EDITION LAUNCHES ITS SECOND ACT IN TOKYO WITH THE TOKYO EDITION, GINZA

Whether they dig for the old or chase the new, guests will find a desirable base in The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza. Spread over 14 floors in a tower clad in vertical gardens and a latticed facade woven from metal, its 86 guestrooms range from 10 spacious suites with separate living areas to entry-level rooms whose minimum of 41 sqm/440 sqft of floor space make them the largest standard rooms in the district. Their clean-lined interiors weave EDITION’s timeless designs with Kengo Kuma’s distinct Japanese finesse, resulting in a modern marriage between Schrager’s New York sensibilities and the sharp traditional detailing that Kuma is known for. Floors and walls bedecked in walnut timber form a minimalist foundation for bespoke furnishing from travertine and cream-colored leather, while the green marble basins and chrome fixtures in every bathroom nod to the district’s glossy varnish. Features of each guestroom include signature EDITION faux-fur throws in white and art by Sayaka Maruyama and Takay Photography. The Penthouse Suite, the hotel’s crown jewel on the 13th floor, unfolds into an open-plan living room, dining area, and a fully equipped pantry kitchen to cater to comfortable long-stays and intimate social gatherings. Tucked away in a quiet corner, the hotel gym offers a welcoming space for fitness enthusiasts, offering a modest selection of Technogym equipment.

With its striking vestibule entrance and soaring floor-to-ceiling corner windows, the double-height, street-level lobby has not only turned the hotel into a defining feature of Ginza’s new streetscape, it has also established it as a rendezvous for the district’s tastemakers and creative class. A signature EDITION venue, Lobby Bar sits at the nexus of the hotel and serves as a sophisticated retreat for both in-house guests and clued-in locals from early mornings to late nights. The gold-colored bar, surrounded by ivory fabric armchairs and a sweeping statement sofa, serves up coffee with beans from a local roastery alongside pastries and fresh-pressed juices for breakfasts on the go. Set against the backdrop of a large-scale early 20th century Japanese folding screen, the hotel’s check-in desk stands adjacent to a floor-to-ceiling two-tone lightbox color panel adorning the elevator walkway.

Taking pride of place in the lobby is another EDITION hallmark: a sculptural, head-turning staircase cast from white metal. It leads up to Punch Room, the inaugural Japanese outpost of EDITION’s innovative punch-focused bar concept. The intimate space on the lobby’s mezzanine floor flows into an enchantingly moody bar area where coffered walls and ceilings from dark walnut provide an elegant backdrop to tufted couches and chairs upholstered in jewel-hued brocade glinting like topaz and sapphire. Punch Room’s menu, illustrated by a local artist, gives a distinctively Japanese spin to the punch recipes originally found in the private clubs of 19th-century London. Inspired by Japanese culture, the drinks draw on local spirits and ingredients such as sake, ryokucha tea and spices from around the country, and come served as shareable cocktails in silver punch bowls with matching ladles. But Punch Room is more than an after-dark hangout. During the daytime, it’s the setting for the hotel’s Punch Room Afternoon Tea, where one-of-a-kind tea punches like a green tea yuzu paloma and a matcha-infused clarified milk punch come served with sweets, savories and intricate parfaits that celebrate Japan’s bountiful fruit varieties.

On the light-flooded 14th floor, Sophie at EDITION pays homage to Japan’s abundant seasonal ingredients and rich culinary traditions through the lens of a modern brasserie. Contrasting the intimate, sultry ambiance of the lobby and bar on the lower floors, the restaurant’s straight-lined interiors from blonde oak and white stucco emphasize light and airiness, while pops of color adorning the private dining rooms add EDITION’s distinguished playful touch. A statement feature is the main back wall, embellished with a collection of Tokyo Street photography by seven artists. Local produce sourced from small regional farms inform the restaurant’s casual brasserie-inspired menus that change throughout the day. Mornings start with nourishing breakfasts featuring classics such as Avocado and Scrambled Egg Tartine, Matcha French Toast with red bean puree and whipped cream, or Flakey Croissants, while lunch continues with wholesome Tarte Flambee with creme fraiche, gruyère, and bacon and Tokyo Miso Chicken Paillard with green salad, and fresh herbs. Come dinnertime, the menu takes a more sophisticated turn with Bouillabaisse with catch of the day and roasted blue lobster simmered in saffron dashi broth or Roasted Whole Chicken for two served with herb roasted potatoes and seasonal vegetables, and Sophie’s decadent show-stopping Strawberries & Cream Layer Cake for dessert, all accompanied by a seasonally changing cocktail menu.

One floor up, The Roof delivers a green retreat from the street-level bustle. Hemmed by lush vertical fern gardens and olive trees, kept below eye-level to ensure views of the surrounding cityscape, this unique rooftop oasis opens to intimate plant-fringed seating nooks and long communal tables for private gatherings of all sizes. As Ginza’s first natural wine bar, The Roof fuels social gatherings with biodynamic champagnes, rare orange wines and fizzy and bottled cocktails incorporating wines and eaux de vie from local wineries and distilleries.

The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon, and now, The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza, are both distinctively different in character, but united in their ability to capture everything that makes the Japanese capital so electrifying.

The Tokyo EDITION, Ginza is now open in preview. The hotel offers room rates from JPY 120,000++ (excluding tax and fees) per room per night. Terms and conditions apply.

Website: editionhotels.com/tokyo-ginza