A Cup of Tea: Best Sakura Afternoon Tea

Sakura (Japanese cherry blossom) is a symbol of spring in Tokyo. The city is transformed into a dreamy landscape of dancing pink petals as the cherry trees reach their peak bloom. Don’t worry if you can’t arrive in time to catch the cherry blossoms in full bloom–there are still some places where you can enjoy a cup of tea! 

There are many ways to enjoy the cherry blossom season in Japan, from hanami to festivals, events, and food. But sakura afternoon tea is one of the best springtime activities! Here are the best sakura afternoon teas to relax in Japan!

Sakura Afternoon Tea Bus Tour 

There are many ways to enjoy Tokyo’s sakura season, from hanami picnics to boat excursions along the water in locations like Kichijoji’s Inokashira Park. However, one of the cutest ways to enjoy spring’s signature blooms is to take an afternoon tea bus trip, which covers some of the city’s most crucial cherry blossom locations. 

While you sip some afternoon tea, this seasonal tour on a double-decker bus will pass by some of Tokyo’s most well-known attractions. For spring, there are two different itineraries: the Omotesando trip travels along Meiji-dori Avenue, Midtown, Shiba Park, and Hibiya Park. Moreover, the Shinjuku tour passes through Shinjuku-Sanchome, Shibuya, Midtown, the Chidorigafuchi Moat, and Yasukuni Shrine.

The kawaii afternoon tea menu also takes inspiration from the season. Some iconic treats include sakura dango (chewy dumplings) and spring-colored chirashizushi (sushi rice topped with egg and other ingredients).

Cherry Blossom Afternoon Tea at Shangri-La

Shangri-La Tokyo serves a fantastic cherry blossom afternoon tea. This afternoon tea provides an assortment of Japanese and Western Spring kawaii food. Some of the most popular ones include cherry pie, mascarpone mousse with cherry jam, and skewered dumplings topped with cherry bean paste. They are as adorable as they are tasty!  

It fully utilizes seasonal ingredients like cherry blossoms and asparagus, and the presentation is also beautifully done in cherry blossom colors to remind us of the approach of spring.

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Sakura Sweets at Hotel Nikko Narita with a Cup of Tea

Two different sakura-flavored pastries are available for visitors to enjoy at the coffee lounge of the Hotel Nikko Narita. They use springtime flavors like cherry liqueur and red bean paste infused with cherry blossoms.

The sakura mont blanc and sakura mousse have a charming cherry blossom flavor. Narita is home to the most kawaii cherry blossom viewing spots, so how about treating yourself to delicious sakura-flavored sweets on your visit?

Nighttime Dessert Buffet Sakura Journey at Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu 

The famous nighttime sweets buffet offered by Somerhouse, the lounge of Yokohama Bay Hotel Tokyu, will have the cutest cherry blossom theme in April.

Generally, the sakura journey menu includes adorable shortcakes, cherry blossoms, raspberry roll cakes with a refreshing flavor, and sakura fruit cocktails created by the hotel’s patissiers. Light meals such as antipasti, salad, and soup are also available. 

Great views of Minato Mirai and Sakura Avenue in Yokohama are visible from the Somerhouse. The beautiful nighttime scenery and the kawaii sakura desserts will create a memorable spring evening in Yokohama.

Haute Couture Cafe: A Cup of Tea

In Nakameguro, a trendy cafe called Haute Couture Cafe offers seasonal afternoon tea. Seasonal changes in the food and décor of the area have made it rather popular on social media in recent years for being so cute and photogenic. Because there are only 19 seats, their sakura afternoon tea is very well-liked and is usually fully booked. 

At Haute Couture Cafe, you can take in the cherry blossom’s beauty by enjoying the adorable and delicious themed menu and drinks and through the interior design of the café, which has cherry blossom decorations in full bloom. Not to mention, you can also see sakura trees in full bloom from the large windows!

The cherry blossom season inspires Japanese patissiers and chefs to create kawaii sakura sweets. Many adorable hotel cafes around Tokyo offer special sakura-themed afternoon tea menus. Enjoy the colors, fragrances, and flavors of cherry blossoms through unique desserts this season! 

Have you been to a sakura afternoon tea before? What was your favorite one? Let us know in the comments below!