Ikebukuro, Tokyo, is crowded at night. Of course, you can spend a fun night with close friends, but if you ever find yourself feeling a little down and walking around with your head down, there's one bar you should definitely remember.




This time, we'll introduce HANABAR in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, which is also recommended for a slightly sentimental evening. It's a flower healing bar dedicated to the stylish office ladies (OLs) who are readers of FASHION HEADLINE. Even if you're not a big fan of alcohol and don't usually go to bars, this is a place you should definitely check out.


HANA BAR's specialty, the flower cocktail. More details later.

The moment you step inside the bar, you'll be greeted by an abundance of dried flowers and the kind smile of the owner, Mr. Yui. In that moment, your heart will be filled with a warm feeling.





"HANA BAR", which opened in October 2017, was started by Yui, who was active as the online dried flower specialty store "TanikuHammock", as a way to propose a new way of combining flowers and food.

The store's direction, including the interior, was handled by Yui's wife, Nana Yui, who is a dried flower artist. The interior of the store, including purchasing the wallpaper and painting, was all DIY. This fantasy-like space, sprouting in an old foreign mansion, will help you forget the hustle and bustle of the city and cleanse your mind of the stresses that have built up over the course of your daily life.



Both the table and counter seats are carefully designed by Mr. and Mrs. Yui. I wonder where I should sit today?  

Now that I'm feeling elegant, it's time to order. This time, we asked them to make the ever-popular "Optimist" and "Trintillemont", as well as the limited-time "Jumelle Bleu" from HANABAR's signature "Flower Cocktails".


The owner, Mr. Yui, is always smiling, but his expression becomes serious when he's making drinks.

"Optimist" 900 yen (tax included)


"Optimist" is the classic among classic floral cocktails. If you're having trouble deciding which one to get, start with this one. It's a cute cocktail that combines three types of berries and citrus fruits. This cocktail may also be the one that gives you the strongest floral scent. "All the flowers used in HANABAR's menu are edible flowers. Please enjoy the flavor of each flower. Flowers are sweet and delicious," says owner Yui.



"Trantiremont" 950 yen (tax included)

The cream-colored "Trantiremont" is a miraculous short cocktail that combines Darjeeling, Muscat, and hazelnuts. It has a rich, mellow sweetness, yet a refreshing taste that's fresh. Personally, I'd call it a "dessert cocktail for adults." The fragrant, deep flavor is sure to become addictive! I highly recommend it to all tea lovers.


Served with shelled macadamia nuts, Yui's top recommendation.
Nuts are available in two varieties for 450 yen (tax included) and three varieties for 700 yen (tax included). You can choose the varieties you like.

And then there was the limited-time menu item "Jemelle Bleu" available at the time of this interview (mid-December 2018).


Limited-Time Cocktail "Jumelle Blue" ¥1,100 (tax included)

"Jumelle Blue" is reminiscent of the beautiful ocean seen through binoculars by pirates of the Caribbean. It's a tropical sparkling cocktail that combines the refreshing flavor of citrus with the sweetness of coconut. The idea of offering this resort-inspired cocktail in winter is also a great idea.

One of HANABAR's charms is that it always has limited-time cocktails. They are constantly updated to reflect Mr. Yui's mood and the seasonal mood. Apparently, many customers visit every time a new cocktail is released. The latest information is posted on the bar's Instagram, so be sure to check it out.

The store also sells products made with dried flowers from "tanikuhammock," run by Mr. and Mrs. Yui. The recently introduced "flower cookies" are also recommended as souvenirs.


Tanikuhammock "Flower Cookies" 1 bag (2 cookies) 400 yen including tax

Tanikuhammock "Flower Cookies" 8-bag box 3,200 yen including tax

Other items available include swags, art frames, magnets and more. Seasonal Christmas wreaths and New Year decorations will also be available. When you visit the store, don't miss out on the dried flower products from "tanikuhammock."

After our visit, we were soothed both physically and mentally at HANABAR. On our way home, Tokyo's night seemed even more dramatic than usual.

Next time, we'll try going at lunchtime too.