You and your beloved want to experience gay Tokyo life? But you’ve looked into booking accommodation and you’re overwhelmed by the sheer amount of choice? Don’t worry, your friendly neighborhood Tokyo gay travel experts have got your back.

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First things first – Tokyo is MINDBOGGLING big. And if you have any interest in gay nightlife or staying out after midnight, you run the risk of missing your last train or having to leave the party obscenely early to make five confusing connections via at least three different rail companies (yes, really). The city’s transportation network runs beautifully and rarely experiences delays, but it does shut down at night, leaving you potentially footing an expensive taxi bill if you want to avoid waiting for the first train in the morning. So rule number one – stay where you want to drink.

What else do you need to consider when booking a hotel in Tokyo as a gay couple? Well obviously, you want to stay somewhere that is safe and accessible for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Tokyo is a fantastic place for gay travel, but it’s worth knowing that hotels that turn away members of the LGBTQ+ community face very few legal reprecussions. So it’s best to be in the know. Don’t worry, we’ve got you there. While hotels explicitly marketed as gay don’t exist in conservative Japan, we have come up with a list of gay friendly options that mean you can check in worry-free and be sure of a place to sleep for the night.

Without further adieu, we present the best gay-friendly hotels in Tokyo.

Best Gay Hotels in Tokyo

Hotel Gracery Shinjuku

Why we love it:

Beautiful modern rooms, many of which offer spectacular city views for the adoring couple.
Swanky places to relax, including an Italian restaurant and a gorgeous lounge based on the concept of “weaving time elegantly at the hotel”.
A fifteen minute stroll to the gay area Shinjuku Nichome and all the bars and entertainment you could ask for.
Multi-lingual friendly staff will make your troubles fly away.
Godzilla looks down on Shinjuku from the same building, ensuring that everyone will sleep well at night.
While the gay area of Shinjuku Nichome is close by, an evening stroll around nearby Golden Gai is another must-do activity. This area of close-knit ramshackle tiny bars offers an inkling of what it might have been like to go drinking in Tokyo 60 years ago.

Things to note:

Gay couples looking to explore Japan by car should note that, while parking is available, it is not accessible between 11pm and 8am.
The hotel offers two special Godzilla-themed rooms for fans of this iconic Japanese monster, but note that the charges for these rooms are pricier than what you would pay for a standard and they must be booked plenty in advance.
Visitors to Golden Gai should check the signage for bars that allow customers who have never been there before – a sizable portion only welcome regulars or people introduced by another long-standing patron.

How to get there:

Just a five minute stroll from Shinjuku Station.
Take the Kabukicho exit because that place is a maze and navigating the exterior of the station can set you back twenty minutes if you emerge from the wrong exit.
Shinjuku Station is served by 12 major train lines and also the Limousine Bus, which is an excellent option for couples coming from either Narita or Haneda airport.

APA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoen-Mae

Why we love it:

Another Shinjuku offering that offers close proximity to the gay district of Shinjuku Nichome, APA Hotel is a Japan-wide chain that represents a solid option for couples looking to experience gay Tokyo tourism.
We have chosen the hotel in Shinjuku Gyoen-Mae for its convenience, cleanliness, and overall comfort, but it also has another little perk that isn’t available at every APA hotel: access to a communal hot tub and open-air bathtub.
The rooms are slightly on the narrow side, but comfortable double beds and tasteful lighting make for a pleasant, relaxing environment. Booking far in advance will guarantee a price that suits couples with a tight budget for their gay Japan travels.

Things to note:

Communal bathing areas in Japan often ask their guests with tattoos to cover them or to refrain from using the facility – this one is no exception. Purchase a bandage or breathable tattoo tape from one of the many drugstores in the area.
Breakfast is served from 7am until 10am from a Western and Japanese-style buffet in the Gomaichi restaurant.

How to get there:

This hotel is within a five minute walk of Shinjuku Gyoen-Mae station, ten minute walk from Shinjuku Sanchome station, and fifteen minute walk from Shinjuku station.

