gay tours of tokyo

Gaily Tours & Excursions in Japan: Tokyo

• Gaily Tour in TOKYO  with your LGBT Friendly Guide
• LGBT Half & Full Day Gaily Excursion from TOKYO 
• Individual and Small Groups

Included Features

ABOUT THE CITY... Welcome to Tokyo, the perfect definition of the word ‘city’. The monumental capital of Japan is teeming with life. Visit the city and discover a slice of live in this mega-metropolis. Tokyo has the biggest LGBTQ+ community in the country and the city also has the largest gay scene, with hundreds of small gay bars crammed in the Shinjuku Ni-Chõme. The capital also has its own gay pride event called Tokyo Rainbow Pride in April or May. LGBTQ+ travelers are sure to fall in love with Japan, its culture, food and especially its warm-hearted people. THE BEST LGBT FRIENDLY HOTELS IN TOKYO (Click on the Link to See the rates and book them)

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GAILY TOURS in TOKYO

Get ready for special tours in this amazing city ! Meet our Gay/Lesbian Tour Guide for a private walking tour of Tokyo Gay and experience one of the most populated cities in the world.

Tokyo • Cultural Tour

Embark on a captivating journey through Tokyo's LGBTQ-friendly tour, weaving through Asakusa, Ueno, Okachimachi, Akihabara, and culminating in the serene beauty of Koishikawa Korakuen. Discover the rich gay history in the traditional charm of Asakusa, embrace the old-world allure of Ueno, and soak in the nostalgic ambiance of Okachimachi. The adventure peaks in Akihabara, where diverse subcultures, including the vibrant gay manga world, come to life, before concluding in the tranquil surroundings of Koishikawa Korakuen. Ueno, a district seamlessly blending tradition and modernity, invites exploration. Wander through picturesque streets, absorbing the cultural richness that defines this area. Our LGBTQ-friendly tour provides insights into Ueno's diverse and multicultural atmosphere, offering a glimpse into the multifaceted identity of Tokyo. The journey then extends to Okachimachi, where the nostalgic ambiance and traditional shopping streets reveal the stories of individuals who have shaped the district's cultural fabric. The tour progresses to Akihabara, a neon-lit playground where subcultures thrive. Dive into the myriad interests that define Akihabara, from anime and gaming to the unique world of gay manga. A highlight of the Akihabara experience is the exploration of the gay manga world. Journey into the artistic and expressive realm that has flourished within this subculture, amplifying narratives. Engage with local artists and creators who have contributed to the dynamic landscape of gay manga, fostering an appreciation for the artistic diversity within the community. As the journey draws to a close, our final stop takes you to Koishikawa Korakuen, a meticulously landscaped traditional Japanese garden. Bask in the tranquility of this oasis, where lush greenery, meandering paths, and picturesque bridges create an idyllic setting. This serene escape offers a moment of reflection, allowing you to absorb the diverse experiences encountered throughout the tour. This LGBTQ-friendly tour invites you to celebrate Tokyo's cultural richness and diverse subcultures. From the traditional allure of Asakusa to the multicultural ambiance of Ueno, the nostalgic charm of Okachimachi, and the vibrant subcultures of Akihabara, join us on a memorable exploration of Tokyo's multifaceted identity. Included: * Gay or Lesbian Friendly Tour Guide for City Tour (3 hours) * Entrance Fee - Koishikawa Korakue 

Tokyo • Gay Tour & Shibuya’s Secrets

Meet our Gay Friendly Tour Guide and be ready to embark on a personal LGBTQ-themed journey, delving into the diverse and vibrant spirit of Tokyo, unraveling the unique charm of Shinjuku, Omotesando and Shibuya. This enchanting private adventure promises an immersive celebration of LGBTQ culture, culminating in the breathtaking views awaiting you at the Shibuya Sky observatory. Your exclusive experience begins in Shinjuku, where the entertainment district converges with the LGBTQ hub of Ni-chome. Take a moment to familiarize yourself with the area, discovering LGBTQ-friendly spaces, bars, and clubs that invite personal exploration. Our knowledgeable guides, dedicated solely to your private group, will share insights into the rich history and contributions of the LGBTQ community in this dynamic district, offering a heartfelt glimpse into the cultural tapestry that defines Shinjuku. Moving on to Omotesando, a chic and stylish district known for luxury boutiques and trendy cafes, you'll explore LGBTQ-friendly establishments with a personal touch. Gain a unique perspective on the intersection of fashion, art, and LGBTQ expression, engaging with local creatives and designers who contribute to the distinctive atmosphere characterizing Omotesando. The tour then leads you to Shibuya, where the iconic Shibuya Crossing stands as a testament to the city's vibrant energy. Immerse yourself in the heart of Shibuya, exploring LGBTQ spaces and discovering the deep cultural significance of the district. Conclude your personal journey with a visit to the Shibuya Sky observatory, where you'll ascend to the top for panoramic views of Tokyo. Marvel at the sprawling cityscape beneath you, gaining a new perspective on the profound diversity and dynamism of Tokyo. After the observatory experience, take a moment to reflect on your exploration of the eclectic neighborhoods of Shinjuku, Omotesando, and Shibuya. This LGBTQ-focused private journey extends an invitation to personally celebrate Tokyo's diverse identity and witness the city from new heights at the Shibuya Sky observatory. Join us for an unforgettable, intimately curated exploration where cultural richness and breathtaking views converge in the privacy of your own exclusive tour. Included: * Gay or Lesbian Friendly Tour Guide for City Tour (3 hours) * Entrance Fee - Observatory at Shibuya Sky

Tokyo by Night • Gay Tour

Enjoy an enlightened Tokyo and an amazing walking tour through Tokyo’s gay & lesbian bars and clubs to live on your skin the magic atmosphere and LGBT scene of the city. Enjoy your included drink (also alcohol free drink available) and own the night !  Included: * Gay or Lesbian Friendly Tour Guide for Night Tour (2h) * Drink in Gay Friendly Bar (1 Drink)                                                                                       

GAILY EXCURSIONS from TOKYO

Get ready for a special full day Gaily Excursion from Tokyo Gay with us !

Mount Fuji & Hakone (from Tokyo) Nikko, Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Waterfall & Lake Chuzenji (from Tokyo) Kyoto (from Tokyo) Osaka (from Tokyo)

• Gay or Lesbian Friendly Tour Guide and/or Driver
• Every Entrance Fee or Tasting described in the program

Not Included

• Tips, City Taxes and everything not listed under “Included features”

LGBT Hotel Collection

Tokyo • Cultural Tour Tokyo • Gay Tour Tokyo by Night •  Gay Tour

* Price per Person Rates are Commissionable

 - - - - - - - SHARED EXCURSION since you don't need a private one? No Problem ! You can take part to our amazing shared scheduled excursion in English with LGBT Friendly Tour Guide and share this fantastic experience with other travellers. Contact us at [email protected] for more Info & Prices * The tours are on request and rates are subject to the availability of the providers at the time of booking. Prices are subject to change if travel occur during trade shows, bank holidays or special events and supplements may be applied.

** Please check before booking the closing dates for the selected museums. If included museums are closed, Ignas Tour will refund the amount of that museum or choose an alternative one to visit.

Largo Cesare Battisti, 28 39044 Egna (BZ) - ITALY VAT N° - IT01652670215

Personal Details

Additional accounting data of the main person for the booking, tour request, search result.

General Gay Tour

Lgbtq+ custom touring.

Do it up your way, with an LGBTQ+ guide at your side.

Tour Introduction

For our LGBTQ+ friends looking to have a private tour with a like-minded guide, we’ve got private tours just for you. We are pleased to offer half and full day LGBTQ+ tours in Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto.

Historic Landmarks

In both Tokyo and Osaka, there are old parts of the city where gay and lesbian life secretely flourished behind windowless storefronts of bars and perhaps more sordid establishments.

Professional Guide

Real English, real skills, and great personalities. Our guides have the knowledge and expertise to provide you with interesting, fun, and memorable tours.

Fully Narrated Tour

Our tours never leave you to wonder about on your own. Your guide stays with you the whole time, unless, for example, you want a bit of time to roam a garden or have lunch on your own.

Easy Access

This tour starts just outside a rail or subway station, making meeting up an anxiety-free experience.

Tour Overview

Choose your city, then we’ll help choose your fun. More than just a "gay tour," this is a top quality experience simply tweaked a bit for our community.Japan is a safe, friendly country that is well suited for LGBTQ+ travelers. Public affection is generally frowned upon regardless of the genders involved, but you will be hard pressed to find a Japanese person with moral objections towards LGBTQ+ lifestyles.Naturally, any of our standard tours are also perfect for our LGBTQ+ travelers, but we know that there are some out there who prefer the comfort of a pure LGBTQ+ environment. It is with that in mind that we have created this offering. The possibilities are greatly varied. Perhaps you like the looks of one of our existing walking tours in Tokyo, Kyoto, or Osaka, and just want an LGBTQ+ spin on it? Maybe you want a little daytime touring followed by the different vibe associated with a bit of nighttime touring afterwards? Or maybe you have something specific in mind? Let us know, and we can create a tailor made “outing” to your liking.

Tokyo for urban adventure, straight or otherwise

As the largest urban center in Japan, it should be of no great surprise that Tokyo has the largest and most spread out LGBTQ+ scene. Let us plan a day for you with some mainstream sights, then sprinkle in some sparkle with a stop or two (or three) that plays to our community. Be it gardens, urban buzz, a shrine, or views from high above, we’ve got the standard covered. Then we’ll take it from there.

