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Visit EqualdexThis is a city where you can sing your heart out in a karaoke box, bow to a sumo wrestler, and then dance the night away in a LGBTQ+ club, all before the first train home. Tokyo is a glorious mash-up of the past, present, and future. One minute you're strolling under the towering skyscrapers of Shinjuku and the next, you're lost in the serene gardens of the Imperial Palace.
Japan’s relationship with the LGBTQ+ community is admittedly a bit different. The country has no history of hostility towards us, yet the queer-friendliness levels veer more towards “don’t ask, don’t tell” than outright acceptance. You’ll see this attitude in Shinjuku Ni-chōme, the city’s famed gay neighborhood. Straight by day, Ni-chōme's closet doors fly open at night. Within just a few blocks, the neighborhood packs in hundreds of tiny Tokyo gay bars, catering to just about every fetish you can think of (plus plenty you can’t). There are tons of Below are some of the top queer bars to check out while in Shinjuku:
Arty Farty is the go-to hotspot for after-work drinks and pre-club shenanigans. Its youthful, energetic queer crowd is a delightful mix of locals and expats, setting the perfect stage for a night out. Score a hand stamp here, and you’re granted free entry to the sister club next door, The Annex. It's a win-win for the fun-loving partygoers!
If you’re stamped at Arty Farty, glide into The Annex without paying another yen. This buzzing venue, courtesy of the same masterminds behind Arty Farty, pulls in a lively crowd of twenty-somethings and thirty-somethings. Their weekend gay Circuit parties are legendary, keeping the dance floor alive till 11 am the next day. It’s the ultimate Tokyo after-hours experience!
Dragon Men reigns supreme in Tokyo’s gay club scene, heating up as the night progresses, especially on weekends. This iconic club draws a fabulous mix of locals, expats, and travelers, all ready to party until the early morning hours. With shirtless bartenders serving up cocktails and shots, it's a raucous good time that lasts until 5 am on weekends.
Located within the welcoming walls of Gold Finger, FTM Bois Bar is a fantastic event celebrating the Trans community. Held on Mondays and every third Sunday from 6 pm, it offers a supportive space for fun and connection. Gold Finger itself is a dynamic venue, also hosting women-only nights on Saturdays and welcoming the entire LGBTQ+ spectrum the rest of the time.
Don’t be fooled by the name; AiSOTOPE Lounge is the largest gay club in Toyko’s gay district, Ni-chōme. Boasting two floors, dual dance areas, and even a small dark room for those seeking extra adventure. Managed by the same team as AiRRO Cafe Bar, this venue is known for its lively dance parties, including men-only and women-only events. The friendly staff adds to the inviting atmosphere, making it a must-visit.
With its distinct “Torii” (Japanese Shrine) marker, AiiRO Café stands out as a beloved Tokyo gay bar open till the wee hours. The crowd often spills onto the street, creating an electric atmosphere. Happy hour from 6 - 9 pm daily ensures great deals, while weekends are spiced up with drag queens and go-go boys. It’s the perfect place to start any night out.
Kamari might be small, but its personality is anything but. This ninja-themed bar, complete with a sometimes-costumed bartender, is a cozy haven for everyone on the sexual and gender identity spectrum. It’s especially cherished by lesbians, trans, and queer women, making it an inclusive gem in Tokyo’s queer bar scene.
Lastly, don't forget to plan for Tokyo Rainbow Pride, which is the annual LGBTQ+ pride event (held usually in April) that brings together all the queer community of Tokyo and is one of the best events to celebrate while in the Tokyo gayborhood of Shinjuku. Rainbows, Pride, and Japanese vibes are abound and bring together all the magical things that Pride should be!
By day, the city’s gracious beauty comes out to play at the Imperial Gardens and Palace, Meiji and Kanda Myojin shrines, and the excellent art museums around the city, such as Samurai Ninja Museum in Asakusa, and the Tokyo National Museum in Ueno Park, which houses national treasures and important cultural items of Japan. If you want to see the full skyline of Tokyo or just love a good picture, make sure to go to the largest tower in Japan (and one of the largest in the world!) - Tokyo Skytree.
Foodies, rejoice! Tokyo is your oyster... or rather, your sushi roll. From the freshest sashimi at Tsukiji Market to the quirky robot restaurants, Tokyo's culinary scene is as diverse as a Pride parade. And for the night owls, nothing beats a warm bowl of ramen after a night of revelry. Tokyo’s got more Michelin stars in its bounds than any other city in the world, so try all the Japanese deliciousness! Definitely try the takoyaki and Japanese curry!
And for those into anime, electronic gadgets, and manga, Akihabara is your geeky wonderland. Love a shopping spree galore? Tons of shopping can be found in Shinjuku and Shibuya. From high-end fashion to quirky souvenirs, there's a treasure trove waiting to be discovered, and try the Ginza or Harajuku areas too! In Asakusa, old Tokyo comes alive with its ancient temples and traditional markets. Then you can take in all the best gay bars in Tokyo at Shinjuku Ni-chōme!
Japan is also known for its famous seasonal celebrations! Don't miss out on the beloved cherry blossom season, which begins at the end of March until early April. Kanda Matsuri takes place in the middle of May each year and is a festival for the shrine of Kanda Myojin. Winter season also brings in the cherished onsen (hot springs) activities, plus skiing and snowboarding for you thrill seekers.
Day trips that we highly recommend are Mount Fuji, Nikko, and Kamakura. Mount Fuji is Japan's most popular icon about 2 to 2.5 hours outside of Tokyo, and you can either climb up or just find a place in the surrounding area to take in the majestic volcano. Nikko holds the UNESCO World Heritage Toshogu Shrine, which lies north of Tokyo, known for its forests, waterfalls, shrines, and natural hot springs, where you can relax and take in the beauty of Japan. Kamakura is a cozy seaside town that features the 11-meter (36-foot) Daibutsu (Great Buddha) and an awesome sight with smaller temples and shrines around town to explore.
From the traditional art of tea ceremony to the pulsating beats of a J-Pop concert, Tokyo's cultural scene blends the old and the new. Explore art galleries, museums, the best Tokyo gay bars, and theaters that showcase the city's love for art and creativity. Experience this city of restraint and abandon for yourself—and let us know which side you lean towards when you make it there to Tokyo, Japan.
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