Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2024

Tokyo Rainbow Pride 2024

The first Tokyo Rainbow Pride (TRP) Parade was 26 years in 1994 and since then, the event has grown to become one of the largest in Asia. The event balances political messaging and partying to further LGBTQ rights across the country.

• Visiting for the event, stay close to Ni-chōme in Shinjuku Ward, Tokyo’s gayborhood. The Mitsui Garden Hotel is rated” Fabulous” by guests with spacious rooms and a modern gym and pool.

The Event

• Tokyo Rainbow Pride takes place every year in late April to early May and celebrates LGBT pride with a host of events, including an energetic parade that last year saw thousands of people gather and take to the streets in fancy dress alongside floats.
• This year the highlights of the Tokyo Rainbow Pride include the Pride Festival on Friday and Sunday’s Tokyo Rainbow Pride Parade, starting at Yoyogi Park and marching through Shibuya & Harajuku.
• Stay at the Shibuya Excel Hotel Tokyu. We love its location, a stone’s throw from Shibuya’s attractions and the pride parade, offering great views and easy access to both gay-friendly spots and mainstream Tokyo sights.

Tokyo Rainbow Pride Festival

• Friday 19th April – The Festival in Yoyogi Park takes place on Friday, with a variety of booths opened in Yoyogi Park by LGBT-friendly companies and artists. The booths will be open from 11 a.m. until 6 p.m.
• This event features drag, shows and live music performances.
• Stay close to the venue at the Trunk Hotel, located just 3 mins rideshare or 9 minutes walk from the park. Rated “Superb” by guests, the hotel has a zen-like design with high end amenities and superb guest services.

Tokyo Rainbow Pride Parade

• Sunday 21st April, 2024 – The parade takes place on the last Sunday during a packed program of week long events Don’t Miss!
• The 3km parade takes in the Harajuku/Shibuya area on the Sunday with participants marching and riding on floats.
• The march starts at the Event Plaza and then snakes its way through the streets of Shibuya Ward before gliding over several gentle hills before returning to the Event Plaza.
• The parade starts at 1pm and runs until 3 pm. The event has more than 52 different groups with over 7,000 marchers.

Happy Pride Tea Dance

• Sunday April 21st – Happy Pride Tea Dance – takes place at Wall to Wall from 4pm. The perfect post-parade party running until 10 pm. This event is also known as the “Opening Beat of the Tokyo Pride Beats Circuit Festival.

Tokyo Pride Beats Circuit Festival

• Sunday April 21st – Monday April 29th – Tokyo Pride Beats features multiple parties held at Club Asia, mainly on the final Sunday before the bank holiday – Shōwa Day.
• Events include three different parties taking over Club Asia with a Circuit, Disco and Techno floor.
• Other events include the OPPA K Pop party and the after hours event.

Fancy Him

• Saturday, April 20, 4pm-11pm – Fancyhim hosts a special afternoon event with as an exciting lineup of DJs and drag queens, at Shibuya PARCO.

Where to Party during Tokyo Rainbow Pride

• Just a convenient walk from Shinjuku, lies Ni-chome, Tokyo’s gayborhood overflowing with outdoor bars, karaoke pubs, and cozy clubs for anyone on the spectrum.
• There are countless options for food and drink. Ni-chome also features outdoor bars with large terraces.
• Stay close to the gay bars at the Tokyu Stay Shinjuku Eastside, rated “Fabulous” by guests. We love its perfect location, delicious buffet breakfast, super chilled rooftop garden and minimalist vibes.
• The closest station is Shinjuku San-chome station, one stop from Shinjuku on the Fukutoshin, Marunouchi and Shinjuku metro lines. Take the C5 exit and then just cross the street into Ni-chome.
• For a taste of old Tokyo, explore the narrow alleys of Omoide Yokocho, near Shinjuku Station. They are filled with tiny yakitori (grilled chicken) stalls and bars.
• Shibuya: Known for its iconic scramble crossing, Shibuya also offers a welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQ+ individuals, with a growing number of gay-friendly bars and spaces.

Popular Gay Venues in Tokyo

• In Ni-Chome, there are over 300 small bars that cater to different specific groups, known as Kei in Japanese. You can find a variety of bars for heavyset men, transvestites, those who enjoy BDSM, hairy men, seniors, twinks, and young guys.
• Due to limited space, many of these unique bars can only accommodate up to 15 patrons. This limited capacity may affect the diversity of the clientele. While most bars are open to non-Japanese visitors, when the space fills up, guests not fitting the target group may be politely asked to wait leave.
• AiiRO Cafe: Start your night at this cozy spot in Shinjuku Ni-chome. Enjoy a cocktail under their iconic rainbow lantern with happy hour from 6 pm to 9 pm. Tokyo’s most popular open air bar.
• Dragon Men: A popular bar in Shinjuku Ni-chome attracting a diverse crowd. Not to big, so always seems busy. Staff are friendly and English speaking. Very busy dancefloor at weekends.
• AiSOTOPE Lounge: Situated in the bustling Shinjuku Nichome, Tokyo’s famed gay district, AiSOTOPE Lounge is Tokyo’s  largest gay dance club. The venue is unique for its inclusion of a dark room, alongside hosting various themed nights. With affordable drinks and drag queen entertainment, it’s a welcoming space for everyone.
• Arty Farty: A staple in Tokyo’s gay nightlife, Arty Farty offers an expansive dance floor paired with a large bar area in Nichome, Shinjuku-ku. The club and its sister venue, The Annex, are interconnected, allowing guests to move freely between the different vibes each space offers. Friendly atmosphere with a mix of locals, expats, and travelers. Arty Farty also features special events and reasonably priced drinks, making it a popular choice any night of the week.

Where to stay?

Here are the hotels we recommend that have good reviews and keep you close to the gay bars and clubs.

Keio Plaza Hotel,    Hotel Gracery,    Shinjuku Granbell Hotel,    Super Hotel Shinjuku