Kyoto: Who says cities with a religious history have to harbor agendas?

Buddhism and Shintoism are largely devoid of judgment when it comes to things like sexual orientation, so there’s no need to worry about a supposed express train to damnation when you explore Kyoto. In addition to sharing the general beauty of the city, we will provide you with insight regarding attitudes towards homosexuality over history, how Western thought influenced it (spoiler alert: it wasn’t a boon for us), and how it is today.

Osaka’s got a very Japanese, urban gay experience without all the tourists

Sure, it’s not as big of a scene as Tokyo, but what the city makes up for in size it gains through technique. There’s a solid day of standards to cover in Osaka, but also a less tourist-overrun gay and lesbian scene that is highly recommended. Plus, it’s Pinpoint Traveler’s home town, so you can trust us to know it well.

We may not be able to choose who we are, but we can certainly choose what we do

Our LGBTQ+ tours start at four hours, but you can extend to a whole day and beyond. Though these are walking tours by default, you can add on a vehicle if you like (not available in Tokyo, where it’s best not use a vehicle anyway). Feel free to consult with us regarding any special requests. Odds are good that we can make your dreams come true.

Asakusa and Ueno are oozing with history, and from an LGBTQ+ perspective as well. Shinjuku and Shibuya are more youthful and manic. The Ni-chome section of Shinjuku is considered the epicenter for all things gay and lesbian in Japan. If you’re looking to leave the city for less crowded pastures, may we suggest Kamakura or the Hakone/Fuji area?

Temples galore, but gardens and mountainside strolls too. A great place to see well preserved history and to enjoy a slower pace than Tokyo or Osaka. Basically zero gay scene here. Locals, almost without exception, head to Osaka for that.

During the day, there are interesting urban tapestries, great open markets, plus the oldest Buddhist temple in Japan and a great big castle too. Much of Osaka’s charm lies in the character of the people, and it would be our pleasure to be the bridge that allows you to connect. Once night rolls around, there’s a fun and exciting scene waiting for you to dive in.

Historic and Cultural Landmarks

In both Tokyo and Osaka, there are old parts of the city where gay and lesbian life secretely flourished behind windowless storefronts of bars and perhaps more sordid establishments. That scene, thought to a large degree left behind by the younger generation, is still chugging along, and we quite enjoy walking our LGBTQ+ guests through it. On the more modern, youthful side of things, well, the world is your oyster.

We can meet either at your lodging or at a predetermined location. If you opt for car service, we will of course pick you up at your lodging.

Know Before You Go

There are a few things we’d like you to take note of before joining us.

• Depending how many people are on the tour, if you opt for car service do be sure to choose the appropriate vehicle size
• The legal drinking age in Japan is 20
• There is no minimum age to join this tour, but depending on what your plans are, it may not be practical for guests under 18
• Please come wearing comfortable shoes, as there is generally a fair bit of walking regardless of whether we do this as a walking tour or by private vehicle. If you have a preference or restriction to not walk very much, just let us know and we can make the appropriate arrangements.

Inclusions:

• All guide expenses.
• If vehicle option is chosen, the vehicle fee includes all parking, gas, tolls, etc.

Exclusions:

• Food or drink during our time together
• Your public transportation costs while on tour
• Admissions 
• You may add additional hours to the touring day at time of checkout
• A car option is available
• Other options may be available. Please let us know if there is something not covered here.

Our Tour Guides

We've got around a dozen guides at your service. Here we showcase a few of our most active ones.

Not profiled here are guides who speak Spanish (Kyoto, in addition to Dan in Osaka), French (Osaka, Kyoto, Tokyo), and German (Kyoto and Tokyo).

Pickup Point

Varies based on your itinerary. We'll consult with you to determine a suitable meeting point.

LGBTQ+ Tokyo Eating and Drinking Tour

Experience Details

Meeting point and meeting time, cancellation policy, experience location.

LGBTQ people can sometimes feel a certain sense of anxiety when it comes to traveling abroad. From daily navigations in their travel to enjoying some of the cultural aspects of their destination, it can be intimidating and even downright scary. With planning and some help, here are various things you can enjoy no matter how you’re presenting and whether you’re traveling solo or with someone.

Safety should be the least of your concerns while traveling. And you’ll be happy to know that Tokyo and Japan at large are very safe for members of the LGBTQ community. This extends to couples as well. And while Japan has never been big on public displays of affection, as long as you respect the somewhat conservative culture no one will raise an eyebrow. This is especially true in Tokyo where some of the district courts have begun to uphold gay civil rights and put laws into place to protect.

Where to go

Chances are that if you’re LGBTQ and know Tokyo well, you’ve heard that Shinjuku ’s ni-chome or “Nicho” is the place to go! In case you aren’t aware, ni-chome is considered the gay hub of Tokyo. From gay, lesbian, and transgender, bars are crammed into the area. If you’re feeling shy or anxious about going alone, why not get a local gay guide to show you the best places in Nicho?

If bars and karaoke aren’t your thing, why not get down on the dance floor at some of Tokyo’s hottest LGBTQ clubs. Most of these are also located in or around Nicho, making it easy to enjoy both bars and clubs. There are many options to choose from and the aforementioned local gay guide can easily show you these hot spots as well!

There are also great LGBTQ-friendly tour options outside of Tokyo via OUT Asia Travel .

Where to stay

Chances are with all the nightlife in Shinjuku, you’ll want to stay somewhere nearby. And why not? Shinjuku is a great place even if you aren’t bar-hopping or clubbing. There are plenty of LGBTQ-friendly hotel options in and around the Shinjuku area. You can easily rent a double room with your significant other or spouse without worry or fear. For some great recommendations, check out nomadic boys . Sawanoya Ryokan is a great option near Ueno.

If you want something outside of Shinjuku or something a little nicer than your average hotel room, why not find a room with misterb&b . They will work with you to find an LGBTQ-welcoming accommodation to suit your needs. From apartments, rooms, and resorts, you’ll find the perfect place to stay. Many of the options here even have hot tubs, which will alleviate any stress of which onsen to use.

Of course, travel to Japan is great any time of year (excluding typhoon season)—but if you’re in the mood to celebrate your identity, why not participate in some of the LGBTQ events Tokyo has to offer.

Tokyo Rainbow Pride or Rainbow Week takes place every April, late in the month. This celebration goes crazy when it reaches Yoyogi Park near colorful Harajuku . Expect performances, parties, events, and booths all showcasing the wonder of queer identity.

Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2025

Every year, Yoyogi Park transforms for one week into a rainbow of colors as diversified as the people it represents.

Rainbow Reel Tokyo is the official LGBTQ film festival of Japan. One of the largest and oldest (1992) in Asia, Rainbow Reel Tokyo shows films about all LGBTQ minorities beyond lesbian and gay, which are also included of course!

VITA Tokyo is the end all, be all LGBTQ New Year’s party in Tokyo. It happens every year at VITA, a vibrant and fun nightclub showcasing international DJs and dancers. Come here any time as well to get your EDM fix.

Where to onsen

Transgender people, or x-gender ( ekkusu-jendaa ) as it’s called in Japan, may find themselves facing either anxiety or gender dysphoria when faced with the hot spring doors. Which do I enter? It is a frightening reality for many.

If bathing in an onsen or bathhouse is a bucket list item for you, you do have options!

Renting a private onsen is your best bet, whether you’re transitioning or simply don’t want to share your nudity with strangers, a privately-rented onsen is a great way to soak in the steamy waters.

Another way would be to find a mixed-gender bathhouse outside of Tokyo (they’re banned in the capital). This means that male- and female-presenting people will be nude together. The etiquette here is no staring and no chatting up strangers.

Your comfort is paramount here.

If you’re a gay man, it may interest you to know that there is a small chain of bathhouses catering to you. 24 Kaikan has a bit of a cruising reputation—but is also very accepting of foreigners, with or without tattoos .

Travel safe and have fun!

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By Serena Ogawa

Community writer

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Japan: Osaka, Kyoto & Tokyo

Join our gay tour of japan celebrates ancient tradition, modern civilization, and a cultural obsession with cuteness..

Japan is a universe unto itself—a tiny country that combines ancient history with unprecedented innovation. Our gay Japan tour begins in Osaka then takes us to Kyoto. After bowing to the friendly deer in Nara Park, we continue to Tokyo—the biggest megacity of them all. So grab your Hello Kitty backpack, choose your Pikachu, and loosen those stretchy pants…between the street food, cooking class, public markets and gourmet restaurants we’ll eat so much Japanese food it will be anything but kawaii.

Quick Facts

• Who's it for? LGBTQ+ folks, friends and family
• Countries visited: Japan
• Duration: 9 Nights/10 Days
• Starts in: Osaka
• Ends in: Tokyo
• Group size: Min 6; max 16
• Accommodations: 4-Star Hotel (5 nights), 3-Star Hotel (4 nights)
• Physical Rating: 2/5
• Theme: Culture
• Activities: Cooking Class, Food Tours, LGBT Activist Meeting, Nightlife, Wildlife
• Ride the Shinkansen bullet train
• Admire Mt. Fuji from a Pirate Boat on Lake Ashi
• Wander Osaka’s Dotonburi District
• Meet the friendly deer of Nara Park that bow politely for treats
• Wander through a surreal grove of towering bamboo
• Dress like traditional samurai warriors and learn to use a real sword
• Stroll through an open-air museum where world-famous sculptures are only confined by the nature around them
• Experience the gay Japan scene in Tokyo, with the most bars per capita on Earth
• Wander through colourful Harajuku where you could pick up something cute at one of their adorable critter cafés
• Browse Shinsaibashi, a bustling shopping street in Osaka
• Learn how to make traditional sushi rolls with a Japanese chef
• Tour Tokyo’s many gay saké bars
• Engage your senses at teamLab Planets Tokyo, an immersive and interactive museum

DATES AND PRICES

• Tour Price: $7,795.00 per person
• Single Supplement: $1,200.00 per person
• Payment Terms: $750 Deposit - Balance Due 60 Days Before Departure
• Guides and Hosts for this trip: Frano Novljan, Joe
• Tour Price: $8,295.00 per person
• Single Supplement: $1,300.00 per person
• Payment Terms: $750 Deposit - Balance Due 90 Days before trip

CHOOSE YOUR DEPARTURE

Bookings have been temporarily disabled due to a scheduled server upgrade. Check back after 11:59PM on July 13th or email [email protected] to get started.

