The libertine Yonosuke has spent his entire life seeking pleasurable company in the arms of women (and sometimes men). In the year 1682, when he is a middle-aged and reasonably settled merchant, his friend the tailor Juzo comes to him with a request. Juzo had drunkenly entered into a bet that he would meet the elite courtesan Komurasaki; if he wins he acquires money and estates, if he loses he ends up a eunuch. Yonosuke thus takes it upon himself to bridge the gap between the uncouth tailor and the refined lady of the court, and assist Juzo in having the best encounter of his life.