Tokyo’s Top 5 Themed Afternoon Teas

Daaahling, afternoon tea is all the rage in the city these days, don’t you know? But while there’s no shortage of places to stuff yourself with prettier-than-a-picture pastries across Tokyo — as well as drink more tea than you thought humanly possible — these spots are outdoing themselves with cleverly themed takes on the English classic. Wear your classiest, stretchiest outfit and enjoy!

© Photo by Hilton Tokyo

Alice in Wonderland at Zatta (Tsunohazu), Hilton Tokyo

We’re still amazed at how Alice managed to stay so slim with her constant eating through Wonderland and this all-you-can-eat afternoon tea based on the classic story definitely lives up to its theme. Choose from a varied drinks menu that includes coconut lattés and apple and elderflower ice tea, before your whimsical pink stand appears stacked with mini-quiches, jam-tarts, chocolate cupcakes, strawberry macarons and coffee madeleines. The best part: you can keep ordering drinks and desserts to your queen of heart’s content.

How matcha? ¥3,500
Tea time Until 27 August
Website

Scents of Summer at The Lobby Lounge, Ritz-Carlton

Sky-high views from the spacious and elegant lobby on the Ritz’s 45th floor make this one of the top spots in Tokyo for afternoon tea year-round, but it’s the seasonal themes that really set it apart. The gorgeously-presented savories and sweets taste like summer — think fresh vegetables and citrusy mousse — while you choose from a selection of jams and preserves for your scones (the buttery lemon curd needs to get a hallelujah). It’s fun to sniff the selection of different teas, too, which they’ll present in a wooden box at the beginning.

How matcha? ¥4,200 – ¥7,000
Tea time Until September 4
Website

© Photo by Tokyo Mariott

Island Dream with Anna Sui at Marriott Tokyo

Inspired by the fashion icon, this afternoon tea is as colorful and exuberant as Anna Sui’s designs and even includes a gift bag with a mini bottle of the new Romantica Exotica Eau de Toilette. The food is straight from your tropical island dreams with papaya and shrimp spring rolls, banana chocolate scones, dragon fruit and Tahitian vanilla ice cream. Plus, the iced tea is served in Instagram-ready mason jars. #wishyouwerehere

How matcha? ¥4,000
Tea time Until November 30th
Website

© Photo by mariel-style.com

Black Afternoon Tea at The Lounge, Aman Tokyo

This “black,” fashioned-themed tea is actually more of a silver affair featuring glossy grey and pink macarons, tiny chocolate stilettos and mini edible leather handbags for a sleek, stylish and oh-so-contemporary afternoon. The sweets are sourced from throughout Japan: strawberries from Fukuoka, apples from Aomori and kumquat from Miyazaki, while the black sesame scones are fusion at its finest. It’s all served against a backdrop of slate walls and a beautiful view of the Imperial Palace.

How matcha? ¥4,600
Tea time Ongoing
Website

© Photo by Grand Hyatt

Marie Antoinette at French Kitchen, Grand Hyatt

The Hyatt’s French Kitchen is letting us eat cake from October with their Marie Antoinette inspired afternoon tea. Pastels are the order du jour, with macarons, financiers, strawberry cake and cake of the day all fit for a queen. Wash it all down with their original blend of Marie Antoinette tea, infused with apples and rose, in the autumn sunshine. As you do.

How matcha? A steal at ¥3,000
Tea time From October 1st
Website