Punch Room Tokyo

Bars in Ginza tend to lean towards the genteel: small and cosy spaces serving mostly classic cocktails, where patrons speak in whispery tones. Which is why Punch Room Tokyo, set in the mezzanine lobby of the Tokyo Edition, Ginza hotel, is such a refreshingly informal addition to the district’s drinking scene.

Punch Room is the signature bar of the Edition hotels and there are currently eight of these drinking dens around the world. This Ginza location is spacious and elegantly posh, with dark walnut-coffered walls and ceilings reminiscent of a gentlemen’s club. The vibe, however, is relaxed and vibrant, with lots of plush chairs and couches to lounge around in, a rare find in Ginza. 

As its name suggests, the bar’s menu revolves around the punch cocktail, but reimagined with Japanese spirits and flavours, and served in beautifully crafted bowls for sharing. The immensely enjoyable Big Red Dot, for instance, is made with Akadama sweet port wine, Nikka Coffey Malt Whisky, awamori (a white spirit from Okinawa distilled from rice), mango and coconut tea.