01 / ABOUT THE PLACE
About this place
Some visitors say the magic unfolding right in front of them is so absorbing that they forget to take a sip. At Magic Bar Joker in Ginza, guests can watch performances at close range across the counter while enjoying a drink. One visitor describes two magicians performing in turn, with each set lasting around 30 minutes. Another felt that the performers seemed more at ease when presenting in Japanese—a useful point for anyone who wants to enjoy the verbal exchanges as part of the show.
The drinks menu includes whisky and cocktails, with two original creations featured at the entrance: California Honey Lemonade and Johntonic. The former is described as an easy-drinking whisky-based cocktail; the latter is a gin and tonic that changes colour. Both cost 1,500 yen and offer a chance to try something distinctive between performances.
For snacks, there are nuts and salami, jerky, gyūsen, fried peas and chocolate, each priced at 1,000 yen. Choose chocolate for something sweet or nuts and salami for a savoury bite. One visitor singled out the chocolate served with their drink, while another liked the complimentary shrimp crackers so much they wanted to take some home. The bar is on the 4th floor of a building in Ginza 8-chome, and reservations are available. It makes for an evening spent focused on the performance unfolding just across the counter, drink in hand.