We can’t wait to help you plan an awesome adventure, but due to a high level of fake inquiries we now record your IP address when you submit an inquiry. This helps local authorities identify and prevent harassment against Out Adventures, or any intended recipients.

Kon’nichiwa. Welcome to Osaka. And thank you for joining our gay Japan tour. Things kick off with a Group Meeting at 6PM where you can meet your guide and fellow travelers. After our Welcome Dinner you can make it an early night or grab a drink with the group at a local gay-friendly bar. Please note: an arrival transfer is not included in this itinerary, however detailed instructions for transportation to the hotel will be included in your trip documents. 

For our first full day we’ll wake up to a morning tour of essential sights like Osaka Castle and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the most impressive in the world. Other highlights will include Shinsaibashi, a bustling shopping street, and Umeda Sky Building, one of the city’s most recognizable landmarks. The impressive structure consists of two 40-story towers that connect at their two uppermost stories, with bridges and an escalator crossing the wide atrium-like space in the center. Our day wouldn’t be complete without a delicious Japanese lunch. The evening is free to enjoy on your own, or join an optional dinner with the group.

Oh my Bambi—this might be the cutest start to any day. We’re off to Nara city, where you can ‘fawn’ over a thousand docile deer that live in its namesake park: the animals politely nod to request a treat, and are at ease with all their admirers. Here you’ll also find Todaiji—one of the Seven Great Temples of Buddhism and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. For lunch we’ll slurp savoury ramen noodles upon arrival in Kyoto, then check out a Sake brewery with an included tasting. After checking into our Kyoto hotel the evening is free to enjoy on your own or with an optional group dinner.

Today begins early with a taxi ride to Fushimi Inari, a shrine beloved for the hundreds of distinct red torii arches that line the main trails. Following breakfast back at the hotel, more photo ops await. We’ll visit Arashiyama—the city’s towering bamboo grove—and Kinkakuji (golden pavilion), as well as taking in a rickshaw ride and a traditional tea ceremony. In the afternoon we’ll wander through Gion, where we’ll look out for colourful geishas wandering through the narrow streets lined with traditional wooden merchant houses. Tonight you can make your own plans for dinner or join the larger group. Since we have a lazy morning tomorrow, why not check out Kyoto’s gay scene?

This morning we’ll head out for an hour and a half zen meditation, returning to the hotel around 10AM to give you some rest.   We’ll reconvene around noon when we’ll depart the hotel for Nishiki market where you’re free to grab a bite to eat, explore the shops, or perhaps pay a visit to Aritsugu Knives – the shop that has been creating blades since 1550. After the market we’ll head to our samurai experience where we’ll learn about the warriors, dress up in costume, and even wield the traditional sword.  To round out the day, we’ll head to a cooking class where we’ll prepare our own dinner with some delicious sake. 

Today we continue to Hakone on the Shinkansen, aka Japan’s bullet train. Why not enjoy a Bento Box for lunch onboard? Our only plan this afternoon is a walk through the Open Air Museum. With sculptures by Picasso and Henry Moore, it lets you encounter art in a park-like setting. We’ll stay in a traditional ryokan inn tonight, where you can partake in a steamy onsen (a traditional Japanese hot spring/bathing experience). Dinner is included at tonight’s accommodation. Please note: if you have tattoos that can’t be covered with a bandage or swimsuit/t-shirt, there is a chance you will be denied entry to the onsen.

We’re off to Tokyo with a stop at Lake Ashi en route. We’ll even ride on a colourful pirate boat. It gives excellent photo opportunities of Japan’s highest volcano: Mt Fuji. Once we arrive in the world’s biggest super city and check in to our hotel, consider joining us for an optional dinner in the Shinjuku entertainment district.

Today we are going to see some of the most impressive sights in Tokyo, so ensure your batteries are charged and you’re prepared for the madness. The Imperial Palace is where the Emperor resides, and is built on the site of the former Edo Castle. Asakusa is a more traditional neighbourhood, and walking through here gives one a sense of what Tokyo felt like a few years ago. While exploring the city we’ll also make time for a delicious local lunch. Finally, after tonight’s dinner in Shinjuku, we’ll enjoy a gay sake bar tour.

For our final day in Japan we’ll explore some of the quirkier sides of this bustling metropolis, paying a visit to teamLab Planets Tokyo, an audio-visual feast that will engage all your senses on every level. This interactive museum comprises 4 large-scale artwork spaces and 2 gardens created by a world-renowned art collective. We’ll also say Kon’nichiwa  to some mini-pigs at one of Japan’s cutest animal cafes. You are free to enjoy the afternoon on your own, and we’ll regroup for a Farewell Dinner to mark the official end of this historic tour. All we can say is Doumo Arigatou!

As the last day of our tour, no activities are planned and you may depart at your leisure. Please note: a departure transfer is not included, but your group leader will provide clear instructions to get to the airport of choice.

GUIDES AND HOSTS

What’s included.

• Accommodation (see “Accommodations in Japan” on our important information page )
• Breakfast daily, 6 lunches and 5 dinners
• Transportation by private coach and train
• Gratuities to local guides and drivers
• Expert local English-speaking Tour Leader
• Hotel porterage
• A $50 USD Rainbow Railroad donation to help resettle LGBTQ+ refugees. Read more  here .

WHAT ISN’T INCLUDED?

• International airfare
• Arrival & departure transfers. Detailed arrival and departure instructions will be provided by Out Adventures.
• Gratuities for Host & Group Leader ($100-$150 USD)
• Alcoholic drinks not included with meals unless stated in the itinerary
• Items of a personal nature
• Travel insurance – mandatory for all travellers. Click here  for more details.

LGBT INFO FOR Japan

Important information, examples of accommodations, photos from this adventure, videos from this adventure, george & jonathan.

My husband and I went on the Out Adventures – Japan tour for our honeymoon and it was fantastic.  We had never traveled out of the country before, and Robert and his team handled our 1,000 questions with the patience of saints.  Their documentation and organization made the process simple and painless.  Once we arrived, we were blown away.  Japan is a truly a beautiful country.  After we met with our group and our helpful and sweet guide, Joe, we were off on our adventure.   Before we knew it, were eating prawns the size of our forearms in a street market in Osaka, finding our inner peace in a Zen garden in Kyoto, watching the sun rise over the mountains in a traditional Japanese onsen, to bar hoping in Tokyo.  It was a marvelous trip.  The lodgings were fantastic, the food was excellent and we visited so many beautiful sites that our phones ran out of room for photos.   We cannot recommend this trip enough!

Dave D & Steve L

The Japan trip was well-curated. It provided a great overview of the country; we saw so much! The hotels that were selected were outstanding. They all felt very special and were top-of-the-line. We had a wonderful time and would highly recommend this tour to any first-time visitor to Japan. We felt we experienced all the essential highlights and much more!

I had an absolutely amazing time in Japan! Joe and Frano did an outstanding job filling our days in Japan with amazing activities! I highly recommend this trip to anyone looking to experience the land of the rising sun for the first time!

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The Tourism Board of Thailand’s new LGBT campaign isn’t just an example of sticky fingers. Here’s why the country is a true LGBT ally.

Related Tours

• November 2-11, 2024
• November 8-17, 2025

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Who's it for.

While these trips typically attract gay men, all genders are welcome, and we encourage friends and family to join the fun as well.

Accommodations

All accommodations on Out Adventures tours include breakfast and are located in areas central to our activities. All amenities are examples only, and may differ from hotel to hotel.

Please Note: Hotel rooms in Japan are very small, including twin-share, meaning you’ll have very little extra space. While we will try to ensure couples are in rooms with one bed, this cannot be guaranteed.

4-Star Hotels: Very comfortable and well-decorated rooms along with quality amenities such as a stylish restaurant and/or bar, a fitness centre, and a pool/sauna. Customer service is very good, and there is usually a concierge.

3-Star Hotels: Very comfortable and simple rooms along with amenities such as a restaurant and/or bar. Customer service is very good, and there is usually a concierge.

Physical Rating: 2 - LIGHT

• Light walking and hiking (2 hours or less per day and at low altitude)
• Light activities such as bike tours are completely optional
• Fast-paced itinerary, but suitable for most fitness levels
• Some long travel days

This trip is fully booked but cancellations occur. If you’d like to be contacted if space opens up, please click “Book Now”, select the appropriate departure and you will be prompted to provide limited information.

If you are a solo traveller willing to share a room with another solo traveller, please select Shared/Twin Room when booking this tour.

If you are a solo traveller interested in booking a private room, please select single supplement when booking this tour (based on availability). If you are willing to share a room with another solo traveller, please select Solo Shared.

