🛈 ESSENTIAL INFO

Enjoy the most LGBTQ+ friendly side of Japan with our guided tours around the country. Your trip with Go!GayJAPAN starts upon landing in the country of the Rising Sun. Let us take care of everything, and just enjoy!

 

Pick your own flight

Pick the flight that best suits your needs with your favorite agency. Just make sure that you arrive in Japan on the first day of the itinerary. We will be at the airport waiting for you on time!

Your hotel is handpicked

We double-check and filter the best hotels to ensure the best location and comfort. Sometimes you will even have the choice to sleep in Japanese-style rooms with tatami floors and traditional futons.

Guided all the way

From your arrival to your departure, you will always be accompanied by your travel guide throughout the entire itinerary. Additionally, you have the option to request a private tour on your free days during the trip.

 

Gastronomy a la carte

Many people are crazy about Japanese gastronomy, but others are not. Put your worries away, as our hotels and food courts offer a variety of choices to suit all tastes!

Photography service

Pictures are the best way to share your experience with the rest of the world, so we have prepared an optional photography service to immortalize your best moments during your trip to Japan.

Enjoy a different trip!

Our trips are designed to showcase the most traditional essence of Japan, curated with a mix of the local gay scene and culture. Your tour guide and travel mates are all part of the LGBTQ+ community, so feel free to be yourself!

 

 

 

🛫 Before departing

 

Visa

Depending on your nationality and country of residence, you might need to obtain a visa before arriving in Japan. Citizens of the European Union, United States, Canada or Australia may visit Japan without a visa for up to 90 days. Please contact the nearest Japanese embassy or consulate for more information.

 

Health insurance

Japan does not provide free healthcare. You might want to consider purchasing health insurance to cover any potential needs during your trip. Your travel agency will offer you this option when you purchase your flight, but it is also available through insurance companies and banks.

 

Currency exchange

If your trip starts in Kyoto, we advise you to exchange your money in this city. There is a currency exchange office right in front of the Kyoto train station that applies a very low commission. Otherwise, you might want to exchange in your country of origin. Travelers arriving without Japanese yen will need to exchange at the airport at least to cover their personal expenses for the first two days of the tour.

 

Phone calls and data

It is highly recommended to enable the roaming service of your mobile phone provider before departing to Japan. Unlike other countries, obtaining a local SIM card in Japan is very difficult and you may need to call your tour guide in case of emergency during your trip.

 

💼 What to bring in your luggage

The type of clothing and items suitable for your trip depends on the weather season and the type of itinerary.

Luggage recommendations for all tours:

Medicines. Bring a small bag packed with essential medicines such as cold and flu tablets, hay fever/allergy medicine, ibuprofen, and paracetamol. Japanese medicines are generally less potent than Western ones, and pharmacy hours are limited.

Wearing shoes that are easy to slip on and off is highly advisable in Japan. This is because in many places such as temples, shrines, homes, certain restaurants, and shops, visitors are required to remove their shoes.

Power adapter. Most hotels provide them, but they may not have enough for all guests. It is always a good idea to bring your own, just in case.

Mobile phone with roaming service enabled.

Travel light. Bringing heavy suitcases might turn a wonderful trip into a headache. The lighter you travel, the easier it is to move around. We will assist you if you prefer to send your luggage between hotels. Japan offers an excellent luggage delivery service!
 

 

🎎 Culture awareness

Customers with tattoos are not allowed in hot springs, saunas, and public swimming pools. This policy is in place to prevent yakuza members from accessing these facilities.

Smoking on the street is prohibited. However, there are designated areas in restaurants and public spaces where smoking is allowed.

Being loud and body contact are big no-nos in Japan. Modesty in the way you communicate with others is highly appreciated by locals.

Japanese kids are the cutest, but approaching them or taking pictures is seriously frowned upon by adults.

It is unlikely to see Japanese couples kissing or holding hands in the streets, and many people will advise against doing so. However, younger generations are eager to break that rule, and watching foreigners showing affection in public may help change attitudes. Just remember to keep a certain degree of discretion when displaying affection in public.

It is a requirement to keep quiet when using public transportation, including switching your phone to silent mode.

Your tour guide will inform you about a full range of aspects you should consider during your trip to Japan. Most of them are based on common sense, so if you are naturally a polite person you will have no problems at all.

 

❓ Do you have any questions?

We are more than happy to  answer your questions and doubts. Please feel free to contact us anytime!