THINGS TO DO FOR TRANS / GENDERFLUID TOURISTS IN TOKYO

While the language barrier can make things tricky to find, Tokyo does offer interesting things to do for the trans or genderfluid tourist

For many transgender women or gender fluid individuals, visiting a foreign country is a great way to explore oneself without worry of judgement. For people who are just coming out, it gives them a chance to see how they would carry themselves in public without the strain of being outed in front of people they know, or for those living in relatively conservative places, the stress of confrontation from people they don’t. 

Why Tokyo is Great for Trans and Genderfluid Tourists

In this respect, Tokyo, Japan is a great place to take a first step. Like any major city, Tokyo is progressive and cosmopolitan in nature, Japanese culture places a high priority on respecting privacy and strangers, and most Japanese people generally view foreigners as being culturally “different” anyway. With all these factors combined, Tokyo is generally a good destination for those looking for a foreign city to take their first steps out. Let’s take a look at some things you can do here: 

Blossom Kimono: Gender Inclusive Kimono Dressing

For Trans women looking for a gender-affirming experience in Tokyo, Blossom Kimono is a great place to start.

Of course, any trip to Japan would not be complete without a dressing in Japanese Kimono, and what better place to do it than right here at Blossom Kimono. You can do the process in English with someone who not only understands people on the feminine side of the LGBTQ spectrum, but has also built a collection of stunning Kimono for people who have larger body frames. Get pictures taken, experience a tea ceremony or just take the time to walk around in Kimono. We can do it as you like and we can do it together :) 

Girls Club (Onna no Ko Kurabu)

Girls' Club or "Onna No Ko Kurabu" in Japanese is a common go-to spot for crossdressers and genderfluid people in the Shinjuku Nichome area.

Girls' club or "Onna No Ko Kurabu" in Japanese, is a go-to spot for foreign cross-dressers, gender-fluid people and others on the feminine side of the LGBTQ spectrum. Located in the Shinjuku Ni-chome area, it offers a cute and feminine bar and club space, costumes and clothes to wear if you feel too shy to come dressed. It usually has a full crowd on weekend nights. The only downside is that it’s rare that there are English speakers there; but if you are heading out that way, let me know and I’ll come join you! :) I’m often in the same area. 

Tokyo Pride House

Tokyo Pride House is located 5 minutes on foot from Shinjuku Gyoenmae Station.

Another great resource in the Shinjuku area is Tokyo Pride House. It is open to anyone on the LGBTQ+ spectrum, locals and tourists alike, has free coffee and tea, and is a great way to find out about pride events and other things happening in the local Tokyo LGBTQ+ community. Many of the staff speak English as well, so while they are not a tourist-focused organization, that does makes things easier as well. They also have a spacious all-inclusive bathroom :) They are open from 13:00-19:00 however, so it’s best to plan to come during the day. 

irOdori

For Trans Women looking for a gender-affirming experience in Tokyo or Sendai based off of physical movement, irOdori is a wonderful and friendly option.

Do you like dance? irOdori is a gender-inclusive ballet school that is also active in the LGBTQ community and completely gender-inclusive. They have English speaking staff and also offer shopping and dressing services as well. For anyone on Instagram they can be reached at @irodori_odori and are usually quite fast to respond.

Akasaka Dominatrix

For those into the kinky side of things, Dominatrix is a gender-inclusive SM bar in Akasaka where one can safely and discreetly explore their delights.

For those who are into the kinky side of things, another very much gender-inclusive spot in the Akasaka area is Dominatrix. The name says it all, but they are a welcoming and safe space for anyone regardless of their gender identity or sexual preference (within safe reason). Take in a show or just come for a drink. It’s staffed and run 100% by women, and the staff are great, but do be warned however that it’s on the exclusive side and you should expect to spend at least 10,000yen if you go there however. 

Tokyo Can Be a Great Place for Trans Tourists

For trans women, crossdressers, gender fluid people or others on the feminine side of the LGBTQ spectrum, Tokyo can be a fun place to visit and a safe place to explore if you know where to look and what to do :) 

While there can be a language barrier at times, there are places and services like Tokyo Pride House, Irodori Odori, and Blossom Kimono that have supportive english speaking staff, so that you can enjoy the experience without having to speak Japanese.

If you have any questions, feel free to drop me a line and ask! I’m here for you :)