For many, afternoon tea is a delightful indulgence reserved for special occasions like birthdays or anniversaries, shared with friends. But what are the historical origins of this tradition, and how has it become so beloved in Japan? 

This time, we delve into the historical development of afternoon tea, its cultural significance in Japan, and the distinct afternoon tea menus available at one of Japan’s premier luxury hotels, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo.

What Is Afternoon Tea?

According to the UK’s premier afternoon tea guide, the practice of drinking tea in the afternoon originated in Britain during the early 1840s. At that time, meals were typically limited to breakfast and a late dinner, often served around 8 PM. To alleviate the long stretch between these meals, the practice of drinking tea in the afternoon with small sandwiches and sweet pastries emerged. 

Initially, this was a private social custom among upper-class women. Its popularity surged when Queen Victoria began hosting “tea receptions,” where guests could freely visit between 4 PM and 7 PM. This royal endorsement transformed the ritual, shifting it from a simple afternoon beverage to a distinct meal.

While there’s no strict standard for a traditional afternoon tea menu, it typically features sandwiches, warm scones with clotted cream and fruit preserves, homemade cakes and pastries, and a selection of teas like Assam, Darjeeling, and Earl Grey.

Today, luxury hotels worldwide offer afternoon tea, and high tea or evening high tea menus are becoming increasingly popular. The key difference is that high tea includes a greater variety of savory dishes, such as muffins, pies, omelets, and other items incorporating meat, seafood, or fruit.

Originally, high tea was the evening meal of working-class Britons, served around five or six o’clock upon their return from work. This substantial meal, their dinner, typically included tea, bread, vegetables, cheese, and sometimes meat. The name “high tea” likely stems from it being eaten at a dining table, as opposed to the lower, more comfortable seating used for afternoon tea. Over time, the upper classes also developed their own version of high tea, served later in the evening. This refined version is the precursor to the high tea menus we see in luxury hotels and restaurants today.

Afternoon Tea in Japan and Its Popularity

Afternoon tea is highly popular in Tokyo and Japan’s major cities, with reservations at luxury hotels and restaurants frequently filling up weeks in advance. A key factor in this popularity is the harmonious fusion of traditional British afternoon tea with Japanese aesthetics and local ingredients. 

Rather than standard, static menus, Japanese establishments typically offer seasonal or limited-time afternoon tea experiences. This means that a single venue might feature distinct menus for spring, summer, autumn, and winter, each reflecting the season’s colors, atmosphere, and flavors. 

Luxury hotels and restaurants in Tokyo create a variety of impressive, original afternoon tea experiences, leading to a remarkable diversity of menus. This focus on unique concepts and presentations allows guests to experience Japanese culture through the flavors and aesthetics. 

Whether you’re a visitor or a local, afternoon tea in Tokyo is a cultural experience that should not be missed. With the right venue and occasion, it will be an unforgettable memory.

Best Afternoon Tea in Tokyo: Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo

As the first hotel to offer authentic British afternoon tea in Tokyo, Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo remains a fantastic destination for this indulgence. Two of the hotel’s eight restaurants, Lobby Lounge Le Jardin and Ryotei Kinsui, offer distinct afternoon tea experiences.

Lobby Lounge Le Jardin offers a fusion of Japanese flavors with traditional English tea, and is a favorite among both locals and international visitors. The experience includes seasonal pastries, a selection of premium teas, and unique pairings created by the hotel’s expert pastry chefs. Guests can also enjoy the popular Sakura Afternoon Tea during cherry blossom season (March-April) and the Ujicha Afternoon Tea (May-June), featuring Kyoto’s renowned matcha green tea (more details below). 

What sets the hotel apart is the breathtaking view of Chinzanso Garden and the Tokyo Sea of Clouds from Lobby Lounge Le Jardin. Guests can relax and savor tasty pastries and teas while enjoying the garden’s dynamic scenery, which transforms with each passing day and hour.

Afternoon tea at Lobby Lounge Le Jardin is available daily between 12:00 PM and 5:30 PM, while evening high tea is offered from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM. 