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This trip is available but we are close to departure and will need to confirm services such as hotels and activities before confirming you on the trip. The process can take up to 5 business days. If you are seriously interested in this trip, please complete the On Request Booking form and one of our team members will get back to you with next steps.

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Gay travel and tours on all seven continents!

Japan Gay Cultural Tour

 2024  November 22 to December 1 (Hiroshima-Benesse Extension December 1 to 5)

Prices listed are per person: Shared Room: $8,888 Private Room: $10,988

Physical Challenge

“This was a spectacular trip to a fascinating and beautiful country. The tour leader was extremely knowledgeable and sensitive to group interests and needs.” – William F., Los Angeles, CA

“I really enjoyed the balance that this trip achieved–between contemporary & traditional Japanese culture, and between the country’s art & history & spiritual traditions.  As always, I also appreciated HE’s attention to details–such as providing a hot spot for train travel, the availability of a local phone if needed, the flexible & nearly spontaneous adjustment of the itinerary when it rained or when the group was tired, etc.” – Howard C., Chicago, IL

“Very well thought out itinerary where I can leave all the planning to HE Travel and all I have to do is go along and have a great time.” – Jim H., San Francisco, CA

Our gay Japan tour starts in modern Tokyo, then spends two nights in the traditional samurai village of Takayama. Next is Kyoto, with its abundance of temples and gardens and a visit to an art museum built into a hillside. Our unique Extension visits the world-renowned Benesse Art Site on Naoshima Island and Hiroshima to see both the solemn Peace Park and beautiful Miyajima Island.

Explore Japan’s bustling capital city of Tokyo. Relax in the traditional mountain village of Takayama Stroll through Kyoto, one of the most beautiful cities in all of Japan. See the famous Golden Pavillion at the Kinkakuji Temple. Meditate in the Tenryuji Temple garden. Climb up to the tower of Himeji Castle, the best-preserved samurai castle in Japan. Visit  Naoshima Island, home of the renowned Benesse Art Site, perhaps Japan’s leading home of modern art. Contemplate the historic significance of Hiroshima, then tour Miyajima Island whose Shinto gate is at sea or on land, depending on the tide during our Extension.

Enjoy the Culture and Natural Beauty of Japan

Let us show you authentic corners of Japan that reflect the diversity of that proud and ancient land, both ancient and modern, both urban and surrounded by nature. From colorful kimonos to delicate calligraphy, glorious temples to perfectly prim gardens, indelible images of Japan will remain imprinted in your memory once you experience the real Japan. We’ll explore lively Tokyo, visit the traditional Japanese mountain village of Takayama, enjoy Kyoto’s abundance of history, and on our Extension relax on Naoshima Island surrounded by sublime art, and contemplate what Hiroshima means to the people who live there.

Day 1: Welcome to Tokyo

Days 2-3: Tokyo Touring

Tokyo is one of the most interesting and most complicated cities in the world. Over two days we will enjoy guided tours including imperial gardens, museums, and ancient shrines. Our Welcome Dinner will be at a restaurant highlighting traditional Japanese cuisine. In either Tokyo or Kyoto we will be entertained by a professional geisha (and perhaps even one of the few male geishas in Japan!).

Days 4-5: Samurai Mountain Village of Takayama

Today we use Japan’s amazing rail system to go to the mountain village of Takayama, with warehouses that date to Samurai times.

We will stay at a Japanese ryokan, with western beds. Relax in the hot springs pools of our hotel. Later, put on your yukata robe for our special kaiseki dinner, highlighting the vegetables and beef from this mountain region of Hida.

During our time in Takayama we will visit the Miyagawa Riverside Morning Market and have free time to explore several blocks of shops and homes in the Old Town Warehouse District. After lunch in a French bistro, we will see the festive karakuri floats of the Takayama Yatai Kaikan and other sites.

Day 6: Trains to Kyoto

After a leisurely start to the day, we will depart for Kyoto, Japan’s classic capital city, by a mix of local and bullet trains. Upon arrival, we’ll check into our deluxe hotel for the next four nights, and our guide will give an orientation to what we’ll see in Kyoto.

Day 7: Arashiyama and Kinkakuji in Western Kyoto

Today is a full day of sightseeing, starting in Arashiyama in western Kyoto, a fascinating part of the city missed by most Western visitors.

NOTE: The locations listed are our planned stops. However, we may substitute other stops based on weather, congestion, and other local factors.

Our first stop today is to the gardens of Tenryuji Temple. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its gardens, thought to be the oldest in Kyoto, dating to the 14th Century. Their stylish restaurant offers delicious Buddhist vegetarian meals, so we’ll stop there for lunch.

After lunch, we’ll take a rickshaw ride around the temple precincts and through a lush bamboo grove.

Today’s tour concludes at Kinkakuji Temple, a stunning gold-covered pavilion originally built-in 1393. A great photo opportunity is the image of the Golden Pavilion reflected in the tranquil waters of the lake. It was made famous in the book Temple of the Golden Pavilion by gay Japanese writer Yukio Mishima. He wrote of rivalries among monks, including one who burned down the temple.

Day 8: Miho Museum

Today we head north of Kyoto to the exquisite Miho Museum. The building was commissioned by a Japanese religious group and designed by I.M. Pei. The museum blends into the surrounding forest by being built mostly inside a mountain. One approaches the museum through a graceful pedestrian tunnel and an extraordinary suspension bridge.

The museum displays a permanent collection of statues and artifacts from ancient civilizations, along with seasonal exhibits of Japanese art. Following our visit to the Miho Museum, we will return to Kyoto. The rest of the day will be free to explore additional temples and castles, take a train up into the mountains, or enjoy the amenities of our deluxe hotel.

Day 9: Higashiyama District of Kyoto

After two days of savoring a great variety of sights, we will tour the Eastern Hills or Higashiyama area of Kyoto, then offer free time to explore Kyoto at your leisure. You can sample everything from quaint shops to ultramodern department stores to see the blend of tradition and progress.

We will have the farewell dinner of our main tour in a unique restaurant nestled in the hills of Higashiyama.

Day 10: Farewell to Japan or Begin Himeji-Benesse-Hiroshima Extension

Today, those joining just the main tour will catch flights from one of Osaka’s airports to begin the journey home. For those with more time, see the Extensions tab for information about our 4-night extension to Himeji Castle, the Benesse Art Site, and Hiroshima. Following that extension our Koyasan Extension offers one-night in a Zen monastery on Koya-san, followed by a night in Osaka. (Our Koyasan Extension will not be offered in 2024.)

Price Includes

Price includes: Land transportation within Japan; Deluxe hotel rooms, in double occupancy; A limited number of single rooms are available; Breakfast each day and other meals as shown in the itinerary; Guided tours of Tokyo, Takayama, and Kyoto; Shipment of one piece of luggage between hotels (NOTE: luggage will be picked up one day before each travel day due to minimal luggage space on Japanese trains); Services of a knowledgeable HE Travel tour host (with a minimum number of participants); Hotel services charges, taxes, and gratuities for included meals. HE Travel provides complimentary Medical & Evacuation Insurance for every US Resident on our group tours who does not have other coverage.

Not included: Airfare; Transfers between airports and hotels at start and end of the tour (but with recommendations for efficient and inexpensive transfers); Meals not described as being included in the itinerary; Personal items including alcoholic beverages, snacks, laundry, and telephone calls. Gratuities to local guides and HE Travel tour director.

Himeji, Benesse & Hiroshima Extension

$2990  per person in a shared room

$3690  in a private room (for solo travelers who wish to enjoy a private bedroom and bathroom)

Price includes: bus, train, and ferry transportation; one hotel night at Benesse (confirmed for 2024), one hotel night in Okayama, and two nights in Hiroshima, including breakfast; one lunch and one dinner; guide and admission fees for tours of Himeji Castle, Benesse Art Site, Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park and Miyajima.

Price does not include: three lunches and three dinners; gratuities to guides; personal expenses such as souvenirs and beverages.

Koyosan Monastery Extension (not offered in 2024)

$TBD  per person in a shared room

$TBD  per person sharing a Japanese-style room at Koya-san and with a private room in Osaka

$TBD  in a private room (for solo travelers who wish to enjoy a private bedroom and bathroom)

Price includes: land transportation from Hiroshima to Koyasan and back to Osaka; bus pass for Koyasan; one night in Japanese-style room at Koyasan monastery including dinner and breakfast; one night at the hotel in central Osaka including breakfast; guide and admission fees for Koyasan touring.

Price does not include: two lunches and one dinner; gratuities to guides; personal expenses such as souvenirs and beverages.

Tour Insurance

We strongly recommend the purchase of Trip Cancellation and Interruption insurance to protect your vacation investment in case of unforeseen circumstances such as flight delay, illness, or injury. Click Here to learn more about our Insurance partner.

Four-Night Himeji Castle, Benesse Art Site & Hiroshima Extension – December 1 to 5, 2024

Note for 2024: all activities shown below will be included, but due to hotel availability on naoshima, we will start by visiting himeji then stay two nights in hiroshima. we will then travel to benesse art site for one night, and finish with a night in okayama, with easy access to okayama airport., day 10: himeji castle and okayama.

We will drive from Kyoto to Himeji Castle (time permitting), considered the finest samurai castle still standing in Japan. In the afternoon, we will head to Okayama, where we will spend the night.

Day 11: Benesse Art Site on Naoshima Island

This morning, we will take a private bus and ferry to the Benesse Art Site on Naoshima Island. We will spend the day exploring this amazing mecca of traditional and modern Japanese art.