Capitol Hotel Tokyu - Akasaka

Why we love it:

Location-wise, this is something a little further afield from the gay area of Shinjuku Nichome, but it’s worth it for couples who are prioritizing a little luxury to their trip over all-night bar hopping.
The Capital Hotel Tokyu offers a modern take on Japanese-style furnishings – perfect for those who want to keep their vacation experience as Japanese as possible. Rooms are fitted with “shoji” paper screens that can be moved around to create a different atmosphere depending on whether you want to relax in the evening while getting ready for bed or entertain guests.
The rooms on the upper floors boast splendid city-wide panoramic views.
The Capitol Hotel Tokyu also places particular emphasis on its sustainability policy, which makes it a strong candidate for gay couples who are mindful of the planet and want to keep an eye on their carbon footprint.

Things to note:

This hotel offers no fewer than three restaurants serving international, Japanese, and Chinese cuisine, not to mention a lounge, pastry boutique, and a bar.
Afternoon tea is particularly recommended, and there are themed courses to look out for including Halloween and New Years Day dining.
Private dining rooms are available if you’re looking to celebrate a special event – speak with the hotel staff prior to arrival to ensure a successful booking.
The hotel also has a spa, swimming pool, and a fitness center if you’re trying to maintain that beach body.

How to get there:

Kokkai-gijidomae and Tameike-Sanno stations are both situated nearby, with easy access to the Ginza, Chiyoda, Maranouchi, and Namboku lines.
Kokkai-gijidomae station is particularly accessible, offering direct underground access via exit six if you need to stay out of the rain.
Wheelchair users and those with reduced mobility can check the website for a step-free route.

Centurion Hotel & Spa - Ueno

Why we love it:

If you’re looking for a relaxing stay in a chic environment close to one of the most breathtaking parks in Tokyo, look no further than the Centurion Hotel & Spa in Ueno Station.
Popular with everyone from families to couples to single travelers, who have long talked up its sumptuous, spacious and comfortable rooms.
Additional perks include full-sized spring water bathtubs in every bathroom – a rarity in Japan – along with a gorgeously decorated public bath that boasts a beautiful mosaic ceiling.
It’s attached to a yakinikku (Japanese barbecue) restaurant that we can personally recommend as not only serving up prime cuts of beef but also as a great place to watch the comings and goings of the people walking the streets outside.
Take your partner to Ueno park, where you might want to sample some opera at the Cultural Center or bob around on the swan-shaped pedalos on the lake. We particularly recommend this hotel during the cherry blossom season (usually late March and early April), when Ueno Park positively bursts into life.

Things to note:

Once again, guests with tattoos are asked to cover them or refrain from using the public bathing facilities.

How to get there:

Ueno Station is well-connected via four JR lines and two subway lines. If coming directly from Narita airport, take the Skyliner service to Nippori and hail a taxi for maximum convenience, speed, and comfort.
Ueno Station is also serviced by the northern-bound shinkansen (bullet trains), ensuring a convenient trip for those arriving from prefectures such as Fukushima, Iwate, and Aomori.

Intercontinental Yokohama Grand

Why we love it:

This five-star venue cuts a dramatic shape of a sail across the horizon – appropriate considering its top location near the sea in the Minato Mirai area of Yokohama.
The rooms are spacious and contemporary, contrasting bold colors with white walls and an ocean view to die for.
Yokohama itself is a fantastic place to explore that has enough to keep gay couples entertained for anything up to a week, including the Red Brick Warehouse, the Ramen museum, and evening sea cruises around the bay area.
Yokohama is home to a number of queer friendly nightlife spaces, but visitors are advised to check in advance as to whether they welcome non-members or non-Japanese speakers. It’s also worth noting that many of these are predominantly-aimed at gay men, so female-presenting persons may find the queer area of Shinjuku Nichome more appealing – there is a direct line from Minato Mirai underground station to Shinjuku Sanchome, from which Nichome is just a short walk away.

