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LGBTQ-Friendly Facilities in Tokyo: Hotels, Cafes, Clubs, and Hair Salons
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Tokyo is becoming a friendly place for the LGBTQ community, with cafes, clubs, and hotels that welcome all. This article highlights ten LGBTQ spots in Tokyo, providing helpful info for travelers looking for LGBTQ facilities and insights into Japanese LGBTQ culture.
About LGBTQ
Before we formally introduce the 10 facilities, let’s take a moment to understand LGBTQ. This term is used to refer to people with different gender identities and sexual orientations. Here’s what each letter stands for:
- L stands for Lesbian: women who are attracted to other women.
- G stands for Gay: men who are attracted to other men.
- B stands for Bisexual: individuals who are attracted to both same-sex and opposite-sex.
- T stands for Transgender: a person whose gender identity or expression differs from their assigned sex at birth.
- Q stands for Queer: this is an inclusive term referring to anyone who does not conform to traditional heterosexual or gender binary notions. It can encompass all forms of gender and sexual diversity. It may also specifically denote "Questioning" (uncertain sexual orientation).
Sometimes, you may also see "LGBTQ+", where the "+" represents other gender identities and sexual orientations, such as Asexual (those who do not experience sexual attraction) and Intersex (those born with variations in sex characteristics).
Next, we will introduce ten LGBTQ-friendly facilities located in Tokyo, including hotels, clubs, cafes, and salons.
LGBTQ-Friendly Facilities in Tokyo
1. CEN DIVERSITY HOTEL & CAFE
2. Tokyu Stay Shinjuku
3. TRUNK (HOTEL)
4. The Capitol Hotel Tokyu
5. Sorano Hotel
6. Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
7. Onnanoko Club (Girls' Club)
8. Hairsalon BREEN Tokyo
9. Ashiyu Cafe & Bar Don-yoku
10. Shinjuku Dialogue
1. CEN DIVERSITY HOTEL & CAFÉ (CEN HOTEL)
Picture courtesy of CEN DIVERSITY HOTEL & CAFE
CEN DIVERSITY HOTEL & CAFE is a hotel located in Tokyo, welcoming guests of all colors, languages, religions, and genders.
The hotel’s mission is to provide a comfortable and inclusive environment where all guests can relax entirely without concerns about being treated unfairly due to their identity, allowing them to enjoy their travels.
Picture courtesy of CEN DIVERSITY HOTEL & CAFE
CEN HOTEL is characterized by its staff, who have undergone LGBTQ training. This ensures employees understand and respect various gender identities and sexual orientations.
For example, if a same-sex couple requests a double bed, the staff will not be confused or refuse due to a lack of understanding. Rather, they will provide the requested room type without further explanation from the guests.
*LGBT Training indicates that staff at this establishment has received training regarding the LGBTQ+ community. This training typically includes understanding diversity and inclusivity, as well as how to provide a welcoming service environment for LGBTQ+ clients. Establishments with this certification demonstrate a level of understanding and respect for the LGBTQ+ community.
Picture courtesy of CEN DIVERSITY HOTEL & CAFE
Additionally, the hotel’s design reflects respect for gender diversity. For example, the lobby restrooms are gender-neutral, and all guests are addressed using the gender-neutral term "san" in Japanese. These little details showcase CEN HOTEL's friendly attitude toward the LGBTQ community and its commitment to creating a truly inclusive accommodation environment.
2. Tokyu Stay Shinjuku
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
Tokyu Stay Shinjuku is located in the heart of Shinjuku and is a hotel that emphasizes LGBTQ-friendliness. It is also very close to Tokyo's main gay district, Ni-chome. This area is rich in LGBTQ cultural venues, including bars, clubs, and cafes.
As a member of IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association)*, the hotel undergoes LGBTQ-friendly training to ensure that staff understand and respect the needs of diverse sexual orientations and gender identities.
