{"id":37792,"date":"2025-06-03T12:31:24","date_gmt":"2025-06-03T12:31:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/?p=37792"},"modified":"2025-07-29T09:24:17","modified_gmt":"2025-07-29T09:24:17","slug":"lgbtq-students-guide-to-internships-abroad-safe-spaces-in-tokyo","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/lgbtq-students-guide-to-internships-abroad-safe-spaces-in-tokyo\/","title":{"rendered":"LGBTQ+ Students&#8217; Guide to Internships Abroad: Safe Spaces in Tokyo"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_75 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/lgbtq-students-guide-to-internships-abroad-safe-spaces-in-tokyo\/#Shinjuku_Nichome_Tokyos_LGBTQ_neighborhood\" >Shinjuku Nichome: Tokyo\u2019s LGBTQ+ neighborhood<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/lgbtq-students-guide-to-internships-abroad-safe-spaces-in-tokyo\/#Where_can_international_students_eat_in_Shinjuku_Nichome\" >Where can international students eat in Shinjuku Nichome?<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/lgbtq-students-guide-to-internships-abroad-safe-spaces-in-tokyo\/#LGBTQ_friendly_places_to_dine_in_outside_Shinjuku_Nichome\" >LGBTQ+ friendly places to dine in outside Shinjuku Nichome<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/lgbtq-students-guide-to-internships-abroad-safe-spaces-in-tokyo\/#LGBTQ_community_spaces_in_Tokyo\" >LGBTQ+ community spaces in Tokyo<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/lgbtq-students-guide-to-internships-abroad-safe-spaces-in-tokyo\/#LGBTQ_events_in_Tokyo_that_you_cannot_miss\" >LGBTQ+ events in Tokyo that you cannot miss<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"#\" data-href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/blog\/lgbtq-students-guide-to-internships-abroad-safe-spaces-in-tokyo\/#Ready_to_kickstart_your_internship_in_Japan\" >Ready to kickstart your internship in Japan?\u00a0<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re wondering whether Tokyo is a safe place for LGBTQ+ students to complete an internship, you\u2019ve come to the right place. By the end of this blog, you\u2019ll see that the city isn\u2019t just bursting with incredible food, art, and pop culture\u2014it also has a thriving queer scene that warmly welcomes both locals and international students like you.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><strong>Let\u2019s start with the city\u2019s most popular destination for the LGBTQ+ community: Shinjuku Nichome!<\/strong><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Shinjuku_Nichome_Tokyos_LGBTQ_neighborhood\"><\/span><b>Shinjuku Nichome: Tokyo\u2019s LGBTQ+ neighborhood<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Shinjuku is famous for its cutting-edge street fashion and is a go-to spot for students doing fashion internships in Tokyo. But within this colorful district is Nichome (pronounced nee-cho-meh), a neighborhood that has evolved into a welcoming safe haven for Tokyo\u2019s LGBTQ+ community.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nichome started out as just another red-light district, but by the late 1950s, it began evolving into a safe haven for Tokyo\u2019s LGBTQ+ community. One by one, bars, caf\u00e9s, and other community spaces opened their doors\u2014spots where queer individuals could gather and express themselves without judgment.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">With hundreds of establishments in the neighborhood, Nichome is a great place to visit if you\u2019re an international student looking to learn more about the local LGBTQ+ culture, relax in a safe and welcoming space, or connect with other members of the community.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_can_international_students_eat_in_Shinjuku_Nichome\"><\/span><b>Where can international students eat in Shinjuku Nichome<\/b><strong>?<\/strong><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">As an international student in Japan, one of the things you might be looking for during your internship in Tokyo is a list of restaurants that are foreigner-friendly. That\u2019s why we\u2019ve put together a Venn diagram of LGBTQ+ friendly and English-speaking restaurants just for you!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><i>Shinjuku Dialogue<\/i><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This proudly LGBTQ+ <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and <\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">vegan caf\u00e9 serves coffee, sandwiches, and cakes that are perfect for a quick and healthy bite.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><i>Alamas Caf\u00e9<\/i><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Craving Mexican food? Alamas Caf\u00e9 offers an affordable but hearty menu. Make sure to not miss their tacos!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><i>Ashiyu cafe &amp; bar Donyoku<\/i><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Donyoku is a welcoming social space where you can eat, play board games, meet people, and join workshops while enjoying a relaxing foot bath.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"LGBTQ_friendly_places_to_dine_in_outside_Shinjuku_Nichome\"><\/span><b>LGBTQ+ friendly places to dine in outside Shinjuku Nichome<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Want to avoid the crowds in Shinjuku Nichome? We\u2019ve got you covered! Here are some other LGBTQ+ friendly places in Tokyo where you can enjoy some tasty treats:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><i>Ojizo Coffee<\/i><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you\u2019re a coffee enthusiast or not, you\u2019ll be happy to know that Ojizo Coffee uses\u2014and advocates for\u2014fair trade beans. On top of its commitment to food equity, this LGBTQ+ couple-owned caf\u00e9 also champions inclusivity. You can find it in Koenji, a Tokyo district known for attracting a younger and more creative crowd.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><i>Monsta Sweets<\/i><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Owned by Miami-born graphic designer Gregorio Narvasa and proudly supportive of the LGBTQ+ community, this bakery in Koenji serves American-style cookies that both locals and foreigners line up for. If you\u2019re an international student doing an internship in Tokyo\u2014especially if you\u2019re from the U.S.\u2014this might just be your go-to for a sweet taste of home.