Wear Your Rainbow Cloaks With Pride With Japan Gay Guide

Japan might not be the first name on the list when you think of LGBTQ+ support, but the community is there and growing with the influx of travelers and those looking to live in Japan for the long term. Tempered by increasing support from locals, big cities like Tokyo and Osaka boast a thriving queer culture centered in the neighborhoods of Shinjuku Ni-chome in the former and Doyamacho in the latter. Yet many people might still find it daunting to get into the scene, from not being sure about their own gender and sexuality, to not having sufficient information on the subject, to simply finding the idea of meeting new people nerve-wracking.

That’s where Japan Gay Guide comes in. As a website dedicated to serving the latest information on LGBTQ+-friendly events, venues, and businesses, let’s learn how it works to spread awareness about the community and share the resources to stay safe, happy, and healthy in a society that’s definitely progressing in its views but which still has a long way to go.

Hi, Lin-san! Can you please introduce yourself? What is your role in the company?

Hi! My name is Lin, and I am the Chief Marketing Officer of Japan Gay Guide. I have been with the project since its launch. We are very new, but very excited for what’s to come!

Can you please explain to our readers about Japan Gay Guide and what it aims to do?

Japan Gay Guide is a comprehensive platform dedicated to providing information and resources for the LGBTQ community in Japan. We aim to bridge the cultural and language barriers that often make navigating Japan challenging for LGBTQ travelers, expats, and locals.

Our mission is to showcase the beauty of Japan’s LGBTQ culture while ensuring people have the tools they need to explore safely and confidently. From LGBTQ-friendly venues and inclusive neighborhoods to tips on cultural practices and safety, JGG strives to make the scene more accessible, welcoming, and enjoyable for everyone.

Japan Gay Guide Logo – Credit: Japan Gay Guide

How did Japan Gay Guide start, and what have you been doing since to spread the word?

Japan Gay Guide began with a vision: to make Japan’s LGBTQ culture more accessible to people around the world. Our team recognized the challenges posed by language and cultural differences, especially for tourists and foreigners living in Japan. We wanted to create a space where the beauty and diversity of Japan’s LGBTQ culture could be celebrated and shared globally by everyone.

To spread the word, we’ve actively engaged with the community through social media, collaborated with LGBTQ-friendly businesses and organizations, and attended LGBTQ+ events across Japan. Our content, which includes personal stories, comprehensive guides, and tips, reflects our core values of inclusivity and empowerment.

Japan Gay Guide member at the IGLTA convention- Credit: Japan Gay Guide

You offer many comprehensive guides on LGBTQ-friendly spots throughout Japan. How do you gather such information, and how much does fieldwork factor into deciding which spots you’d recommend?

Fieldwork is absolutely integral to what we do. Our team personally visits venues, engages with owners and staff, and assesses each spot’s inclusivity and atmosphere. This hands-on approach ensures that the recommendations we provide are authentic and reflective of the LGBTQ community’s needs and experiences.

We also listen to feedback from our audience and community. Many of our featured spots are based on recommendations from locals and travelers who share their experiences with us. By combining on-the-ground research with community input, we maintain the accuracy and quality of our guides.

JGG also introduces many resources for residents in Japan, from inclusive clinics to meetup groups and even hotline services. How rare or accessible is such information to the community in Japan?

Such information is often difficult to access, especially for non-Japanese speakers. While Japan is gradually becoming more inclusive, many LGBTQ resources are scattered, under-publicized, or only available in Japanese.

Without platforms like Japan Gay Guide, finding inclusive clinics, support hotlines, or community groups can feel overwhelming, particularly for those new to the country. By consolidating this information into one accessible platform, we help bridge the gap and make essential resources available to those who need them most.

A member of the team as a drag queen – Credit: Japan Gay Guide

Not all LGBTQ-friendly places welcome certain genders or sexualities, so JGG makes sure to include plenty of great all-inclusive places on the website. How does including straight people and allies of the community in your audience align with Japan Gay Guide’s mission?

Inclusivity is at the heart of Japan Gay Guide’s mission. We believe that creating safe, welcoming spaces for everyone—regardless of gender, sexuality, or identity—is essential to building understanding and acceptance.

By including straight allies and those exploring their identities, we foster connections that challenge stereotypes and promote allyship. All-inclusive spaces serve as bridges, allowing allies to support the community while creating environments where everyone feels respected and valued.

Tokyo Rainbow Pride – Photo Credit: Japan Gay Guide

You always make sure to include the personal anecdotes of the staff, travelers, and other members of the community regarding being queer in Japan. What was the most memorable story you’ve heard so far?

It’s hard to pick one – But our most memorable stories are always about our members’ strange and fabulous experiences in the nightlife of Japan. Drag queen hosts, Halloween events, muscle bars, you name them! You can check out these experiences below:

What do you think is the most unique aspect of Japan’s gay culture compared to what you know about the rest of the world?

Japan’s rich history and unique cultural heritage deeply influence its LGBTQ scene. While the country can be conservative in some respects, stepping into Japan’s gay districts reveals a fun, welcoming world unlike any other. We hope these areas become more and more vibrant hereon!

Japan Gay Guide members and members of IGLTA organization – Credit: Japan Gay Guide

Meeting up with new people and trying to find a community can be daunting, especially when you’re in a new country whose language you’re not yet fluent in. Where do you think people should start when they first set foot in Japan?

We recommend starting in Shinjuku Nichome, Tokyo’s LGBTQ hub. With its variety of bars, clubs, and community events, it’s a vibrant space where you can meet people from all walks of life.

For those seeking a softer introduction, joining LGBTQ-focused language exchanges, meetups, or community groups is a great way to ease into the culture while building connections.

Speaking of, we at Arigato Travel believe that food is an all-around great way to get to know someone. Do you have any recommendations of restaurants or other food spots to go to during a night of club and bar-hopping?

After clubbing, we recommend heading to an Izakaya to have a sit and continue your drinks, or perhaps a ramen shop to sober up! There are many such spots that are LGBTQ-friendly in Tokyo, you can view a list here: https://japangayguide.com/gay-friendly/

Thanks so much for sharing, Lin-san! May Japan Gay Guide continue to reach more and more people, providing them with the information necessary to better understand themselves and also one another. And let us all wear our colors in pride no matter where we find ourselves in the world!

Make Sure to Follow Japan Gay Guide on:

Website: https://japangayguide.com/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/japangayguide/

X/Twitter: https://x.com/JapanGayGuide

YouTube: https://youtube.com/@japangayguide?si=GTLo2_jEe1Ck2X81

TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@japangayguide?lang=en

Featured Photo Credit: Japan Gay Guide

Plan to visit Tokyo in the future? Be sure to check out Japan Gay Guide for resources, as well as our Arigato Travel LGBTQ+ Japan Resources page! and don’t forget to use your special code for a discount on Food Tours.