Hiroaki Toda, owner of Rondonya Sakaba. (©JAPAN Forward)
Kanazawa, in Ishikawa Prefecture, is a city where history and culture meet on every street. In the heart of its bustling Katamachi district sits Rondonya Sakaba, a British-style bar so authentic that, according to its owner, it surprises visitors from the United Kingdom.
With a neat whiskey or a carefully balanced cocktail in hand, you can quietly contemplate the "way of the gentleman" — a philosophy that has long guided Hiroaki Toda, the bar's owner.
A Touch of Britain
The rich scent of polished wood, the soft glow of warm light, and the classic British interior give the bar a quietly timeless air. Every detail bears Toda's meticulous touch. In the 1960s, before overseas travel was common in Japan, he commissioned a British architect to design the space and imported materials from the UK to realize his vision.
From the outside, the bar's façade might seem imposing, but inside the atmosphere is warm and welcoming. Its patrons range from Kanazawa students to middle-aged locals and travelers from abroad, coming together across generations and nationalities.
Behind the counter, Toda moves with the quiet authority of a master bartender who has poured drinks for countless patrons over six decades. His gaze is sharp yet kindly, his friendly presence immediately putting guests at ease.
A Refuge From the Storm
Rondonya has long drawn famous cultural figures. The phrase 今日無事 ("Safe Today") framed behind the counter was written by Naoki Prize-winning author Hitomi Yamaguchi.
It makes one picture a solitary figure, weathered by life, pausing to take them in over a glass of whiskey.
'Creating' a Bar Together
Asked what defines a "stylish" way of drinking, Toda pauses. "It's about harmony with others," he says. "For instance, I wouldn't drink champagne or wine at a sushi restaurant."
For him, style is about consideration for those around you. He explains that the atmosphere of Rondonya Sakaba has grown organically from these subtle exchanges between owner and guest.
"I don't think a bar can be built in three or four years," he adds. "Its character develops over time, shaped by everyone who comes here, not just the bartenders. The smiles, the conversations, the moments that may seem insignificant — they all accumulate. That's what makes this place what it is today."
Today, the tradition endures. Toda's son now stands behind the same counter, shaking cocktails with understated mastery. Though more reserved than his father, his movements carry the same quiet poise. When asked for a recommendation, he suggests a gin and tonic.
The story of Rondonya Sakaba is written in the countless interactions between master and guest. To become part of it, simply step through the doors of this cozy bar in the historic city of Kanazawa.
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Author: JAPAN Forward
