Gay Osaka, Japan | The Essential LGBT Travel Guide!

Osaka might fly under the radar as a destination oft-forgotten amongst Kyoto’s background and Tokyo’s modernity. However, in this energetic town, you will discover individuals a little much less traditional, a tad bit more lively, and all sorts of prepared to celebrate.

The place to find Japan’s second-largest homosexual scene, Osaka is the place to allow loose to see where night takes you.

Discover three major homosexual areas in Osaka, but Doyama is very easily the biggest and a lot of inviting to people from other countries. Like in Gay Tokyo, the taverns here are usually hyper-niched, providing toward a specific group – bears, salarymen, young twinks, etc. – and oh-so-

Japanese. Discreet, compartmentalized, typically smaller than a cruise ship cabin and enthusiastic about purchase, though luckily nearly as uptight as
Tokyo
.

Females probably know that many gay night life places in Doyama try not to enable female consumers, but there are many lesbian pubs that don’t allow male clients, generally there is something here for everyone.

Probably the most adventurous gay traveler might also wish to check out the smaller Namba homosexual scene, Kabukiza-ura (“behind the Kabuki theater”), and that’s extremely much less worldwide but nonetheless very appealing. Or if you talk Japanese, decide to try the Tennoji gay scene, in your community around Tsutenkaku Tower – the original post-war homosexual place that now appeals to typically older natives.

Neighborhood attitudes, however, imply numerous people from other countries can just only test just a few areas, especially away from Doyama, as individual relationships with people and rigorous Japanese-only principles determine who can enter. You might think this is exactly xenophobic – which is – but this is done in large component to safeguard users from being judged by unfamiliar requirements.

Japan is like nowhere otherwise on the planet, and also as whoever has checked out prior to can ascertain, japan do things very in different ways. Fortunately the ongoing financial stagnation in Japan made the united states – together with homosexual scene of Osaka – more open to people from other countries, so there are increasingly being many gay saunas, pubs, and groups that actively welcome Gaijin (the Japanese word for foreign people) to their middle.

Homosexuality never already been prosecuted in Japan – it was not considered a sin, simply shameful. Nowadays, despite current fashions of tolerance and freely gay rooms in cosmopolitan places like Osaka,
Yokohama
, and
Tokyo
, a lot of Japanese homosexual males and lesbians however cover who they are.

Being homosexual can be nevertheless seen as your own option, although homophobia is actually unheard of, Japanese culture views becoming gay as not something is flaunted or honestly mentioned.

This live-and-let-live attitude – as long as outward looks tend to be kept – towards LGBT folks now’s actively impeding homosexual liberties in Japan. There isn’t any political and social rubbing to propel things ahead, unlike in
Vietnam
,
Asia
, and
Korea
.

Discover few honestly gay lawmakers, stars, or people, and also the nationwide Diet provides but to do this on including intimate direction in the united kingdom’s civil-rights code.

Same-sex matrimony is certainly not appropriate during the nationwide level, though since 2019, twenty cities and town wards issue same-sex cooperation certificates, which offer some benefits; but these are generally completely symbolic.

Taiwan currently causes Asia in LGBT legal rights
, along with the raising momentum and grand programs of Kansai Pride, develop this can prompt Japanese community and lawmakers to go over defenses and equality for every citizens.

Despite this, gay people to Osaka – and Japan – are highly extremely unlikely to achieve any discrimination after all with regards to intimate tastes.

With a dazzling gay world – countless skyline, tasty street meals, weird personalities, and much more attractions than you could ever before aspire to learn – in conjunction with an energizing passion for relatively definitely everything –  Gay Osaka is one of the earth’s a lot of underrated metropolises and gay moments.

Pop tradition, style, and neon-lit streetscapes collide with cherry flowers, concealed shrines, and peaceful alleys to make certain you won’t ever be annoyed in Osaka. And even if you find yourself, Osaka isn’t really referred to as ‘nations kitchen’ for absolutely nothing, and everybody the following is seemingly out forever food – and a fun time!

Tourist attractions in Osaka

Normally, becoming homosexual cannot establish which tourist attractions most of us will want to see in each town, and most queer tourists should take a look at the leading items to see in Osaka the whole day!

You will find plenty to complete right here – but we found the most popular memories were roaming through, next obtaining missing for the seemingly countless meals roadways, checking out all of the unusual cafes,
hitting-up Universal Studios
and relaxing on one of the many
Osaka lake cruises!
Nevertheless – it can help for some notion of what’s going on, therefore here you will find the greatest activities to do in Osaka, according to all of us!

