Tokyo's top 15 afternoon teas

The centuries-old English tradition of afternoon tea is alive and well in Tokyo, where city hotels are constantly working to one-up each other with ever more luxurious servings. Especially popular with the capital's ladies of leisure, these sets generally come with an extensive sweets selection including goodies like cakes, scones, small sandwiches and the like, of course in addition to the high-quality brews. Here are our top 15 picks of hotel lounges, cafés and restaurants catering to those looking to add a hint of style to their weekend afternoon or impress visiting friends and family.

Peak Lounge, Park Hyatt (Shinjuku)

Served in the 41st-floor lounge, this traditional English-style afternoon tea includes unlimited mini-sweets and finger foods, as well as seasonal scones that come in flavours like lavender. There's also all-you-can-drink tea and coffee – a full 25 different flavours are available.
When? 2-5pm (from noon on weekends and holidays)
How much? ¥3,800 (plus tax and service)
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Zabou, Cerulean Tower Tokyu (Shibuya)

Including views of the Cerulean Tower's Japanese garden, this one is for those looking for some peace of mind in the middle of the city. The food menu changes with the seasons, while more than 30 kinds of tea and coffee are available with free refills. Go after 5pm for the cocktail-friendly version.
When? 11am-5pm
How much? ¥3,291 (plus tax and service)
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The Lounge, Westin Hotel (Ebisu)

Look out over the lush garden while enjoying the Westin's 'classical' afternoon tea, complete with mini-sandwiches, scones, muffins and more. The drink selection includes a couple of herbal teas in addition to the standard English, as well as several coffee varieties. Refills are free here too.
When? noon-6pm (three-hour limit)
How much? ¥3,850
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Le Jardin, Hotel Chinzanso (Meijro)

The Chinzanso's third-floor lounge provides great views of the hotel's gorgeous Japanese garden, and the menu here is designed to replicate the colours and flavours of the season (the cherry blossom scones are a must in spring). You can choose from more than 20 kinds of tea, all with free refills, and can even upgrade your afternoon with a glass of champagne (¥1,000).
When? noon-6pm
How much? ¥3,800 (plus tax and service)
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The Lobby Lounge & Bar, The Ritz Carlton (Roppongi)

Feel the heart of the city at this 45th-floor space, where the standard 'Heavenly tea' set comes with superb lemon scones and kids get a teddy bear with their special menu. The resident 'tea master' serves his signature brew on Saturdays.
When? noon-5pm
How much? from ¥4,000
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TwentyEight, Conrad (Shiodome)

This refined version of the traditional afternoon tea features artsy sweets served on glass platters and an interesting tea selection, including Kagoshima green tea, the Conrad's signature plum- and bergamot-flavoured brews, and great coffee. Refills are free on weekdays.
When? 2.30-5pm (from 1pm on weekends and holidays)
How much? ¥4,300 (plus tax and service)
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Art Lounge, Park Hotel (Shinbashi)

Art and design meet caramel scones on the 25th floor of the stylish Park Hotel. Choose either black tea, herb tea or coffee and drink as much as your heart desires.
When? 2-5pm
How much? ¥3,800 (plus tax and service)
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Lobby Lounge, The Prince Park Tower (Shiba Park)

This classy lounge overlooks Tokyo Tower and features a seasonally rotating afternoon tea menu that's surprisingly reasonably priced. Certified by the Japan Tea Association as an establishment serving 'delicious tea', the Lobby Lounge's brews maintain excellent quality. Refills are free, too.
When? noon-6pm
How much? ¥2,900 (plus tax and service)
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Imperial Lounge Aqua, Imperial Hotel (Hibiya)

Look out over Hibiya Park while feasting on this classic set that includes a small appetizer and soup, in addition to goodies like freshly baked scones, quiche and focaccia. The drink menu features 15 choices, including tea blends served only at the Imperial Hotel, and all drinks are freely refillable.
When? 11.30am-6pm
How much? ¥3,600 (plus tax and service)
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The Lobby, The Peninsula (Hibiya)

The majestic chandeliers add an additional touch of style to this traditional afternoon tea setting. The tea stand features top-quality scones and cakes, while around 20 tea flavours are available with free refills.
When? 2.30-5pm
How much? ¥3,900 (plus tax and service)
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The Lobby Lounge, Shangri-La Hotel (Yaesu)

Complete with live piano music, the atmosphere at this 28th-floor spot in the heart of the city is worth savouring. Combine your organic tea (chosen by a 'tea sommelier', they say) or coffee with seasonal sandwiches, scones and more. Refills are free, so take your time and enjoy the view.
When? 2-5.30pm (from 1.30pm on weekends and holidays)
How much? ¥3,900 (plus tax and service)
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The Palace Lounge, Palace Hotel (Marunouchi)

If it's a fusion afternoon tea experience you're looking for, there's no place better than The Palace. Scones and sandwiches are lined up right next to inarizushi rolls and wagashi sweets, while the staff serve you in kimonos. Don't forget the free refills of either coffee, English tea or Chinese tea, with the latter available in 20 different flavours.
When? 2-4.30pm
How much? ¥3,900 (plus tax and service)
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Ekki Bar & Grill, Four Seasons Hotel Marunouchi (Tokyo Station)

The Ekki Afternoon set caters to finger food fans with its extensive selection of mini-bites that includes highlights like a small wagyu beef burger and fresh spring rolls made with seasonal vegetables. 30 kinds of drinks, including hot chocolate, are available with free refills.
When? 2-5pm (from 2.30pm on weekends)
How much? ¥3,720 (¥4,000 on weekends, plus tax and service)
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Oriental Lounge, Mandarin Oriental (Mitsukoshimae)

The top-floor lounge at Nihonbashi's Mandarin Oriental provides spectacular city views, along with an afternoon tea set complete with scones, sandwiches and a wide variety of petits fours. 20 kinds of coffee and tea are available, all with free refills. They don't call it 'Legendary Afternoon Tea' for nothing.
When? noon-5.30pm
How much? ¥4,200 (plus tax and service)
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Veranda, Hotel Nikko (Odaiba)

Breathe in the fresh ocean air at the Nikko's terrace, where afternoon tea is served with fresh fruit and and an impressive brew selection. This spot is also certified by the Japan Tea Association, so quality is guaranteed. Note that the terrace is closed in winter.
When? noon-5pm
How much? from ¥2,800 (from ¥3,100 on weekends and holidays, plus tax and service)
Venue details