Vacationer of the Week: Shintaro Koizumi, Out Asia Travel

For this week, we wanted to reach out to our friends in Japan for some travel inspiration. So, we connected with Shintaro Koizumi, the president of Out Asia Travel, a gay-friendly travel agency. Shintaro was born, raise, and still lives in Tokyo. So, he (and his business partner Hiromi Thetreau based in LA) have the inside scoop about things to do and see not only in Japan but in other countries in Asia, too! 

Our in-depth Q&A covers Shintaro’s recommendations for the best places for queer travelers to visit in Asia, three things every traveler should do when visiting Japan, which cities LGBTQ+ travelers should visit on their first trip to the country, and he tells us what traditional custom you should learn to show that you are a polite tourist.  By the end of this Q&A, we’re sure you’ll want to explore Asia, especially Japan!  

Vacationer Magazine: At what age did you receive your first passport? What was your first trip?

Shintaro Koizumi: I got my first passport when I was 19 years old. My first overseas trip was to San Francisco.

What trip or travel experience sparked your passion for travel? 

It was an around-the-world trip when I was 22 years old. During this period, around-the-world tickets were so popular that I traveled to Hong Kong, Australia, New Zealand, and several cities in the US, UK, France, Germany, and Italy. Unfortunately, I returned home on the way because the Gulf War had begun at this time, but my passion for travel began with this trip.  

What inspires you to travel?

I travel to meet friends overseas. I love sightseeing, cultural experiences, and local food, but I look forward to meeting and talking with friends who don’t live in Japan. 

Please tell us how you identify yourself on the LGBTQIA spectrum. Tell us if how you identify influences the way your travel. If so, how?

I am an Asian (Japanese) gay man. Basically, I travel where I want to go, but I also tend to look for LGBTQ-friendly places as well as places where Asian gay men can enjoy themselves.

What domestic and international destinations do you think will be popular travel destinations for LGBTQ+ travelers in Asia this year?

Domestically, Japan will be a popular travel destination in Asia for LGBTQ+ travelers this year – when Japan opens its borders to foreign travelers. Currently, there are some travel restrictions. 

Japan has four seasons, and so no matter what time of the year, you can always enjoy many of its beautiful tourist destinations and taste the local food – from north to south. There are also many LGBTQ activities, including the Pride parade events. Among them, the following places are recommended: 

Hokkaido – A large island located in northern Japan.  In the wilderness, you can enjoy adventure activities and stay at one of the summer/winter resorts.  It is famous for good food. The seafood in Hokkaido is superb!

Tokyo – It’s an international city and the capital of Japan. Tokyo is like any other big city overseas. It’s home to the largest gay area in Asia named “Shinjuku 2-chome,” where there are more than 300 LGBTQ bars and several club parties happening. 

Osaka – It is a big city, and it has an international airport.  It has delicious local food, several LGBTQ bars, and the people in Osaka are super friendly.  It’s full of fun things to do including sightseeing tours with Drag Queens. 

Okinawa – A beautiful island located in southern Japan. You can enjoy one of the clearest oceans in the world at one of the many beautiful resorts available on the main island and remote islands.  There are also busy LGBTQ bars in the capital city, “Naha.”

Outside of Japan, Thailand was the first country to accept foreign tourists after the pandemic. It’s known for its warm climates, LGBTQ activities, great attractions, and welcoming beautiful resorts.  Tourists can enjoy Thailand exactly the same way they did before the pandemic.

What are two or three travel experiences in Asia that are popular right now?

Taiwan is popular. Same-sex marriage is legal in Taiwan and the capital, Taipei. One of the largest LGBTQ parades in Asia is held and there are also several LGBTQ bars. Before the pandemic happened, I participated in the parade every year in my Japanese kimono. Taiwanese people are known for being friendly in Asia, and Taiwan is said to be the “gay capital” of Asia because of the large number of LGBTQ activities.

