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GAY TOKYO
Discover this City with our Quick and Practical Guide to Visit the Best Attractions, Savor Typical Dishes and Have Fun in the Best Gay Bars. All this through the Rainbow Eyes of the World Mappers
What to See, Best Places to Sleep, Where to Eat and to Have Fun in TOKYO?
Find it out with the World Mappers !
LGBT TOKYO
Tokyo is a vibrant, multicultural city, with an LGBTQ+ scene that has grown and evolved over the years. The LGBTQ+ community in Tokyo has achieved greater visibility and recognition, although Japan still has a long way to go in terms of legal rights and equality compared to other countries; but events like Tokyo Rainbow Pride and the development of safe spaces like Shinjuku Ni-chome show that the city is on the right path to greater acceptance!
WHAT TO SEE in TOKYO?
15 THINGS TO SEE in TOKYO
Shinjuku
Shinjuku is a vibrant district in Tokyo known for its skyscrapers, nightlife, shopping, and Shinjuku Gyoen, a large park. It is also the heart of Japan's LGBTQ+ scene, especially in Ni-chome.
Shibuya
Shibuya is a trendy district in Tokyo, famous for the busiest intersection in the world, Shibuya Crossing. During rush hour, it is estimated that 1,000 to 2,500 people cross the intersection every two minutes! It is also a hub of fashion, technology, nightlife, and youth culture, with plenty of shops and cafes.
Harajuku
Harajuku is a vibrant district in Tokyo known for its unique youth culture and quirky style. Located near the famous Meiji Shrine and Meiji Station, Harajuku is a hub for alternative fashion and Japan's most daring trends. Here you can find quirky shops, independent designer boutiques, and souvenir shops. Takeshita Street is the heart of the district, full of shops selling clothes, accessories and extravagant sweets. Harajuku represents the essence of creativity and experimentation, and is a must-see for those who want to discover the more modern and colorful side of Tokyo.
Asakusa & Senso-Ji Temple
Asakusa is a historic district of Tokyo, known for Senso-ji Temple, the oldest and most famous Buddhist temple in the city. It attracts visitors with its majestic Kaminarimon gate, the lively Nakamise market and authentic cultural tradition.
Ginza
Ginza is an elegant district known for its luxury boutiques, fine restaurants and modern skyscrapers. It is a commercial and cultural center, known for its exclusive shopping and sophisticated architecture.
Akihabara
Akihabara is the center of Tokyo's geek and tech culture, known for its electronics, manga, anime and video game stores. This district attracts fans from all over the world with its multi-stores of gadgets, collectible figures and cosplay items. Akihabara is also famous for its maid cafes, where visitors can have a unique and surreal experience in themed environments. It is the ideal place to immerse yourself in the world of Japanese otaku and discover the latest in technology.
Jinbocho
Jinbocho is a district famous for its used and antique bookshops. Known as the "book district", it offers a wide selection of rare, academic and second-hand texts, creating an intellectual and lively atmosphere.
Roppongi & Tokyo Tower
Roppongi is a lively district of the city known for its nightlife and art. The Tokyo Tower, located nearby, is an iconic structure that offers breathtaking views of the city and is home to restaurants and shops. Both represent the energy and modernity of Tokyo.
Odaiba
Odaiba is a futuristic island in Tokyo Bay, known for the Rainbow Bridge, an iconic suspension bridge that lights up at night, and the Gundam Unicorn Statue, a large replica of the famous robot located in the DiverCity shopping mall. Odaiba offers modern attractions and spectacular views of the city!
Metropolitan Government Building
The Metropolitan Government Building is an impressive twin skyscraper with two towers. It offers free panoramic views of the city and represents Japanese postmodern architecture.
Tsukiji & Tsukiji Fish Market
Tsukiji is a district known for its historic Fish Market, which until 2018 was the largest in the world. Although the wholesale market has been moved to Toyosu, Tsukiji is still famous for its fresh sushi restaurants and specialty food shops.
