10 Best Afternoon Tea Places In Tokyo

afternoon tea in tokyo
Silvia
Silvia 
Updated

Tokyo is probably one of the first places that comes to mind when one thinks of Japan. The capital’s exciting nightlife, crowded karaoke bars, multi-storey arcades, and bright neon signs are just some of the things tourists should expect. And, of course, everyone is eager to experience the mesmerising sight of blossoming cherry trees in March and scattered delicate rose petals in the warm air. We can’t forget about Japan’s delectable cuisine. Everybody is familiar with sushi, gyoza, tempura, and the healthy deliciousness of a scolding hot bowl of ramen. However, one must not forget the tea tradition that plays a huge part in Japanese culture. Scroll down below to explore the 10 best afternoon tea places in Tokyo.

1. Le Jardin by Hotel Chinzanso

Fragrant teas and delicious desserts
Source: Pxhere

Le Jardin is a truly unique and enchanting place. It’s an elegant tearoom that offers English-style cream tea and bite-sized nibbles served on tiered trays. One of nine dining options set inside the luxurious Hotel Chinzanso, this place - as its French name suggests - faces one of central Tokyo’s luxuriant forest-like gardens. They have a very extensive selection of fragrant teas and delicious desserts.

Le Jardin by Hotel Chinzanso

Address: 3F, 2 Chome-10-8 Sekiguchi, Bunkyo City, Tokyo 112-8680, Japan

Website: Le Jardin by Hotel Chinzanso

Opening hours: Afternoon Tea: 12pm - 6pm (daily)

2. HIGASHIYA GINZA

higashiya
Source: Photo by Flickr user veroyama used under CC BY 2.0

An elegant chain with three locations in Tokyo, Higashiya evokes the perfect balance found in nature and replicates it in everything, from the modern interiors to the measured portions. Even the website has been designed with aesthetic precision in perfect Japanese fashion. This confectionery shop is renowned for its wagashi, a traditional plant-based Japanese confection made of sticky rice, bean paste, or fruits, which is usually served with tea.

HIGASHIYA GINZA

Address: 2F, POLA Ginza Bldg. 1-7-7 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo 104-0061, Japan

Website: HIGASHIYA GINZA

Opening hours: 11am - 7pm (daily)

3. Oriental Lounge by Mandarin Oriental

afternoon tea / dessert
Source: Photo by Flickr user donuts head used under CC BY-ND 2.0

Set within the 38th floor of Tokyo’s Mandarin Oriental hotel, Oriental Lounge is a chic tearoom with spectacular views over Tokyo. They offer a vast selection of cocktails and liqueurs from around the world. However, it’s their seasonal afternoon tea menu that attracts its clientele. They have over 15 teas and herbal infusions to choose from and a much-appreciated all-you-can-drink refill policy. They also have a carefully thought-out selection of sophisticated sweet and savoury bites to nibble on. Enter a highly refined ambiance for an unforgettable afternoon.

Oriental Lounge by Mandarin Oriental

Address: 2-1-1, Nihonbashimuromachi, Chuo City, Tokyo 103-8328, Japan

Website: Oriental Lounge by Mandarin Oriental

Opening hours: 12pm - 9pm (daily)

4. The Lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi

Tea with dessert
Source: Pxhere

Award-winning Executive Pastry Chef, Yusuke Aoki, directs the kitchen at The Lounge. He’s responsible for the highly imaginative, colourful, and sophisticated sweet and savoury creations that delight his afternoon tea guests. The Lounge provides a parade of flavours and a paradise for the senses by pairing perfectly balanced bite-sized treats with earthy and fragrant teas. The ritual itself acquires more importance as it takes place on the 39th floor of the new Otemachi One Tower that offers splendid views over the Imperial Palace.

The Lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi

Address: 1 Chome-2-1 Ōtemachi, Chiyoda City, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan

Website: The Lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi

Opening hours: Afternoon Tea: Early Bird Seating: 11am - 12:30pm; Second Seating: 1pm - 3pm; Third seating: 3:30pm - 5:30pm (daily)

5. The Lounge by Aman Tokyo

Souffle @ Afternoon Tea - Tokyo, Marunouchi
Source: Photo by Flickr user Marco Ooi used under CC BY-SA 2.0

Designed to recreate the interior of a traditional Japanese shoji lantern, this lounge is located on the 33rd floor of the Otemachi Tower, a 38-storey building in Tokyo’s business district. Aside from a vast selection of cocktails and a remarkable collection of Cuban cigars to try with different liqueurs, The Lounge’s food menu offers Western and Japanese classics such as a mouth-watering Wagyu beef burger and scrumptious afternoon tea. Executive Pastry Chef Yoshihisa Miyagawa crafts these sophisticated seasonal menus that perfectly go with their impressive tea selection.

