Gay travel japan
A Guide to Queer Bar Etiquette in Japan
Tokyo’s famous male lover district, Shinjuku Ni-Chome, has one of the world’s uppermost concentrations of LGBT-friendly businesses. For the most part, it’s a place where first-timers can attach out without needing to worry too much about exceptional customs or cultural knowledge.
Ni-Chome is used to tourists but, those who crave 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 overcome path, and how to get the most out of the experience.
Venturing away from westernized homosexual bars
Photo by: Alex Rickert Sometimes you wanna go where everybody knows your name, but sometimes you gotta enterprise into the unknown.
Most gay bars in tourist spots enjoy Ni-Chome or Doyamacho in Osaka mimic American-style bars that feature large shot bars, dance song and dark atmospheres where customers of various sexes, genders, sexualities and identities can drink and make merry. You can certainly detect these kinds of bars, especially in Tokyo, but the vast majority are similar to what is commonly referred to as a スナックバー
From visiting shrines to eating authentic sushi, tradition is a big reason why Japan attracts so many tourists year-round. Despite being the only G7 nation yet to legalize same-sex marriage, it’s probably one of the safest commute destinations in the world for tourists, including members of the LGBTQ society. If you’re a queer person planning your next trip to Japan, here’s a rundown on what you should know, so you can have the best experience.
Legality and Public Opinion
Same-sex marriage isn’t legal in Japan, though several municipalities and prefectures offer same-sex partnership certificates. There are also some laws against discrimination due to gender and sexual orientation. However, for the most part, it lacks a comprehensive, national system that protects queer people. From a tourist’s perspective, though, the worst you would probably experience being queer in Japan is a nasty side-eye.
This side-eye might not even be caused by queerness. In Japan, relationships and physical affection are a private matter, so public displays of affection as a straight couple could even command to some gawking. As a largely homogeneous country, Japanese people might also look at foreig
Learn more
Got itA captivating blend of old-world tradition and new-world innovation, get ready to experience the seamless fusion of ancient cultural treasures and cutting-edge technology that is Japan. Picture hot spring onsens at the base of beautiful mountains, serene temples, historic castles, and of course the neon lights of up-to-date mega-cities Tokyo and Osaka too.
Our journey spans the diversity of Japan's main island of Honshu, first stage in one of the largest cities in the world, Tokyo, where we'll gather together to begin our adventure before heading into the scenic region of Nagano, eminent for its mountainous terrain, steamy springs, and iconic snow monkeys. From Nagano, we'll jump on Japan's modern trains, all the way to the cultural treasure of Kyoto with 3 days to examine and take in its historic temples and traditional tea houses before heading to the Japanese culinary capital of Osaka for a couple days of city adventures and even a visit to the known bowing deer of Nara too!
We'll use a mix of coach buses as well as Japan's effective train systems to seamlessl
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 it’s a very modern city, with neon-lit skyscrapers, but on the other, it’s very traditional with historic temples and palaces, like the Meiji Shinto Shrine and the Imperial Palace. Tokyo is also a foodie’s paradise, with many small izakayas (small gastro pubs) and the world’s largest fish market, Tsukiji. Shinjuku Ni-Chõme is where the city’s gay bars and clubs can be found. It is known for having the world’s highest concentration, with over 300 tiny gay bars crammed together in unassuming, unremarkable blocks. Some of the most famous incorporate 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 municipality until 1869 when it was moved to Tokyo. It has retained its regal charm, with beautiful temples and intricate gardens. The most famous are the Golden Temple, Kinkaku-Ji, and the Silver Temple, Ginkaku-Ji. Other highlights