Whilst afternoon tea may have originated in England, Japan has taken the art of high tea and transformed it into something new and exciting. Truly getting in the mood of the season, several hotels and cafes serving a range of afternoon teas have created amazing seasonal menus that have managed to perfectly combine the tastes of Japan and the U.K. this autumn.
Autumn Themed Afternoon Tea
Afternoon Tea & Afternoon Tea Living
Photo Credit: @makian.makian
Not only does this shop specialise in afternoon tea, but also afternoon tea themed wares! This autumn, Afternoon Tea has come up with a selection of season-limited Autumn themed cakes and sweets. Along with a cup of English Breakfast tea, you will be served 3 seasonal treats along with one other of your choosing. Some of the sweet treats on the menu include a Grape and Hazelnut Creme Crepe and a Sweet Potato Shortcake. Don’t mind if I do!
Price: ¥1,914
Availability: 7 Oct – 17 Nov
Time: 14:00~
Reservation: Not required
Location: Various Locations around Japan
Riverside Cafe Cielo y Rio
Photo Credit: @piko_825na
The Riverside Cafe Cielo y Rio is located not far from Asakusa station, which means that it is a great place to stop and rest after a long day of exploring everything Asakusa has to offer. The afternoon tea set at the Riverside Cafe Cielo y Rio comes with a soup starter, a selection of 8 seasonal treats and a snack as well as a choice of all-you-can-drink English Breakfast tea! Aside from offering a great seasonal afternoon tea set, this restaurant specialises in offering Japanese-style Western cuisine.
Price: ¥2,800
Availability: N/A
Time: 14:00~15:30 (weekdays), 15:00~15:30 (weekends)
Reservation: Required
Location: 2-15-5 MIRROR 1F, Kurumae, Taitō-ku, Tōkyō, Japan
The Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho
Photo Credit: @hoyasayuli
Afternoon tea at the Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho Hotel is a great option for those who are looking for a vegetarian or vegan option. This year’s theme for the Prince Gallery Tokyo Kiocho Hotel’s afternoon tea is ‘Autumn Leaves’, which can be seen not only through the carefully thought out design of each plate, but also through the choice of seasonal ingredients.
The Autumn Leaves afternoon teat set includes 3 courses of vegan goodness, made up of a sweet plate, a savoury plate and (of course!) scones with jam and raisin cream. Not only is there a fantastic variation of treats to enjoy, but also a sizeable choice of 20 varieties of black and herbal tea.
Price: ¥5,800
Availability: 1 Sep – 30 Nov
Time: 11:30~17:00 (2-hour system)
Reservation: Required
Location: 1-2 Kioichō, Chiyoda-ku, Tōkyō, Japan
Four Seasons Hotel at Otemachi
Photo Credit: @cnana.bb
The Four Seasons Hotel at Otemachi offers an amazing view of the Tokyo skyline as well as a privileged view into the Imperial Palace’s grounds. Similar to afternoon tea at the Prince Gallery Tokyo Kioicho Hotel, the Four Seasons Hotel at Otemachi serves both a sweet and savoury plate as well as a satisfying serving of scones. You have a choice between 16 teas and coffees, from which you choose one as an all-you-can-drink option for 90 minutes.
Price: ¥6,800 (weekdays), ¥8,800 (weekends)
Availability: 1 Oct – 30 Nov
Time: Slot between 11:00~15:00 (~2-hour system)
Reservation: Required
Location: 1-2-1 Ōtemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tōkyō, Japan
Park Hyatt Tokyo (The Peak Lounge)
Photo Credit: @naaanase.h
The Peak Lounge at the Park Hyatt Tokyo is a great option for those looking to celebrate a special event. The restaurant is located on the 41st floor, which means that you will be privy to amazing views of looking out over Shinjuku. Afternoon tea at the Park Hyatt Tokyo includes a choice of over 30 beverages including local blends. With this afternoon tea set, you can look forward to a great mix of set and savoury flavours including treats such as Rougié Foie Gras and Sponge Cake Viennois. (Yes, please!)
Price: ¥9,900
Availability: Until 30 Nov
Time: 12:00~17:00
Reservation: Required
Location: 3-7-1-2 Nishi-Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tōkyō, Japan
Afternoon Tea With a Difference
Autumn doesn’t just mean chestnuts and falling leaves, however. Check out these Halloween themed afternoon teas!
Grand Nikko Tokyo Daiba (The Lobby Cafe)
Photo Credit:@pekop0v0q
In line with the Haloween spirit, Black is central to this afternoon tea set. Following this central theme is everything on the afternoon tea menu at The Lobby Cafe. You can look forward to a variety of mini dishes such as the black sesame and almond profiterole and the black bun burger among a wide selection of many other delicious, black-themed treats. There is even a meringue in the shape of a witch’s finger to bring a little magic to your afternoon tea!
Price: ¥4,500 (weekdays), ¥5,000 (weekends)
Availability: 1 Oct – 31 Oct
Time: 13:00~18:30
Reservation: Required
Location: 2-6-1 Daiba, Minato-ku, Tōkyō, Japan
The Strings Omotesandoh
Photo Credits: @miku_saito422
This one is for the lovers of purple! The Strings Omotesandoh’s afternoon tea set is perfect for those looking for a bit of fun this Halloween. Using seasonal flavours such as Okinawan purple sweet potato and chestnuts, the chefs at The Strings have managed to create a menu that both sounds delicious and looks aesthetically pleasing. If you order an afternoon tea set at the Strings, you can expect to see receive a variety of treats such as the bacon and ‘shadow queen’ quiche or the ‘monster’ maritozzo.
Price: ¥4,543
Availability: 5 Oct – 31 Oct
Time: 11:30~18:00 (2-hour system)
Reservation: Required
Location: 3-6-8 Kita-Aoyama, Minato-ku, Tōkyō, Japan
Conrad Tokyo (Bar & lounge TwentyEight)
Photo Credit: @yumerin_sweets
With a focus on the “flavor of Japan”, those at the Conrad Tokyo have managed to put together a menu that not only captures the spirit of the Halloween season, but also incorporates Japanese ingredients and tastes into each component of the Conrad Tokyo’s afternoon tea set. This menu is definitely fun and depending on the afternoon tea set you choose, you can even get a small Halloween-theme Conrad bear with your tea!
Price: ¥6,500~¥11,000
Availability: 1 Sep – 31 Oct
Time: 11:00~16:30 (2-hour system)
Reservation: Required
Location: 1-9-1 Higashi-Shinbashi, Minato-ku, Tōkyō, Japan
Afternoon Tea in Tokyo
As a tea-drinking society, it’s no wonder the custom of afternoon tea is so popular in Japan. There are so many options to choose from, so why not get out and start exploring!
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