
There’s nowhere on this planet fairly like Tokyo. Getting into Japan’s capital is like being transported right into a Blade Runner-esque future—no less than on the floor. But it surely’s additionally an unbelievable metropolis of contrasts, the place you may clearly see and admire the technological advances of tomorrow blended with the remnants of a century-spanning historical past and a singular, wealthy tapestry of tradition.
Tokyo’s streets are unusually pristine—with a notable lack of rubbish cans for a inhabitants of over 13 million individuals—and it boasts one of many largest and most intricate public transit methods on this planet. In the meantime, additionally throughout the metropolis bounds, you may discover historic temples and a number of the oldest historic websites in Asia, calling again to a bygone age of samurai, shoguns, and decadent emperors.
Japan nonetheless has a method to go relating to LGBTQ+ rights, however you are unlikely to run into any bother in Tokyo—past just a few frowns at any public shows of affection. The town is unbelievably big and sprawling, with extra sights, meals, buying, and nightlife than you might ever hope to see in a single journey. So, you may simply need to preserve coming again to see all of it.
Desk of Contents
1. Basic Ideas
2. Transportation & Airport Switch
3. Homosexual Accommodations in Tokyo
4. Sightseeing & Actions in Tokyo
5. Tokyo Homosexual Excursions
6. Eating places and Cafes
7. Tokyo Homosexual Bars and Golf equipment
8. Tokyo Homosexual Sauna’s & Cruising Bars
9. Homosexual Occasions in Tokyo
10. Day Journeys from Tokyo
Basic Ideas
Although it’s undoubtedly an costly metropolis to go to, a little bit of foresight may also help to maintain bills to a minimal whereas visiting. For instance, should you’re in search of an excellent view of the town, the Tokyo Metropolitan Authorities Constructing has a free observatory versus paying to go up the Tokyo Tower.
Relying on the place you’re going throughout your go to and the way lengthy your journey is, take into account getting a JR Move as a result of it could prevent cash when touring by rail (which is a good way to journey round Japan). Basically, should you plan to go to 1 extra main metropolis aside from Tokyo, it must be value it offering you with limitless rides on JR trains for one to 3 weeks. You too can order a pocket WiFi and request the Meet & Greet service when arriving on the airport if shopping for a JR Move. The pocket WiFi will help you join your smartphone, pill or laptop computer to take pleasure in web connectivity all through the nation. Meet & Greet service gives you with a private pickup who will be ready for you proper after arrivals, assist you to trade the Japan Rail Move, maintain any enterprise you may need on the airport and personally escort you to your onward technique of transport. Purchase JR Move →
As with many locations, the very best occasions to go are within the Spring (March – Might) and Fall (September – November). The summers are fairly sizzling and humid, and the winters are fairly chilly. However in actuality, Tokyo is a good vacation spot any season with a lot to do year-round.
You’ll be able to obtain the Homosexual Tokyo information without spending a dime. Simply present your e-mail deal with and we’ll e-mail you a PDF.
Transportation & Airport Switch
Tokyo has an extremely elaborate public transportation system that may be a bit troublesome to navigate with varied corporations proudly owning specific strains that don’t coincide with each other. However regardless of the problem in navigating it at first, the great factor is that it could take you wherever you wish to go.
To get to the middle of Tokyo from the airport you’ve got just a few choices. First, the JR Narita Specific is a good possibility as a result of it’s the quickest (1 hour) and most comfy departing each 25 to 40 minutes from Airport Terminal 1 Station to Ikebukuro, Shinjuku, and Shibuya Stations in Tokyo. Nevertheless, it’s additionally dearer at round ¥4000. For a extra inexpensive possibility, take the JR Sobu Line for half the worth (¥1340) and solely half-hour longer. That is additionally included within the JR go. The most cost effective prepare possibility is the Keisei Restricted Specific. This can be a common commuter prepare, which means it’s a commuter prepare not coated with the JR go. It prices ¥1210 and takes an hour and a half. To get to Tokyo station within the middle, switch at Nippori Station to the JR Yamanote Line or JR Keihin-Tohoku Line.
