Take a Tour of This Luxury Chalet in Japan
According to Mastercard, Japan is currently topping the trending destinations list, with a record-breaking number of international arrivals this year.
Japan is currently experiencing a significant surge in popularity, experiencing remarkable growth. Japan saw a 23% increase in international tourist arrivals and a significant surge in tourism earnings in early 2025, particularly during its popular cherry blossom season. This rise is partly due to the depreciation of the Japanese Yen, making it a more affordable destination.
Additionally, there is a welcoming culture where other nations are becoming less tolerant. Public displays of affection are not common in Japan, but LGBTQ+ travelers generally report feeling safe and respected while there. Japanese culture emphasizes respect for privacy and personal space, meaning that LGBTQ+ individuals are generally treated with courtesy and allowed to be themselves without undue scrutiny.
Where to stay
Featured Property: Chalet Ivy Jozankei
The Japanese hospitality industry is increasingly recognizing the needs of LGBTQ+ travelers. Many hotels and accommodations are taking steps to create welcoming environments, and some specifically market themselves as LGBTQ+ friendly. For instance, the Cen Diversity Hotel and Café in Tokyo prides itself on its inclusivity.
But you don’t have to always stick to Tokyo. Nationwide, the Japanese concept of hospitality is called Omotenashi, which emphasizes anticipating and fulfilling the needs of guests without expecting anything in return. It’s a philosophy of selfless service, where hosts go above and beyond to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for their guests, often through meticulous attention to detail and thoughtful gestures.
A property that encompasses Omotenashi is Chalet Ivy Jozankei. Located in the forests of Sapporo 500 miles North of Tokyo, Chalet Ivy Jozankei’s 26 spacious and elegantly designed guest suites offer picturesque views of the surrounding natural beauty of Jozankei on the Toyohira River, including spectacular fall foliage. The peak fall foliage season in Sapporo is typically from mid-October to early November. However, due to warmer-than-average temperatures, the season may be delayed, with peak viewing times possibly extending into early November.
Offering a blend of Japanese tradition and Western comfort, Chalet Ivy is a welcome reprieve from the chaos of modern life, and a reconnection with the best of Japanese tradition. All rooms feature natural onsen, offering Jozankei’s famed mineral-rich waters.
The 88-seat restaurant serves exquisite dishes composed of the best locally grown ingredients in Hokkaido Prefecture in the Japanese method with some Western-style plating. A wide selection of wine and Japanese sake are on offer.
Photos courtesy of: Small Luxury Hotels of the World
Sapporo is located on the island of Hokkaido, which is the northernmost of Japan’s main islands. It is the capital of Hokkaido Prefecture. There is a variety of ways to get to Sapporo. You can take a train from Tōkyō Station to Sapporo via Shin-Hakodate-Hokuto in around 8h 56m. Alternatively, Japan Airlines flies from Tokyo International Airport (HND) to Okadama Airport (OKD) every 4 hours.
Where to go and what to do
Sapporo has a gay scene with several bars catering to the LGBTQ+ community. LaLaToo and Marmelo are two well-known gay bars in Sapporo. Susukino area is known for its nightlife and has a concentration of bars, including some LGBTQ+ bars. Last time we counted, there was more than half a dozen gay bars in Sapporo. In fact, you can go to one place, the No. 6 G Building, formerly the SA Building, and there are gay bars on different floors. Service is friendly but expect to pay a “Charm Charge” (table service charge) of at least 1,000 Yen per person on top of your bill.
Sapporo is also known for its snow and winter beauty, following the stunning autumn season of yellow and red leaves. This is the place for a weekend away with someone significant, and of course the place to enjoy its world-famous namesake beer.
To check out what else is on and LGBTQ+-friendly in Sapporo, go here.
To browse the top-LGBTQ-welcoming hotels in Hokkaido Prefecture, go here.