Sumida & Tokyo Skytree
Sumida is a district famous for being home to the Tokyo Skytree, one of the tallest structures in the world, with a height of 634 meters. Opened in 2012, the tower serves as a broadcast center and offers spectacular views of the city from its observation decks. In addition to the panoramic views, Tokyo Skytree is home to a large shopping mall, an aquarium, and several restaurants. The Sumida district surrounding the tower is known for the Sumida River and its parks, creating a vibrant, multifunctional environment.
Ueno Park & Tokyo National Museum
Ueno Park is a large green space that is home to the Tokyo National Museum, the oldest and largest museum in Japan. The park also features zoos, ponds, and ample space for walking and picnicking.
Marunouchi & Palazzo Imperiale
Marunouchi is an elegant district in Tokyo, known for its skyscrapers and business centers. Nearby is the Imperial Palace, residence of the Japanese imperial family. Its gardens and surrounding parkland offer beautiful walks and historical views.
Parco Yoyogi
Yoyogi Park is located near Harajuku and Shibuya, and is one of the largest parks in Tokyo. It has large spaces for sports, such as soccer and rugby, as well as picnic and walking areas. The park is also known for its events and markets, and is a popular venue for street performers and dance groups. Its large green spaces offer a refreshing break from the surrounding urban hustle and bustle.
SUGGESTED ITINERARIES
Visiting this city at its best depends essentially on how long you have to fully enjoy it. Here is a solution based on the number of days available to you:
Day 1 - Tokyo #1 (Shinjuku, Santuario Meiji, Harajuku + Golden Gai & Omoide Yokocho) - Google Maps
Day 2 - Tokyo #2 (Ueno, Akihabara, Jinbocho, Shibuya) - Google Maps
Day 3 - Tokyo #3 (Ginza, Tsukiji, Marunouchi, Tokyo Skytree & Senso-ji) - Google Maps
Day 5 - Tokyo #4 (Roppongi, Tokyo Tower, TeamLab & Odaiba) - Google Maps
Extra - Disneyland Tokyo (by Train) - Google Maps
(By opening the Maps with Google, you can easily follow our path)
5 BEST EXCURSIONS from TOKYO
We advise you to book the best excursions here: Viator - Musement - Get Your Guide
Mount Fuji & Hakone
Nikko, Toshogu Shrine, Kegon Waterfall & Lake Chuzenji
Kyoto
Osaka
Kamakura
Click'n'Go - Click on Hotels, Restaurants, Bars & Clubs
to find them on the Map or visit their Website
WHERE TO SLEEP in TOKYO?
10 BEST GAY FRIENDLY HOTELS in TOKYO
The Prince Park Tower Tokyo ***** ® Tested by World Mappers
Henn na Hotel Tokyo Ginza *** (Robot Hotel) ® Tested by World Mappers
Map'Hotel • THE PRINCE PARK TOWER TOKYO
Our stay at The Prince Park Tower Tokyo was unforgettable. As a gay couple, we immediately felt welcomed in a refined and inclusive environment, where the staff demonstrated great professionalism and attention. The hotel, located in a quiet but central area, close to Tokyo Tower, allowed us to easily explore the city and enjoy breathtaking views of the skyline. Our room was spacious and luxurious, with every conceivable comfort to ensure a perfect stay. We especially appreciated the exclusive services, such as the spa and the high-class restaurants. The relaxed atmosphere and respect for each guest made our experience unique and absolutely memorable.
Map'Hotel • HENN NA HOTEL TOKYO GINZA
Staying at Henn na Hotel Tokyo Ginza is truly a unique and fascinating experience. We were curious to try this famous "robot hotel" and from the moment we arrived we were struck by the peculiarity of the check-in completely managed by robots. The technological atmosphere of the hotel is extraordinary: from the automated lights to the assistant robots, everything contributes to creating a futuristic and fun stay. Our room was modern, functional and comfortable, perfect for relaxing after exploring Ginza. Despite the high-tech approach, we felt welcomed and comfortable in an inclusive and open environment. A futuristic experience that we highly recommend!
