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Tokyo, Japan is undeniably one of the world’s most OutThere cities – a vibrant, dynamic and fast-paced metropolis where neon lights and towering skyscrapers pulse to the heartbeat of its ever-friendly people. Here, the rush of futuristic commuter trains weaves seamlessly into the hum of daily life. Every neighbourhood feels like its own world, and each street corner invites all to discover something thrilling, new and often unexpected.
Tokyo is a city of contrasts. Visitors will feel swept up in the magnitude of it all, yet deeply connected to its subtle, intimate moments. You’ll walk through the dazzling lights of Shibuya Crossing, embroiled in the motion of thousands; or find yourself gazing in awe at the ultra-modern skyline of Roppongi from an observatory; or be rubbing shoulders with new friends over drinks in the bustling ‘gaybourhood’ of Shinjuku Ni-chōme. But just moments away, you can find yourself in the serene quiet of a hidden shrine, the scent of incense in the air and the rustle of leaves in the wind; or traversing the timeworn alleys of Asakusa’s old temples; or sat at an ancient tea house in a peaceful garden, where you can pause and reflect; not to mention one of its luxurious, five-star hotels… themselves private sanctuaries.
Despite its pace, Tokyo possesses a remarkable ability to slow one down. Go looking for it, and you’ll reveal its much softer, more reflective side… and little havens for those seeking a ‘slower holiday’ and a greater sense of solace. This juxtaposition makes Tokyo more than just a sprawling metropolis; it’s a city of balance, where every hectic moment is tempered by quiet respite. Tokyo invites you to explore it at your own pace – and have your own unique ‘Tokyo experience’ – embracing as much as you’d want and need from both rush and rest.
City unlimited
Head to one of Tokyo’s fantastic observatories
The Tik-Tok famous SHIBUYA SKY observatory redefines the urban skyline experience. As you ascend to the 47th floor, panoramic views unveil, where the iconic Shibuya Crossing buzzes with life below and distant peaks stand majestically on the horizon. Its glass-enclosed observation deck offers a 360-degree perspective. As the sun sets and the city shimmers, SHIBUYA SKY becomes an unforgettable vantage point from which to immerse oneself in Tokyo’s vibrant spirit. Do note, that the observatory is very popular and a limited number of time-allocated tickets (starting every 20 minutes during opening hours) are available. We advise visitors to book tickets online as early as possible, from their official website… available from 4 weeks before your intended visit.
Head to one of Tokyo’s fantastic observatories Tokyo City View sits high above the city in the sleek Roppongi Hills commercial district, offering a breathtaking panorama that captures everything about the metropolis in one sweeping glance. As day turns to night, the skyline transforms into a sea of glittering lights, with iconic landmarks like Tokyo Tower and the distant silhouette of Mount Fuji adding to the magic.
Engage in retail therapy, redefined
Azabudai Hills mixes Japanese flair, nature, culture and cutting-edge design like a potent and moreish cocktail, featuring luxury fashion stores, cutting-edge boutiques, innovative lifestyle brands and select shops, and world-class dining and seasonal cultural offerings to ensure every visit is a feast for the senses.
An inclusive Tokyo
Tokyo’s contrasting perspectives extend to its welcoming stance, where individuality and diversity – especially that of the LGBTQ+ community – are celebrated, but respect for tradition and societal norms runs deep. The city prides itself on being inclusive, embracing people from all walks of life. Tokyo greets you with open arms, celebrating the vibrancy of its local communities and the many international influences that continue to shape its neighbourhoods.
The city has also made significant strides in embracing LGBTQ+ travellers. Shibuya, known for its progressive stance on same-sex partnerships (the first district in Japan to officially recognise same-sex unions), is a role model for inclusivity. Here, the rainbow flag, symbolising pride and diversity, is not just visible during Tokyo Rainbow Pride in April but is embraced year-round. Shinjuku Ni-chōme, the city’s famous gay district, is the beating heart of the city’s thriving LGBTQ+ culture. With lively bars, clubs and community spaces, it provides a safe and welcoming environment for locals and visitors to explore and celebrate their identities.
Enjoy a sense of community
Eagle Tokyo is a lively and friendly queer space in Shinjuku Ni-chōme and spiritual home to Tokyo’s bear community (but all are welcome!) One of the city’s bigger LGBTQ+ spaces, Eagle is a rugged, industrial bar, and its sister space Eagle Blue is more of a club. The team behind Eagle also manage Japan’s largest international drag show Opulence, as well as the country’s largest gay party Agartha and apparel brand Nippondanji, inspired by Japanese Manga (with a gay edge).
OutThere women will love ANCHOR rainbow port tokyo, located in Shinjuku Ni-chōme. Known affectionately by locals as Yuri Café (“Yuri” means lily; in Japan, the lily represents the lesbian community), this manga café-bar concept (fans of Yuri Manga will love its huge collection of books, with some in English, Chinese and Thai) is a queer-owned business, part of a collective that runs several food and beverage outlets geared to lesbian and bisexual women.