Limousine buses to and from Tokyo’s main motels are a cushty possibility at about ¥2,900 for a one-way journey, or ¥4,500 round-trip ticket. They’ll take simply over an hour and a half relying on location. One other inexpensive possibility is taking the Airport Bus TYO-NRT which additionally takes about an hour and half. Pay ¥1000 throughout the day and ¥2000 for late evening or early morning.
Homosexual Accommodations in Tokyo
There aren’t presently any homosexual motels in Tokyo, however there are a lot of gay-friendly choices. Take note public shows of affection in Japan are usually not frequent.
Luxurious
The Prince Gallery Tokyo – Situated simply minutes from Akasaka-Mitsuke Station and that includes free WiFi all through all the property, a sake bar, a sushi restaurant, a teppanyaki restaurant, and a health middle. The spa and wellness middle and sauna facility are additionally a giant draw. The neighborhood of Chiyoda is a good possibility for tradition and metropolis walks.
The Ritz-Carlton – Rooms begin on the forty fifth stage of the town’s tallest constructing. Benefit from the spectacular views with floor-to-ceiling home windows. Lodge facilities embrace seven wonderful eating places, a well being and wellness space, and assembly areas. In-room facilities characteristic down pillows and comforters, a marble toilet with a deep tub and particular person rain-shower, two TVs with one within the toilet, and a each day morning newspaper. The situation can also be ultimate with many fundamental sights simply accessible on foot or by subway.
Keio Plaza Lodge Tokyo – Keep in Shinjuku’s Skyscraper District, a 5-minute stroll from Shinjuku Prepare Station. This lodge has varied eating choices and panoramic views of the Shinjuku skyline. Company also can benefit from the health middle without spending a dime or the out of doors pool for a price. A free shuttle to Tokyo Disney Resort can also be supplied.
Mid-Vary
Shinjuku Granbell Lodge – A contemporary and trendy lodge positioned proper within the vigorous Kabuki-cho space in Shinjuku, a 7-minute stroll from Shinjuku Sanchome Subway Station or a 10-minute stroll from JR Shinjuku Station. There’s additionally a rooftop bar on the Thirteenth-floor terrace in addition to a modern-style restaurant on the twelfth flooring with French and Italian delicacies.
APA Lodge Shinjuku Gyoenmae – This lodge is conveniently positioned only a minute’s stroll from Shinjuku-Gyoenmae subway station. Rooms are merely adorned and you’ll take pleasure in breakfast, lunch, and/or dinner on the Steak Restaurant Takumi discovered on the bottom flooring. JR Shinjuku Prepare Station, JR Shibuya Station, and the well-known Shibuya pedestrian crossing are all simply accessible.
Tokyu Keep Shinjuku – Completely positioned in the course of the Shinjuku space close to Shinjuku Sanchome Subway Station. Some rooms even have mini-kitchens with easy kitchenware and tableware. Close by sights embrace Shinjuku Gyoen Park, Tokyo Metropolitan Authorities Constructing, and plenty of eating places and bars might be discovered within the surrounding space.
CEN Variety Lodge & Café – Japan’s first ‘variety lodge,’ which means all are welcome on this stylish lodge, they usually’ve made a concerted effort to rent LGBTQ+ employees. Plus it is positioned within the fairly cool – and LGBTQ+ – Shinjuku space. The rooms have a clear, crisp look about them and the lodge has an expensive café with a roof terrace – excellent for sipping a fruit tea away from the attractive chaos of central Tokyo.
Funds
Shinjuku Metropolis Lodge N.U.T.S Tokyo – Conveniently located within the homosexual district, this inexpensive lodge is right for the Shinjuku nightlife. Its comfy and compact rooms embrace LAN web entry however there’s a WiFi router obtainable on the reception. It’s strolling distance to locations like AiSOTOPE Lounge, Alamas Café, 24 Kaikan homosexual sauna, and in style homosexual venues.
Citadines Shinjuku Tokyo – This “aside’lodge” presents well-designed studios geared up with a contemporary kitchenette, separate residing and eating areas, an en-suite toilet, and free WiFi. Company even have entry to a launderette, gymnasium, personal automotive park, and breakfast lounge. It’s positioned inside strolling distance to the Shinjuku East space with the Marunouchi and Toei Shinjuku subway strains shut by.
