Gay Tokyo Tokyo City Guide

Curation by Yasmina Rodríguez, words by Laura Tucker

Tokyo defies conventional understanding, a metropolis where robot servers deliver ramen to salarymen reading manga, whilst a few streets away, monks perform centuries-old tea ceremonies in hushed temple gardens. This is a city that treats contradictions not as problems to solve but as energies to harness. Here, three-Michelin-starred kaiseki masters share neighbourhoods with standing yakitori joints that haven't changed their recipes since the Showa era. Contemporary art galleries inhabit former bathhouses, boutique hotels rise from traditional machiya townhouses, and the world's busiest intersection becomes, when viewed from above, a choreographed ballet of organised chaos. In Shinjuku Ni-chōme, the planet's highest concentration of LGBTQ venues—over 300 bars in five small blocks—thrives with uniquely Japanese discretion, where privacy and pride coexist without conflict. Tokyo doesn't demand you choose between tradition and innovation, between conformity and self-expression, between the sacred and the profane. Instead, it invites you to experience all of it, often simultaneously, in a dance of contrasts that somehow achieves perfect harmony. For the discerning gay voyager seeking both impeccable hospitality and authentic discovery, Tokyo delivers experiences that exist nowhere else on earth.

Where to stay in Tokyo

Perched atop the Otemachi Tower, Aman Tokyo transforms the concept of urban retreat into an art form. Occupying the building’s uppermost six floors, this architectural marvel channels traditional Japanese aesthetics through a thoroughly modern lens. Natural materials—blonde wood, black basalt, and washi paper—create an atmosphere of serene sophistication, whilst floor-to-ceiling windows frame the Imperial Palace gardens below. The spa, with its 30-metre pool overlooking the cityscape, becomes a meditative space where water meets sky. Each suite functions as a personal sanctuary, where deep-soaking bathtubs face panoramic views and every detail, from the placement of fresh ikebana arrangements to the selection of seasonal wagashi sweets, reflects meticulous attention to harmony.

Meanwhile, Janu Tokyo represents a bold new chapter in Japanese hospitality. Situated in the vibrant Azabudai Hills district, this property embraces a more spirited interpretation of luxury. One that celebrates connection and conviviality whilst maintaining impeccable standards. The interiors, masterminded by renowned designer Rockwell Group, blend warm woods with contemporary Japanese craftsmanship, creating spaces that feel simultaneously grand and intimate. The eight restaurants and bars, including a dramatic show kitchen where chefs perform culinary theatre, transform dining from mere sustenance into social ritual. For those seeking wellness with a twist, the spa combines traditional onsen bathing with cutting-edge treatments, whilst the fitness centre’s panoramic views make dawn workouts feel almost transcendent.

In the heart of the financial district, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi occupies a coveted position that speaks to both commerce and culture. The property seamlessly integrates business and pleasure, with rooms that function as sophisticated urban bases featuring deep-soaking tubs positioned to capture sunrise views over the Imperial Palace. The rooftop terrace, a rarity in space-conscious Tokyo, provides an unexpected oasis where evening cocktails come with a side of glittering skyline. The concierge team here has earned legendary status for their ability to unlock the city’s most exclusive experiences, from private tea ceremonies with renowned masters to after-hours access to usually restricted temple gardens.

Aman Tokyo

The Okura Tokyo stands as a phoenix risen from its own illustrious ashes, having been meticulously rebuilt to honour its mid-century modern heritage whilst embracing contemporary luxury. The lobby’s iconic “Okura Lantern” ceiling installation has been faithfully recreated, providing continuity for guests who remember the original, whilst new additions include a spectacular sky lobby on the 41st floor. The Heritage Wing maintains the property’s diplomatic gravitas—this is where world leaders have traditionally stayed—whilst the Prestige Tower introduces a more contemporary energy. Throughout, there’s a palpable sense of Japanese craftsmanship, from the hand-carved ranma transoms to the carefully curated collection of modern Japanese art.

For those drawn to spaces with soul and story, Hotel Gajoen Tokyo offers something entirely different: a “museum hotel” where art and accommodation merge in spectacular fashion. Often called the “Palace of the Dragon God,” this property houses hundreds of traditional artworks within its walls, including elaborate ceiling paintings and intricate wood carvings that transform corridors into galleries. The rooms themselves become showcases for Japanese aesthetics, with some featuring private gardens and traditional tea ceremony spaces. Located in Meguro, slightly removed from the city’s frenetic centre, it provides a more contemplative base from which to explore Tokyo’s quieter pleasures. The on-site cultural experiences, from kimono dressing to traditional painting workshops, offer intimate glimpses into Japanese artistic traditions rarely accessible to visitors.