THE HISAKA:
A craft gin theme park in Takadanobaba, a bar wasteland.
- Part 1 -

Hiroyasu Ogura opened THE HISAKA (formerly Bar hisaka), which specialises in craft gin, in Takadanobaba, Tokyo, a previously barren area for real bars. We visit THE HISAKA to find out how it came to be known as 'HISAKA when it comes to gin', even though it has only just opened.

writer：Drink Planet　撮影：Akiko Sameshima

What kind of area is Takadanobaba!

Takadanobaba is sandwiched between two of Tokyo's leading entertainment districts, Shinjuku and Ikebukuro, and although there are many restaurants, it is safe to say that the area is almost completely barren when it comes to bars.

The Takadanobaba area has long been known as a student town, with Waseda University and various vocational schools nearby.

There are many international students from China, Mongolia, Taiwan, Myanmar, Vietnam, Sri Lanka and Uzbekistan, and the area is also characterised by its many authentic restaurants that support these students.

In particular, there are many Myanmar restaurants owned by Myanmar nationals, and the city is sometimes referred to as 'Little Yangon' these days.

Moreover, Shin-Okubo, known as Japan's largest Korean town, is next door.

So, although there are many young people and foreigners, there are hardly any authentic bars (especially those serving craft cocktails).

Bar hisaka, which specialises in craft gin, opened in February 2019.

It was forced to close in October 2022 due to the demolition of the building that housed it, but reopened in February 2023 as THE HISAKA in the same Takadanobaba location (and even upgraded).