LGBT Japan
| 16th September 2015
(picture: Itsukushima Shrine 厳島神社)
Have you ever dismissed the idea of taking a trip to Japan for fear of the people’s traditional views and misconceptions? Well you can put the destination back on your map because Japan is doing its best to attract LGBT tourists.
It’s quite rare to experience any form of discrimination or intolerance unless you go to really remote parts of rural Japan. What’s more, Japan is one of the safest places on the planet with violent crimes on the lowest percentages and people feeling so comfortable they go shopping with their cars running and keys left in the ignitions certain they will still be there when they are done. Japanese people are very polite, friendly and helpful especially in big cities and if you know a little Japanese, you’re guaranteed to have a great time!
There might still not be a lot to do during the day for the LGBT community but you’ll find plenty of LGBT-oriented entertainment in the evenings and nights especially in the Shibuya district of Tokyo.
More and more districts of Kyoto and Tokyo are acknowledging same-sex couples. Many temples have started performing ceremonies even though same-sex marriage is not officially recognized by the government just yet.
Overall, Japan will always attract tourists with its fabulous and wild nightlife, venues, hotels, historic sites and wonderful culture and as the LGBT scene keeps growing, the gay traveller will have to visit!