WHERE TO EAT in TOKYO?
10 BEST RESTAURANTS in TOKYO Quality / Price
€€€€ - Musashi Sky Restaurant ® Tested by World Mappers
€€€ - Washoku Asakusa
€€€ - Gyopao Gyoza Shinjuku
€€€ - Ichiran Shibuya ® Tested by World Mappers €€€ - Uokin
€€€ - Ichiran Shimbashi ® Tested by World Mappers
€ - Arteria Bakery
GAY NIGHTLIFE in TOKYO
BEST GAY PLACES, BARS & CLUBS in TOKYO
EAGLE TOKYO BLUE (Gay Bar) ® Tested by World Mappers
Dragon Men (Gay Bar)
AiiRO CAFE (Gay Bar)
TRAVEL TIPS about TOKYO by World Mappers
One of the more quirky and popular tourist experiences in Tokyo is go-karting through the city streets, an activity that allows visitors to race mini go-karts inspired by the popular Mario Kart game through famous neighborhoods like Shibuya, Shinjuku, and Roppongi. This particular tour is inspired by video game characters, and many participants dress up in colorful costumes, making the experience even more fun. Go-kart tours include a ride through Tokyo’s iconic landmarks, with the opportunity to take photos in front of famous landmarks. Of course, you do need an international driver’s license to participate, but other than that there are no other requirements.
Immerse yourself in a unique experience at Maid Café: These are a type of themed café that is very popular in Tokyo, especially in the Akihabara area. In these establishments, waitresses dressed in "maid" uniforms (French-style servants) welcome customers in an atmosphere reminiscent of a manga or anime house. The idea is to offer a service experience that goes beyond simple food and drinks; customers are treated as "gentlemen" and "ladies" and participate in games, performances and conversations. The waitresses may also offer special services such as humming songs or performing short dance performances. If you plan to visit one of these cafés, be prepared for a unique and slightly eccentric experience!
Don't miss Tokyo's Transparent Public Toilets! They have become a point of interest for visitors not only for their functionality, but also for their distinctive design and innovative integration into the urban context. The distinguishing feature of these public toilets is their transparent design. The exterior walls are made of colored, opaque glass, which allows you to see inside when the toilets are empty, but provides complete privacy when they are occupied. This innovative design was conceived to ensure safety and cleanliness, as well as reduce the anxiety of using less transparent public spaces. There are two in the city: Yoyogi Fukamachi Mini Park & Haru-no-Ogawa Community Park!
Have you ever dined at a ROBOT Restaurant? Located in the vibrant Shinjuku district of Tokyo, this restaurant is more of a show than a regular dining establishment. Despite its name, Robot Restaurant offers a unique experience with a breathtaking show that includes laser lights, live music, dancing, and robots! But don't miss LUNCH DAWN Avatar Robot Cafe, an innovative restaurant known for its combination of advanced technology and unique dining experiences. This themed cafe specializes in using robot avatars to interact with customers and serve food!
Don't miss the chance to see the unique Hello Kitty Shinkansen: it is a special version of the famous Japanese Shinkansen bullet train that connects Tokyo to Osaka, dedicated to the famous mascot Hello Kitty! The exterior of the train is decorated with images of Hello Kitty and her friends and the interior offers an equally themed experience. The train has become a very popular attraction, offering a unique and colorful experience during the journey. If you are a Hello Kitty fan or simply looking for a different and fun experience during your stay in Japan, traveling on this Shinkansen could be a great choice!
Do you love nightlife? Golden Gai is a famous area of Tokyo located in the Shinjuku district, known for its lively and characteristic nightlife. This district is composed of a series of narrow alleys and narrow spaces filled with small bars and clubs that offer a unique and intimate atmosphere. It is also known for its traditional architecture and retro charm, with many buildings dating back to the 50s and 60s. Each bar has its own distinctive personality and style, often decorated with unique memorabilia and furnishings.
