Better known as “Ni-Chome,” 2-Chome Shinjuku is a buzzing, neon-lit gay quarter in East Shinjuku. Multistory buildings house tiny bars and nightclubs, while beers and cocktails are served outdoors on Naka-Dori Street. Drag shows draw a friendly mix of locals and visitors, and cool bistros offer eclectic Japanese-Western menus. Ramen shops, quirky cafes and LGBT bookstores keep the area busy by day. There are many gay friendly hotel Tokyo in Shinjuku neighbourhood.
Tokyo’s first organized, public celebration of being gay was in 1994 with the Tokyo Lesbian & Gay Parade (TL&GP), organized by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) Japan. The Tokyo Gay Parade in 2018 will be held on last week of April and first week of May. The next gay parade in Tokyo will be held in 2019 and dates will be announced shortly.
Tokyo, Japan’s busy capital, mixes the ultramodern and the traditional, from neon-lit skyscrapers to historic temples. The opulent Meiji Shinto Shrine is known for its towering gate and surrounding woods. The Imperial Palace sits amid large public gardens. The city’s many museums offer exhibits ranging from classical art (in the Tokyo National Museum) to a reconstructed kabuki theater (in the Edo-Tokyo Museum).
Top attractions to visit in Tokyo
Tokyo Day Trips
- 1-Day Kyoto Rail Tour by Bullet Train from Tokyo
- 1 day private charter Mt Fuji and Hakone trip with English speaking Guide
- 1-Day Mt Fuji Bus Tour with 4-D Mt.Fuji movie Ride and Ninja Experience
- Nikko 1-Day Bus Tour :World Heritage of Nikko Toshogu,Lake Chuzenji,Kegon Falls
- 1-Day Tokyo Bus Tour
1. Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel – Gay Friendly Hotel Tokyo
Our first hotel review and recommendation for gay friend hotel in Tokyo is an great 5* hotel located Shibuya-ku district.
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel is a luxury hotel facing a good location about a 5-minute walk from Shibuya Station. You can enjoy the night view of Tokyo from the high floor of all rooms 19 floor or more, and you can spend a quiet and elegant time in the city.
The Cerulean Tower is just a 5-minute walk away from Shibuya Station, providing access to many train and subway lines. From there it is a 2-minute train ride to Harajuku and the Meiji Jingu Shrine.
Overlooking the greater metropolitan area, all rooms are located on the 19th floor and above. They feature air conditioning, a desk, flat-screen TV and minibar. The private bathrooms have a bath, shower and free toiletries including toothbrushes, shampoo, conditioner and body soap. Room service is available 24 hours a day.
Located at the heart of Shibuya Junction and near Shibuya station make this hotel has the best access to go anywhere around Shibuya, Ginza and harajuku. And also you can take pictures of Hachiko statue and Shibuya crossroad during peak hours.
The airport buses from Haneda and Narita stop in the basement so transportation to and from both airports was very convenient. About 10 min walk to Shibuya station from where you can go anywhere in Tokyo. Many restaurants within 15 min walk from the hotel as well as extensive shopping.
The room is large, modern and clean with comfortable bedding and a small couch, chairs and coffee table, as well as desk. The toiletries in the bathroom also included a kit with 2 types of face wash and a day and night cream.
Breakfast buffet is standards Japanese ,most of the food including eggs/French toast etc is cold /lukewarm,bake goods excellent ,coffee in short supply and omelets undercooked.
Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel is best choice for hotel in Shibuya, although a little more expensive than other options in the area, but worths every yen!
The hotel itself is situated about a 5 minute walk from Shibuya station which has marvellous links to and from airport and the Tokyo train network. Being in Shibuya the access to shops was excellent. Plenty of restaurants and eating places nearby but not too many of the higher quality.
he staff was excellent in every way. The perks included the use of the pool and gym, which was important to us, as well as the executive floor breakfast, tea and evening snacks. The floor plan and bathroom layout was very well thought out and made it easy for both of us to get ready at the same time. Laundry service was excellent and punctual.
The location on the JR line is one stop away from Shinjuku Station, ( just a few minutes) which is where many tourists stay. We found it a bit more peaceful at Shibuya, and we often walked past Shibuya crossing to sites.
