. We have a more in detail guide here, but our guides will let you in on the subtleties and nuances of things to beware of that are better understood through sight, and not text. You should avoid bars that have hidden charges, but how do you know which ones do? Not all touts are untrustworthy, but which ones are?
It’s questions like these that can be answered in person by the people who’ve been here for a long time and know Nichome like the back of their hand. And there’s the flip side — they can let you in on the hidden gems that you might not have heard of, or thought to look for!
In Summary
While there is fun to be had and stories to be won by going it alone, there’s a reason that guided experiences such as JGG Night Tours have persisted into the age of the smartphone and map apps. With peace of mind, a helping hand, and a friendly face, the only surprises you’ll be facing are the pleasant ones you encounter in your night ahead.
