Best Afternoon Tea in Kyoto: Spring 2024
The best Spring Afternoon Tea events including Sakura and Strawberry in Kyoto
Spring in Japan, with its iconic cherry blossoms, beckons travelers from around the globe with its serene landscapes, and Kyoto, with its historical charm and cultural richness, stands out as a prime destination during this season.
Amidst the blooming Sakura, the city offers a unique way to immerse in the celebration of spring through Sakura afternoon teas, an exquisite blend of tradition and seasonal beauty. Additionally, late winter and early spring see strawberries becoming a favored ingredient, inspiring a plethora of strawberry-themed afternoon teas.
These events not only provide international visitors with a taste of Japan’s renowned seasonal flavors but also offer a luxurious experience of Japanese hospitality and culinary artistry.
In this article, I will share with you our picks for the 10 best afternoon tea events in Kyoto for Spring 2024!
1. ROKU KYOTO
The first Afternoon Tea event on our list is the Afternoon Tea -kitayama sugi- Spring at ROKU KYOTO which is a spring-themed afternoon tea experience available from March 4 to May 31. This event is a celebration of flowers and fruits, featuring a delightful cherry blossom parfait that embodies the spirit of the season.
Guests can enjoy a diverse array of sweets infused with floral essences like sakura and rose, alongside innovative savories and desserts such as rose-scented baba, warabi mochi, elderflower jelly, and hibiscus squash. Seasonal highlights include a cherry blossom parfait, strawberry and mint macarons, and kinako and matcha tart, accompanied by unique savory options.
Afternoon Tea -kitayama sugi- Spring
Period: March 4 to May 31, 2024
Location: Restaurant TENJIN (ROKU KYOTO )
Hours: 14:00~16:30
Price: 7,000 yen
2. Trattoria M Kyoto
Next on our list is the Tokimeki★Strawberry Afternoon Tea at Trattoria M Kyoto, situated in the Mercure Kyoto Station, which offers a unique celebration of strawberries from January 6 to March 31.
Guests can savor a variety of eight strawberry-infused sweets such as mille-feuille and Earl Grey ganache, alongside savory strawberry-topped quiches. The experience is enhanced by a curated selection of beverages, including the exclusive “Heaven Scent” organic tea from Sri Lanka, and diverse coffee options.
Tokimeki★Strawberry Afternoon Tea
Period: January 6 to March 31, 2024
Location: Trattoria M Kyoto
Hours: Starting anytime between 14:30~15:00 (120-minute session)
Price: 4,000 yen
3. Laduree Kyoto Shijo
The Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea at Ladurée Kyoto Shijo is a seasonal offering that beautifully encapsulates the essence of spring through cherry blossom-flavored delights.
From March 1 to April 12, the menu is a mix of sweet and savory treats including exclusive Sakura and Ispahan macarons, the latter blending rose and raspberry notes. Guests can savor unique pastries like the Sakura Saint Honoré and Sakura Shortcake, alongside cherry-flavored cake salé and sakura shrimp quiche, embodying spring’s freshness.
Optional extras like champagne and strawberry-decorated mini parfaits enhance the leisurely experience.
Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea
Period: March 1 to April 12, 2024
Location: Laduree Kyoto Shijo
Price: 13,200 yen (reservation for two people)
4. Tea Lounge MAYFAIR
The Strawberry Afternoon Tea Blanc hosted by Tea Lounge MAYFAIR in the picturesque Higashiyama district of Kyoto, running from February 15 to March 31, offers an exquisite celebration of strawberries.
With a theme centered around the color white, the afternoon tea creatively uses white elements like cream and mascarpone to enhance the striking red of strawberries. The menu includes a variety of delicious sweets such as strawberry shortcake, tiramisu, and macarons, all featuring the freshest strawberries of the day. Savory items also complement the theme, with innovative dishes like strawberry and duck tartlets and strawberry sandwiches.
Strawberry afternoon tea blanc
Period: February 15 to March 31, 2024
Location: Tea Lounge MAYFAIR
Hours: Three sessions daily (11:30~12:00, 14:00~14:30, 15:00~15:30) (120-minute session)
Price: 6,500 yen
5. Kyoto Art Grace Wedding Hills
The Hannari Sakura Afternoon Tea at Kyoto Art Grace Wedding Hills is a delightful celebration of spring, set against the backdrop of cherry blossom season on specific dates from March to April.
Guests can indulge in a collection of Japanese-inspired sweets and savories, symbolizing the essence of spring. Noteworthy are the Sakura and Matcha Mont Blanc Parfait with charming cherry blossom toppings, alongside Matcha and Sakura Choux Cream, and Strawberry with White Bean Cream Shiratama Dumplings.
Savory dishes include spring-themed items like bamboo shoot and rape blossoms with pink rice crust, and salmon and ikura temari sushi, offering a perfect blend of seasonal flavors and visual appeal.
Hannari Sakura Afternoon Tea
Period: March 2 to April 29, 2024 (on weekends and holidays)
Location: Kyoto Art Grace Wedding Hills
Hours: Two sessions daily (12:30~14:00, 14:45~16:15) (90-minute session)
Price: Adults 4,500 yen / Children (up to 6th grade) 1,500 yen