There are a few small Mom & Pop style restaurants behind Cerulean Tower, we did not try any, but it was good to note they were there. There is also a small convenience store on the property that sells all the little things that a traveler might need. The view was spectacular. If you have little kids, then the Executive Floor is not for you,…but if you wish to be with Adults only, and have the perks of gym, pool, and the service at the Executive Lounge then it’s a good choice. Some of our local guides mentioned to us that they only hear great things about the Cerulean Tower, and that certainly rings true to us
First time hints:
Pool and gym, very clean, pool must have swim cap or they will lend you one. Very clean well equipped showers at the pool area. Do not wear your robe to the gym,pool, must wear clothes and change there.
Executive check in is beside the the regular check in, about 40 feet away, a completely different desk.
Train from Haneda airport was about 30 minutes. Only a 5 minute or less walk from the station, very easy to to get to with luggage. If you need to avoid stairs always check for a elevator near the stairs which is usually just around the corner
How much does a room costs at Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel?
Prices start 320$/night for the Queen Room and no breakfast. The Superior King Room is 355$/night
Where to book online – Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel – Gay Friendly Hotel Tokyo – you can find the best hotels deals in Hanoi on Booking.com and Trip.com.
2. Shinjuku Granbell Hotel – Gay Friendly Hotel Tokyo
Our next choice for a gay friendly hotel Tokyo a great 4 star hotel located in the main touristic area of Tokyo Shinjuku.
Fitted with an air of urban sophistication, each room comes with modern facilities like an iPod dock speaker and a flat-screen TV. Video-on-demand programmes are available for an additional fee. A fridge, an electric kettle and a telephone are also included. All rooms are furnished with Simmons beds.
Opened in December 2013 and located right in the heart of the lively Kabuki-cho area in Shinjuku. All the guest rooms are modern and stylish with unique design concepts. Higashi Shinjuku subway station ( Fukutoshin Line, Oedo Line) is just a 4-minute walk away. We are also 7-minute walk from the Shinjuku Sanchome subway station, 15-minute walk from east entrance of JR Shinjuku train station and 10-minute walk from north entrance of Seibu Shinjuku subway station ( Seibu Shinjuku Line). We offer great access to every place in Tokyo. We are located in a convenient place for business, sightseeing, and shopping in Shinjuku area.
The rooms are fully equipped with beds made by Simmons, and we also provide free Wi-Fi to ensure that your stay is comfortable. We also have ample hotel facilities. On-site restaurant G features casual French and Italian cuisine cooked by a first-class chef. You can also relax at the Rooftop Bar that has an open terrace from which you can enjoy a bird’s eye view of the night scenery of Shinjuku.
Please have a wonderful time with urban night view and nice cocktails. PC, Printer ( lobby at 1F) / VOD (a charge) / an iPod dock speaker/ Free internet access (Wi-Fi, wired)/ a fridge / an electric kettle / a telephone/ a toilet seat with bidet functions / a safe / air cleaner / a humidifier / an iron / trouser press / a transformer / a wheelchair (free rental) / coin laundromat (2F)
The hotel is about 10-15 mins walk to Shinjuku station, so it’s not that close. The big plus is to be walking distance to all the action without the noise. Front desk staff were helpful and spoke English. Lobby is modern with a coffee shop and maps available for free with suggestions of restaurants and store
Hotel is right on the fringe of the red light district but is quiet in your room.
Rooms are typical Japanese small, but very clean and efficiently laid out. Slight challenges with the climate controls and futuristic toilet as instructions were only in Japanese, but overall everything worked well. Decent sized lobby and hotel.
The bed is amazingly comfortable and the amenities are second to none
Cute kimono pyjamas is a lovely touch and the vending machines on ground floor is a great punch of Tokyo. Staff were friendly and of course the anticipated/dreaded Japanese toilet is great.
The bar upstairs has a gorgeous view of the city at night and the fee is reimbursed if you are staying at the hotel. Drinks were quite good and the outdoor area has blankets and heaters.
How much does a room costs at Shinjuku Granbell Hotel ?
