Fit For Queens: 7 Afternoon Tea Plans In Tokyo That Will Take Your Breath Away This Summer

Twinkle, twinkle, little bites, how we wonder where to start...

We can’t recall when exactly it was but afternoon tea came to Japan and took over as no other Europe-born food trend has ever done before. And you can’t deny it — the Brits may have invented the classic taste, but something tells us that it’s Japan that gets the crown for coming up with the most creative themed afternoon tea plans ever brought to the market.

This year, the dominating theme is definitely “royal” — be it in celebration of the new Reiwa Era, renowned Japanese jewelry makers’ milestone anniversaries or simply rejoicing the gifts of nature. Here are seven from the most exciting afternoon tea plans we can’t wait to try out this summer!

1. ANA InterContinental Hotel Tokyo’s “Evergreen” Matcha Afternoon Tea Set

A green galore afternoon tea set that features a variety of both sweet and savory treats all made of or inspired by Japan’s number one superfood, matcha. Japan’s famed green tea powder is widely known as an ingredient with restorative health benefits and you’ll get plenty of it here in this wonderful plate of goodies. This special tea set features a great variety of both local favorites, such as warabi mochi and shiso sandwiches, and globally-recognized options like matcha macarons, cheesecakes, pannacotta and more alongside savory items such as guacamole tarts and, broccoli and shrimp sandwiches — and 20 plus kinds of tea to drink it with!

Where: ANA InterContinental Tokyo, Atrium Lounge, 1-12-33 Akasaka, Minato-ku, Tokyo
When: Now through Fri, July 19, 2019. (Weekdays): From 12 p.m. to 6 p.m. (Weekends & holidays): 11 a.m.-1 p.m., 1:30 p.m.-3:30 p.m., 4 p.m.-6 p.m.
How matcha: ¥4,900
This tea plan is best for: Matcha lovers! If you’re a super matcha fan this set is definitely worth trying.

2. The Peninsula Tokyo’s Mikimoto Afternoon Tea

Mikimoto, Japan’s renowned luxury jeweler, will be celebrating their 120th anniversary in partnership with The Peninsula Tokyo in the form of an elegant afternoon set. Drawing inspiration from Mikimoto’s fine pearls, the hotel’s culinary team is lining up sweet and savory seasonal treats such as foie gras terrine, edamame arancini, deep-fried cheese rice ball topped with a green leaf inspired by Mikimoto’s “Fortune Leaves Collection,” lychee rose mousse, homemade scones and so much more. Try to find all the hidden pearl-inspired elements in most of the treats! All afternoon tea guests will also receive an original gift from the Mikimoto Ginza Main Store as a memory of their pearl experience. 

Where: The Peninsula Tokyo, The Lobby, 1-8-1 Yurakucho, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
When: From Sat, June 15 until Sun, July 14, 2019, from 1 p.m. to 9 p.m.
How much: ¥5,400
This tea plan is best for: A fancy date, a group of friends who value visual elegance in their food. 

3. Shangri-la Tokyo’s Tropical Hawaiian Afternoon Tea

Aloha into this beach resort-like atmosphere in the Shangri-la Hotel, Tokyo! With the afternoon tea set inspired by the tropical goodness of Hawaii, the sweet and savory items will make you feel as if you’ve teleported to the Pacific paradise. This tea set is a great way to get out of the humid summer heat and just relax while devouring into Hawaiian classics like spam musubi, poke and sweet tropical treats such as creamy fruit mousses, watermelon macarons, coconut chocolate cookies and so.much.more!

Where: Shangri-la Hotel Tokyo, The Lobby Lounge, 1-8-3 Marunouchi Trust Tower, Marunouchi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo
When: From Mon, July 1 until Sat, Aug 31, 2019. From 2:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Mon to Fri) 1 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. (Sat, Sun and Public Holidays)
How much: ¥4,800
This tea plan is best for: Those who want to enjoy the summer feel but hate the summer heat.  

