Bar 空 Urue at Ikebukuro, Tokyo

Ikebukuro's women-only bar with a relaxed, cafe-like feel and an adventurous drinks list.

Bar 空 Urue is a ladies-only bar that opened in Ikebukuro in 2013, born from a wish to give women a relaxed drinking spot of their own without trekking all the way to Shinjuku Ni-chome. Often described as Ikebukuro's lesbian bar, it was created so that women hesitant about Ni-chome could find an easier first step closer to home. The name draws on the kanji 空 (sora, sky), with the idea that the space, the staff and the guests only come together to form a whole when all three are present, and the interior is a calm, cafe-like room where first-timers and solo visitors are made to feel at home. The drinks line-up leans into herbal and herbaceous bottles such as Campari, Pernod, Benedictine and mojito-style serves, alongside fruity liqueurs and unusual fruit wines. Soft drinks and non-alcohol options are generous too, so guests who are wary of alcohol need not worry; hours run from 19:00 on weekdays, with a slightly later 19:30 Sunday start and a mid-week closure that can vary, and the members sign on the door is simply there to deter male visitors, so women should step in with confidence. Run by owner Aya with a warm, chatty ethos, Urue has become a friendly gateway for many making their first visit to a women-only bar. The goal was always to shape an inviting corner of Ikebukuro where guests can unwind at their own pace and meet kindred spirits. Whether for a quiet solo drink or a sociable evening with friends, it offers a gentle, welcoming space to savour.