臺北市政府文化局

Crossing the bustling junction on Civic Boulevard into alleys planned during the Japanese colonial era is like travelling through time into a distinctly Japanese atmosphere. When the Kuomintang government came to Taiwan, this area became the residential district for high-ranking elites and government officials, such as former President Chiang Ching-kuo, the Lin family of Banqiao, and Dr. Tu Tsung-ming, the dean of National Taiwan University Medical College. During the USAID period, the presence of US military led to many bars opening in this area, which gradually transformed into a commercial district. The Taiwanese drama “Light the Night” is set in the 1980s, a time of economic resurgence in Japan, when many Japanese businesses were setting up companies in Taipei. The Hikari Bar scenes were filmed at the entrance of the Sugar Bar in the alleys of Linsen North Road. Walking through these streets, you may wonder if you’ll cross paths with characters like Rose and Sue.

Strolling through this area formerly known as Taisho Town, you will see a fusion of different cultures and an array of unique shops. As you revisiting the historic sites, perhaps you will encounter even more mural stories and deepen your understanding of local businesses and cultural narratives in the area.