Things to note:

Lunch and dinner buffets are offered at the Ocean Terrace, while lounge/bar Marine Blue supplies guests with a variety of drinks including beer, wine, and an extravagant array of cocktails.
The hotel has its own ship for ocean sightseeing – witness sights such as the giant ferris wheel, the Nippon Maru sailing ship, and the Red Brick Warehouse.

How to get there:

The Fukutoshin line, which turns into the Tokyu Line, is your best option to get to Minato mirai station. Access can be obtained from a number of major stations for sightseeing, including Shinjuku Sanchome, Shibuya, and Meiji-jingumae.
Visitors from other cities in Japan such as Kyoto, Osaka, and Hiroshima who are arriving via the Tokaido Shinkansen (bullet train) should change at Shin-Yokohama station for a convenient transfer.

Grand Nikko Tokyo Bay Maihama

Why we love it:

No Tokyo gay travel experience is complete without a visit to one of the city’s famed Disney resorts – either Disneyland or Disneysea. The latter is a unique-to-Japan experience aimed at older Disney fans, with fantastic rollercoasters and alcohol served in its cafes and restaurants.
While both resorts offer their own hotels, they are out of the price range of many travelers and must be booked extremely far in advance due to Disney’s overwhelming popularity in Japan.
With this in mind, Japan Gay Guide recommends booking the Grand Nikko Tokyo Bay Maihama for gay couples looking for a special accommodation experience that doesn’t blow the budget.
There’s even a Disney shop in case you forget to buy a souvenir at the park.
This venue offers over 700 guest rooms of varying sizes, which means you’ll certainly be able to find something that fits your preferences.
After a day or two going around the Disney resorts, why not indulge in a sumptuous meal at the so-called “Live Kitchen” where the chefs prepare your food in front of you? Then take a dip in the pool to relax before bed. Bliss.

Things to note:

Facilities include everything from all-day dining at Le Jardin restaurant, tempura and sushi at the Tamakagari venue, a flower shop, a beauty salon, a photo studio, and even a costume rental service.
Many of these require reservations and aren’t accessible on national holidays, so be sure to check and book in advance.

How to get there:

Take the Keiyo line from Tokyo Station to Maihama station (15 minutes). The hotel offers a free shuttle bus from the station, which is just a five minute walk to the entrance of Disneyland.

The Knot Tokyo Shinjuku

Why we love it:

The Knot Tokyo Shinjuku offers a feeling of quality and luxury for an excellent price. Rooms are built to take full advantage of the beautiful adjacent Shinjuku Chuo Park, which takes on different colors at different times of the year.
During the spring, it bursts into life with cherry blossoms before being replaced by emerald green for the summer months before transforming into fiery tones of crimson and yellow during fall.
The furnishings are light and playful, designed to capture the spirit of Shinjuku while still maintaining an air of elegance. Walking through the doors, the first thing you will notice is the smell of the MoreThan bakery in the lobby, and you won’t be able to resist buying one of their signature munchables.
No gay travel experience is complete without brunch, and the MoreThan lounge on the second floor rises to the occasion magnificently with beautiful views over the surrounding parkland and a sophisticated indoor setting. There are even chairs on the terrace if the weather is right for alfresco dining.
The Knot Tokyo Shinjuku is a 30-minute walk or a ten minute taxi ride from the gay area of Shinjuku Nichome, ensuring gay nightlife needs can be met without the need for relying on the last train.

Things to note:

The Knot offers a variety of types of room depending on your needs – contact the multi-lingual hotel staff to ensure the best experience possible.
Between the onsite bakery, grill restaurant, and tapas lounge, there’s always something delicious to try.

How to get there:

The hotel is a 20 minute walk from Shinjuku Station – take the west exit and follow the signs for Chuo Park before crossing the road on the other side.
If you’re taking the Oedo line, Tocho-mae station and Nishi-Shinjuku-Gochome are just a five minute walk away.