Prices start 120$/night for the Economy Double Room. The Superior Double Room with breakfast included 180$/night. Fitted with an air of urban sophistication, this spacious room comes with modern facilities like an iPod dock speaker and a flat-screen TV with video-on-demand programmes. A fridge, an electric kettle and a telephone are also included. The en suite bathroom includes a bath tub and a range of free toiletries
Where to book online – Shinjuku Granbell Hotel – Gay Friendly Hotels Tokyo – you can find the best hotels deals in Hanoi on Booking.com and Trip.com.
3. APA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoemmae 3* – LGBT Friendly Hotels Tokyo
Tokyo is one of the most expensive cities when it comes to traveling and if you are staying more than 3-4 days in this amazing city we need to save a bit of many while choosing the hotels. Our next recommendation is a for a excellent 3* hotel in Tokyo – APA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoemmae.
APA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoenmae offers air-conditioned accommodations with free Wi-Fi access. It’s conveniently located a 1-minute walk from Shinjuku-Gyoenmae subway station and a few steps from the peaceful Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden. Compact room is simply decorated and equipped with a flat-screen TV with on-demand movies, a refrigerator and an electric kettle. The private bathroom comes with a bathtub, a hairdryer and free toiletries.
An air-purifier/humidifier is also available for guests’ comfort. Guests can store their luggage and arrange for a massage at the 24-hour front desk. Other facilities at the property include vending machines, a communal microwave, a coin laundromat and a public bath. Breakfast, lunch and dinner are available at the Steak Restaurant Takumi, on the ground floor. JR Shinjuku Train Station is an 11-minute walk away, and JR Shibuya Station and the famous Shibuya Pedestrian Scramble are a quick 12-minute subway ride from Shinjuku-Sanchome subway station.
To get there, from the Shinjuku Station use the South Exit, turn left and walk for about 10 minutes, then turn left at the start of the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden entrance and then turn right. It takes about 10-15 minutes walk from the Shinjuku station. Hotel is one block over from the Shinjuku Gyoen National Garden (closed on Mondays).
The hotel is located near the Shinjuku-Koen (Park); close enough to walk to Shinjuku but far enough to avoid the hustle and bustle of this party district. The subway is 200 metres away on the Marunouchi Line and stations like Shibuya and Ueno are 15 minutes away by train.
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The room is a bit small but if you plan to go out after breakfast and not stay in your room then it will be fine. The breakfast food is the same everyday with one or two changes each day. There’s a vending machine at the Basement Floor 1 but with little choices.
The bed was comfortable, the hotel had very reasonably priced laundry facilities, and was in a fantastic location.
The bathroom was just tiny and is included in the 11 sq m. There is only one tap that serves both shower and mini basin.
This hotel has very handy coffee bags (think tea bags, but for coffee) and a great shower.
The hotel is also a great starting point for clubbing and partying. Shinjuku is easily accessible (but if you do not want to walk a mile, I recommend to pay close attention to the time tables of the subway. Last train is around midnight). For those who like to explore the famous Ni-Chome Gay district, it is literally at your doorstep 300 metres away. For those who hesitate because of it, no worries, the gay district is kept discretely away in a few alleys and no one is bothering you.
The location was close to a small station and easily walkable to the main Shinjuku station. Plenty of food and shopping in short walking distance too.
The onsen was a bonus. The tubs were pretty small but I was there at an off peak period so there weren’t many people.
The room was tiny as the standard by Tokyo standards but I had room enough to move around and have my suitcase open.
How much does a room costs at APA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoemmae ?
Prices start 120$/night for the Double Room with no breakfast. The Double Room with breakfast and dinner included is 200$/night. This air-conditioned and carpeted room with a desk features free WiFi, heating, a flat-screen TV, a refrigerator, an electric kettle and an alarm clock. The en suite bathroom comes equipped with a shower, hairdryer and towel. Slippers and linens are provided
Where to book online – APA Hotel Shinjuku Gyoemmae– Gay Friendly Hotels Tokyo – you can find the best hotels deals in Tokyo on Booking.com and Hotels.com.