*IGLTA (International LGBTQ+ Travel Association) is the abbreviation for the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association. If an establishment has this certification, it indicates it is an IGLTA member. IGLTA is a global organization focused on promoting LGBTQ+ friendly travel, and members must concentrate on providing safe and welcoming travel experiences for LGBTQ+ travelers.
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
The hotel offers a variety of room options. In addition to single and double rooms, connecting rooms, bunk beds, Western-style rooms, and terrace rooms allow guests to enjoy the sunshine.
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
The rooms are equipped with microwaves and simple kitchenettes, making them ideal for long-term stays or for guests who wish to do some light cooking. It is a perfect accommodation choice for both leisure travelers and business travelers on the go.
3. TRUNK (HOTEL)
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
TRUNK (HOTEL) is a hotel located in Shibuya that advocates for everyone to realize their true selves in their daily lives and find meaning in life without feeling pressured. This philosophy is reflected in TRUNK (HOTEL)'s support for the LGBTQ community.
Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
TRUNK (HOTEL) regularly hosts events in support of the LGBTQ community and launches related activities during Pride Month* to promote values of inclusion and diversity.
*Pride Month, commonly known as Pride Month, is a month dedicated to celebrating and honoring the pride of lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, and transgender individuals (collectively known as LGBTQ). It is typically observed in June.
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
The hotel interior is stylish and comfortable, offering various luxurious room options. As a highly inclusive space, LGBTQ travelers can experience exceptional and thoughtful service.
4. The Capitol Hotel Tokyu
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu is located in Chiyoda Ward, Tokyo, offering a luxurious experience. The hotel is conveniently close to Tokyo’s main business districts and entertainment venues, saving travelers a lot of commuting time. This hotel is not only a member of IGLTA but also situated near popular LGBTQ areas in Tokyo, making it easy for guests to explore local LGBTQ culture.
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
The hotel features 251 rooms, including 14 suites, with all rooms offering more than 44.8 square meters of space and stunning views of the Tokyo skyline from the windows.
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
The hotel is equipped with various facilities, including restaurants, a spa, and an indoor swimming pool, allowing guests to relax their tired minds and bodies after a day of travel. Additionally, all rooms are soundproofed, so there’s no need to worry about noise from neighboring rooms affecting your sleep.
5. Sorano Hotel
Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
Sorano Hotel is a 3.5-star hotel located near Showa Kinen Park and is only a 5-minute walk from Tachikawa Station, making it a very convenient location.
Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
Sorano Hotel is well-known for its unique modern design and LGBTQ-friendly attitude. To celebrate Pride Month, the hotel previously launched a series of LGBTQ-themed activities and products, such as "Pride Ice." Through these activities, Sorano Hotel demonstrates its support for the LGBTQ community.
Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
The hotel features facilities such as a hot spring, sauna, and multifunctional bars, offering a variety of amenities and services for guests to enjoy a pleasant stay. For those looking to stay active, a gym is available within the hotel. All 81 guest rooms have balconies, standalone bathtubs, and down comforters.
Picture courtesy of PR TIMES
One of the most attractive features is the infinity pool, which offers views of Showa Kinen National Park. A beverage area is also nearby, where guests can enjoy non-alcoholic or low-alcohol drinks.
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6. Hotel Gracery Shinjuku
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
Hotel Gracery Shinjuku is a four-star hotel located in Shinjuku, creating a friendly environment for LGBTQ travelers. All staff members have received LGBTQ training and continue to enhance their understanding of the LGBTQ community. As a result, hotel staff can provide thoughtful service to LGBTQ guests and meet their needs.
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
The hotel has a total of 970 guest rooms, loved by travelers for its excellent location and complete facilities. With 14 restaurants and various entertainment options within the hotel, you can have a great time just by staying there!
Picture courtesy of Booking.com
The hotel is located near Shinjuku Ni-chome, which is the main LGBTQ district in Tokyo. Guests at the hotel can quickly learn about Japanese LGBTQ culture while booking a stay here.
