Zen Punk Matcha

This specialty matcha café is easily missed, given its location on a quite side street in Ginza. But it should not be overlooked. With staff hand-whisking in front of you, unique matcha drink flavors, and even Fuji matcha art, this is the place to go for a modern matcha experience with a touch of tradition in Tokyo.

What is Zen Punk Matcha like?

This carefully curated space serves various types of matcha. These include original iced matcha combinations such as Salted Caramel, Yuzu, and Black Sugar Syrup and Kinako. There are also hojicha lattes.

You can enjoy wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) with your matcha. The selection perfectly pairs with the tea. Should you want something more filling, you can get the Japanese Matcha Cheesecake, which is an additional ¥700 on top of the Zen Punk Matcha.

General prices start from ¥800 for drinks and ¥450 for wagashi.

Although the matcha itself is high quality, with the hot Zen Punk Matcha being some of the best we have had in Tokyo, the real experience comes when they are making it. The staff invite you to watch the process from whisk to the final pour. Your glass or bowl is placed on a light to add dimension to it all.

Notably, there’s only one staff member who is able to do the special Mt. Fuji Latte art that we got on the hot matcha. She usually wears a kimono but we recommend asking the staff when ordering, just to check she can do it when you are there. There’s no additional price.

The space itself has a modern, clean, and contemporary feel but has essences of Japanese traditional culture — mainly through the choice of antiques. It’s a nice little escape from the busy shopping streets of Ginza.

What to know before you visit the Zen Punk Matcha

Do you need reservations for the Zen Punk Matcha?

You can simply walk in — there’s plenty of seating, so you’re likely to find a spot. If not, you can always get your matcha to go.

by Jane Pipkin