4. Wired Hotel Tokyo – Gay Hotels Tokyo
You all know that hotels in Tokyo are very small in size and due to high land price and this is reason why capsule hotels are very popular in Tokyo. Our next gay friendly hotel in Tokyo is an excellent 2* hotel with very good review. Next hotel will be a capsule hotel as our recommendation for a hotel where to stay in Tokyo.
This property offers non-smoking rooms. Situated in the Taito district of Tokyo, Wired Hotel is 300 m from Sensoji Temple. Featuring a shared lounge, the property is located within a 20-minute walk of Tokyo Skytree. Local points of interest like Edo Tokyo Museum and Marunouchi Building are reachable within 2.2 km and 5 km, respectively.
Free WiFi is accessible to all guests, while some rooms here will provide you with a balcony.
An Asian breakfast is available each morning at the property. The restaurant at the hotel serves Japanese cuisine.
Top quality, boutique hotel located in Asakusa, a 5-10 minute walk away from Senso-ji
Nearest subway:
1) Tsubuka Express Asakusa (elevator only at Exit A1)
2) Ginza line Asakusa Station is ~10min walk away
What we like about the hotel:
1) Located in quiet street;
2) Access to your floor only via your key card;
3) A Family Mart right next door & Don Quijote just round the corner;
4) Clean room & comfortable bed;
5) Good quality & variety of toiletries provided (particularly loved the lavender shampoo & body wash);
6) B&O speaker.
The hotel is clean, modern, and impeccably curated – if you’ve ever stayed in an ACE hotel in the states, its a similar vibe. The concierge is kind and welcoming.
Otherwise beds are comfortable and cosy, each floor has a small kitchenette where you can heat up food, refrigerate or add boiling water. The showers and toilets are clean and spacious.
There are lockable cupboard and bedside spaces which are a bonus, however the cupboards’ locking mechanism is noisy, especially as guests access them as they come home throughout the night or early morning.
How much does a room costs at Wired Hotel Tokyo ?
Prices start 130$/night for the Standard Compact Room. The Superior Room A is 255$/night. Breakfast is not included and 18$/person will be added if you choose it.
Where to book Wired Hotel Tokyo – Gay Friendly Hotel Tokyo – you can find the best hotels deals in Hanoi on Booking.com and Trip.com.
5. Tokyo Ginza BAY HOTEL – Gay Friendly Hotel Tokyo
Tokyo is famous for the capsule hotels and we could not miss to recommend for our readers a great & price orientated capsule hotel in Tokyo.
Located a 8-minute walk from JR Shinbashi Station, a 6-minute walk from Shinbashi Station on the Ginza Line, Tokyo Ginza Bay Hotel offers capsule rooms with free WiFi access. Free luggage storage service is provided at the property.
Rooms for male and female are located on different floors. Each capsule room is equipped with a USB port. There are shared shower rooms and toilets, and towels are provided.
Easy check-in/check-out, comfortable sleeping pods with clean sleep wear and towels provided every day. The lounge area is spacious and a good spot to hang out instead of being confined to your bed.
The hotel is conveniently located in downtown Tokyo and an easy walk to the Tsukiji Fish Market and many other restaurants and shops in the downtown.
The only caveat is that men and women stay on separate floors, so it might not be ideal for a couple or family traveling together.
The capsule is spacious enough that you can put small bags/backpacks. And you are able to sit-up on the bed. The bed is firm for a good sleep
Lockers are quite small, bigger bags have to be placed in communal shelfs which make the process of dressing a little bit of a hassle, considering there’s only one bench to sit.
No space for luggage storage. This was inconvenient as you have to leave the suitcases in the reception on a separate floor, your hand luggage in a tiny locker, your shoes in a separate locker and your personal belongings in another locker.
How much does a room costs at Tokyo Ginza BAY HOTEL?
Prices start 60$/night for the Two Capsule Room with shared bathroom. The Single Capsule Room is 30$/night; rooms are 2 square metres.
Where to book Tokyo Ginza BAY HOTEL – Gay Friendly Hotel Tokyo – you can find the best hotels deals in Hanoi on Booking.com and Trip.com.
