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Gay Tokyo Tokyo City Guide

Curation by Yasmina Rodríguez, words by Laura Tucker

A tranquil nation constantly on the brink of disaster, Japan is a country that breathes duality and its spiralling capital is no different. Both chaotic and calm; dizzying and grounding, in Tokyo there is space for quiet reflection and wild antics in equal share. Carefully balanced in nature and in asphalt, you’re never far from either a cherry blossom branch or a Muji. Lush forests surrounding the city’s shrines run parallel to fashion-forward shopping streets and, behind futuristic skyscrapers packed with weary workers, Mount Fuji glimmers on the horizon. After office hours, salarymen stumble quietly from subway stations, hinting briefly at an underlying dissonance in the national spirit before the day’s fresh fish is once more delivered and the Land of the Rising Sun wakes up to another blue sky. In a country renowned for its strict social rules, somewhat surprisingly, Japan is one of the leaders of gay rights in Asia. Tokyo, as its global representative, offers a thriving LGBT community which locals accept with characteristic humility. For your definitive Tokyo gay guide, you’ve come to the right place.

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The best hotels in Tokyo

Let’s start this gay Tokyo travel guide with a roundup of the best places to stay in Tokyo. The humble, hard-working deference of the Japanese people is not only a key factor in the nation’s continued prosperity, but also a big positive for Japan’s hospitality industry. Aman Tokyo in the capital’s Otemachi business district embodies the Japanese character through and through. The country’s design legacy shines through in every aspect – stone, wood, and paper elements complement the airy feel of the spacious hotel that occupies the top six floors of a 38-storey skyscraper. On-brand with the rest of the Aman hotels, this 5-star hotel is all about harmony and excellence through simplicity. Also, in the Otemachi district, there’s Hoshinoya Tokyo, every bit as remarkable as the aforementioned hotel. If you’ve ever dreamt of staying at a traditional ryokan, this place has you covered. Low futon beds, sliding paper screens, and harmonious contemporary design with natural elements create an immediate sense of luxurious calm. While there are 84 rooms altogether, they are dispersed across 14 floors in groups of six – another feature that will make you feel like you’re staying at a ryokan inn. If you want to stay near Ginza, Conrad Tokyo is a great choice. With commanding views of Tokyo Bay and Hamarikyu Gardens, this contemporary design hotel covers nine floors of the Shiodome skyscraper between floors 28–37 in the Shiodome business district. Experience the highest level of service by accommodating staff who go above and beyond to showcase remarkable Japanese hospitality. If skyscrapers are not your thing, how about staying in a charming luxury hotel that resides in a 1920s bank building in Tokyo’s Nihonbashi Kabutocho district? Central and steeped in history, the 20-room K5 hotel gives off distinct Japanese and Scandinavian vibes through its harmonious design. The rooms have an airy feel thanks to the high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows. You don’t have to wander far to find excellent food, coffee, and drinks since the hotel offers everything in its Caveman restaurant, Switch Coffee coffee stand, and Ao bar. Another centrally-located hidden treasure is the Azabu Ten Tokyo hotel. The design of this hotel is defined by modern luxury with fewer traditional Japanese elements. A common theme throughout the hotel is featuring plants in mini garden settings that create a lovely contrast with the bright interiors – you’ll see it both in the common areas and the rooms. Expect boutique-style service and friendly staff catering to your needs. Design-savvy travellers will love the concept of Trunk Hotel that promises more than a hotel room – this Shibuya hotel is all about the lifestyle. Hip, trendy, and seductive design successfully merges Japanese design with contemporary design aesthetics. With only fifteen rooms (four suites and eleven rooms), it’s a gem not to be missed!

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Recommended hotels in Gay Tokyo - Tokyo
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