And if you’re thinking of inter-city return trips from Tokyo to elsewhere in Japan, you’ll find the Japan Rail Pass a handy thing to have. But since the city boasts an outstanding public transportation system, this means that the gay Tokyo district and numerous other attractions are never too far away. There’s also a wide selection of gay-friendly hotels in other parts of the metropolis. Moreover, Tokyo consistently ranks as one of the world’s safest places-another factor in its global popularity among gay and straight travelers alike. The annual Tokyo Rainbow Pride is a fun-filled colorful event while the prevalent josou (cross-dressing) culture showcases the increasing public acceptance of diversity. However, the liveliness of the local gay scene makes it a popular destination for LGBT travelers from all over the world. Japan as a whole might be a tad more conservative towards gay rights compared to some other Asian countries like Taiwan.
You can learn more about these neighborhoods through the insightful LGBT Tokyo Then and Now evening walking tour. Other LGBT hotspots in the city-where you can also find Tokyo gay saunas and places for cruising-include Ueno, Asakusa, and Shinbashi. Lively enough by day, it’s more exuberant at night when the clubs and gay bars in Tokyo come alive. Many are within easy reach of Shinjuku Ni-Chome, arguably the most popular Tokyo gay district. So it’s hardly any surprise that there are plenty of gay hotels in Tokyo.
The capital of Japan is home to one of Asia’s biggest LGBT communities.