Indulge in Elegant Japanese Afternoon Tea in Osaka and Kyoto

If you are visiting Osaka or Kyoto, take a respite from sightseeing or shopping and enjoy afternoon tea in these hotels.

UPSTAIRZ, Zentis Osaka

Afternoon tea is always made ultra special in places like Japan. If you are in Osaka, take a break from sightseeing and enjoy a special afternoon tea at the stylish UPSTAIRZ Lounge, Bar & Restaurant at Zentis Osaka.

The set’s tiered presentation pays homage to the hotel’s central staircase, which leads guests from the lobby to UPSTAIRZ. Designed to showcase the best of each season, the latest afternoon tea presentation (available through February) is all about strawberries.

The beautifully presented “Strawberry Garden” showcases rare white strawberries – “Awayuki” (a pink variant known for its elegant sweetness and lower acidity) – alongside juicy, bright red strawberries. Heart-shaped bergamot and raspberry macarons and white chocolate sweets with a cute motif of the long-tailed tit (a.k.a. snow fairy) are also included.

Tuck into freshly baked financier with strawberry sauce, strawberry grapefruit jelly, and strawberry elderflower shortcake as well as savoury items like roast wagyu beef with olive puree and black truffle scones with whipped butter.

Guests can opt for free-flow tea with selections such as pink rose, bergamot peach or UPSTAIRZ’s special blend. If you’re there on Valentine’s Day, consider indulging in some champagne.

Besides the ever-changing afternoon tea service, UPSTAIRZ also serves a western breakfast and hearty Japanese breakfast set with an assortment of seven side dishes, miso flavoured grilled pork and rice. In the evenings, the restaurant offers  an excellent dinner tasting menu featuring modern French cuisine with seasonal Japanese ingredients paired with organic wines. The restaurant is currently featured on the Michelin Guide’s inaugural list of ‘Selected Restaurants’.

Images: Zentis Osaka

The Lobby Lounge, The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto

For those who are travelling to Kyoto, be sure to set aside time for an afternoon tea session at The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto’s Lobby Lounge. Located in an elegant gallery and library space of sorts, Japanese art are displayed on the tall shelves. When the weather is warmer, you can sit on the terrace to soak in the lush gardens.

The elegant silver tier stand features a variety of exquisite pastries, including scones and delicate millefeuille. Other treats may include chocolate whipped cream, chocolate shortbread and chocolate jelly, as well as Mont Blanc dessert matched with almond cream and pear compote. The pièce de résistance of the afternoon tea is the range of Pierre Hermé macarons (guaranteed to brighten up any cold February afternoon).

From 17 to 28 Feb, look forward to items like local Kyoto strawberry and foie gras with homemade pie; Kyoto Hiyoshi pork bacon and spinach with quiche; and red snow crab cream croquette with lemon. Sweet creations to tuck into include entremets praline noisette, and shortbread tarte with jasmine ganache and rose mascarpone cream. Enjoy these dainty bites with a glass or two of champagne.

Images: The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto