Tokyo: A Luxury Guide for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Let's talk about experiencing Tokyo like a local who knows all the secret spots. Start your day with a private hanami (cherry blossom viewing) in Shinjuku Gyoen — I'll set you up with a traditional picnic spread and get you there early for the best photos. Then hop over to Tsukiji outer market where we'll arrange a food tour starting at 7 am (trust me, it's worth the early wake-up). Followed this with a sushi-making class with a master chef.

In Harajuku, I can arrange a private tea ceremony where you'll dress in a kimono and learn from a traditional tea master. This isn't drag — this is art and history, and just pure magic.

For art lovers, skip the lines at TeamLab Borderless with VIP access and a private guide who knows all the best photo spots.

For a truly unique experience, we can arrange a viewing of a sumo stable morning practice (super exclusive, so book way ahead) followed by breakfast at a nearby spot only locals know about.

Wind down with a private sake tasting in Daikanyama, complete with expert sommelier and perfect food pairings. Photography buffs should do a night tour through Tokyo's neon districts with a professional photographer guide. For something hands-on, try an intimate origami workshop in a master's traditional home. Cap it all off with VIP seats at Robot Restaurant — yes, it's touristy, but the backstage tour makes it worth it.

Day trip

If you want to escape the city, plan a Hakone hot springs getaway with a private onsen experience and ryokan lunch. If you don't mind starting your day early, the Kamakura temples are so worth it. For the ultimate splurge, take a helicopter tour of Mount Fuji followed by a lake cruise (weather permitting, of course).

The Tokyo food scene is truly next level. At Narisawa, grab counter seats and go for the wine pairing. Den offers an intimate setting where you can request special ingredients for a custom experience.

L'Effervescence delivers amazing French-Japanese fusion in a beautiful private room. For traditional kaiseki, I hear Nihonryori RyuGin is a go-to, especially their private dining room.

Cocktail enthusiasts can't miss Bar High Five - just let Ueno-san choose your drink.

The New York Bar at Park Hyatt serves up the best city views with live jazz nightly if that's your thing.

Sushi Saito is a must (I'll help book through hotel connections — lunch is usually easier). Quintessence offers French-Japanese perfection that's worth every yen.

For something more intimate, Gen Yamamoto seats only eight lucky guests. Tapas Molecular Bar offers an interactive experience that's perfect if you're rolling solo.