According to the President of Benesse Art Site, “Because contemporary society is overflowing with products and information, I wanted to create a site removed from the noise of the city; a place where people could truly reflect on the meaning of living well.”

Part museum, part park, part experiment, part hotel, part world-class art museum, Benesse offers everything from the unusual to the sublime. Charming giant sculptures, special architecture, and quiet spaces make this site a once-in-a-lifetime experience. Read more about Benesse in a 2011 The New York Times travel article and this 2016 American Express Departures travel article.

One stop is the Chichu Art Museum, which was designed by Takeo Ando as a work of art and built into a hillside. There are only 8 works of art on display, including Monet Water Lilies in a setting with only filtered natural light.

In the main village of Naoshima are several “Art Houses”, each designed by an artist who has turned a house or decommissioned temple into a work of art.

This night will be at the Park Hotel-Art Museum on Naoshima if available, or we will return to our Okayama hotel.

Day 12: Hiroshima Peace Park

This morning, we’ll take a short bullet train ride from Okayama to Hiroshima. Once there, we will transfer to our deluxe hotel for a 2-night stay.

In the afternoon, we will have a reflective tour of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park. We will see school children presenting “1000-crane” origami displays which have long symbolized hope and healing. Along the river is the Atomic Bomb Dome, an exhibition hall until the bomb fell. It is retained as a memorial to those who lost their lives on that fateful day.  We will visit the well-presented by somber Peace Park Museum at our own pace, as well as an origami museum.

Day 13: Miyajima

This day offers a contrasting setting of the region’s natural beauty and religious heritage on nearby Miyajima Island. The island is most famous for the massive “torii” gate of the Itsukushima Shinto Shrine. At low tide, the gate is connected by mudflats to the rest of the island, but at high tide, the gate rises majestically out of the sea. The native population of small deer wanders around the entire village.

Time and weather permitting, we will take the Miyajima Ropeway up to Mount Misen, from which we can get panoramic views of the Inland Sea. Mount Misen is honored by devout Buddhists, since Kobo Daishi, founder of Koyasan, established a monastery there in 806 AD.

We will take a boat back to our hotel, and the evening is on our own.

Day 14: Departure or Begin Koyasan Extension

This day is at leisure until time to transfer to Hiroshima Airport or the train station to start home. Those with more time can join us for the Koyasan Monastery Extension (not offered in 2024).

Two-Night Koyasan Monastery Extension – Not offered with 2024 tour.

This extension follows the Himeji, Benesse, and Hiroshima Extension.

Day 14: Travel from Hiroshima to Koyasan Monastery via Osaka

Our visit to the sacred Buddhist mountain of Koyasan begins with trains and a funicular from Hiroshima to Koyasan. We will drop our bags at the monastery where we will stay in comfortable rooms with tatami mats. In the afternoon, we will walk through Okunoin Cemetery to see the mausoleum of the founder of Shingon Buddhism, who died in 835 AD.

We’ll have a special vegetarian dinner at our monastery.

Day 15: Explore Koyasan and Return to Osaka

At dawn, we will have an invitation to observe ceremonies led by the monks of our temple. After breakfast, we will visit two of the most picturesque temple complexes of this sacred mountain setting, likely with autumn leaves at their peak!

After lunch at a Koyasan restaurant, we will return to Osaka for one night before flights home.

Day 16: Homeward Bound!

Today you will head to Osaka’s Itami domestic airport or KIX international airport or take a bullet train to one of Tokyo’s airports to start your journey home.

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Truly Tokyo

A Tokyo Travel Guide

Shinjuku Nichome

Add this to your next gay-cation: Shinjuku Nichome in Tokyo is home to the world’s highest concentration of gay bars in a single area.

Shinjuku Nichome - usually referred to as Nichome in the vernacular - is an area in Shinjuku that’s become Tokyo’s centre of gay subculture . This is where the LGBTQ crowd comes out to play at night. With several hundred gay bars, nightclubs, love hotels, cafes, restaurants, massage parlors and more within five blocks, there are plenty of drinking and fraternizing options for the queer tourist in Tokyo.

Unsurprisingly, the establishments here can be quite specialized, with some only catering to specific subcultures and scenes. Most bars are fairly accepting of non-Japanese customers, and some even go out of their way to attract foreign customers, but most are primarily aimed at locals rather than tourists. Once you find a bar you like, don’t feel shy about chatting with the people behind the counter. They’re usually quite friendly.

You’ll find both gay bars and lesbian bars here. Some bars here are also popular with women as a safe space, as they’re much less likely to be hit on by straight men. Japanese language may be a barrier to some interactions, but just be polite and considerate of everyone’s social situations when befriending people.

Unlike Roppongi where one is almost obliged to dress up to go drinking or clubbing, Nichome is a much more laid-back and accepting environment. No one really cares what you’re wearing. Go just as you are, be friendly, and have a great time.

Check Hotel Availability

Destination, check-in date, check-out date.

English name: Shinjuku Nichome (gay area)

Japanese name: 新宿二丁目

English address: 2 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo, 160-0022

Japanese address: 〒160-0022 東京都新宿区新宿2

Opening hours: Varies by shop

Admission: Varies by shop

Nearest Transport: Subway: 2-minute walk from exit C8 of Shinjuku-sanchome Station on the Toei Shinjuku line, and Tokyo Metro Marunouchi and Fukutoshin lines. Train: 10-minute walk from the east exit of Shinjuku Station.

Website: none

Near To Here: Shinjuku Nichome is located in Tokyo's Shinjuku district . See our complete list of things to do in Shinjuku , including places to eat, nightlife and places to stay.

Where Is This Place Located?

• Open the Tokyo map
• You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
• Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
• Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
• If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.

Tokyo Vacation Checklist

• For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Tokyo guide
• Check Tokyo accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
• Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Tokyo
• You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Kyoto , Tokyo to Osaka and Tokyo to Hiroshima
• You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a Japan SIM card online for collection on arrival at Tokyo Narita or Haneda airports. Or rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
• See my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
• Compare airline flight prices and timings for the best Japan flight deals . Check my guides to arriving at Narita Airport and at Haneda Airport .
• If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
• A prepaid Welcome Suica card makes travelling around Tokyo much easier - here's how
• World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
• Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help

Tokyo District Map

• Imperial Palace Area
• Tokyo Station
• Shimbashi Shiodome Hamamatsucho Shinagawa
• Akihabara Kanda
• Roppongi Akasaka
• Harajuku Aoyama
• Ebisu Daikanyama Meguro

Disclosure: trulytokyo.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com and amazon.co.uk. World Nomads provides travel insurance for travellers in over 100 countries. As an affiliate, we receive a fee when you get a quote from World Nomads using this link. We do not represent World Nomads. This is information only and not a recommendation to buy travel insurance.

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Your guide to Tokyo's best lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender events, clubs and bars

7 best things to do in Shinjuku Ni-chome during the day

This LGBTQ+ neighbourhood in Tokyo offers far more than just great nightlife. There are gay-friendly cafes, bookshops and more

Pride House Tokyo Legacy is Japan’s first permanent LGBTQ centre – now open in Shinjuku

The LGBTQ community and support centre offers information, counselling and employment services for free

Meet Tokyo's favourite drag queens

These fierce and fabulous queens are the life of the party in Tokyo – and here's why we love them

Kodo Nishimura: Buddhist monk, makeup artist, LGBTQ+ advocate

We sat down with Kodo Nishimura to learn about his double life as an ordained Buddhist monk and an international makeup artist

5 LGBTQ+ friendly hotels and tours for your next trip to Osaka

These unique experiences – from a night river cruise to a hotel designed by Tadao Ando – are the most welcoming in Osaka

Tokyo's best LGBT bars and clubs

First-time visitors to Shinjuku Ni-chome, Tokyo's famous gay district, could do far worse than shimmying into this ooh-la-la joint run by celebrity...

Run by LGBT activist and spokesperson Fumino Sugiyama, Suzu blends right in among the hundreds of tiny watering holes along Shinjuku's Golden Gai. Still, it's...

Cocolo Cafe

Ideal for a late-night rendezvous, this café and restaurant is a popular LGBT hangout that gets points for its 18 different kinds of tea, Vietnamese coffee and...

Aisotope Lounge

Shinjuku Ni-chome's newest club opened in April 2012 on the site formerly occupied by Geisha. Aisotope Lounge is run by the company behind Arch and Alamas...

This bar with a dancefloor offers DJs on weekends (when it often shares the fun with its sister venue, The Annex) and mint-flavoured beer any time. Arty Farty...

Alamas Cafe

'Alamas' means diamond in the Thai language, but this chill café on Shinjuku Ni-chome's main drag exudes more of a Balinese vibe with its hip ethnic decor and...

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The Golden Rules of Queer Travel

It’s a curious thing, queer travel : When I’m at home, my queerness is an inalienable part of me, a concrete fact; but when I go abroad it activates like a magnet, drawing me close to certain people and places, drawing those people and places closer to me. It’s a joy that borders on the ecstatic, to find yourself—and others like yourself—wherever you are. So if you must travel, I recommend being gay while doing it. It’s not for everyone, but it can really lighten things up.