Residences – misterb&b
We’ve partnered with misterb&b to assist curate probably the most LGBT+ pleasant homestays. misterb&b just isn’t a lodge or chain, however fairly a reserving platform for rooms, flats and houses and it means that you can e-book from homosexual and gay-friendly hosts around the globe. They’ve hosts in additional than 200 international locations and territories with greater than 1 million complete listings. Understanding the homosexual scene is rather more simply completed with the assistance of an area and home-sharing is likely one of the greatest methods to satisfy somebody residing within the metropolis who is aware of how issues work, the place and when are the very best nights to exit, and what locations to eat at and which to keep away from. misterb&b is our best choice in case your precedence is exploring the native homosexual scene.
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Sightseeing & Actions in Tokyo
Tokyo Tower – This iconic construction is the world’s tallest, self-supported metal tower (13 meters taller than the Eiffel Tower) and was previously the nation’s tallest till it was surpassed by the Tokyo Skytree in 2012. There’s a fundamental deck with an observatory providing an fascinating view of the town, plus a memento store and cafe. Proceed your manner as much as the high-top deck for a fowl’s eye view of Tokyo. It’s ¥3000 for each decks or ¥1200 for the principle deck solely. Ebook tour →
Meiji Jingu Shrine – A shrine devoted to Emperor Meiji, the primary emperor of contemporary Japan, close to the JR Yamanote Line’s Harajuku Station. Accomplished in 1920 however rebuilt after WWII, the shrine grounds and close by Yoyogi Park have paths for a soothing stroll. Free admission. Ebook tour →
The Imperial Palace – Situated within the coronary heart of the town, the palace is the first residence of the Emperor of Japan. Guests can discover the East Gardens, that are open to the general public and showcase stunning seasonal flowers, conventional Japanese landscaping, and historic buildings. Guided excursions present insights into the palace’s wealthy historical past and cultural significance. The picturesque Nijubashi Bridge and the encircling moats add to the palace’s appeal, making it a peaceable respite from the busy metropolis surrounding it. Ebook tour →
Shibuya Crossing – Doubtless the world’s most well-known intersection, this landmark has appeared in varied music movies and flicks like Misplaced in Translation and The Quick and the Livid: Tokyo Drift. Individuals stepping into all instructions spill out into this intersection discovered outdoors Shibuya Station. The neighborhood of Shibuya can also be a classy buying district with bars, golf equipment, and izakayas for informal drinks.
Hachiko Memorial Statue – A preferred assembly place at Shibuya Station with a statue devoted to probably the most loyal canine, who continued to attend for his proprietor on the station for 9 years after the proprietor died.
Roppongi Hills – A contemporary leisure and buying complicated. An amazing instance of a metropolis inside a metropolis. The constructing complicated is supplied with places of work, flats, outlets, eating places, a lodge, an artwork museum, and an remark deck. Ebook tour →
Shinkuku and DiverCity – Tokyo’s largest buying areas are discovered round Shinjuku Station. The district has main shops, in addition to Japan’s largest electronics retailers, plus distinctive outlets and boutiques discovered on the streets and underground. One other nice buying possibility is DiverCity Tokyo Plaza in Odaiba, the place you could find acquainted vogue manufacturers like H&M and Zara, or just take a look at the Unicorn Gundam—a 19.7-meter statue from the long-lasting robotic collection with each day exhibits because it transforms from Unicorn mode to Destroy mode—we child you not.
Sengakuji Temple – Situated close to Shinagawa Station and well-known for its graveyard the place the “47 Ronin” are buried. The samurai story grew to become very fashionable as a kabuki play, and many individuals go to the temple to pay respects by burning incense there.
Tokyo Homosexual Excursions
LGBT Tokyo Then and Now – A night strolling tour of the LGBTQ+ scene with an area information. Discover Tokyo’s LGBTQ+-friendly neighborhoods, bars, eating places, and bookshops. Study previous and current cultural and social LGBTQ+ points. Plus, take pleasure in dinner and two drinks. Ebook tour →
Eating places and Cafes
Shinjuku Omoide Yokocho – An alley of small eating places and open meals stalls identified for reasonable beers and skewers of grilled yakitori.