9h Woman Shinjuku

Why we love it:

No visit to Japan is complete without spending a night in one of Japan’s quirkiest styles of accommodation – the much-loved capsule hotel.
We have chosen this venue for female-presenting visitors to Japan who are looking for a place where they can feel safe and comfortable after a long day of exploring Tokyo.
Situated in the middle of Nichome, it’s within easy reach of lesbian bars such as Goldfinger, Adezakura, and Diamond Holic, while international bars King Tokyo and Aiiro cater to a friendly mix crowd from 6pm onwards.
Upon check-out, guests can receive a tailored “sleep analysis report” that utilizes advanced sensory technology to help guests understand their sleep better. It’s certainly a quirky souvenir to take home from your trip.

Things to note:

“Rooms” take the form of a 2-meter square capsule with a low roof – don’t anticipate being able to sit up in bed here.
There are communal toilets and bathrooms on each floor. Hairdryers and towels are provided along with luggage storage, and the reception is (wo)manned 24 hours a day.

How to get there:

Take one of the many train lines to Shinjuku Station and walk for 15 minutes, or go direct to Shinjuku Gyoen-mae or Shinjuku Sanchome metro station and walk for 5 minutes.
Shinjuku Station also offers excellent links to both Haneda and Narita airport.

Shibuya Granbell Hotel

Why we love it:

Not your everyday cookie cutter venue, the Shibuya Granbell Hotel is a self-styled “design hotel” featuring individually decorated rooms in unique, sophisticated furnishings.
Each room offers something a little different, be it custom-made lamps, a particularly intricate decor, or even a spiral staircase in the middle leading up to an extra bedroom. Situated in the heart of Shibuya, it’s easily accessible from the gay district of Shinjuku Nichome via the Fukutoshin line or a cheap taxi ride if you happen to miss the last train.

Things to note:

Check-in is from 2pm and check-out is by 11am, allowing plenty of time to enjoy the hotel and all its facilities to the max.
The sky restaurant offers excellent steak and teppanyaki-style cuisine with stunning city-scape views. There is even a spa, club, and live music venue in the basement.
While gay bars do exist in Shibuya, they are a more traditional offering than the international scene found in Shinjuku Nichome, and non-Japanese speakers may find themselves feeling excluded or even refused entry.

How to get there:

Nearby Shibuya Station offers trains to Shinjuku and Harajuku in under 10 minutes. Narita Airport is accessible in 80 minutes via the Narita Express.

Queen Annex - Shinjuku

Why we love it:

Located in the heart of Japan’s largest gay district, the sheer concentration of nearby bars (over 300! Count them!), karaoke booths, manga cafes, and entertainment venues in the area will leave you flabbergasted.
Take our word for it as your resident gay tokyo guide – you will not run out of things to do if you stay here. Whether meeting fellow solo travelers for a drink in King Tokyo just up the road or partying until 1am in the morning on a Saturday night in Kingdom, there’s plenty to do here.
We love the chic, modern, minimalist feel of the hotel’s rooms. Bold colors, comfortable beds, and a spacious bath all make for a comfortable, relaxing stay.
Lastly, the big neon sign over the entrance is just SO Japan that it would be remiss to leave without taking a selfie in front of it at night.

Things to note:

Like many of the options leaning towards the ‘budget’ end when it comes to Tokyo hotels, some couples may find the rooms to be a bit on the small side.
If you’re looking for a place with a view, this is certainly not a viable option as the rooms do not have windows. But if you’re looking for a place to sleep and relax on an action-packed day exploring gay Tokyo for a good price, this is the option for you.

How to get there:

Take your pick of the subway or rail stations – Shinjuku (15 minute walk), Shinjuku Gyoen-Mae (5 minute walk) and Shinjuku Sanchome (5 minute walk) are all manageable options.
If coming direct from the airport with heavy luggage, the Limousine Bus runs from both Haneda and Narita airports and offers maximum comfort with minimal stress – get off at Shinjuku West Exit/Keio Department Store.

Ready to Explore Gay Tokyo?

So there you have it – a variety of hotel choices to suit all tastes, budgets, and desires for a queer couple on their trip to Japan. The only thing you have to do now is make the booking and, before you know it, you’ll be enjoying the vacation of a lifetime.