Queer travel is an ancient human tradition, the subject of films from chosen family travels in Under the Tuscan Sun to drag queens hitting the road in To Wong Foo, Thanks for Everything! Julie Newmar ; Transamerica’s mother-son road trip to Pirates of the Caribbean ’s polyamory cruise. (Not to mention queer desire gone awry in The Talented Mr. Ripley .) More recently, it’s become an economy of scale: It’s now a $200 billion dollar slice of the trillion-dollar global tourism market, according to the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association . These dollars are generated by cruises, walking tours, resorts, weddings and honeymoons, and Pride celebrations —with more opportunities doubtless being invented as you read this. Soon enough, I expect even straight people will travel queerly, if the contours of modern tourism bear any resemblance to those of popular culture or the present zeitgeist. (You know how everyone’s now saying “very demure, very mindful”? A trans woman came up with the trend on TikTok. )

Belonging to any segment of the LGBTQ+ world comes with its own rituals and routines. Travel often involves leaving them behind—for better or for worse—and ushers in a whole new set of rules. This is where the golden rules of queer travel come in, informed by a survey of 15 queer travelers and experts. Sure, they’re helpful principles to travel by, whether you’re queer or not. But these are for us, by us. Let them be your beacons wherever your travels take you.

Vietnam gets an Equality index of 54 out of 100 from Equaldex, a score which is dragged down by the discrete nature of the culture more so than prevalent stigma.

1. Get culturally acquainted

Rule number one of queer travel is to know where you’re going. This is important for travelers of all kinds, but for some, it is an urgent matter of safety and security. There is a pervasive fear among queer travelers about encountering prejudice, or straight-up danger, when visiting an unfamiliar space or society, so even though tourists—queer or not—are often not held to the same set of rules as locals, it’s good practice (and a balm for worries) to get concrete and factual information about a place, particularly its laws and attitudes toward LGBTQ+ citizens.

Equaldex is a digital tool that assigns each nation an “Equality” score between 1 and 100, and you can customize your search to see where things like gay marriage or gender-affirming care are legal and available. That said, data points are just one part of the picture, and these cultural nuances often look different in practice. For example, Dan Dao , a travel and food writer who regularly contributes to Condé Nast Traveler , is based in Vietnam , Equality index 54. “There’s a Pride parade, but there’s also a mind-your-business culture,” Dao says. Public displays of affection, for one example, can be uncomfortable whether you’re a straight or gay couple. “It’s a very, very open place,” Dao continues. “But even in a place that’s safe, it’s important to know what those norms are.”

2. Stay gay

For Brandon Berkson, the CEO of the hospitality guide Hotels Above Par , the downiest comfort he can find in a property involves some third-party authentication of its queer-inclusive values. He looks at Misterb&b or for the approval seal of Travel Advocacy Group (TAG), which is spun off from the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association. “Both are goldmines for finding chic, LBGTQ+-friendly stays,” Berkson says. Or you can book queer-owned and operated hotels directly, and these tend to abound in gay sanctuary cities (Berkson recommends Maxwell Residences in Puerto Vallarta.)

3. Find the pharmacy

“I tend to find the LGBTQ+ pharmacy wherever I’m going,” Dao adds, referring to places where travelers can find medications like PrEP or test for STIs. “So I have peace of mind, even if I never go.” He uses the Gay Passport , which publishes detailed city guides alongside photos of hunky male tourists. In addition to itinerary recommendations, you can also find information about local clinics and pharmacies, down to a typical cost quote for STI and HIV testing.

4. Download a VPN

Anyone can have a virtual private network. It’s a little digital plug-in that lets you circumvent a local network by teleporting your online session to anywhere else in the world. I downloaded ExpressVPN before I moved to Japan so I could continue to watch The Real Housewives on Peacock, but my friend Justin Fenner , who covers grooming for the Robb Report, says chicly that it was “the only way to get any work done” abroad, should you find yourself, say, in Beijing and need to access the New York Times . Other intrepid friends have used VPNs to access dating apps in countries where they’re blocked or restricted, but this qualifies as very risky behavior, and not the kind I can personally endorse.

Social media creator Allyssa Leaton hosted queer picnics while living in Buenos Aires in order to meet queer locals and expats.

5. Get to know the locals

The best intelligence on any given place, and particularly its queer scene, comes from soliciting the locals. Sometimes it helps to send out a flare. “It takes an active effort to connect to a community,” says social media creator Allyssa Leaton, @TheLesbianPassport on all her channels. While living in Buenos Aires , and feeling unmoored from her own community, Leaton decided to host queer picnics and advertised them on TikTok . She ended up meeting hundreds of people, a merry mix of locals and expats. “There are still group chats going on,” she says.

6. Embrace a sense of romance

Do you know who is also locally intelligent? That cutie you follow who’s based in Mexico City . The worst they can say is nothing. For short trips, a dating app might be the only queer travel guide you need. “Say what you will,” Leaton adds with a sigh, “but dating apps are a great resource, even if it doesn’t turn into a romantic connection.”

7. Get customized advice

“I only take travel advice from someone who I’d trust to give me interior design tips,” say Daniel Tucker and Dilan Walpola , co-founders of the design firm Riad &partner , based in  Morocco . It’s how they ended up at a kiki ball in an 11th-century monastery and a rave on the slopes of Mount Vesuvius, after a perilous drive up the mountain: Seeing the sun rise over the Sorrento cliffs just as Sarra Wild 's set ended made it well worth the journey.

8. When you want to err on the safe side, ask for two beds

A few people I spoke to for this story mentioned, if a little ashamedly, a recurring anxiety when checking into a hotel. “Nothing makes me happier than to tell them that my same-sex partner and I only need one bed in the room,” says Adam Hurly, a travel writer based in Lisbon . “But I take extra precaution when booking a hotel room or Airbnb in conservative or religious places.” When in doubt, he’ll book a room with two beds, even if only to use one. The other can act as clothing storage, a luxuriously flat couch, or as a second bed.

9. Always hit the gay bar

Wherever you find yourself, find yourself a gay bar. If nothing else, they are local temples of gay culture. Many also serve delicious food. A visit to a gay bar often also provides access to a gayborhood, which can lead to discoveries of all kinds. But anecdotal reports also indicate that the smaller a gay scene is, the more concentrated its energy can become. One of the most memorable nights of Dao’s life happened when she showed up alone at the only gay bar in Reykjavik . “I spent the night with the drag queens,” he remembers fondly.

10. Seek the rarer lesbian bar

It’s been four years since the Lesbian Bar Project revealed that the entire inventory of lesbian bars in the United States is around 33 (compared to the more than 800 that cater to gay men). Still, compared to the rest of the world, this is a surplus. If gay bars are temples, lesbian bars are shrines whose scarcity lends them an even profounder sanctity—and one certainly worth pilgrimage. Hong Kong has L’Paradis ; Frankfurt has Le Gata , which bills itself as one of Europe’s oldest lesbian bars (born in 1971). Leaton recommends Everywhere Is Queer , an app that maintains a global map of queer businesses who have registered to appear on the list. You can find lawyers and life coaches, but you can also find spots like Nathálie , a chic queer-owned wine bar in Boston.

11. Seek group fun, even if you’re solo

There are plenty of organizations that happily fold intrepid single travelers into group experiences, like Walking Women . “We run lesbian holidays for those who want to be sure they’re with like-minded women,” Ginny Lunn, a co-owner, tells me. The group also hosts trips in Malaga and the French Alps , and vets hotels and guides on their hospitality toward queer travelers. “[Being in a group] can help people feel less insecure about some destinations,” she says. And you never know what will happen when you reach out while alone: It was on a solo trip to Spain where Ginny met her first partner some 40 years ago.

Hawa Mahal, the pink palace of Jaipur, is one stop on the Oscar Wilde Tours trip through India.

12. Don’t go to Paris; go to Gay Paris

The very concept of “queer travel” can offer a new frame for trip-planning, especially when it comes to cities like New York , Paris , or Tokyo that are both highly visitable and too large to digest in one go. “There's a lot of queer history and art in these cultural capitals,” says historian Andrew Lear, whose Oscar Wilde Tours scaffolds trips around LGBTQ+ museums and spaces. A recent trip to India included a visit to Hawa Mahal , the pink palace of Jaipur, as well as lunch with Manvendra Singh Gohil , a queer activist and the world’s only openly gay prince thus far.

13. Be a queer diplomat

Dan Ware, whose Toto Tours bring groups of gay men to places like Bhutan and Botswana , often reminds his guests that they are “ambassadors” for the gay community, but this takes on a new significance when visiting a country where homosexuality bears negative stigmas. “Some locals have never encountered people like us,” Ware says. “First—and lasting—impressions will be formed.” He breaks it down easily: Show respect for everyone you meet, admiration for the traditions for you witness, and gratitude for absolutely everything else.

From an anonymous tipster: “If you’re in a place where the tap water isn’t drinkable, then it definitely isn’t douche-able either.” Bottled water does the trick. Or boil water from the tap—and then wait for it to cool.

15. Expedite your trip through security

TSA scans at airports operate on the male-female binary. Once you step into that giant millimeter ray vision tube, the attending agent clocks your gender expression and hits one of two buttons that indicate what anatomy the machine should expect. In other words, anything nonbinary may be subject to additional scrutiny. But the process can be sidestepped by those enrolled in TSA PreCheck or Global Entry . “I continually fail body scanners and get asked invasive questions,” says Lindsey Danis, a queer travel writer, who has previously written about the topic for Condé Nast Traveler . “Joining [an expedited security lane] makes airports way less stressful.”

16. Pack, don’t “pack”

Those traveling with wearable prosthetics need not fear airport security, though it’s generally recommended that they’re stowed in your carry-on ahead of time. “I’d make sure they’re discreetly packaged up just in case your bag does get pulled,” says Alex, the mononymous founder of Transthetics , of his brand’s popular Joystick .