Toyosu Fish Market – This newly opened market at Shijo-mae Station took over for the unique Tsukiji Market in 2018. There are three buildings, two for seafood and one for vegetables and fruit. Observe it in motion from remark home windows and dine at one of many eating places within the space. Ebook tour →
Kurand Sake Market – Get pleasure from all you may drink sake at a number of areas, together with Shinjuku and Shibuya. It’s an inexpensive possibility that additionally means that you can convey your personal meals.
Okamalt – An LGBTQ+ e-book cafe within the homosexual district of Ni-chome. The well-known bar proprietor, Ogura-san, is often known as the drag queen Margarette, who you may see at “Division H.” Have a drink and seize a e-book Sunday to Wednesday from 1 p.m. to eight p.m. solely.
Alanas Cafe– Having Mexican meals in Tokyo may appear odd, however this gay-friendly bar/cafe/restaurant within the Shinjuku-ku neighborhood actually hits the spot with each its meals and ambiance. The scrumptious tacos, pleasant employees, DJ, and brightly coloured inside make it a success among the many native homosexual crowd.
Funabashi-ya – This tremendous in style 100-year-old restaurant within the homosexual space is famend for serving the “greatest tempura on the town.” The declare is well-warranted, with all the things coming contemporary from the fryer onto your plate.
Ippudo – Probably the most well-known tonkotsu ramen restaurant chain in all of Japan, undoubtedly value stopping at to see why. Tokyo’s restaurant is positioned within the Ginza space.
Corn Barley – Hidden within the middle close to Kichijoji Station, this is likely one of the coolest locations to eat in Tokyo—particularly should you’re a Studio Ghibli fan. Both sides room is a homage to one of many in style animated Japanese movies, and meals include props of the colourful forged of characters. Don’t fret should you aren’t a fan, although, as a result of the delicacies can also be scrumptious, and the stylish ambiance makes a meal right here one thing particular regardless. Because of the inflow of overseas guests, the employees helpfully even have language playing cards that will help you discover your manner across the menu.
So Bar Naruaki– A gay-owned noodle store meets bar on the fifth flooring of the Shinjuku high-rise constructing. Go for the view, keep for the scrumptious noodles and good firm.
Tokyo Homosexual Bars and Golf equipment
Shinjuku Ni-chome is Tokyo’s fundamental homosexual scene. As for the nightlife, it’s a “go massive or go house” scenario. Ideally, you wish to take public transit house after the bars, however sadly, all of the prepare strains shut at midnight, and buses are almost nonexistent. The answer right here for Tokyo’s bar-hopping youth is to remain out till 5 am when the prepare strains open once more. It might probably make for a protracted evening, however taxis cost an preliminary ¥710 to begin and ¥250 for every subsequent kilometer.
EAGLE Tokyo – A world homosexual bar in Shinjuku Ni-chome. Go for good drinks made by bearish employees and to satisfy locals and worldwide guests. The area turns into a celebration on weekends with DJs, drag queens, and gogo boys in your viewing pleasure.
Campy! Bar – Situated on the principle road in Shinjuku Ni-chome, a vigorous homosexual bar that includes native celeb Bourbonne. All are welcome, and even the straight people cease by. It’s free to enter however count on to purchase a drink for round ¥500-800.
Gold Finger – A nook pub-style bar with specialty nights, like FTM Bois Bar, in addition to holiday-centric events. It’s girls and non-male figuring out people targeted, although all genders are welcome throughout the week. Nevertheless, Saturdays are strictly female-only.
Dragon Males – You’ll discover the expat and worldwide crowd at this homosexual bar with out of doors seating. Go to cruise, socialize, for his or her each day pleased hour from 6-9 pm, or to benefit from the semi-naked barmen.
New Sazae – One of many first homosexual bars in Tokyo, identified for being a favourite of Freddy Mercury within the ’70s. It is nonetheless stored its retro fashion and blasts ’70s and ’80s music whereas serving low cost drinks to the lots.