The Lounge by Aman Tokyo

Address: The Otemachi Tower, 1-5-6 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo 100-0004, Japan

Website: The Lounge by Aman Tokyo

Opening hours: 12pm - 9pm (daily)

6. The Lobby Lounge by Ritz-Carlton

Ritz-Carlton cupcake tea
Source: Photo by Flickr user Rachel Kramer Bussel used under CC BY 2.0

Don’t visit this tearoom if you’re afraid of heights as the Lobby Lounge is located on the 45th floor of Tokyo’s tallest building. One of the many dining options of high-end guests of the world-renowned Ritz-Carlton hotel, the Lobby Lounge boasts an exquisite decor that combines both Eastern and Western styles. Your stay will be an enjoyable one once paired with live music and breathtaking views of Tokyo. The main dining area has a classic feel with carpeted floors, round mahogany-and-black marble coffee tables, and elegant cushioned armchairs. Choose from one of the 12 kinds of tea on offer and feast on the highly refined nibbles that include meat, fish, and vegetable options. End your experience by savouring their bite-sized desserts that will take you around the world. Enjoy a Japanese green tea mousse, an English scone, or a French Muscat grape tarte with Chantilly cream.

The Lobby Lounge by Ritz-Carlton

Address: 45 Floor, 9 Chome-7-1 Akasaka, Minato City, Tokyo 107-6245, Japan

Website: The Lobby Lounge by Ritz-Carlton

Opening hours: 12pm - 10pm (daily)

7. TwentyEight by Conrad Tokyo

Afternoon Tea
Source: Photo by Flickr user Hotel du Vin & Bi... used under CC BY-ND 2.0

The name TwentyEight refers to the floor on which this popular lounge bar is located. TwentyEight is actually one of five restaurants and bars offered by the luxury Conrad Hotel. Classy leather swivel chairs are placed next to the huge floor-to-ceiling windows. Be sure to visit during the day or at dusk to better appreciate the magnificent aerial views of Tokyo, the romantic sight of the verdant Hamarikyu Gardens, and sight of Tokyo Bay down below. Another good reason to visit during the day is to get the chance to try one of Tokyo’s best afternoon teas. Choose between the Original or Deluxe options. They have been designed to reflect seasonal changes and to always harmoniously combine Japanese classics with European favourites.

TwentyEight by Conrad Tokyo

Address: 1-9-1 Higashishimbashi 28F Conrad Tokyo, Minato City, Tokyo 105-7337, Japan

Website: TwentyEight by Conrad Tokyo

Opening hours: 9am - 12am (daily)

8. The French Kitchen by Grand Hyatt

Unique afternoon tea
Source: Pxhere

One out of nine food options found at the Grand Hyatt hotel, the French Kitchen offers a unique and incredibly fun afternoon tea experience that changes theme every season. Currently, you can order their “Flower” creation, which is a dangerously Instagrammable homage to artist Takashi Murakami, inspired by his works of the same name. You’ll be served an absurdly colourful combination of flower images sit atop jellies and mousses together with five flower-shaped savoury items. Don’t forget to take your cameras out before you scoff everything down.

The French Kitchen by Grand Hyatt

Address: 2nd Floor Grand Hyatt Tokyo, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato City, Tokyo 106-0032, Japan

Website: The French Kitchen by Grand Hyatt

Opening hours: Afternoon tea: Mon - Fri: 2:30pm - 5pm; Sat - Sun: 3pm - 5pm

9. The Palace Lounge by Palace Hotel

Japan - Palace Hotel, Tokyo
Source: Photo by Flickr user Herry Lawford used under CC BY 2.0

Aesthetically refined with high ceilings, elegant embroidered chairs, comfortable sofas, and a huge fireplace, the Palace Lounge is a popular spot for afternoon tea and evening cocktails. Sit down, relax, and order a Japanese Dessert set. The friendly staff will bring a box filled with assorted Japanese sweets accompanied by Japanese tea specialties such as roasted green tea or green tea with roasted rice.

The Palace Lounge by Palace Hotel

Address: 1-1-1 Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo

Website: The Palace Lounge by Palace Hotel

Opening hours: Afternoon tea: Mon - Fri: 1pm - 3pm, 5pm - 6:30pm; Sat - Sun: 2pm, 3pm, 6pm, 6:30pm

10. The Tavern by Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills

Afternoon Tea
Source: Photo by Flickr user Hotel du Vin & Bi... used under CC BY-ND 2.0

On the 51st floor of the five-star Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills hotel, you’ll find The Tavern - Grill & Lounge. Experienced Chef Takuya Yamaguchi directs his kitchen. The place is famous not only for dishing out perfectly seared and locally sourced aged meat and fresh fish, but also for its seasonal and holiday-inspired afternoon tea. Your tea will be complete with sweet and savoury treats and two types of homemade scones. Their tea selection features 10 different flavours that you can slowly sip and enjoy while taking in glorious views of Tokyo.

The Tavern by Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills

Address: 1-23-4, Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan, 105-0001

Website: The Tavern by Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills

Opening hours: Afternoon Tea: 1pm - 2:30pm, 3:30pm - 5:30pm (daily)

An afternoon tea experience in Tokyo

The Japanese tea culture is as famous as it is in England and it’s often associated with the luxury and pomposity of a sacred ceremony. There are multiple places in Tokyo where you can delight in the sweet and warm drink. Choose among many hotels offering an indulgent, refined afternoon tea experience.

Disclosure: Trip101 selects the listings in our articles independently. Some of the listings in this article contain affiliate links.

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Passionate for travel, I'm eager to explore every corner of our planet in the time I have. I'm currently based in London but I'm originally from Italy. I've always had an affinity for writing...Read more

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