Naturally, when you leave Osaka and return residence, you will not manage to deliver these road vendors and sushi chefs to you – why-not learn to make a number of these classic Osaka dishes from natives throughout your stay?

AirKitchen, is actually an Online on gay-friendly cooking class service
providing you with tourists with a way to see a typical Japanese home to understand to make – after which discuss food intake with each other. Its Airbnb-esque, and a wonderful method of getting to achieve the authenticity and comfort of regional Japanese folks.

The preparing course choices are since varied as Osaka it self: sushi-making, ramen, bento boxes, takoyaki (octopus testicle) and okonomiyaki (a Japanese savory pancake) – to mention a few.

One of the recommended tips we could give you for checking out Gay Osaka is pre-order a vacation SIM card for easy airport pickup and activation when you arrive so you wont spend tons of money in worldwide roaming fees.

Get restaurants suggestion and reservations in the travel, public transport instructions up-to-the-minute, club orifice several hours, and, when it is your thing – use of homosexual hook-up apps to find out more regarding the neighborhood world.

Mobile phone data is quickly, inexpensive, and available just about everywhere in Asia, so it is no wonder a lot of people decide to stay linked and acquire off of the beaten track (without previously worrying about acquiring lost). So why hold off?
Pre-order the best local SIM credit today getting it available in Osaka whenever you appear.

Things To Do  in Osaka

Mario Go Kart Adventure

Head out on a real-life Mario Kart trip through the busy roadways of Osaka. There’s nothing that can match it on the planet, and besides having your center pumping and adrenaline operating – you are going to function as most widely used guy in Osaka, with natives running after you just for a photo! Simply don’t forget: you’ll need an international license before you leave home.

Mameshiba Café

Freshly launched into the tourist-popular Dotonbori area, this distinctively Japanese interest lets you get right up close and yourself making use of the impossibly pretty Mameshiba puppies. Costing 880 yen for 30 minutes (such as one cozy beverage), its fairly busy yet still a fun little activity – and a great way to get the day-to-day dog fix! Having photos and films is alright with flash-off.

Common Studios

Probably the most well-known destination in Osaka, spend time immersing your self in your preferred motion pictures with use of all of common’s themed zones based on well-known Hollywood blockbusters.

Merely a short excursion from Osaka facility, we cherished the parades, excitement flights, quirky restaurants, and passion of neighborhood Japanese in putting on a costume in theme – but I have to acknowledge this place is actually far, far busier than others in
Singapore
,
L. A.
, and
Orlando.

If you can, get an Universal Express Pass for fast-track usage of USJ’s best tourist attractions to save your self time.

Osaka Castle

Explore certainly Japan’s most famous landmarks, which played an important part inside unification of Japan during sixteenth 100 years. Demolished in 1868 and because reconstructed, the palace is actually eight stories high, and each floor provides exhibits, and there is in addition a city observance system.

Even though you choose not to go in, the expansive grounds tend to be absolve to explore, with plenty of opportunities for street meals, picnicking and seeing neighborhood life play aside. If you possibly could occasion your go to for cherry flowers, better yet, referring to one of the recommended locations for viewing in entire country.

Osaka Video Game Arcades

Within the american world, arcades went how of cassette recording and hammer pants, in Japan, they’re still large company. The Osaka computer game arcades are not only for children either; in reality, pop into a arcade around, lunch and you’ll see row upon row of businessmen all obtaining their fix before going to work.

The majority of have numerous amounts filled with machines addressing every thing, from horse race to moving to subway driving. Taito Station is just one of the leading names in Japanese arcade video gaming features a place in Namba, but you’ll discover numerous large arcade places dotted around.

Osaka Aquarium

Ideal for a rainy time. Check out the seals from the planet’s largest dome-shaped ceiling container during the Arctic area, listen to the distinctive squawks of rockhopper penguins from inside the Falkland isles zone, after that reach sharks and light when you look at the Maldives area. There’s also to love right here, nevertheless the primary reason people seem to get will be marvel at beautiful whale shark, the largest seafood on earth.

Nara Park

Book each day trip or make use of
JR Pass
to go out of Osaka and take a trip back once again to the 8th century with a trip to the imperial capital and UNESCO World history web site of Nara. Find the place’s wealthy history, wander ancient temples and, without a doubt, get precious photos with all the tame ‘bowing’ deer of Nara Park.

