Your Chance for a Free Trip to Japan!
Whether you’re a long-time fan of the site, a follower of our Instagram, or are subscribed to our YouTube channel, you’ve seen how fun and exciting life in Gay Tokyo can be. Anyone who lives here, or who has visited, will tell you about the excitement of Shinjuku Nichome, the energy of Shibuya, or the calm of Asakusa. If you haven’t had the chance to visit Japan yet, though, you’re in luck!
To celebrate Pride Month, Japan Gay Guide is launching its first ever contest to win a free trip to Japan for you and a plus one to experience Tokyo in all its gay glory! Interest piqued? Then take a peek below to discover how you can win a gay week in Tokyo!
What’s Included in Your Trip to Japan
Your chance to win our 8-Day Hidden Queer Tokyo Experience! Your Queer trip to Japan includes airfare and seven nights stay in a comfortable central Tokyo accommodation! What will you get up to on this very gay tour? We’re glad you asked, here is how you will spend your dream trip to Japan!
Day 1
Your guide will meet you directly at arrivals at either Narita or Haneda Airport holding a JGG sign. If arriving at Narita, you’ll board the Narita Express (NEX) and be guided to your accommodation. If you’re landing at Haneda, you will be guided to your accommodation via the Tokyo Metro.
First, drop off your bags, then at around 7pm we will go for your first meal of your trip, Tonkatsu Ramen! We know you’ve had a long flight but you’re in TOKYO! Lets go explore the neighborhood. Starting with the red light district, Kabukicho! Full of host clubs, neon lights, and famously yakuza! (it’s safe we promise 🙂)
Day 2
Your real queer Tokyo experience starts now. Today we take on Harajuku, the most kawaii (cute) part of Japan. Sample rainbow cotton candy while you take in the unique Tokyo street fashion. experience the unique gender expression of Tokyo’s fashion scene. As well as our first shrine of the tour, the beautiful Meiji Jingu Shrine.
After exploring Omotesando and Harajuku, we will head to Shibuya, home to the busiest crosswalk in the world, as well as the Pokemon Center, Nintendo Store and Jump Store. Once night falls we will head to the neon lights of Shinjuku. After a busy gay day of exploring you will be hungry, and tonight we will dine on Japan’s most famous cuisine: sushi! After dinner it’s time for the main event!
Tonight, we go to Shinjuku Nichome, Asia’s largest gay district, with 300+ queer bars all packed into five blocks of pure gayness. You are in for an unforgettable gay night in Tokyo. This includes drinks at selected bars and karaoke as well as an optional all you can drink nomihodai option!
Day 3
Today blends ancient Tokyo with modern anime and gaming culture.
Start the day at Skytree town for a hidden local view point where you can see the true scale of Tokyo! Then head down to the most ancient spot in Tokyo, Asakusa, where you’ll visit the famous Sensoji Temple and discover Japan’s hidden queer history with a queer historian! Learn about gay samurai and the true erotic nature of Kabuki theater and the practice of the gender-bending onnagata tradition.
Then we head to the anime and gaming mecca of the world: Akihabara, where your arcade and anime dreams come true! We’ll take you to one of the coolest arcades in the cities to play some exclusive Japanese arcade games!
The night continues with a Ni-chome Saturday night out with Gogo and drag performances, if you thought last night was crazy tonight is even more so!
Day 4
Enjoy free time during the day to explore the city on your own.
In the evening, we’ll head to Ikebukuro. While this area is famous, what you may not know is that while Akihabara is geared towards men, Ikebukuro is for women and queer people! This means it has become Tokyo’s center for BL (Boys’ Love), Yuri (Girls’ Love), Yaoi, Bara and queer manga culture.
We’ll visit famous manga stores where you can get the best deals on some rare or obscure queer manga and visit “Animate”, the largest anime goods store in Japan. Then on to Sunshine City for the Mega Pokemon Center and the largest capsule toy store in the world to get the perfect souvenir before ending the night at Yuri Cafe Anchor, in Shinjuku Nichome. It is a chill cafe founded by two lesbian superfans of yuri manga that you can read while eating delicious homemade food and drink, making it one of Tokyo’s most beloved Yuri-themed cafes.
Day 5
It’s your choose your own adventure day! Pick from our included Premium Excursions in Tokyo. These optional excursions are the perfect way to customize your trip to Japan! Today you will get to experience one of our included excursions to: Tokyo DisneySea, Tokyo Disneyland, TeamLab Digital Art Museum, Edo Tokyo Museum, Sushi Making Class, Japanese Cooking Class, or a Sumo Wrestling Experience. From the exciting to the cultural, these experiences are rated some of the best in the city for queers!
Day 6
Today is intentionally relaxed: sleep in, revisit your favorite neighborhoods, go shopping, explore Tokyo independently, or simply recharge before the final group experience.
Day 7
Today’s trip to Kamakura offers a peaceful escape from Tokyo, and a glimpse of ancient Japan.
Explore historic temples, beautiful bamboo gardens, beaches with views of Mt.Fuji, and the famous Great Buddha while learning about Japanese history: including samurai and ninjas! We’ll finish the evening with our farewell dinner together, and say “matta ne” to our new friends!
Day 8
Departure from the Land of the Rising Sun.
Take home unforgettable memories, new friendships, and stories that will stay with you long after your trip to Japan concludes.
How to Enter
Entry is free, and easy, too! All you have to do is follow Japan Gay Guide on Instagram, subscribe to the Japan Gay Guide YouTube channel, and leave a comment on this reel — and make sure to tag who you’d bring on this trip to Japan! One other big rule: you both have to be aged 20 or over to enter this contest!
You can enter this contest from Tuesday 26 May 2026 to Tuesday 30 June 2026, inclusive. Please also make sure to check the full terms and conditions below.
Happy Pride, and good luck!
Terms and Conditions
NO PURCHASE NECESSARY.
Open to residents of all countries, 20 years of age or older, with a valid passport at the time of entry. Void where prohibited by law.
HOW TO ENTER:
(1) Follow @japangayguide on Instagram. (2) Subscribe to Japan Gay Guide on YouTube. (3) Comment on this post and tag the friend you’d bring to Japan. Unlimited entries accepted. Contest runs June 1st to June 30th 2026 inclusive.
THE PRIZE:
Round-trip economy airfare for 2, 7 nights accommodation in Tokyo, and an 8-day guided Tokyo tour hosted by Japan Gay Guide Tours. Approximate retail value: USD $3,300. Prize is non-transferable. No cash substitute. Winner is responsible for taxes, visas, travel insurance, and any expenses not listed above.
WINNER SELECTION:
One (1) winner selected by random draw on or around July 1st. Winner will be contacted by direct message within 5 business days and must respond within 7 days or an alternate winner will be selected. Winner must sign and return a Release form within 10 days of notification.
ADDITIONAL CONDITIONS:
This grand prize trip to Japan must be completed by July 2027. Travel dates subject to availability and Sponsor approval. Winner and Guest must hold valid passports throughout travel. Employees of Japan Gay Guide and their immediate family members are not eligible. Entries via bots or automated means are void.
This Contest is in no way sponsored, endorsed, or administered by Instagram, Meta Platforms Inc., YouTube, or Google LLC.