Thailand has many LGBTQ activities and big parties during the Songkran Festival period in April. It’s so much fun for LGBTQ visitors. I like the big city of Bangkok, but I also love going to Koh Samui for sightseeing by bicycle and relaxing at a beautiful resort.

Is there a travel destination in Asia that most queer travelers would think isn’t safe to visit, but you’ve visited and enjoyed it? 

Asia is relatively safe, but like any other travel destination, we need to be careful of pickpocketers and taxi drivers. When I took a taxi in Vietnam and Thailand, I was asked for an exorbitant amount of money. It is recommended to check the taxi fare before boarding.

What are three things you would recommend LGBTQ+ travelers do when they visit your hometown or where you currently live?

1. Study a few Japanese phrases. When a foreigner speaks Japanese a little, the Japanese will treat you with a smile. It’s also useful when you meet local LGBTQ people

2. Have cash on hand. Of course, credit cards and bar code payments are well developed in Japan, but there are occasions when cash is required, such as vending machines, public transportation tickets, and ordering drinks at bars.

3. Visit a local LGBTQ bar. By going to an LGBTQ bar, you may have an opportunity to make local friends and get the most recent information. To make your trip more fun, you should try to visit the diverse variety of LGBTQ bars in Japan!

What sparked your decision to start your own travel business? 

The reason why I started Out Asia Travel was because I wanted my overseas friends and customers to have the most enjoyable experience when they travel to Japan. Originally, I was interested in foreign countries, but I wanted to become a bridge between other countries and Japan and Asia someday. Currently, I try to do my best to inform travelers about Japanese culture, the wonderful tourist destinations, and the LGBTQ activities available to them.

What’s the best tip you’d offer travelers visiting Asia for the first time?

Due to the rainy season and heavy rainfall in various parts of Asia, I recommended keeping a folding umbrella in your bag at all times. If you forget to bring one, you can buy plastic umbrellas at many convenience stores in the city.

I know it’s hard to narrow it down to just one, but is there one traditional custom that LGBTQ+ travelers should remember when visiting Asia for the first time? 

There is a custom of bowing in many parts of Asia. Please bow when you meet the locals for the first time or when you thank them. It’s a way of showing that you are a polite tourist who understands Asian culture.

What are your top three favorite places to visit?

Barcelona – Friendly people and good food and it is easy for me to reach many places without traveling much. It is the perfect size city. When I have lunch or dinner at the bar, local people are very kind to talk to me, and I also have a good time at the gay bars. I definitely want to visit again.

Istanbul – I was able to experience an exotic and completely different culture from Japan. The Turkish people are so kind to Japanese people, they gave me directions to different restaurants, and also, I have good memories of having a drink at a gay club with them.

Taipei – I can always have fun with my friends in Taipei. If you visit Taiwan, I recommend dining at a Taiwanese restaurant, grabbing a drink(s) at the local gay bars and cafes (so much fun), and the hot springs in the suburbs are also recommended.

What three places are still on your bucket list to visit?

The Amazon, Guinea Highlands, and Machu Picchu. I would like to take a leisure trip to unexplored regions and World Heritage Sites far from Japan. That would be an extraordinary experience!

What’s one thing you never forget to pack in your suitcase?

I always have small souvenirs from Japan.  I can always give them to someone who has been kind to me. 

What travel trend or travel industry shift are you most excited to see this year?

I think people will continue traveling while taking preventative measures to keep everyone safe during the pandemic. Outdoor trips that allow travelers to explore nature will continue to be popular vacations. 

Also, I think that many people use an Online Travel Agency (OTA) when planning for travel, but also there will be an increase in demand for real on-site travel agencies that have local information and can prepare the necessary travel documents if needed.  

Want to plan your next vacation to Asia? Contact Shintaro Koizumi in the Tokyo office and his business partner Hiromi Thetreau in the  LA office via email at info@outasiatravel.com or check out the Out Asia Travel website for more information.