Bears, Beaches and Bonsai – A Cultural, Culinary and Queer Tour of Japan

11th December 2023 BWM Staff

Have you been curious to explore Japan and its expansive bear scene but have been too afraid to go see it own your own? Perhaps, if you’re like us, you’re not great at navigating new cities or you’re worried because you don’t speak Japanese. Valid concerns for sure but we have just found out about an amazing new tour from Out Asia Travel that will handle all these concerns for you. Allow us to cordially invite you on the Bear Beach Party Tour of Japan!

For 11 days and 10 nights you will be travelling through Osaka, Kyoto, Nara, Okinawa and Tokyo, where you will be treated to an amazing itinerary that combines the best of Japanese culture, site seeing, and gay bear nightlife! Enjoy stays at the Cross Hotel Kyoto, the Hyatt Regency Naha and the Hotel Groove Shinjuku as you move through the country with your tourmates and group leader. Take a look at the scheduled itinerary below.

Tour Itinerary

Jun 25: Arrival Day

Kon’nichiwa! Welcome to the wondrous country of Japan! Upon arriving in the airport of Osaka, you can take either the bus or the train to go to your booked hotel and check in. At night, there will be a welcome dinner for everyone to get to know each other.

Please note: a transfer is not included, but your group leader will provide clear instructions to get to your hotel.

Jun 26: Kyoto/Nara

Start the day by heading to the awe inspiring Golden Pavillion and be captivated by the gold leaf covered structure. Afterwards, prepare to be mesmerized as you pass through the ten thousand red torii gates of Fushimi Inari Shrine. After lunch, the group will head out to Nara to give treats to the majestic and well-mannered deer of Nara Park. The last stop of the day will be the The Great Buddha of the Todaiji temple where you’ll be stunned by the immense bronze statue.

Jun 27: Kyoto

No activities are planned for this day so everyone can roam Kyoto at their leisure. It must be stated that this historical city is the former capital of Japan and is famous for its geisha entertainers, Buddhist temples, shrines and wooden houses. Enjoy!

Jun 28: Osaka/Okinawa

Before leaving the Kansai area, you will have a chance to explore Osaka. Take a look at the five-story Osaka Castle before enjoying a scrumptious Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake) for lunch. After that have a look at the twin towers of Osaka, the Umeda Sky building, where you can check out the unique floating garden observatory. From there you will head to the airport and fly to the southernmost prefecture of Japan, Okinawa. Upon arriving, you’ll check into the hotel and have dinner with the group.

Jun 29: Okinawa

Enjoy barbecued food and drinks along the beach with the local bears all day! But the fun doesn’t have to stop at the beach! Meet more Okinawan bears at the gay bars in the area or wander through Naha at your leisure.

Jun 30: Okinawa

Today will be a free day so you can relax or stroll through the streets of Naha. You can also check out some quirky shops in Kokusai Dori for unique souvenirs. A party will be held in the evening to wrap up your last night in Okinawa with the gorgeous local bears. WOOF!

Jul 01: Okinawa/Tokyo

Before leaving Okinawa the group will head to the Gyokusendo Cave – a massive natural cave in the region. Feel free to roam, enjoy the sites and grab lunch before proceeding to your next destination, the Senagajima Hot Springs! Soak your fatigue away in their tranquil bathhouse fed by natural hot springs. After that you will take your flight to Tokyo and head straight to the hotel.

Jul 02: Tokyo

Are you ready to see the breathtaking sights of Tokyo? To start, the group will visit Asakusa where you’ll glimpse the oldest temple in Tokyo, the Sensoji Temple. From there you will visit the Tokyo Sky Tree, the tallest tower in Japan, where you can have a panoramic view of Tokyo. You’ll have delectable ramen for lunch to restore your energy for more exploring. After lunch, you’ll be visiting the famous Shibuya Scramble Crossing & Hachiko Memorial Statue in Shibuya and the Meiji Jingu Shrine in Harajuku. At night you’ll have a free time to explore more the vicinity of Shinjuku or enjoy drinking with the locals in Shinjuku Nichome – the gay district of Tokyo where there are dozens of bear bars!

Jul 03: Day trip to Hakone

Today you’ll be exploring one of the best destinations of Japan, Hakone. The first stop will be the Hakone Open-air Museum. With sculptures by Picasso and Henry Moore, it lets you encounter the art in a park-like setting. Following the museum will be the ropeway to Owakudani – a volcanic valley with active sulfur vents and hot springs. The group will have lunch here where you can try their specialty curry. Next, you’ll be heading to Lake Ashi where you will be sailing in replica pirate ship!

Jul 04: Tokyo

No activities are planned during the day so you can roam at your leisure. At night, a private Yakatabune boat farewell dinner with bear gogo boys and drag queens has been arranged to mark the end of your Japanese adventure. Doumo Arigatou!

Jul 05: Departure Day

No activities are planned today and you may depart at your leisure.

Please note: a departure transfer is not included, but your group leader will provide clear instructions to get to the airport of choice.

All of this for the amazingly low price of $4950 USD!! That is all your hotel stays, all of your domestic travel within Japan, 60% of your meals, all of your admission fees to the tourist sites and the benefit of traveling with your knowledgeable group leader and guide. International airfare and gratuity is not included.

In addition, organizers will limit the group to a maximum of 30 participants so sign up now! It’s the trip of a lifetime with the bears of your dreams. Grrr!