17. Be conscious of your ID

Nobody in transportation security is particularly invested in verifying your gender marker on your passport, which, when issued in many countries like the United States, has options for M, F, or X. But not all airlines have implemented the X marker yet, so while the TSA recommends that your gender markers match, “you should generally not have problems with a gender expression that does not match your ID,” according to Joelle Maslak, who edits and contributes to the Travel While Trans project. But note that the rules change when traveling internationally, which may necessitate confirming that your identification matches the info you’ve supplied elsewhere, like on your boarding pass.

19. Continue to carry on

As a senior director for Parfums Christian Dior’s PR efforts, Andrew Favorito might spend a few weeks ping-ponging between Cannes to Los Angeles to Aspen , so he has to pack nimbly but chicly. “I pack jewels and valuables in my carry-on, especially [when I take] connecting flights” he tells me. He also recommends carrying-on a version of your “vacation uniform,” as well as of course having a vacation uniform : a default and flattering outfit that can be worn while walking around town but also be worn to a nice lunch.

Red River Gorge in Kentucky, a state with a bad reputation amongst the LGBTQ+ that might surprise travelers with its more welcoming reality.

20. Explore unexpectedly

At first, the writer Lindsey Danis dreaded their trip to Kentucky , the state that brought us Republican senator Mitch McConnell and iconic homophobe Kim Davis. “I had low expectations,” they said. But they went anyway—and, a bourbon tasting later, booked a return trip to explore the naturally splendid Red River Gorge, and the artsy enclave of Berea, where the writer bell hooks lived and worked for decades; it’s now home to the bell hooks center , perhaps one of the most radically queer corridors in the state Kentucky.

21. Finally, remember that kindness begets kindness

One of the most celebrated queer travelers and writers in history, the late Jan Morris was a former British spy who went on to write over 20 books. Her prose painted portraits of cities like New York and Hong Kong in gorgeous texture. (Approaching Manhattan by road, it rose before her like “a last outpost on the edge of the continent.”) After she transitioned, in 1964, she returned to her hometown in North Wales expecting shock and prejudice. Instead, she found that people treated her the same. “Everything good in the world is kindness,” she once told The Guardian . “If you are not sure what you think about something, the most useful questions are these: Are you being kind? Are they being kind? That usually gives you the answer.”

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Florida's Official Tourism Website Quietly Scrubs 'LGBTQ Travel' Page

Breaking News Reporter, HuffPost

Florida’s official tourism website has quietly scrubbed a page promoting local LGBTQ-friendly travel destinations, in what has been widely interpreted as another in a long series of steps meant to intimidate, persecute and marginalize the LGBTQ+ community under the state’s conservative governor, Ron DeSantis.

VisitFlorida.com’s “LGBTQ Travel” section ― which featured links to the state’s “top 10 gay beaches” and information about LGBTQ chambers of commerce and LGBTQ road trips ― was last documented as being operative in mid-April by the internet archive site Wayback Machine, as first reported by NBC News on Monday.

“SUNSHINE FOR ALL,” the page had declared when it was active. “There’s a sense of freedom to Florida’s beaches, the warm weather and the myriad activities ― a draw for people of all orientations, but especially appealing to a gay community looking for a sense of belonging and acceptance.”

An official reason for the page’s removal was not immediately clear. Representatives with Visit Florida did not respond to HuffPost’s calls and emails seeking comment. The website’s calendar of events still includes listings for upcoming LGBTQ-themed events across the state.

Visit Florida is not a government agency, but it receives public funding in a public-private partnership with the state legislature, which has worked to strip and limit LGBTQ+ rights throughout the state under DeSantis’ leadership.

These policies include the so-called “Don’t Say Gay” law (which was recently amended under a settlement), as well as laws regarding public school bathrooms, books and children’s sports. Indirectly, there was also a recent summer ban on cities lighting up bridges at night with colors other than red, white and blue, after a county commissioner objected to a rainbow display on a Tampa Bay bridge, as The Washington Post reported .

Nadine Smith, executive director of Equality Florida ― which issued a travel advisory last year for the state, as did other civil rights organizations ― said the removal of the tourism page “is yet another deliberate step in making Florida a hostile environment for LGBTQ people.”

“It sends a clear message to LGBTQ tourists and residents to ‘Get Lost,’” Smith said in a statement to HuffPost on Wednesday.

Earlier this year, a survey of LGBTQ+ people in the U.S. and abroad found that these travel warnings negatively affected their plans to visit the state. Just under half the people surveyed said they’d cancel or reconsider their visit.

The survey ― published by the IGLTA Foundation, the philanthropic arm of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association ― also found that 53% of respondents said they would not attend an LGBTQ+ event in Florida because of the state’s laws and policies.

Worldwide, about 47% of those surveyed perceived the Sunshine State as somewhat unwelcoming or very unwelcoming for LGBTQ+ travelers. Within the U.S., 80% of respondents said the same thing.

When asked what might prevent them from visiting the state, an overwhelming 84% of respondents cited DeSantis’ statements or legislative priorities. The same percentage cited the state’s unfriendly laws and policies toward LGBTQ+ people.

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Florida's official tourism site removes 'LGBTQ Travel' section

Florida’s official tourism website quietly removed a landing page for the state’s LGBTQ-friendly travel destinations sometime in the past four months.

The website for the state’s tourism marketing corporation, VisitFlorida.com, had an “LGBTQ Travel” section that no longer exists, according to archived versions of the site viewable on the Internet Archive. The landing page previously featured blog posts and videos related to the state’s gay-friendly beaches, Pride events and LGBTQ road trip ideas.

“There’s a sense of freedom to Florida’s beaches, the warm weather and the myriad activities — a draw for people of all orientations, but especially appealing to a gay community looking for a sense of belonging and acceptance,” the landing page used to read. “Whether you’re a couple seeking a romantic getaway or a modern family searching for kid-friendly fun, here are some LGBTQ-friendly destinations for you, throughout the Sunshine State.”

The link where the LGBTQ Travel page had been (https://www.visitflorida.com/things-to-do/cultural/lgbtq/) now directs users to a general “things to do” landing page. It is unclear exactly when the landing page was removed, but it was available as recently as April 19, according to the Internet Archive. It is also unclear why Visit Florida, a nonprofit created as a public-private partnership by the Florida Legislature in 1996, removed the landing page and who was behind the decision.

The website does continue to provide travel information for destinations specific to other minority groups, including Black and Hispanic travelers.

Visit Florida did not immediately return a request for comment.

Rachel Covello runs OutCoast , a travel blog that promotes Florida as an LGBTQ-inclusive destination. Covello, a lesbian who lives in St. Petersburg, said the “LGBTQ Travel” landing page has existed on Visit Florida’s website since at least 2021. She said she first noticed that the landing page was missing last month.

“It really feels like we were just erased in a way,” Covello said.

“We want LGBT people to come here, we have really cool places to highlight and showcase,” she added.“But when the state-run platform removes any trace of us being in Florida, it sends a pretty strong message to our travelers, to our community in Florida.”

Not all references to LGBTQ people or LGBTQ-friendly places have been removed from the site. For example, if one types “LGBT” in the site’s search function, five results pop up, three of them for venues described as “LGBT Friendly.”

Maryann Ferenc, a small business owner who served as the chair of Visit Florida from 2017 to 2018, said there was a lot of LGBTQ-related travel information on the site during her time, including information about suggested itineraries and recommended beaches. She questioned whether stripping the site of its LGBTQ Travel section and other LGBTQ-related content s was a smart business move.

“To be a great tourism community, you need to be open and welcoming. That’s the basics of hospitality, right?” she said. “When I was chair, we talked about, ‘Could we be No. 1 in hospitality? How could we measure being the most hospitable state in the Union?’ This certainly wouldn’t qualify for that.”

Ferenc added that diversifying the state’s tourism industry was one of her main objectives when she led the organization.

“All of our diverse markets are important to us getting all of the business that is our fair share of the statewide, national and international tourism market,” she said. “It’s important that we have that diversity, not only because of the amount of money that will be spent by a diverse market, but by the diverse places in which that money will be spent.” 

The removal of the LGBTQ Travel section from VisitFlorida.com is the latest in a yearslong effort to restrict queer history and the expression of LGBTQ identities in the state.

Since 2021, Florida has enacted legislation to limit the instruction of sexual orientation and gender identity in its public schools, to limit the ability of trans minors from accessing transition-related health care or from participating on school sports teams and to defund diversity programs at Florida colleges. 

In recent years, Florida lawmakers also unsuccessfully attempted to limit drag shows, an artform that has decades-old roots in the LGBTQ community. Some of the state’s schools have also voluntarily removed or banned LGBTQ-related books or books with queer characters. 

Just last week, New College of Florida tossed hundreds of books in the trash , with many of the discarded titles appearing to be related to LGBTQ issues, race and women’s rights.

Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis notably waged a yearslong legal battle with Disney , which has a massive corporate footprint in the state, after the company came out against the state’s so-called “ Don’t Say Gay ” law. Disney settled with the state this year.

Last year, the Human Rights Campaign, the nation’s largest LGBTQ advocacy group, and the statewide LGBTQ nonprofit Equality Florida issued a travel advisory detailing the risks of traveling to the state and citing “the devastating impacts of laws that are hostile to the LGBTQ community.”

A recent survey of 2,300 LGBTQ Americans by the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA) found that 52% of respondents indicated hesitancy or outright refusal to travel to Florida due to anti-LGBTQ legislation passed in recent years. However, about 66% of respondents also said that they would be willing to visit LGBTQ-friendly cities within states that have anti-LGBTQ laws. 