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><i>Black Bird Eatery<\/i><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Serving a fusion of American, Japanese, and Middle Eastern cuisine, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/black_bird_tokyo\/?hl=en\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Black Bird Eatery<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> also doubles as an event space in Sasazuka, a district in Shibuya. They host all sorts of events, including open mic nights, creative workshops, and social gatherings where queer individuals can connect.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"LGBTQ_community_spaces_in_Tokyo\"><\/span><b>LGBTQ+ community spaces in Tokyo<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tokyo has a handful of welcoming community spaces where young LGBTQ+ folks and allies can gather, learn, and connect. From activist bookshops to karaoke bars with queer history, these three spots can offer you a safe space to be yourself:<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><i>Irregular Rhythm Asylum (IRA)<\/i><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If you\u2019re looking for materials\u2014books, workshops, exhibitions\u2014on counterculture and LGBTQ+ activism, IRA is the place to be. This 20-year old <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">infoshop<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is a spot for meeting like-minded people, swapping ideas, or simply discovering great queer reads!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><i>Pride House Tokyo Legacy<\/i><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Founded by the local collective <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pridehouse.jp\/en\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Pride House Tokyo<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, this center in Shinjuku aims to provide LGBTQ+ information to the community and a safe and supportive space for everyone. Feel free to join workshops, attend events, and or browse through their library while you\u2019re in the city.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><i>Kusuo<\/i><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Up for some karaoke? Head to Kusuo! It\u2019s a great spot to bring along friends you\u2019ve met during your internship. You might even hear stories from the staff about Queen\u2019s legendary bisexual frontman, Freddie Mercury, and his visits to this karaoke bar back in the day.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"LGBTQ_events_in_Tokyo_that_you_cannot_miss\"><\/span><b>LGBTQ+ events in Tokyo that you cannot miss<\/b><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tokyo\u2019s LGBTQ+ community is thriving with events that celebrate love, identity, and creative expression. While many of the places we mentioned above host LGBTQ+ themed events throughout the year, here are two of the biggest happenings in the city that take place around Pride season\u2014perfect if you\u2019re doing a summer internship in Tokyo!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><i>Tokyo Rainbow Pride<\/i><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The city held its first-ever pride parade in 1994, and it has since grown into one of the biggest LGBTQ+ celebrations in Japan. The celebration usually spans a week, with live performances, an extravagant march, vibrant markets, and insightful talks by guest speakers. Check out the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pride.tokyo\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">schedule of festivities<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and start planning your calendar!<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong><i>Rainbow Reel Tokyo<\/i><\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It doesn\u2019t matter if you\u2019re a Video Production intern or not\u2014if you love cinema, you need to check out the city\u2019s LGBTQ film festival, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/pride.tokyo\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Rainbow Reel Tokyo<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">. The first festival was held back in 1992, and since then, it has always featured films with LGBTQ+ themes.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tokyo might be known for its bright, colorful lights and buzzing streets, but it\u2019s the pockets of community and connection that make the city special\u2014especially for LGBTQ+ students looking for safe spaces while interning abroad.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whether you prefer quiet, cozy caf\u00e9s or lively parades and gatherings, you can always find a welcoming space to explore, express yourself, and meet people who get you.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Ready_to_kickstart_your_internship_in_Japan\"><\/span><b>Ready to kickstart your internship in Japan?<\/b><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Check out our <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/programs\/tokyo-internships\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">internship programs in Tokyo<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and discover a city where you can grow your career, explore new cultures, and find your people. Apply now and let\u2019s make it happen!<\/span><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>If you\u2019re wondering whether Tokyo is a safe place for LGBTQ+ students to complete an internship, you\u2019ve come to the right place. By the end of this blog, you\u2019ll see&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":6168,"featured_media":37798,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"content-type":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[920],"tags":[1120,1119,1121],"table_tags":[],"class_list":["post-37792","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-international-internship","tag-lgbtq-students","tag-lgbtq-students-internship","tag-summer-internship-lgbtq-students"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37792","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/6168"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=37792"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/37792\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/37798"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=37792"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=37792"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=37792"},{"taxonomy":"table_tags","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/absoluteinternship.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/table_tags?post=37792"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}