4. The Grand Hyatt’s Ice Burger Afternoon Tea

The Grand Hyatt will be holding a very interesting afternoon tea set in July with three ice burgers and three ice tacos. If you’re expecting your average savory burgers and tacos, prepared to be surprised: this tea set will be featuring a very unique summer themed set of sweet options. Think burgers with pistachio cream and ice cream, crispy bacon and grilled pineapple, or a taco with mango ice cream, watermelon and mint are a couple of the menu items. Sounds good, hey! 

Where: Grand Hyatt Tokyo, The Oak Door 6F, 6-10-3 Roppongi, Minato-ku, Tokyo 
When: From Mon, July 1 until Mon, Sep 30, 2019. From 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Mon to Fri) from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m. (Weekends and Holidays)
How much: ¥2,000 per person (minimum of 2 people)
This tea is best for: A catch up with a friend, a unique burger/taco date.

5. Andaz Tokyo’s Rooftop Bar “Lavender Garden” Afternoon Tea Set

Bask in the sweet aroma of Provence’s iconic lavender flowers this summer as you oversee the Tokyo skyline from Andaz’ famed Rooftop Bar on the hotel’s 52nd floor. A large variety of classic sweet and savory menu items will be available such as roast beef, purple cauliflower tarts, lavender eclairs, blueberry macarons, berry mousse, as well as plain and blueberry scones. Surround yourself with elegant shades of purple and relax with the sweet calming scents, sights and tastes of the lavender garden.

Where: Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills Rooftop Bar, 1-23-4 Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo
When: Every Saturday and Sunday between June 22 and July 21, 2019. 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.
How much: ¥4,500. ¥5,000 with a glass of Rose Sparkling Wine.
This tea is best for: Those who want to enjoy a classic afternoon tea set with a stunning view.

6. Conrad Tokyo’s “Princess Celebration” Afternoon Tea

This “Princess Celebration” afternoon set by Conrad Tokyo was created in collaboration with France’s high-end jeweler, Chaumet, in celebration of the beginning of Japan’s Reiwa era. Chaumet is known for having created tiaras for royalties and titled nobility over the years from all over the world. The tea set is filled with a fun elegant charm, appropriate for the new age modern princesses (we mean, all women) of today. Menu items include an eye-catching blueberry cake with a tiara, ruby chocolate and strawberry tart, rose macarons, a tart filled with marinated salmon, beets, orange and balsamic vinegar sour cream sauce, and more!

Where: Conrad Tokyo Bar & Lounge “TwentyEight,” 1-9-1 Higashishinbashi, Minato-ku, Tokyo
When: Until Sun, June 30, 2019 from 1:30p.m. to 4:30 p.m. (Weekdays), 11 a.m. to 4:30p.m., 6:30p.m. to 8:30p.m. (Saturdays). Until 9 p.m. on Sundays and holidays.
How much: ¥4,900
This tea plan is best for: Princesses at heart. Strong independent women who want to princess tea time if and when she wants to.

7. Chinzanso Tokyo’s L’Occitane Afternoon Tea

Hotel Chinzanso has partnered with L’Occitane to create a relaxing themed afternoon set that promises to provide guests a relaxing experience inspired by the Provence Aroma. Menu items are aroma-filled with both savory and sweet treats such as flower citrus tarts, rosemary cassis mousse and grapefruit and prosciutto canape as well as plain, orange and thyme, and lavender scones. All afternoon tea guests will also go home with a special relaxing shower gel gift.

Where: Hotel Chinzanso, Le Jardin Cafe & Bar, 2-10-8 Sekiguchi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
When: From Sat, June 1 until Wed, July 31, 2019, from 12 p.m. to 6 p.m.
How much: ¥4,730 (With welcome drink +¥550)
This tea plan is best for: Those who just want to have a fun, simple relaxing tea break.