Japan gay friendly
Traveling to Japan soon? This is our gay friendly itinerary to Japan to help you schedule a fabulous vacation.
Welcome to the future!
That's how we feel every time we set foot in Japan. It's one of our favorite countries to visit. On the one hand, it gives you that intense culture shock that we so crave from traveling, yet on the other, it's like you've hopped into a time machine and woken up years in the future.
Everything feels so advanced in Japan, done with such careful precision, and immaculate attention to detail – always with a smile! The Japanese culture itself is opulent with tradition, dating back thousands of years, which manifests itself in not only the many pretty temples but also in the delicious Japanese food and in the way the people behave towards each other.
As a gay couple traveling in Japan, we felt so welcome by everyone. We never felt any judgment or problems from anyone, which is why we rate it as one of the most gay-friendly places in Asia.
This is our gay travel itinerary to Japan for first-timers to uncover the best
A Guide to Gay Bar Etiquette in Japan
Tokyo’s famous gay district, Shinjuku Ni-Chome, has one of the world’s highest concentrations of LGBT-friendly businesses. For the most part, its a place where first-timers can hang out without needing to worry too much about special customs or cultural knowledge.
Ni-Chome is used to tourists but, those who want to sneak into smaller, more local LGBT bars might find some cultural practices surprising. In Japan, manners are everything, so here are some insider tips on what to expect when visiting LGBT bars off the beaten path, and how to receive the most out of the experience.
Venturing away from westernized gay bars
Photo by: Alex Rickert Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name, but sometimes you gotta venture into the unknown.
Most gay bars in tourist spots like Ni-Chome or Doyamacho in Osaka mimic American-style bars that feature large shot bars, dance music and dark atmospheres where customers of various sexes, genders, sexualities and identities can drink and make merry. You can certainly find these kinds of bars, esp
Hotels for gays
Japan
Japan is an thrilling destination for LGBTQ+ travelers. It offers a mix of up-to-date cities, traditional culture, and adj beauty. While Japan has a conservative side, many areas openly welcome the gay community.
Tokyo is the most popular city for LGBTQ+ visitors. The Shinjuku Ni-chome district is Japan’s largest gay area, with many bars, clubs, and cafes. You can search the nearby Shibuya crossing, shop in Harajuku, or visit temples like Senso-ji.
Osaka is another major city with a growing gay scene. The Doyama district is its center, home to several LGBTQ+ friendly venues. Osaka Castle, the Umeda Sky Building, and the lively Dotonbori area are worth your time.
Kyoto, known for its temples and shrines, also has some LGBTQ+ friendly spots. You can spend a night exploring the famous Fushimi Inari Shrine or the golden Kinkaku-ji.
Other cities like Sapporo and Fukuoka offer smaller but welcoming LGBTQ+ areas. Sapporo is famous for hosting Japan’s largest Pride event every February during the Snow Festival.
Beyond the cities, you can enjoy Japan’s nature. V
LGBTQ+ Travel Guide to Japan
Interesting Cities to Visit in Japan
TOKYO
Tokyo is the capital, and main transport hub of Japan. On one hand its a very up-to-date city, with neon-lit skyscrapers, but on the other, its very traditional with historic temples and palaces, like the Meiji Shinto Shrine and the Imperial Palace. Tokyo is also a foodies paradise, with many small izakayas (small gastro pubs) and the worlds largest fish market, Tsukiji. Shinjuku Ni-Chõme is where the citys gay bars and clubs can be found. It is famous for having the worlds highest concentration, with over tiny gay bars crammed together in unassuming, unremarkable blocks. Some of the most famous include Arty Farty, Annex, FTM Bois Bar, Campy!, Aiiro, Dragon Men and Leo Lounge. Read more about Tokyo from Passport Magazine >>
KYOTO
Kyoto is the cultural capital of Japan, and was the former capital city until when it was moved to Tokyo. It has retained its regal charm, with beautiful temples and intricate gardens. The most celebrated are the Golden Temp