Factory in Shibuya is a chic café-bar owned by a proud and charismatic gay proprietor. The café is not by definition an ‘LGBTQ+ space’, but a spot that is loved by all. It serves up fantastic coffees and desserts and a great selection of craft beers and snacks.
Ogura-san (also known as Margarette) on the Tokyo drag scene set up Okamalt, an LGBTQ+ book salon cum café concept with a huge collection of queer literature. It’s the perfect place to brush up on your Japanese reading skills, but look carefully and you may find some English texts there too.
RoytoSilo is a cuteness overload; a charming hideaway in the Kabukicho district (not far from Shinjuku Ni-chōme) with a unique story behind its name. The café’s concept is based on two male penguins at Central Park Zoo in New York, who made headlines when they ‘adopted’ a baby penguin, Tango who was estranged from its birth mother. Business partners and partners-in-life Genta and Kazushi operate the café together and serve delicious parfaits to customers after dark. During their rare days off, you may find them performing in Ni-chōme as boylesque dancers.
Tokyo at ease
Take tea in one of the city’s breathtaking gardens
Hama-rikyu Gardens is a historic garden – part of what was once a feudal lord’s residence – that features beautifully landscaped ponds, seasonal flowers and a charming, traditional tea house where guests can indulge in the fine art of Japanese tea. It offers a serene escape from the city’s hustle, with stunning views contrasting modern skyscrapers and Edo-period charm.
Dine at the city’s fabulous eateries
IIgura, at the all-new Janu hotel, reinterprets centuries-old traditions of Edomae-style sushi with the freshest, locally-sourced ingredients… all set in a contemporary space with stunning views across the city. The restaurant serves a seasonal menu of delicate sashimi and small plates to be enjoyed at your table or omakase style, seated at the counter in front of acclaimed chef Kunihiro Shinohara.
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A contemporary interpretation of sumibiyaki (Japanese charcoal barbeque, Sumi at the all-new Janu hotel offers an intimate omakase experience – using the finest organic seasonal ingredients, including bluefin tuna and Kurohana beef – with 13 seats gathered around a live grill overlooking Azabudai gardens and the Tokyo skyline.
With just 12-seats, Terakoya sushi sho is a luxurious sushi experience in Azabudai Hills, showcasing the artistry and precision of traditional Japanese sushi-making. Behind the counter is chef Tatsushige Somaki, the 16-year-apprentice of master sushi chef Keiji Nakazawa of Michelin-starred Sushi Takumi fame.
Treat yourself to a unique experience
Located under the train tracks of Hibiya at Hibiya Okuroji, the cocktail bartenders of Folklore break tradition by offering creative mixology based on sake and shochu, not traditionally mixed into cocktails. Expect creations from sake margaritas to shochu martinis in an intimate space built with historic materials from different traditional buildings (including roof tiles from old temples) across Japan.
Kayaking may not be the first thing that comes to mind when visiting the Japanese capital, but traversing the city’s waterways with Great Tokyo Tours offers an unforgettable experience. It is beautiful throughout the year regardless of season, but in spring you’ll see cherry blossoms during sakura season and colourful autumn foliage in the fall.
Tsuruya Yoshinobu features a unique “kayu chaya” where guests can watch confectionery chefs create seasonal kyogashi at the counter, as well as a café serving popular treats like kyokanze, zenzai and anmitsu, all while maintaining the brand’s 200-year legacy of fine confectionery craftsmanship. The store inside the Coredo Muromachi shopping complex is a unique experience, and watching wagashi made by a seasonal professional at a counter is a rare experience.
Stay at some of Tokyo’s most luxurious hotels
The Four Seasons Tokyo at Otemachi is located in Tokyo’s bustling financial district, offering stunning views of the Tokyo Imperial Palace. As well as its incredible suites and sublime spa, it features sky-high gourmet dining on the rooftop terrace, not to mention its very own Michelin-starred French restaurant EST, by chef Guillaume Bracaval.
Hoshinoya Tokyo is rather unique as it takes the traditional ryokan (Japanese inn) concept (remember to leave your shoes at the door!) into a luxurious, high-rise setting. Every floor features just six impressive spaces, centred around a tatami-lined tea room and a zen-inspired team welcomes you with a level of service that is heartfelt and attentive.
Discover your Tokyo experience
There’s more than what meets the eye in Tokyo. It’s a place where you can lose yourself and find yourself simultaneously, all while being your authentic self. No matter where you come from, who you are, how you identify, who you love… Tokyo welcomes you.
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www.gotokyo.org
Photography courtesy of individual businesses and the Tokyo Conventions and Visitors Bureau, unless individually credited. Featured image is of Hama-rikyu Gardens, photography courtesy of Tokyo Metropolitan Park Association
Information in this article is accurate at the time of publishing, but is subject to change. Please visit the official websites of the individual businesses featured for the most up to date information.
