Tokyo Pride Parade

Pride parades are one of the best things about spring, and Tokyo does not disappoint. Its annual Tokyo Pride Parade is an awesome weeklong event of queer acceptance, love and, yes, of course, pride.

Japan’s biggest pride fest!

Set in the event space next to Shibuya’s Yoyogi Park, Tokyo Pride Festival is a two-day event that mixes progressive social activism with traditional Japanese festival culture. Munch on your yakisoba (stir-fried noodles) while chatting with anime drag queens. Cool down with your uchiwa (fan) and kakigori (shaved ice) next to Japanese in yukata (summer kimono) while listening to a speech about the fight to establish marriage equality in Japan.

While perhaps not as raucous as some other cities’ prides, Tokyo Pride’s homey and down-to-earth approach makes it quite an inclusive event.

What to Expect

Tokyo Pride Parade is a chance to see and hear Tokyo’s LGBT community in full force.

Various embassies, organizations and corporations are clustered in the event area, handing out free gifts and willing to chat. Really, everyone is in high spirits, so it’s a great way to meet some new friends, both Japanese and foreign.

In addition to the organizations’ booths, there is also an event stage in the same area. You can relax there and check out performances by local singers, dancers and entertainers, as well as speeches by politicians and local leaders.

Photo by: akane_kiyohara Gettin’ that pride swag.

The parade takes place on the second day of the Pride Festival. Starting at Yoyogi Park Keyaki-namiki Street, it snakes through the area’s main shopping streets before arriving back at the fest. Join in and celebrate being out and proud while enjoying the brightly colored floats, festive costumes and gay party music. Sign up to join the parade here.

While the park event closes around sundown, don’t be fooled. The party continues in the streets of Ni-chome, Tokyo’s gay district,  until the next morning! No matter your gender or sexual orientation, one thing is clear: Tokyo Pride Parade is an inclusive, uplifting and fabulous way to spend a spring day in the city