Sakura season is upon us again, and along with the blooms there are a number of other ways to appreciate this time of year. One fun way is with a sakura-themed high tea, and there are several fantastic options available. This guide covers five of the sakura high teas on offer for the 2022 season.
Four Seasons Hotel Tokyo Otemachi
Running from March 1st until April 30th, the sakura afternoon tea at the Four Seasons Tokyo Otemachi is filled with a variety of cherry blossom inspired dishes. Sakura roll cakes, madeleines, and scones are part of the lineup, plus various savory items that also incorporate sakura flavors. The event is priced at ¥8,800 per head, and more details can be found on the hotel's website.
Royal Park Hotel Nihonbashi
With a color palette inspired by spring's pastel pinks and fresh greens, the Royal Park Hotel's sakura afternoon tea includes goodies like sakura-flavored Mont Blancs and matcha roll cakes. Even the savory dishes endeavor to stick to the theme, and one highlight is the canapés combining crisply-fried shiratama dumplings with smoked salmon and prosciutto in a fusion of Japanese and Western flavors. The event runs throughout the month of April, and is priced at ¥5,445 including tax – reservations can be made by phone on 03-3667-1111.
The Westin Miyako Kyoto
From the start of March until the end of April, The Westin Miyako Kyoto will combine strawberries and sakura for their afternoon tea event. The menu combines both Western confectionery and Japanese confectionery, with sweets on offer including sakura mochi, a sakura-flavored jam roll, and a vanilla bavarois finished with cherry blossom petals. The afternoon tea is priced at ¥5,100 per head, and reservations can be made by phone on 075-771-7158. Do note that reservations are required by at least 5pm on the day prior to your intended visit.
Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu
Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu will offer their sakura afternoon tea from March 1st until April 15th, and it's priced at ¥4,400 per person. The menu includes a variety of gorgeous cherry blossom sweets like a matcha and cherry mousse decorated with cherry blossom petals, grilled dumplings with a cherry-flavored bean paste, and panna cotta with strawberry and cherry jelly. Reservations can be made online via the hotel's website.
Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto
From March 14th until April 10th, the Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto will host a sakura afternoon tea which includes five cherry blossom themed sweets, including a sakura mousse cube topped with cherry blossom petals and gold leaf, and a sakura and matcha dorayaki. The event also includes savory dishes that take inspiration from the season such as cherry salmon sushi. Prices for the event differ between weekdays (¥4,800 + tax) and weekends/holidays (¥5,300 + tax). More information and booking details can be found on the hotel's website.
