While there are over a hundred bars in Tokyo’s famous gay district Shinjuku Ni-chome, only a handful are for women who like women. If a fun night out in Ni-chome has left you wondering where all the gay women go, you might find your answer over in Ikebukuro at Lesbian Bar Urue.
Urue was Ikebukuro’s first lesbian bar, opening in 2013 and it’s a much more chill version of its Ni-chome sisters, Goldfinger and Adezakura. It’s conveniently located just a few minutes north of Shinjuku on the train!
An electrifying night out in Ni-chome is an essential for LGBT travelers in Tokyo, but it can be exhausting. Urue offers lesbian patrons a less male-centered and more relaxed hangout.
Ikebukuro isn’t just for anime
Ikebukuro is a huge urban neighborhood in Tokyo, but it’s nowhere near the same scale as Shinjuku. The northwest side of the station, where Urue calls home, is much more low-key than Ni-chome.
Ikebukuro has become somewhat of a pilgrimage site for anime fans, with the largest anime store worldwide located just a few minutes’ walk away from the station. Marketed as being more female-friendly than the shady Akihabara district, Ikebukuro should definitely be added to any lesbian’s itinerary for gay travel in Tokyo. Pick up the latest anime goods and manga before dropping by Urue.
Visiting Urue
Dimly lit candles at the entrance offer guests a warm welcome. Inside, you’ll find comfy velvet sofas in the back and several chairs at the bar. On Urue’s official Twitter page,they explain that many newcomers to the lesbian scene visit and are welcome there.
The owner, Aya, is very friendly and talkative. She regularly holds singles meetups at the bar, which are highly recommended if you’re looking for love or just friends. Be aware that many of the patrons are locals though and not everyone can speak English. Be sure to brush up on your Japanese skillsbefore signing up!
The menu at Urue is complete with both domestic and imported alcoholic drinks starting from ￥700. Light snacks are also available.
