Gay group in higashiosaka, japan

EAGLE OSAKA spread its wings in March , marking the vibrant addition of the third venue to the esteemed EAGLE TOKYO GROUP. Nestled in Doyama-cho, Osaka, it proudly stands as one of western Japan's premier gay bars, offering a dynamic experience for its patrons. Boasting expansive spaces, the first floor hosts exhilarating DJ parties on weekends, while the second floor invites guests to unwind in a Yokocho-style bar, open daily. Complementing the ambiance is Nippondanji, our exclusive gay apparel shop.

But as we walked the short five minutes towards the shrine, following the road that leads up the hill, the atmosphere subtly shifted. The highlight of this area is Ishikiri-Tsurugiya Shrine, known for its healing powers and its status as a famous power spot. The area as a whole offers a mix of physical healing at the shrine and spiritual healing found in the surrounding streets, where fortune tellers and power stone shops dot the landscape. Here, in the tranquil grounds of the shrine, I felt like I was witnessing a glimpse of true spirituality in Japan, far removed from the sometimes superficial rituals tourists often encounter.

But although travel and technology have long since opened up Japan to the world, there are some aspects of Japanese life that remain enduringly inaccessible to the non-Japanese. You can visit Japan, but you can never fully experience it, except as a visitor. Even if you speak the language, the barriers are manifold, and they go beyond the obvious. This is especially true of gay life in Japan.

Subscribe to our Gay Travel Newsletter here. Japan is a universe unto itself—a tiny country that combines ancient history with unprecedented innovation. Our gay Japan tour begins in Osaka then takes us to Kyoto. After bowing to the friendly deer in Nara Park, we continue to Tokyo—the biggest megacity of them all.