If you’re a dog lover, Harajuku Mame Shiba Café Bar offers a unique experience that combines café culture with your passion for Shiba Inus. This café is known for its cozy atmosphere and unique decor that celebrates the Shiba Inu breed, especially those with the “mame” color (which means “bean” in Japanese and refers to the smaller breed of dog).
If you are a cat lover or simply interested in artistic and technological experiences, Cross Shinjuku Space - 3D Cat is definitely a place to visit in Tokyo. Located in the Shinjuku district, this themed restaurant stands out for its unique proposal of combining art, technology and love for cats in an immersive experience.
Do you wanna try a unique and themed dining experience that combines food and entertainment? Ninja Tokyo is the perfect place! Located in the Akasaka area, the restaurant offers an atmosphere that recreates the setting of an ancient ninja village. Guests are greeted by "ninjas" who guide them through a labyrinth of dark corridors and mysteries. The environment is full of decorations that recall their world, with details such as secret doors, simulated traps and furnishings inspired by ninja themes. It is an immersive experience that goes beyond simple dinner!
Are you a fan of arcades? We recommend RED° TOKYO TOWER: it is a modern attraction located inside the Tokyo Tower, one of the most iconic landmarks of the city. RED° is a themed entertainment area that combines augmented reality and virtual reality experiences with live shows and interactive attractions.
Don't miss the famous Yokozuna Tonkatsu - Sumo Experience: it is a themed restaurant that combines Japanese culinary tradition with the world of sumo. Customers can watch shows or demonstrations that simulate some of the characteristics and traditions of this sport.
Are you an animal lover? Run to HARRY Hedgehog Café: it is the first “hedgehog” themed café chain in the world, where you can enjoy a hot drink in the company of these little animals. At your table, you will find hedgehogs waiting for you inside a glass case and, after putting on protective gloves, you can pet them, take photos and even feed them!
"SECRET TOKYO"
Unusual and Particular Places to See in Tokyo
Outside the classic places to visit of the city, there is a "Secret Tokyo" that has simply bewitched us. Here are the 5 Things and Places to See in Secret Tokyo:
Gotokuji Temple - is located in the Setagaya district and is known for its association with the legend of the maneki-neko, the lucky cat. It is said that a samurai, visiting the temple, was saved by a cat that raised its paw, showing him the way to a new life. The temple features a large collection of maneki-neko statues, which visitors leave as a sign of gratitude or to ask for good luck.
Sangenjaya Gorilla Building - is a residential building located in the Sangenjaya district. It is famous for its facade that resembles the face of a gorilla. This distinctive feature was designed to attract attention and make the building memorable.
Reversible Destiny Lofts Mitaka - are a residential complex known for their eccentric, colorful and intentionally disorienting design, created with the intention of stimulating the senses and challenging the conventions of everyday life. The apartments feature irregular shapes, sloped surfaces, and bright colors, all designed to encourage residents to live more consciously and "defy fate" of physical decline as they age. These homes have become an icon of experimental architecture!
Plaza of Stars - similar to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, it is famous for its commemorative tiles with the handprints of international celebrities. It offers visitors the opportunity to see the signatures and footprints of famous people from the worlds of film, music, and sports.
Liberty Statue - is a replica located in Odaiba, an artificial island in Tokyo Bay. Opened in 2000, it is a symbol of friendship between Japan and the United States and offers a panoramic view of the city skyline and the Rainbow Bridge.
INSTAGRAMMABLE TOKYO
Instagrammable Places to See in Tokyo
Don't miss the best instagrammable places in Tokyo, here are our favorites:
GAY TOURS in TOKYO
Do you want to discover the city and enjoy one of Best Gay Tours in Tokyo? We recommend the following local operator(s):
MyGayTour.com - Tour Operator offering tours and excursions dedicated to the LGBT+ community Worldwide. Special Tours and Gay & Lesbian Friendly Guides ready to make you discover the beauties of this destination.
5% Discount Code for MyGayTour Following The World Mappers "WORLD5"
Info & Booking: info@MyGayTour.com - Check all Prices here: www.MyGayTour.com
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