exploring kyoto as a gay traveler offers a unique blend of traditional japanese culture and a growing, welcoming lgbtq+ scene. from serene temples to vibrant nightlife, kyoto provides an unforgettable experience.
this comprehensive guide will help you navigate the city, discover its hidden gems, and make the most of your visit.
a touch of elegance: ryokan stays in gion
imagine yourself stepping into a world of refined beauty and traditional japanese hospitality.
one of the most memorable experiences awaits you in gion, kyoto's geisha district. staying in a traditional ryokan, or japanese inn, allows you to immerse yourself in the local culture. seby and i experienced this firsthand, feeling elegant and at home in our matching yukata robes.
gion's prime location makes it easy to explore shrines, temples, and the chance to spot geishas.
upon arrival, the welcoming staff shares their knowledge of the area, suggesting the best local cuisine. this is a great option for gay travelers who want to experience authentic japan without breaking the bank.
keiko, a kyomachiya-style guesthouse, offers this experience. its wooden minka-style design features earthen walls, tiled roofs, and a charming court garden, known as a tsuboniwa. you'll notice the love and care that has gone into the design.
some guesthouses even offer japanese food workshops for guests eager to learn about japanese cooking.
a shared kitchenette may also be available for self-catering. now, let's move on to the vibrant gay scene.
kyoto's gay nightlife: bars and friendly venues
while kyoto's gay nightlife might be smaller than that of tokyo or osaka, it still offers a warm welcome.
unfortunately, the iconic jam jar gay bar closed its doors permanently, but several other options still provide a fun night out. although kyoto doesn't have any exclusively gay clubs, there are several gay-friendly venues.
one of the most popular spots, "world kyoto," is known for its quirky décor, energetic music, and captivating dj performances.
it's a place to experience the thrill of a night out in japan.
you'll find the staff mixing up special cocktails that'll ease your jet lag. the bar also stocks kyoto kinobi gin, offering a distinct local flavor.
another option is the gay-friendly club with two floors, each with its own theme: land and sea. the use of neon lights and glossy decor creates the impression of dancing in a video game.
with plenty of seating around the dancefloor, a rare feature, you'll have ample space to relax. students can take advantage of drink discounts on the weekends, making it a popular spot.
culinary delights: savoring kyoto's flavors
kyoto's culinary scene is a feast for the senses, presenting a diverse array of flavors that will excite your palate.
from traditional japanese dishes to innovative culinary creations, the city is a food lover's paradise.
okonomiyaki: the savory pancake
before your trip, you might not have heard of okonomiyaki. a japanese savory pancake, this local favorite is a must-try.
a small, intimate restaurant offers an unforgettable experience, where you can explore all the possibilities of this delightful dish. you'll soon find out it is so much more than just a pancake.
tempura: a crispy treat
for a delightful culinary adventure, consider indulging in tempura.
this deep-fried delicacy, made from fish, meat, or vegetables, offers a crispy and flavorful experience. kyoto tempura offers a quiet setting where you can savor each bite. the friendly staff serves prompt, delightful dishes. if the thought of creating something similar excites you, you can learn in a teppanyaki cooking course.
exploring kyoto's landmarks and attractions
kyoto is brimming with historical and cultural treasures.
from ancient temples to serene gardens, there's something for every traveler. whether you're interested in temples, nature walks, or geisha spotting, kyoto has something to offer.
kinkaku-ji (golden pavilion)
this iconic zen buddhist temple, originally built in the 14th century, is a must-see.
the temple's upper floors are entirely covered in gold leaf. the surrounding garden offers a tranquil atmosphere for exploration. if you're looking to learn more about its fascinating history, consider joining a guided tour.
philosopher's path
stroll along this scenic walkway, named after two japanese philosophy professors.
the path winds beneath blossoming cherry trees, creating a picturesque scene. you can enjoy the vibrant colors and lush foliage while taking a relaxing walk.
fushimi inari shrine
this iconic shinto shrine is renowned for its thousands of vibrant red torii gates.
it's a breathtaking sight. as you walk through the gates, you might spot fox statues. these represent divine messengers from shinto gods.
gion district: geisha spotting
geishas are a significant part of japanese culture. if you're keen on spotting one, head to the gion district.
the best time to find them is in the evening, between 5pm and 6pm, when tourists gather along hanami-koji street. while it's a popular spot for photos, it also creates a unique, unforgettable experience.
planning your gay trip to kyoto: practical tips
to ensure a smooth and enjoyable trip, here's some practical advice for gay travelers planning a visit to kyoto:
travel insurance
always get travel insurance.
even in a safe destination like kyoto, unforeseen events can disrupt your trip. it protects you against potential issues.
getting to kyoto
there are no airports in kyoto proper. you can fly into osaka and take a train, bus, or private transfer to kyoto. the trip from osaka to kyoto takes about an hour.
consider renting a car for convenient travel.
visa requirements
depending on your nationality, you may not need a visa. travelers from the usa, uk, canada, australia, and most eu countries can visit japan as tourists without a visa. ensure you have your passport and proof of onward travel.
getting around
while you can walk in kyoto's city center, you'll need to use public transport to see many attractions.
consider checking out a detailed guide about the public transport system to make it easier to get around.
vaccinations
you'll need standard vaccines before you travel to kyoto. if you plan to visit rural areas, consider getting vaccinated for japanese encephalitis.
consult your doctor for advice on vaccinations.
currency and tipping
the currency in japan is the yen. tipping is not customary. if you do tip, place it in an envelope and hand it to the person with both hands.
internet access
free wi-fi is available in many places.
you might want to rent a portable wi-fi device if you need constant internet access.
best time to visit
the best times to visit kyoto are during spring (for the cherry blossoms) and fall (for the foliage). you can also time your trip with a gay event.
a personal touch: nomadic boys' perspective
the gay travel blog, nomadic boys, offers practical advice, first-hand insights, and travel stories.
stefan, the creative mind behind the blog, and his partner, have traveled extensively, visiting all seven continents. nomadic boys focuses on the local gay scene and cultural immersion.
kyoto is known for its temples, traditional tea houses, and beautiful gardens. while its gay scene is smaller than tokyo or osaka, it still has a unique charm.
kyoto also offers many activities. begin with fushimi inari shrine. then, you might want to visit kinkaku-ji. another must-see attraction is arashiyama bamboo grove.
gay-friendly hotels in kyoto
in kyoto, there are many hotels that welcome lgbtq+ travelers.
this helps you to feel at home during your stay.
- consider these gay-friendly hotels: explore accommodations that offer a welcoming environment.
kyoto, japan, is a mix of history, culture, and a small, welcoming gay scene.
plan your trip to experience it all!