Five Tokyo Hotels for a Luxurious Afternoon Tea Session

While the concept of afternoon tea may have its roots in the west, Japan has crafted its own unique version. In bustling cities like Tokyo, you'll discover a wealth of establishments offering a Japanese twist on this beloved tradition. Picture a tiered stand adorned with light snacks and fine teas — a scene reminiscent of England but with a distinctly Japanese flair.

In Japan, many city hotels offer afternoon tea. Themes frequently change to reflect seasons and/or holidays, and patissiers can be quite creative in using Japanese ingredients. You may find cherry blossom-themed nibbles to celebrate spring, sweets that use matcha and hojicha (roasted green tea), or even a Halloween-themed spread.

When it comes to luxury and culinary excellence, Tokyo is in a league of its own. The city boasts a collection of prestigious hotels renowned for serving some of the finest afternoon tea in Japan. Elevate your day with a touch of elegance and a memorable afternoon tea session at these five luxury hotels, a testament to Tokyo's commitment to culinary excellence.

The Ritz-Carlton, a name synonymous with luxury worldwide, maintains its prestigious reputation in Japan. Nestled atop the Tokyo Midtown lifestyle complex, one of Tokyo's tallest structures, The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo offers a lifestyle of opulence, reserved for the discerning few.

Perched on the 45th floor of this lavish hotel is the Lobby Lounge, a haven for indulgence. Here, guests can savor afternoon tea while being captivated by the panoramic vistas visible through the expansive glass windows. These windows, drenched in natural light, offer a commanding view of the cityscape.

They offer seasonal afternoon teas, and diners are given choices: the Heavenly Tea, a more modest option with a lower price point and fewer dishes; or The Ritz-Carlton Tokyo Afternoon Tea, a lavish feast for those seeking an extraordinary experience. The latter course, a symphony of decadence, features additional delights such as foie gras, elevating the culinary journey to new heights.

And what of the drinks, you ask? Choose from an assortment of teas: black tea (including the Ritz-Carlton's original blend), herb tea, and even Japanese tea. Alternatively, go for coffee if you prefer; champagne is also available as an add-on.

Situated in the historic Nihonbashi district, Mandarin Oriental Tokyo is a beacon of sophistication. This hotel offers breathtaking views of Tokyo SkyTree and Mount Fuji. Inspired by the nurturing qualities of a tree and the calming effects of rain, its design uses warm earthy tones, wood, and water motifs to create a serene atmosphere.

Indulge in a leisurely two-hour afternoon tea experience at the Oriental Lounge, located on the 38th floor. Savor a delightful array of savory bites and seasonal petit-fours elegantly presented on a three-tiered stand. The beverage selection is equally impressive, offering diverse tea blends, coffee, and refreshing tea- and coffee-based mocktails to suit every palate.

Fancy a bit of day drinking, anyone? If the refillable drinks aren’t enough, you can order a glass of champagne at an additional cost.

Join the ranks of Tokyo’s afternoon tea aficionados who swear by the Oriental Lounge’s afternoon tea. Why not see for yourself if it lives up to its reputation? Take your time sampling the delicate savories and sweets paired with your preferred beverage as you soak in the chic yet inviting ambience of the Oriental Lounge and admire the cityscape.

Peninsula hotels worldwide hold afternoon tea in such high regard that they often feature in local roundups of the most exclusive afternoon tea spots. The Peninsula Tokyo, located in the heart of Tokyo's upscale Marunouchi commercial district, is no exception. This regal establishment, a harmonious fusion of western and Japanese elements, offers an afternoon tea experience that is a testament to its exclusivity and impeccable service.

The Peninsula Tokyo's afternoon tea, a favorite among locals and tourists, is served at The Lobby. With its opulent design, this lounge is a sight to behold: towering ivory-white pillars, a crystal chandelier designed to resemble Japanese festival fireworks, and intricate lattice-like motifs on the walls.

The Peninsula does away with the traditional three-tiered stand, instead using a birdcage of sorts with sweet and savory treats neatly poised for the picking. But despite this unconventional arrangement, you can rest assured that the food strikes the perfect balance between creativity and adherence to tradition. Expect, for instance, a cherry blossom-flavored scone alongside authentically British ones.

Prepare to be spoiled for choice with The Peninsula Tokyo's afternoon tea. The drink menu offers a delightful variety, from familiar teas like Assam and the Peninsula's original blends to high-grade organic teas. And if tea isn't your *ahem* cup of tea, fear not; coffee is also on the menu, ready to add a kick to your afternoon tea experience.

Whether it's cherry blossoms in spring or strawberries in winter, themes often revolve around a particular ingredient or flavor that represents the season. This is, however, only sometimes the case, as the hotel has a knack for coming up with unique themes. Previous examples include a Mikimoto pearl-themed course that made use of small pearl-like ingredients such as caviar and tapioca, as well as a Peter Rabbit-inspired course.

Located in the charming Bunkyo Ward, a mere 15-minute journey from Ikebukuro, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo is a hidden gem steeped in history. Once a prestigious villa frequented by luminaries, Chinzanso now boasts a magnificent landscape garden. The hotel's rooms and facilities offer breathtaking views of the garden, adorned with historical treasures like a rare three-storied pagoda.

Naturally, Le Jardin, the hotel's serene lobby lounge, faces the garden, so an afternoon tea session here comes with a scenic view. Tall, expansive glass windows ensure you'll still enjoy the view even if you aren't seated near a window.

Le Jardin's afternoon tea is a true homage to English tradition, from the delicate porcelain teapot and teacups to the scrumptious scones. Even when incorporating Japanese flavors and ingredients, the pastries and light snacks are prepared using western techniques, resulting in unique creations like cherry blossom mousse. The tea selection is equally impressive, with a choice of around 20 blends, and coffee is also available for those who prefer it.

At Le Jardin, the distinction between afternoon tea and high tea is not just a matter of timing. Afternoon tea, a quintessentially English tradition, is a light meal served in the afternoon, while high tea, also offered at Le Jardin, is a heartier early-evening meal that bridges the gap between lunch and dinner. This attention to detail is a testament to the hotel's commitment to providing an authentic experience.

Find out more about Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo in our guide to Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo.

Sitting atop Mori Tower in the Toranomon Hills business district, the Hyatt-owned Andaz Tokyo is a beacon of luxury and style. As the first of the Andaz brand's “luxury lifestyle hotels” in Japan, it offers a unique experience that will captivate any traveler. From the spacious contemporary rooms adorned with shoji (paper screen) inspired doors to the art pieces crafted using traditional Japanese techniques, every corner of this boutique hotel is a designer's dream come true.

The Tavern on the hotel's 51st floor doubles as a grill and lounge. Here, diners can luxuriate in an artful afternoon tea session that the patissier and chef behind it tantalizingly describe as “a journey”. With a particular color, art form, or seasonal ingredient usually serving as thematic inspiration, Andaz-style afternoon tea is indeed a colorful, multi-sensory journey that's best enjoyed slowly, one small bite or sip at a time.

At The Tavern, the presentation and arrangement of the food are a testament to the boundless creativity and unwavering commitment to quality. From miniature rice bowls of sakura shrimp and perilla leaf to carefully crafted sakura madeleines, each dish is a work of art that straddles the balance between innovation and tradition. The Tavern is where culinary creativity knows no bounds, and every bite is a delightful surprise.

The well-curated drink menu is just as creative, featuring classic teas like Earl Grey and English breakfast as well as some blends such as rooibos vanilla. Japanese teas and coffee are also available.