7. Onnanoko Club (Girls' Club)
Onnanoko Club (Japanese) is located in Shinjuku Ni-chome and caters to those who enjoy cross-dressing and female attire culture.
Since its establishment in 2012, Onnanoko Club has become a gathering place for many cross-dressing enthusiasts, providing a space to express themselves freely and enjoy dressing up.
The club's interior has a pink "girly" theme and multiple mirrors for guests to admire their outfits.
Additionally, Onnanoko Club offers a rental service for various female clothing styles and accessories, including uniforms, cute outfits, and mature clothes, so you can come here and choose your favorite costumes!
Many regulars meet new friends and share their passions and experiences related to cross-dressing. Every guest who comes here can feel a sense of belonging and safety.
The club owner and staff actively promote this sense of community, creating an inclusive and supportive environment that ensures everyone can explore and enjoy female attire culture in a comfortable atmosphere.
8. Hairsalon BREEN Tokyo
Hairsalon BREEN Tokyo is an LGBTQ-friendly salon located in Tokyo that features a unique aspect of using "gender-neutral hair products" that suit various hair types. This is particularly beneficial for transgender clients since products not bound by gender classifications are a bonus.
Hairsalon BREEN Tokyo provides LGBTQ clients with comfortable and attentive service. Additionally, the restrooms are gender-neutral, demonstrating respect for every guest.
The salon's head designer, KAHO, was initially attracted to this salon for its multicultural and inclusive philosophy. After working here, KAHO became a proud member of the LGBTQ community.
KAHO has even developed a range of haircut services designed explicitly for LGBTQ clients, helping each individual find the style that suits them best. Additionally, English services are offered, so overseas travelers don't need to worry about language barriers when visiting!
9. Ashiyu Cafe & Bar Donyoku
The Ashiyu Cafe & Bar Donyoku is a cafe and bar that opened in 2018. It promotes the philosophy of "valuing individuals beyond their sexual orientation." It aims to create a space where people of all orientations, nationalities, and ages can comfortably enjoy themselves.
The cafe features foot bath seating, allowing guests to soak their feet while relaxing and chatting with friends and family.
As for the menu, there is a rich selection of beverages, including nutritious tea and homemade amazake (sweet-tasting, fermented rice) latte. Various drinks and a thoughtfully designed environment make Ashiyu Cafe & Bar Donyoku popular among guests from various backgrounds and generations.
Additionally, the manager operates a "women-only" izakaya on the same floor as the cafe, emphasizing that guests are not categorized by orientation or other labels. If you visit Ashiyu Cafe & Bar Donyoku in the evening, you might consider enjoying dinner here as well.
10. Shinjuku Dialogue
The Shinjuku Dialogue is an inclusive coffee shop welcoming the LGBTQ community, vegans, vegetarians, and anyone concerned about the environment.
The menu primarily focuses on locally sourced ingredients, and the manager aims to provide healthy dining options, placing a strong emphasis on ingredient quality.
Popular drinks, such as the "Amazake Latte," are made with soy milk, making them suitable for vegans, and are available both iced and hot. The cafe uses stainless steel straws, highlighting its commitment to environmental sustainability.
The cafe features 17 boxes hanging on the wall, each corresponding to the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). For every drink ordered, the shop donates 50 yen to relevant SDG activities. At checkout, customers can place their received bottle caps into the box corresponding to the goal they wish to support, allowing everyone to contribute to environmental efforts through small actions.
After 18:00, the coffee shop transforms into a bar, with the transgender bartender Shun serving drinks. Evening guests can also participate in the SDG donation activities.
Enjoy Exploring Tokyo
The above is an introduction to 10 LGBTQ facilities in Tokyo, covering a wealth of information on accommodations, dining, and entertainment. Be sure to save these locations so you can use them next time you visit Tokyo!
Read also
This article has been updated with information as of September 2024.
Written by
Akita,Japan
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