Usagi – A pleasant little homosexual bar with nice – and potent – sake. A good way to kick begin any evening in Tokyo’s homosexual district. The proprietor additionally speaks fluent English.
Bar Bridge – This elegant wanting bar attracts a world crowd. When you’re feeling a bit of overwhelmed by the tradition shock, it’s the proper place to orient your self and discuss to different LGBTQ+ guests.
Chappy – A small – however typically busy – Japanese fashion homosexual bar. The persona makes up for the dimensions!
Arty Farty – A preferred dance membership with a big bar and dance flooring. Count on a enjoyable, packed crowd on weekends. They provide fairly priced drinks and a hand stamp to enter The Annex without spending a dime.
The Annex – A late-night homosexual dance membership in Shinjuku by the house owners of Arty Farty. It has a cruising space within the again and attracts a blended crowd.
VITA Tokyo – A big, in style homosexual dance social gathering held at varied venues a number of occasions all year long with occasional pool events, worldwide DJs, dancers, and exhibits.
HUNKS Underwear Social gathering @ Boiler Room – A men-only homosexual dance social gathering held each month that includes a DJ, gogo dancers, and a darkish room. The ¥2500-3000 entry features a drink.
Division H – Searching for one thing a bit of extra queer in Tokyo? Then this social gathering is for you. Division H was created by Tokyo’s queer revolution motion, aiming to be extra inclusive of all members of the LGBTQIA+ neighborhood. You will discover a blended crowd right here, with all letters of LGBTQ+ represented, in addition to fetish exhibits, drag queens, and edgier music.
Slick – This blended sex-positive rave social gathering on the rooftop of Shibuya Parco follows within the footsteps of Division H, however with much more of a techno/kinky edge. Slick pulls in worldwide techno DJs, even from so far as Berlin, and options reside kink performances and has a sneaky darkroom. The gown code is fetish or clubwear.
Tokyo Homosexual Sauna’s & Cruising Bars
Males’s Membership MEAT – This personal cruise membership principally targets masculine males of their 20s-40s. The spacious venue has lockers, showers, a darkish room, and personal cabins on 4 ranges. Get pleasure from refreshments and WiFi onsite. There are additionally weekly themed occasions.
BodyBreath – A preferred homosexual cruising location with locals, although foreigners are welcome. There’s a blended crowd and it could get fairly busy, particularly on weekends. It has cruising areas, showers, lockers, and personal rooms. It’s open 24/7.
GATE IN – A smaller, easier cruise area close to Tokyo Station for 18 to 40-year-olds, ideally in fits or bare on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
Homosexual Occasions in Tokyo
Tokyo Rainbow Satisfaction – An annual weeklong celebration in April consisting of a parade and several other events. It’s Japan’s largest satisfaction occasion, which began on August 28, 1994. Dates: June 7-8, 2025
Day Journeys from Tokyo
Kyoto – This metropolis is a bit removed from Tokyo and definitely deserving of greater than a one-day go to, but when at some point is all you’ve got, it’s additionally value your time. You’ll be able to take a super-speed bullet prepare spherical journey and revel in views of Mt. Fuji alongside the way in which. Then go to Sanjusangen-do Corridor, Fushimi Inari Taisha, and Kiyomizu-dera Temple. Ebook tour →
Yokohama – Simply 25 minutes from Tokyo Station, Yokohama is the second-largest metropolis in Japan and has the biggest Chinatown within the nation. Get pleasure from stunning views throughout the Minato-Mirai waterfront at evening and go to one or each ramen museums (the Cup Noodle Museum and the Shin-Yokohama Raumen Museum). Take a look at the artwork scene, treehouse cafes, or the Sankei-en Gardens. Ebook tour →
Kamakura -A fantastic metropolis about an hour from Tokyo with a variety of historic monuments. A go to to see the Nice Buddha at Kotoku-in Temple is a should. Ebook tour →
Mt. Fuji – Get out of the town and into nature with a full-day journey to Mt. Fuji, Lake Ashi, and Hakone Nationwide Park. Get pleasure from spectacular views and in addition go to the intense purple shrine atop Mt. Komagatake. Then simply return to Tokyo by bullet prepare the identical night. Ebook tour →
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