A Chill LGBTQ+ Friendly Bar in Ogikubo You Should Check Out
If you’re looking to explore LGBTQ+-friendly bars outside of Shinjuku Nichome, or just want to hang out somewhere more relaxed, instead of loud and crowded… let’s head to Ogikubo!
Bar KUBE
Located just a two-minute walk from Ogikubo Station North Exit, Bar KUBE is a mixed bar that opened in June 2024, so it’s still pretty new.
Inside, it has a rock-inspired vibe with music playing in the background. There are about 10 counter seats and around 4 table seats, giving it a spacious but still cozy feel.
To be honest, when I first saw it on Instagram, I wasn’t really sure what kind of place it was. It felt a bit mysterious, like a mix between a club and a bar.
But after talking to the owner, the whole vibe completely changed and felt much more welcoming.
Meet the Owner
We were lucky enough to interview the bar’s owner, Haru. He is a transgender man, and before opening this bar, he worked for about two and a half years at an FTM bar in Nichome to gain experience. He had always wanted to open his own place.
“I wanted to open a place along the Chuo Line. Instead of Shinjuku Nichome, I chose this area because I didn’t want it to be a space only for LGBTQ+ people. I wanted it to be somewhere where straight people and LGBTQ people could naturally connect,” Haru says.
“As for Ogikubo, I just happened to find a great spot close to the station, and that’s what led me to open here.”
The crowd here is very mixed: about half LGBTQ+ and half straight, with a wide range of ages. It’s really a place where all kinds of people come together.
A Place to Connect Through Drinks and Food
One of the highlights of this bar is definitely the drinks. For bottle drinkers, shochu and whisky like Kaku are popular choices. If you’re just having a glass, Haru recommends trying Nepali whisky.
He actually used to run a curry restaurant for three years, which is where his connection to Nepali culture comes from. That’s why he decided to bring in Nepali whisky. It has a smooth, slightly vanilla-like flavor and is very easy to drink. It’s also pretty rare, so people love trying it.
Another must-try is the homemade curry, served on Tuesdays and Saturdays. It’s made from scratch with spices and changes regularly. You might find mutton curry, chicken curry, butter chicken, green curry, or vegetable curry depending on the day.
The bar is open every day, and Haru is always behind the counter. That makes the space feel warm, welcoming, and reassuring. There’s also a live house downstairs with events happening every night. Sometimes they collaborate with guest DJs or parties.
A Space That Matches Your Mood
But one of the best things about this bar is how the vibe changes depending on the day. Some nights are lively, with karaoke, games, and everyone drinking together. Other nights are more chill, perfect for having conversations.
He said they’ve put thought into the small details when it comes to the interior and design. For example, they use record-style coasters to match the music vibe. There’s also a small stage, and for karaoke, you can freely sing using a stand mic.
Whether you want to party or just relax, you can do both here.
A Perfect First Step
If you’ve never been to a bar before, or if Nichome feels a bit intimidating, this is a great place to start. Haru says, “Just come by for one drink.
A lot of people come alone, including first-timers. It’s an easy place to walk into, meet people, and feel comfortable.”
Connection Is the Key
If this bar had to be described in one word, it would be “connection.”
It’s not just about LGBTQ+ people. It’s about creating a space where people who might never have met can connect naturally. It also works as a gateway before going to Nichome. If you’re not sure where to go, Haru is happy to give recommendations.
At the end of the day, this bar is not about labels. It’s about people. No matter who you are, you’re welcome here. If you’re looking for good drinks, great curry, and real connections, this is definitely a place to check out. You might just find your own connection here.
Even the logo is designed as a dice cube, which is actually where the name “KUBE” comes from.
“At first, the cube was plain white, and we thought about adding colors to it. But that started to feel a bit too strongly ‘LGBTQ+-themed,’ and we didn’t want to limit the vibe like that. So we decided to keep it white.”
In a way, that simple white cube really represents the idea that everyone is welcome here.
