Tokyo is Becoming One of the Best and Most Exhilarating LGBTQ+ Destinations in the World

Travelers within the LGBTQ+ community have needs. Above all is safety, then affordability and fun. Tokyo is appealing to those travelers to come visit their city by including those requirements while retaining its historic spirit.

In fact, the LGBTQ+ community might not find many cities as spirited as Tokyo thanks to an LGBTQ+ initiative called the Tokyo Partnership Oath System, as well as being a part of IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association). The community can enjoy this clean city where there is always something going on amid its mysteriously calming atmosphere.

Language isn't a problem either. People are generally friendly and helpful. Downloading a language app or a word translation program makes communication easier.

Don't take this next part personally. The culture is generally conservative in the way that it is rare to see people kissing in the street, hugging, or holding hands (including straight couples). But the metropolitan area is the biggest and one of the safest in the world and there is no shortage of fun or relaxation to enjoy. If you're there with your partner and your family, you will be welcomed by the city, so get ready to do it all.

In the daytime the shopping is exquisite. Find designer, or unique off-the-rack clothing at one of the many flagship stores. A big part of Tokyo's culture is its love of pop culture; collectors can find merchandise related to Tokyo original manga, collector cards, cosplay attire and plushies. Another fun activity is going to the claw machine arcades where you can try to win Gachapon, little unique toys that come from inexpensive vending machines.

Once the sun goes down, the neon lights come on, and Tokyo literally comes alive. Within this gloriously colored environment, travelers can take in a stage show, eat at a new restaurant or go clubbing. You can even take an evening stroll along one of the many rivers that run through the city to absorb the cityscape and architecture from afar.

LGBTQ+ tourists can explore Shinjuku Nichome district, where nightclubs and bars stay open until the early hours. This is also the largest gay area in Asia with the highest concentration of gay bars in the world. A more leisurely night might include a visit to Mori Art Museum, Sumida Aquarium or Tokyo Tower. The Tokyo Tower watches over the city and stands more than 1,000 feet tall. If you aren't afraid of heights, you can stand on one of the glass floor sections for an exceptional view of the bustle below.

These dramatic views must be seen at night. One thing about Tokyo is that its vistas and cityscapes seem to morph into something more amazing at every angle. Literally travel to the top of the world in the TOKYO SKYTREE® Observation Deck, the world's highest free-standing broadcasting tower. From there, it's an easy stroll to Asakusa, where old meets new with its craft shops, amusement park and the illuminated Kaminarimon Gate and Senso-ji Temple. This is definitely an area of Tokyo you want to visit after the sun goes down.

The city's official stop via train is Tokyo Station. This is more than a transportation hub. But the Ginza and Marunouchi stations are also noteworthy. Ginza, best known for its Seiko clock tower, offers some of the best high-end shopping, and the Kabuki-za Theater is a beautiful reminder of Japanese castles and ancient temples.

No trip to Tokyo would be complete without visiting the hustle and bustle and neon lights of the Shibuya scramble crossing; it is synonymous with Tokyo's lively culture for both work and play. There is no other place in the world where "youth culture" is better observed. Plan to visit when the "TOKYO LIGHTS" international projection mapping competition is held in the center of the city. Or you can read the "TOKYO NIGHT Story" for everything else to do when the city's lights come on. It's an amazing resource to have if you want to make your way through the neon lightscape.

Exploring the largest city in the world works up quite an appetite. To remedy that we recommend making your way to Suigian, a chic hideaway restaurant and bar in Nihonbashi. You will find this beautiful restaurant at the bottom of the stairs to the historic Fukutoku Shrine in Tokyo's Nihonbashi district. Immersed in traditional Japanese culture and natural beauty, Suigian showcases many different eras in Japanese history including its use of plates and utensils from the Edo, Meiji, and Taisho periods.

A beautiful gallery is a feast for the eyes as you enter the restaurant from a passageway that leads to the dining room. The ukiyo-e and woodblock prints on the walls are gorgeous reminders of Japan's artistic past and make great visual appetizers to the food and entertainment housed within.

The menu consists of fresh seasonal ingredients and tea pairings. The range of cocktails is perfect for those who want to explore libations from a traditional menu with ingredients that change depending on the 24 seasons and 72 climates of the Japanese almanac, or you can relish a more contemporary beverage if that's your thing.

Dinner guests are also treated to the traditional Japanese performing arts such as Noh, Kyogen, Gagaku, Bunraku, and Nihon Buyo, Japanese dance. The female-led Momokawa Geinagon's performances are short (approximately 8 minutes) and are performed three times a night. Noh plays, for example, can be enjoyed as a condensed version of the climactic scene, reduced into one 15-minute performance. Since the bar is open until 1 a.m., you can enjoy relaxing with drinks after dinner. For those who have never experienced a Japanese tea ceremony, Suigian offers that as well.

Another culinary possibility is taking a dining cruise aboard a Yakatabune boat. These historic lantern-decorated vessels have been serving Tokyo for over 400 years. You can reserve a spot, one of eight in a fleet owned by Amitatsu, a company that has been around for over a century. This is a special treat for sightseers who want a unique experience through Tokyo's grand and magnificent waterways. The journey will pass by some of the city's most well-known landmarks as you dine among friends and family either during the day or at night. During the summer months, fireworks are on display, and in the spring, you can see the gorgeous displays of cherry blossoms blooming within the city.

On board, each menu option is comprised of various seasonal items including seafood, meats and tempura. There are even vegetarian options. Drinks range from beer to sake to soft drinks. It is a must-do experience for anyone visiting the city. These spacious boats can accommodate several people and upon request, you can even invite geisha to perform for your private party.

Tokyo is also finding its place among the destinations for drag entertainment. Coming in December 2023 at the Zepp Shinjuku in the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower is the new drag extravaganza "Opulence," which features some of drag's biggest performers. Most of these queens are from "Ru Paul's Drag Race." In late May of this year this spectacular show sold out and it likely will again when it opens in December.

If you are looking for places to stay, check out the Hotel Groove Shinjuku, A PARKROYAL Hotel located on the 18th to 38th floors of the Tokyu Kabukicho Tower or the Bellustar Tokyo, A Pan Pacific Hotel located on the 39th to 47th floors of the same building. Both of these places are LGBTQ+ friendly and adhere to the IGLTA guidelines. They are staffed by friendly employees and offer stunning views of the city, stylish accommodations and delightful dining experiences.

Tokyo is one of the most energetic cities in the world. It is also one of the safest. For the LGBTQ+ traveler, safety is imperative when it comes to choosing a destination. With its rich history combined with futuristic scenery, Tokyo is a must if you can respect their social traditionalism. And now that it is part of the IGLTA, it's a destination you can visit year-round.

For more information about Tokyo and its many excursions, visit the Tokyo Tokyo website or read through the Official Tokyo Travel Guide.