Luxury Summer afternoon Tea with incredible views of Tokyo from a 39th floor
The highlight of visiting Japan in summer is the variety of events and festivities happening all over the country, while hotels and shopping malls plan their summer events, there is one specific trend that has been gaining popularity in Tokyo which is the Afternoon Tea.
When you imagine Afternoon Tea, you might think, what is so special about cucumber sandwiches in Tokyo? But the Golden Summer Afternoon Tea offered at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi, is on a different level.
*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi is a contemporary urban retreat, offering breathtaking views of the Imperial Palace Gardens, making it an ideal destination for business and leisure travelers. Conveniently connected to Otemachi Station, the hotel features a rooftop terrace restaurant with panoramic skyline views. In the heart of bustling Tokyo, Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi is a perfect blend of luxury and comfort.
Established in 1960, Four Seasons Hotels and Resorts has been a pioneering force in the hospitality industry, renowned for its innovation, genuine care, and unwavering commitment to excellence. Originating in Canada, the brand has expanded globally, consistently upholding its dedication to luxury and innovation.
Four Seasons Golden Summer Afternoon Tea at The Lounge
Four Seasons Golden Summer Afternoon Tea is a summer-exclusive experience featuring a seasonal selection of tropical fruits such as mango, pineapple, and banana. The menu offers an array of vibrant sweets and savory items crafted with these tropical fruits, ensuring a colorful and flavorful dining experience.
~SAVORY ~
Pork Ham with Pineapple Teriyaki Sandwich
Pumpkin Flan with Dashi, Winter Melon, Tomato Jelly
Lobster with Tapioca Coconut Mango Sago
Beef with Yellow Paprika Jelly, Spinach,& and Ginger Sable Grilled Corn Bavarois and Tart, Soy Sauce Powder
A distinctive feature of the Four Seasons Golden Summer Afternoon Tea is its incorporation of traditional Japanese ingredients (Wa no shokuzai) such as dashi, teriyaki, and soy sauce powder in the menu.
~SWEETS~
Pineapple and Coconut Pound Cake
Mango, Passion Fruit, Ginger Jelly, Coconut Mousse
Exotic Baba, White Chocolate Cream
Tart Citron, Crème Damand, Confiture Citron
Banana and Coffee Cream Puff, Banana Coffee Custard Cream Peach Melba, Raspberry Sauce, Fromage Blanc and Lychee Cream
Discovering the Four Seasons Golden Summer Afternoon Tea
Upon exiting on the 39th floor, we were promptly attended to by the polite and professional staff, who guided us to our table. We were fortunate to experience a sunny day with clear skies, which allowed us to admire the stunning views of the Imperial Palace Gardens and the Tokyo cityscape.
After taking a moment to marvel at the views and the elegance of the surroundings, you can settle in to place your first drink orders.
The Afternoon Tea plan includes unlimited beverages for 90 minutes, featuring a variety of teas, coffees, and seasonal mocktails, with selections ranging from a tropical mimosa, a refreshing blend of Darjeeling tea infused with tropical fruits to unique herbal teas like yuzu & persimmon, kuromoji, and aka shiso, offering a delightful taste of Japan.
The set offers a meticulous and detailed presentation such as the Mango, Passion Fruit, Ginger Jelly, and Coconut Mousse offering a refreshing taste and delightful combination.
Furthermore, the assortment of sweets and savories is accompanied by two scones, one plain and the other infused with pineapple. Additionally, staff will circulate among the tables with a tray of assorted sweets and chocolates, available upon request at no additional charge.
Japanese Tea Ceremony
At Four Seasons Golden Summer Afternoon Tea, with an additional cost, guests can elevate their experience by opting for the SABOE Elite Japanese Tea Journey, which features a welcoming glass of Ruinart Champagne alongside the standard drink menu and a special Japanese tea selection, including sayamakaori, aged bancha, and Japanese black tea. You can enhance your visit by ordering the Japanese tea ceremony option, featuring traditional Japanese green tea carefully selected by their tea sommelier.
Japanese tea ceremony, or chanoyu, is a traditional practice rooted in Zen Buddhism, which is designed to warmly welcome guests and emphasize harmony, respect, and tranquility. The focus is on preparing and enjoying matcha, a powdered green tea, in a serene setting. Participants, including the host and guests, engage in a ritualized sequence of gestures and movements, cultivating inner peace, and is considered a spiritual and meditative practice.
While the tea ceremony is not fully traditional and formal, it provides a valuable glimpse of Japanese culture.
Overall
Conclusively, the entire experience was flawless. We enjoyed delicious and refreshing sweets and savories, complemented by a superb selection of teas, all while taking in the stunning views of the Imperial Garden and the Tokyo metropolis. Whether you are looking to escape the heat on a sunny day or seeking an alternative plan for rainy days during the Japanese summer, this will be a perfect choice.
As for the Japanese tea ceremony, organizing and participating in this traditional event can be quite intricate. When the staff informed us of this opportunity, it was a delightful surprise, and we eagerly embraced the idea. I strongly recommend it to everyone. The ceremony followed a specific procedure, and it was truly a pleasure to observe the thoughtful use of the tea set.
Given the exceptional quality of the service and the breathtaking view, this will certainly be a memorable experience.
-The Lounge at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi-
Access | Directly connected from Otemachi Station (Tokyo Metro Lines) |
---|---|
Business Hours | 11:00~13:00 / 13:30~15:30 / 16:00~18:00 |
Price | Weekdays From 7,800 yen ~ / Weekends and National Holidays 9,800 yen ~ |
Official Website | https://www.fourseasons.com/otemachi/dining/lounges/the-lounge/ |
Nearest station | Otemachi Station |
The Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi also offers the “90 Mins Free Flow and CANAPE” course at the rooftop Terrazza of PIGNETO, on the 39th floor. Check out the following article for more information.
▶PIGNETO: 90 Mins Free Flow and CANAPE at Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo at Otemachi
▽Subscribe to our free news magazine!▽
Hope you enjoyed my review! For more information about food and dining around Tokyo, or luxury experience, check the following articles below, too!
▽Related Articles▽
▼Editor’s Picks▼
Written by
From Barcelona to Tokyo. Coffee & Adventure lover🌏☕️
I started to like Japan because of the anime, music and doramas, but after my first trip to the country I found what I love the most: traveling around, the culture and history. I have travelled a lot in Japan, but I still have many places to discover that I want to share with you🙋🏼♀️ Let’s discover Japan together!
Also, as a foreigner living in Japan for over 6 years I understand what kind of things are difficult when you move here and I want to help other people in the same situation that I have in the past.