Kyoto

Another fantastic tour you can achieve from Osaka with the aid of the
JR Pass
or a trip. Kyoto could be the top jewel of Japan’s cultural tourist crown, thus you should not miss the possiblity to uncover the serene beauty of Kiyomizu-Dera Temple, a detailed UNESCO business Heritage web site, before browsing gold-leaf zen temple of Kinkaku-ji and check out the immaculate Japanese gardens.

After that, however, stroll through a huge number of orange tori entrance wandering through wooded forests associated with Fushimi Inari Shrine and when you’ve got time, spend the night Geisha detecting within the Gion history area…all in time to catch the train back in its history for a night in Gay Osaka.

Decide To Try The Notorious Puffer Fish

Stop by Guenpin Fugu, the no. 1 pufferfish sequence in Japan, and relish the distinctive flavor of Japanese fugu. Brave a taste of the toxic fish for which cooks require numerous years of education and a fugu license! Decide to try the torafugu, or tiger pufferfish, the very best quality in the united states, whilst you respect the restaurant’s traditional setting and ambiance.

DIY Takoyaki

Enjoy an enjoyable and distinctive dinner knowledge and discover ways to generate authentic Japanese takoyaki with helpful staff members together with English instructions given.

Generate takoyaki with an octopus that is very fresh they can be eaten as sashimi and coupled with some tasty green salad, okonomiyaki, sobameshi, a treat, as well as a 90-minute all-you-can-drink buffet. Osaka is the house of takoyaki, and if you’re maybe not already obsessed with it-You, you can expect to eventually be!

Salon World

Spend trip to Osaka’s gigantic hot springtime theme park and address yourself to a first-class spa experience featuring European and Asian-themed hot spring baths. Appreciate usage of salon planet’s gymnasium, and interesting entertainment swimming pools with huge liquid slides, after that soothe muscle tissue, relieve all tensions, and experience enjoyment all-in-one place.

You shouldn’t miss out the possible opportunity to enjoy this insanely big onsen intricate found in the Shinsekai region and find out more about japan past time.

Maid Cafe Experience

If you wish to discover weird Japan, just take a look into Japan’s cosplay scene when maids welcome you while you enter the café to get mindful service from waitresses wearing sweet housemaid outfits. Just what attraction will there be for gay travelers? We are not very positive, but one thing informs us there are more than a few lesbians that will enjoy this!

Osaka River Sail

Also known as Japan’s Water City, Osaka consists of many metropolitan canals and bridges, some of which serve as the namesake due to their encompassing communities. While a river sail around Dōtonbori Canal is on most tourists’ bucket listings, you will find much more to explore – such as a Jazz cruise!

There’s also several special event cruises each year, like those where you could admire the cherry blossoms of Okawa in Hanami season and a Christmas time sail where you are able to take pleasure in the illumination complete of light.

For homosexual travelers, they also provide tiny exclusive cruises in which go-go kids and pull queens are arranged – however these can be difficult to find, so we inspire you to receive in touch with Out Japan to set up!

Mandrake

The world’s biggest anime and manga reseller, established in the past in 1987 as an used manga dealership, Mandrake these days provides morphed into Osaka’s largest seller of used anime and manga-related services and products with two branches in Osaka.

Our favorite is the Mandarake Grand Chaos shop in Namba – but there’s also a spot in Umeda – with multiple amounts centered on different collectibles, manga works and art. Perhaps not the faint of center, additionally, there are some pretty hardcore anime really works that cross some limits (suppose
Japan just made the possession of kid pornography a crime in 2014
, and explicit anime isn’t covered).

A period of time tablet of Japanese pop music culture, a trip to the claustrophobic aisles of Mandarake has got to be probably the most uncommon things you can do in Osaka, so if you’re not cautious, you can invest times here.

Dotonbori Street-Food

One of several tourist destinations in Osaka with various local meals such as for example Takoyaki and Okonomiyaki, special purchasing, temples, neon lights, and lots of shocks. Possible check out alone, but also for the number one experience, we recommend
a led concert tour with a knowledgeable regional
who can assist you to the best-hidden delights and must-try dishes of the “nation’s kitchen”.

MenZ-MenZY

Positioned above  Frenz Frenzy, perhaps one of the most outlandish gay bars in Osaka, MenZ-MenZY carries sexy underwear, swimsuit, accessories, and much more to own you appearing your absolute best. Consider
Andrew Christian
and
AussieBums.
Tempt yourself.

Kansai Queer Movie Festival

A
gay film event
taking place in locations across
Kyoto
and Osaka in September, and from now on with its 13th season. Cross genres and motifs, that is a festival that feels
really love is really love
, pleasant every person, and supplying an enhanced ecosystem where to have interaction using the local Kansai LGBT neighborhood.

