At a glance
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Our group trips are a great chance to travel with others. We also recommend adding in a few extra nights tailor-made to ensure you build the perfect itinerary.
Embark on an unforgettable journey 11-day gay group trip in the captivating country of Japan. This luxury trip is designed for the LGBTQ+ community, offering a unique and immersive experience in the Land of the Rising Sun.
Begin your adventure in glorious Tokyo, renowned for its cutting-edge technology and rich cultural history. From Tokyo, continue to Hakone, an idyllic spot known for its natural beauty. Next, you’ll jump on a bullet train to Kyoto, a city known for its deep cultural roots. Take part in a Tea Ceremony, and visit ancient shrines, and temples.
You’ll embark on a ferry ride to the peaceful Miyajima Island, where you will witness the beauty of Japan’s natural landscapes and spirituality through the famous red torii gate. Then you’ll head to Hiroshima, a city that is now a symbol of hope and peace after enduring immense devastation during World War II. Your journey concludes in Osaka, a city with a captivating history and dynamic culture, where you’ll visit the majestic Osaka Castle.
More Information
Japan remains the only G7 country without legal recognition for same-sex couples. While partnership certificates now cover over 92% of the population across 530+ municipalities, these provide limited benefits without the legal protections of marriage, including inheritance rights, spousal visas, or parental authority.
Multiple high courts have ruled Japan’s same-sex marriage ban unconstitutional between 2021 and 2025, including decisions in Sapporo, Tokyo, Fukuoka, Nagoya, and Osaka. However, in November 2025, a different Tokyo High Court ruling upheld the ban, creating conflicting precedents. These cases await Supreme Court review, though Japan’s high court cannot mandate marriage equality. Only the National Diet can change the law.
Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi, who took office in October 2025, opposes same-sex marriage. During a 2025 campaign debate, she stated she opposed legalizing same-sex unions, though adding that having a same-sex partner was “fine.”
This marks a shift from her predecessor Shigeru Ishiba, who expressed public sympathy for same-sex couples and suggested marriage equality would “make the nation happier.”
The government extended nine laws in 2025 to recognize same-sex couples in “de facto marriages,” including domestic violence protections and housing rights. However, 120 laws, primarily covering social security and taxes, still exclude same-sex couples. Japan has no national anti-discrimination legislation protecting LGBTQ+ individuals in employment, housing, or public services.
Urban areas like Tokyo and Osaka maintain visible LGBTQ+ communities with Pride events, inclusive nightlife, and advocacy organizations. Public opinion polls show approximately 68% of Japanese support same-sex marriage, with higher support among younger generations. However, traditional family structures and conservative political leadership continue to slow legislative progress.
For LGBTQ+ travelers, Japan presents a complex landscape. Same-sex couples face no legal penalties, hotels and restaurants in major cities serve LGBTQ+ guests without issue, and street-level discrimination is uncommon.
However, couples cannot access spousal benefits, some traditional ryokans apply their own policies regarding room-sharing, and public displays of affection between any couples remain culturally uncommon. Most onsen remain gender-segregated, and mixed-gender baths are restricted in Tokyo, though welcoming options exist elsewhere across the country. We identify LGBTQ+ welcoming properties and navigate these nuances based on our experience arranging Japan travel for our clients.
17 Oct, 2026- SOLD OUT
- All accommodations
- Daily breakfast
- All land transfers between destinations
- Welcome dinner in Tokyo
- Nine lunches and five dinners
- Bullet train ride – first class seats
- Private airport transfers
- All tours in itinerary with English-speaking guides
- All sightseeing admissions in itinerary
- Fully escorted tour
- International & domestic flights
- Travel insurance
- Gratuities
- Personal expenses
- Visa expenses (if required)
- Covid test expenses (if required)
- Option activities or excursions not in itinerary
In detail
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Don't forget that most of our itineraries can be totally customized. Our expert team will be able to talk you through all the options.
Days 1 & 2: Tokyo
You’ll begin your Japanese adventure in Tokyo, the bustling capital city of Japan. Tokyo is renowned for its cutting-edge technology, vibrant cityscape adorned with neon lights, and serene green spaces such as parks, shrines, and temples. You’ll stay at the distinguished Mesm Tokyo, a unique hotel based on the lively waterside hub of Takeshiba, that aims to expand your horizons, enhance your taste, and inspire your creativity.
After your first night’s sleep, you’ll visit the iconic Meiji Shrine, before taking in breathtaking views from the Roppongi Hills Observation Deck. Then, you’ll head to Tokyo’s old town, Asakusa, where you’ll find the city’s oldest temple, Sensoji. You’ll then explore the historic Nakamise shopping street before heading back to the hotel for a tasty dinner.
Day 3: Hakone
From Tokyo, you will continue your journey to Hakone, a picturesque destination known for its natural beauty. Hakone offers a tranquil escape with its soothing hot springs, opportunities for outdoor activities, and breathtaking vistas of the majestic Mount Fuji.
You’ll embark on a pirate boat ride to Togendai, where you can take in the stunning views of Lake Ashi, a caldera lake. Then you’ll visit Owakudani, known for its geothermal landscape featuring steam vents and bubbling pools. Here, you can try the unique experience of eating eggs boiled in the natural hot springs of the volcano, believed to add seven years to your lifespan. After a day of exploration, unwind at a traditional Japanese ryokan, where you can relax in the hot sprimg and indulge in a delightful dinner.
Days 4, 5, 6 & 7: Kyoto
Next, you’ll enjoy a thrilling ride on one of the country’s renowned bullet trains to Kyoto, a city known for its deep cultural roots. Here, you’ll delve into the city’s heritage by visiting traditional tea shops, ancient shrines, and temples. Here, you’ll also learn the art of wearing a Kimono, and explore the bustling Nishiki Market.
You’ll explore the Sanjusangendo temple, take part in a Tea Ceremony, and visit the iconic Nijo Castle, as well as Kinkakuji, also known as the Golden Pavilion. One of the highlights of your time in Kyoto will be a visit to the idyllic Arashiyama Bamboo Grove. You’ll also head to Tenryuji, one of Kyoto’s five great Zen temples.
After exploring the beautiful Fushimi Inari Shrine with its vibrant red torii gates, your journey will take you to Nara to visit the impressive Todaiji Temple.
Day 8: Hiroshima
Your journey will continue on to Hiroshima, a city that endured immense devastation during World War II, that has since become a symbol of hope and peace. Discover the resilience and optimism of this remarkable city as you explore its museums, memorials, and landmarks, including the iconic Peace Memorial Park.
Day 9: Miyajima and Osaka
You’ll embark on a ferry ride to the peaceful Miyajima Island, where you will witness the beauty of Japan’s natural landscapes and spirituality through the famous red torii gate. One of the most iconic sights in Japan is the Floating Torii Gate of Itsukushima Shrine, located in Miyajima. This gate is located on an island and is considered one of Japan’s three most beautiful views. It is also recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Days 10 & 11: Osaka
Experience the rich history and vibrant culture of Osaka, Japan. Begin your journey with a visit to the magnificent Osaka Castle, a symbol of Japan’s unification, where you can marvel at its impressive architecture and learn about its fascinating history through museum exhibits.
Indulge in a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before exploring the foodie’s paradise of Dotonbori. As the day comes to a close, raise a toast to the flavors of Osaka and the memories made on this exclusive excursion at a memorable farewell dinner.
Why book with us?
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Call our travel experts on +44 (0)20 7157 1570
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