Osaka is a very comfortable and attractive destination for LGBT travelers. Indeed, it’s second only to Tokyo as a center for Japan’s LGBT community.
The Takeaway
- Japan in general, and Osaka in particular, is a comfortable and attractive place for gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender travelers.
- Same-sex sexual relations are legal in Japan. The usual laws regarding age apply.
- Overt public displays of affection by couples of any kind are frowned upon in Japan.
- Osaka has a relatively large LGBT community.
- Osaka’s LGBT nightlife district is Doyama-cho, which is a short walk east of Umeda, in the Kita District.
- See below for all the details.
Osaka Holiday Essentials
- Where To Stay In Osaka: See our guide to the best areas and the best hotels to stay in Osaka.
- Things To Do In Osaka: Check this overview of Osaka activities with links to all the key information.
- Flights To Osaka: Find the cheapest flights to Osaka and flight times from scores of airlines with Skyscanner.
- Osaka Packing List: Don’t forget to take any of the essentials with our comprehensive Packing List For Japan.
- Travel Insurance: World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Claim online anywhere in the world.
The Details
Japan is quite accepting of LGBT individuals. Indeed, apart from Thailand, it is the most comfortable and attractive place in Asia for LGBT travelers. Sure, in some country areas, people might look askance at any obviously LGBT couple exhibiting their affection. And, the odd rural hotel or ryokan might balk at providing rooms to such couples. But, in Osaka, you’re unlikely to encounter this.
Resources for LGBT Travelers in Japan
- Utopia Asia Japan Site
Although focused primarily on information for gay travelers, this is the best all-around LGBT website for foreigners visiting Japan. - Lesbian Japan Osaka Page
This site is a little bit out of date, but it’s still a good source of information on Osaka’s lesbian scene and lesbian-friendly bars and clubs.
Where Are These Places Located?
See these places on the Inside Osaka Google map:- Open the Osaka map
- You will see the list of places on the left hand side. (Click the 3-line icon in the top left corner if not). Scroll down or use the map search (the magnifying glass icon) to find the place you want.
- Click the name of the place in the list. Its location pin will be highlighted on the map.
- Map pins are color coded - BLUE: Hotels / Ryokan / Guesthouses | VIOLET: Ryokan | PINK: Places to Eat | GREEN: Shops | YELLOW: Things to See and Do
- If you're using the map on your phone, open the map and then search for the name of the place. The map will then zoom in on its location.
Osaka Vacation Checklist
- For all the essentials in a brief overview, see my First Time In Osaka guide
- Check Osaka accommodation availability and pricing on Booking.com and Agoda.com - often you can book with no upfront payment and free cancellation
- Need tips on where to stay? See my one page guide Where To Stay In Osaka
- You can buy shinkansen (bullet train) tickets online from Klook - popular routes include Tokyo to Osaka, Osaka to Kyoto and Osaka to Tokyo
- You can buy an eSim to activate in Japan or buy a data-only SIM card online for collection when you arrive at Tokyo's Narita or Haneda Airports or Kansai International Airport. You can also rent an unlimited data pocket wifi router
- View my comprehensive Packing List For Japan
- Compare flight prices and timings to find the best Japan flight deals
- If you're visiting more than one city, you might save money with a Japan Rail Pass – see if it's worth it for you
- Get a prepaid Icoca card to make travelling around Osaka easy – here's how
- World Nomads offers simple and flexible travel insurance. Buy at home or while traveling and claim online from anywhere in the world
- Do you want help planning your trip? Chris Rowthorn and his team of Japan experts at Japan Travel Consulting can help