Kansai Rainbow Pride

A surprisingly family-friendly occasion, the Kansai Rainbow Parade could be the largest LGBT parade in Japan outside Tokyo. The event is designed to market understanding and enjoy range and features a parade, phase programs, parties, and enjoyable activities in Ogimachi Park from year to year in October.

Whilst the organizers have big intentions to develop case into one of the greatest in Asia, Osaka Pride reveals in a variety of ways Japan is within the rock Age whenever merely 5,000 individuals participate compared to thousands in
Hong-kong
,
Taipei
and
Sydney
– and of course European countries or US! Still, it is incredible to see NGOs and brands obtaining up to speed while the event expands.

In a nation where modesty around outsiders is paramount and sexual inclination just isn’t something you should end up being flaunted, we are able to merely hope enhanced exposure someday helps new years of Japanese feel comfortable adequate to end up being which they’re.

Gay-Friendly and Gay Resorts in Osaka

As Osaka is just one of the much more progressive and gay-friendly nations in Asia, almost every hotel in Osaka can be considered gay-friendly, and not one of your audience will experience any problems here. Most likely, getting gay-friendly is certainly not exactly about upscale luxury, but about supplying friendly service and pleasant everybody else with open hands!

Osaka is a worldwide mega-city with a lack of area, so area dimensions are smaller compared to all over the place otherwise in the field – but as a lot of homosexual guys know, it’s not exactly about dimensions, but exactly how you use it! We’re discussing design, functionality, and views, darling!

Every person likes to be enclosed by individuals with usual interests. Therefore, there are many well-known gay-friendly resorts in Osaka which can be hot areas for gay travelers to keep – either for their area nearby the Doyama district gay community – the number 1 place to stay in Osaka if you are searching for homosexual lifestyle – or their particular layout and inclusive vibes.

The following resorts in Gay Osaka have the ability to had glowing tips from homosexual people prior to now, but of course,
you’ll find countless additional places in Osaka
if these are generally nearly what you are actually seeking.

Whether you want an enjoyable and personal hostel, a cheap destination to freeze after per night of partying, or an ultra-chic developer solution to sip cocktails and surround yourself with fantastic people  – Gay Osaka has actually some thing for everyone!

Gay-friendly Hotels Near Umeda / The Doyama Gay World

InterContinental Hotel Osaka â˜†â˜†â˜†â˜†â˜†

Redefining deluxe, the InterContinental Osaka provides incomparable deluxe and style. Your own experience starts inside the slick and soaring reception, a bright and peaceful arena of fine art, modern décor, and breathtaking opinions.

It goes on throughout any stay with Michelin-star eating, invigorating day spa remedies, and Japanese-style bathing. Then there’s the stately spaces, suites, and residences that provide unrivaled solution and facilities to discriminating company and leisure tourist. This service membership listed here is second-to-none, and should you end up being tempted to keep, the homosexual world of Osaka starts only a few minutes out.

The Ritz-Carlton Osaka â˜†â˜†â˜†â˜†â˜†

Celebrate eternal luxury as of this 5-star hotel that captures the essence of Osaka, Japan. Located in the prestigious area of Nishi-Umeda, The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka pays tribute to Japanese cultural heritage, while lavishing visitors with modern lavishness.

With a 450-piece art and old-fashioned collection, a day spa, and impeccably developed accommodations, this metropolitan oasis supplies stylish elegance near special destinations, old area sights, together with gaybourhood of Osaka!

Hilton Osaka Hotel â˜†â˜†â˜†â˜†

Located, this top-quality resort is recommended by many gay people for its convenient area, amazing views, and clean design. There is a range of dining solutions, and an internal pool, health and fitness center, rest space, and spectacular town opinions are simply just certain facilities waiting for the appearance.

ibis Osaka Umeda â˜†â˜†â˜†

A worldwide economy brand lodge found in the Umeda region offering inviting, contemporary, and cozy areas, with comfy beds. There was cost-free Wi-fi and a clean design, but we will be sincere – you are staying here your low price tag and area!

Nest Resort Osaka Umeda â˜†â˜†â˜†

An extremely affordable hotel choice supplying a relaxing base to explore Osaka by day, with easy access to the homosexual scene of Doyama when the sun goes down! Newly launched, the rooms are somewhat small but well-equipped, and also the resort actually provides loaves of bread and coffee for breakfast.

There is a roomy and well-designed lobby to hold out in. Because of the place and {design|style|layout|conce