In 2017, within days of former president Trump’s inauguration, his administration similarly scrubbed nearly all mentions of LGBTQ people and issues from the websites of federal agencies and the White House. 

For more from NBC Out, sign up for our weekly newsletter.

Matt Lavietes is a reporter for NBC Out.

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Typhoon Ampil Approaches Japan, Disrupting Flights and Trains

The powerful storm is expected to bring heavy rain, strong winds and the threat of floods and landslides to eastern Japan, including Tokyo, on Friday.

By John Yoon

Typhoon Ampil barreled toward Japan on Thursday packing strong winds and heavy rain, and forcing the cancellation of hundreds of flights and trains in and around Tokyo.

The powerful storm had maximum sustained winds of 104 miles per hour, equivalent to those of a Category 2 hurricane, on Thursday evening, according to the U.S. Navy’s Joint Typhoon Warning Center . By Friday, Ampil’s winds were expected to strengthen to 138 m.p.h., similar in strength to a Category 4 hurricane .

Ampil was expected to dump up to 7.8 inches of rain on Tokyo, the capital, and the surrounding area over a 24-hour period, bringing risks of landslides and flooding, Tachihara Shuichi, the chief forecaster for the Japan Meteorological Agency, told reporters on Thursday.

Travelers overwhelmed call centers on Thursday, said Japan Airlines, which canceled most domestic flights and some international ones to and from Tokyo’s Haneda and Narita airports on Friday. It cited the risk of “aircraft rotation” by the typhoon.

All Nippon Airways, Japan’s largest airline, said in an emailed statement that it had canceled more than 290 flights that were scheduled for Friday, affecting about 63,000 passengers.

Central Japan Railway suspended all rail service, including the Shinkansen bullet trains, between Tokyo and Nagoya, and between Nagoya and Osaka, on Friday. It also warned of delays on Saturday.

Another major rail operator, East Japan Railway Company, suspended many of its bullet and express trains around Tokyo on Friday.

Japan’s Coast Guard warned large vessels, container ships, ferries and tankers to leave Tokyo Bay indefinitely for waters less affected by the typhoon.

Ampil was forecast to move north along Japan’s eastern coast on Saturday before swerving eastward on Saturday, away from the country and into the Pacific, according to a storm track published by the Joint Typhoon Warning Center. By then, the storm’s winds were forecast to have weakened to the equivalent of a Category 1 hurricane.

Typhoons are tropical cyclones that form in the Western Pacific or Indian Oceans with sustained winds of at least 74 m.p.h. The term “hurricane” refers to tropical cyclones in the Atlantic.

Scientists have established a consensus that climate change is causing tropical cyclones to become more powerful and making major storms more likely. They also agree that climate change affects the amount of precipitation storms produce.

John Yoon is a Times reporter based in Seoul who covers breaking and trending news. More about John Yoon

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More From Forbes

A guide to exploring tokyo and kyoto, japan.

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Yasaka Pagoda and Sannen Zaka Street in Kyoto, Japan.

Japan is a country that seamlessly blends the old with the new, offering travelers a unique opportunity to experience its rich history alongside its cutting-edge modernity. Two cities that epitomize this balance are Tokyo and Kyoto. Tokyo, the bustling capital, is a vibrant metropolis filled with skyscrapers, neon lights, and a nonstop energy. Kyoto, the former imperial capital, is a serene city known for its ancient temples, traditional tea houses, and picturesque gardens. Together, these cities offer a comprehensive glimpse into Japan’s diverse cultural landscape.

Exploring Tokyo

The Shibuya shopping district in Tokyo, Japan.

Tokyo is a city of neighborhoods, each with its own distinct character and charm. Shibuya, for instance, is famous for the iconic Shibuya Crossing, where travelers can witness the organized chaos of thousands of people crossing the street simultaneously. This district is also a hub for fashion, youth culture, and entertainment, with many shops, cafes, and nightclubs.

Senso-ji Temple, Asakua, Japan.

Just a short train ride away is the historic district of Asakusa, where travelers can step back in time and explore the city’s more traditional side. The highlight here is Senso-ji, Tokyo’s oldest temple, which is approached via the bustling Nakamise shopping street. Here, you can purchase traditional Japanese snacks and souvenirs, making it a must-visit for anyone interested in the cultural history of Japan.

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The Sagamu food tour includes tastings of many local, traditional sweets.

For those looking to delve into Tokyo’s vibrant culinary scene, the Local Foodie Adventure Tour in Sugamo is a fantastic way to taste authentic Japanese cuisine. Sugamo, often referred to as the “Old Ladies’ Harajuku,” is a charming neighborhood known for its traditional shops and eateries. The tour guides visitors through local markets and food stalls, offering a taste of everything from street food to traditional sweets.

The teamLab Borderless Digital Art Exhibition in Tokyo.

Another unique experience in Tokyo is the teamLab Borderless Digital Art Exhibition. This immersive digital art museum blurs the boundaries between the viewer and the art, creating an interactive experience where you become part of the installation. The museum features rooms filled with vibrant projections, where the environment shifts and changes with your movements, offering a mesmerizing experience unlike any other.

Kayaking in Tokyo gives a different perspective of the city.

For a different perspective of the city, consider taking a kayak tour of Tokyo. This activity allows you to paddle through the city’s waterways, offering a tranquil escape from the urban hustle. The route provides stunning views of Tokyo’s skyline and iconic landmarks, giving you a chance to see the city from a unique vantage point.

No visit to Tokyo would be complete without exploring its pop culture—two hotspots include Harajuku and Akihabara. In Harajuku, you’ll find the latest fashion trends and quirky shops, while Akihabara is a paradise for fans of anime, manga, and video games.

Hotel Groove Shinjuku, in Tokyo, Japan.

While there are no shortage of hotels in Tokyo, the recently opened Hotel Groove Shinjuku centrally located in the vibrant district of Shinjuku, this contemporary hotel offers modern amenities and stylish rooms. Its central location makes it a convenient base for exploring the city, with easy access to Shinjuku’s bustling shopping and entertainment areas. The hotel’s on-site restaurant, JAM17, offers a delightful dining experience, blending Japanese and Western cuisines with a focus on fresh, locally sourced ingredients.

Exploring Kyoto

The Bamboo Forest in Kyoto, Japan.

While Tokyo dazzles with its modernity, Kyoto captivates with its timeless beauty and cultural heritage. As Japan’s capital for over a thousand years, Kyoto is the heart of traditional Japanese culture. Kyoto is home to an incredible number of temples, shrines, and historic sites, each offering a glimpse into Japan’s rich spiritual and cultural history. One of the most famous is Kinkaku-ji, the Golden Pavilion, a stunning Zen temple covered in gold leaf that reflects beautifully in the surrounding pond. Another must-visit site is Fushimi Inari Shrine, known for its thousands of red torii gates that form a pathway up the mountain, creating a breathtakingly serene atmosphere.

Maikos walking on in Gion, Kyoto.

The historic district of Gion is another highlight of Kyoto. Known as the center of Kyoto’s geisha culture, Gion is filled with traditional wooden machiya houses and narrow streets that transport you back in time. It’s a wonderful place to explore on foot, particularly in the evening when the lanterns are lit, casting a soft glow over the streets.

Staying at Machiya Residence Rikyu-An offers a unique opportunity to experience traditional Japanese living. This beautifully restored machiya, or wooden townhouse, is located in the heart of Kyoto and provides an authentic and immersive experience. With tatami-mat rooms, sliding shoji screens, and a tranquil inner garden, Rikyu-An combines the charm of old Kyoto with modern comforts.

Food tours are popular excursions in Kyoto.

For food lovers, the Pontocho Evening Food Tour is a good option. Pontocho is one of Kyoto’s most famous dining districts, known for its narrow alleys and traditional wooden buildings. The tour takes you to several local izakayas and restaurants, where you can sample Kyoto’s famous kaiseki cuisine, yakitori, and more. It’s a fantastic way to experience the local food culture while enjoying the vibrant atmosphere of Pontocho.

Traditional Japanese tea ceremony.

A popular activity for many tourists to Kyoto is a traditional Japanese tea ceremony. The Tea Ceremony at Camellia Teahouse is located in the heart of Kyoto, and provides an intimate setting where you can participate in a tea ceremony led by a skilled tea master. You’ll learn about the rituals and techniques involved in preparing matcha (powdered green tea) and have the opportunity to savor the delicate flavors of the tea along with traditional Japanese sweets.

Planning a tour to Japan

Most Japan tours start or end in Tokyo.

While some people prefer booking their travel ala cart (hotels, activities, train travel), others prefer to book with an agency. One option is InsideJapan Tours , which was founded by two Japanophiles, Alastair Donnelly and Simon King. Here’s how it works. The agency creates an itinerary based on the requests of the traveler. The itinerary can be in-depth and include hotels, activities, train tickets and more (with each day planned out from morning to night) or can be more a frame-work (with hotels planned and suggestions made in terms of activities).

When including activities in the itinerary, the agency can include Insider Experiences which range from video game tours, an insider’s look at the world of sumo wrestling, Tokyo’s Manga and Anime scene, Kyoto’s gardens tours and Gion’s geisha culture.

One of the key strengths of InsideJapan Tours is their deep knowledge of the country. Their team of experts includes both expatriates who have lived in Japan for years and native Japanese staff. The Insider Experiences are all led by native English-speaking guides, who are also fluent in Japanese and currently live in Japan.

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