We’ve highlighted some of the most popular afternoon tea menus below, including special seasonal and limited-edition selections at the two restaurants. 

Sakura Afternoon Tea: A Menu Celebrating Cherry Blossoms (Lobby Lounge Le Jardin)

One of the most anticipated spring offerings at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo is the Sakura Afternoon Tea, typically available in March and April.

The sweets selection features a fusion of Western and Japanese flavors. Past examples include glass desserts infused with the delicate aroma of cherry blossoms, sakura-colored jellies made with white bean paste, and cakes filled with sakura-flavored bean paste.

The savory offerings are equally luxurious, with delicacies such as shrimp and snow crab. For the latest details about our afternoon tea or to make a reservation, please visit this page.

Ujicha Afternoon Tea: Three Tiers of Uji Matcha Tea from Kyoto (Lobby Lounge Le Jardin)

Lobby Lounge Le Jardin presents the Premium Uji Tea Afternoon Tea menu between May and June, in collaboration with Tsujirihei Honten, a long-established Uji tea manufacturer founded in 1860 in Kyoto. This afternoon tea set offers a delightful journey through the flavors of Uji tea, presented across three elegant tiers featuring matcha-flavored pudding, scones, savory sandwiches and more. 

With its exquisite blend of aromas, flavors, textures, and visual artistry, this afternoon tea invites guests to discover the versatile flavors of Uji tea. For reservations, please go to this page.

Japanese Sake-Themed Teatime: KUBOTA Afternoon Tea (Ryotei Kinsui)

Japanese restaurant Ryotei Kinsui hosts the Kubota Afternoon Tea, a seasonal experience held twice a year in early spring and autumn. This collaboration with Kubota Sake presents a harmonious fusion of fine cuisine and premium sake. 

Guests are invited to experience a refined take on traditional tea service, featuring delicately crafted seasonal sweets and savory items, all thoughtfully paired with the rich and nuanced flavors of Kubota sake.

Diners will delight in a variety of exquisitely crafted sweets, from jelly to chocolate. The savory selections showcase seasonal treasures, offering a delicate taste of Japanese cuisine.

Enjoy a sophisticated afternoon where Japanese culinary and sake craftsmanship meet in a serene setting.

Premium Afternoon Tea Experience for Guests at Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo

Exclusive to hotel guests, this premium add-on allows guests to experience teatime at the beautiful Afternoon Tea Lounge with expansive garden views. Indulge in an elevated experience with seasonal sweets and savory creations, featuring truffle, foie gras, and caviar. The menu also includes freshly baked scones. 

The gourmet afternoon tea is enhanced by a carefully curated drink selection, featuring five distinct Fortnum & Mason teas — Royal Blend, Queen Anne, Fortmason, Earl Grey Classic, and Afternoon Blend — along with the unique Camellia Tea and refreshing Green Tea Muscat. 

For families, the add-on offers a Kids Premium Afternoon Tea designed for children aged 7 to 10. This is an ideal introduction to the tradition, allowing children to enjoy a curated selection of treats alongside the adults. 

The menu includes kid-friendly favorites like chocolate mousse and strawberry tarts, along with seasonal sweets and savory items. Beverage options feature refreshing orange, apple, and pineapple juices. 

Guests may take advantage of this exclusive experience both during and after their stay. For details and bookings, please visit this page. 

Authentic Scones: Available for Purchase

With their gentle, perfectly-balanced texture and flavor, the original scones made by the hotel’s pastry chef enjoy great popularity. These delightful treats are available for purchase at souvenir shop Selections.

Choose Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo for Your Luxury Afternoon Tea

Hotel Chinzanso Tokyo provides an unparalleled setting for a luxurious tea time in Tokyo. The hotel’s attentive, professional staff and elegant venue, coupled with the serene beauty of Chinzanso Garden, offer a relaxing atmosphere. 

The afternoon tea experiences, a fusion of classic traditions and Japanese artistry, are crafted with exceptional care. Guests can unwind and savor exquisite flavors that beautifully bridge Eastern and Western cultures.

Updated on June 2, 2025