The title says it all. Shangri-La Tokyo is a hotel known to have tranquil and elegant luxury with prime locations. Located right next to Tokyo Station, you’ll be in the heart of Tokyo. With 200 spacious rooms and gorgeous restaurants, you won’t want to miss out on the BEST panoramic views of Tokyo… I had the opportunity to try afternoon tea at Shangri-La Tokyo and I was most definitely in for a treat.
With afternoon tea in Tokyo, you want to get as high as possible and The Lobby Lounge is located on the 28th floor meaning you’ll be higher than a lot of buildings and get a great view. High tea with a view is the best high tea you should have. Nothing but the best is good enough for you, my dear reader as in 2018, Shangri-la Hotel, Tokyo was named a Forbes Travel Guide Five Star hotel.
If you want afternoon tea near Tokyo Station, Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo is a no brainer. The green line goes everywhere so enjoy it before or after a day of adventure and travel.
BOOK YOUR STAY AT SHANGRI-LA TOKYO
Related: Afternoon Tea at Andaz Tokyo
The Menu
Every season in Japan brings about new and different seasonal ingredients. I think this is what makes Japan so special. In America, fruits and vegetables are available year round regardless if they are seasonal or not. The taste of out of season foods is not as good, but America. We value choice.
In Japan, freshness and taste is valued above all else and this was definitely the case with a very elegant Kyoto inspired afternoon tea at Shangri-La Tokyo. And yes, this means luxury ingredients sourced from Japan’s old capital.
Seriously, what a treat it was to celebrate the Western and Eastern New Year with Miyabi Afternoon Tea. When I travel, I like to eat authentic food from the country I’m in to get a feel for where I’m staying.
Executive pastry chef, Naoya Okamura crafted a delightful menu embodying Kyoto’s refinement and grace. You’ll get delectable matcha cake, yuzu mousse molded into the iconic fruit, Japanese fruit, and a banana mousse topped with gold. And let me tell ya, it tastes as beautiful as it looks.
I’m one who firmly believes in having dessert whenever you want it. We’re on this earth for such a short time, why not enjoy what this life has to offer? I seriously enjoyed the yuzu mousse because my favorite kind of desserts are actually a combination of sweet and tart. There’s just something about that combination that could seriously make me eat five cakes in one sitting and not even feel bad. #noregrets
While too much sweet can give you a headache, the savory dishes definitely will balance out the treats at the top of the plate. Kyoto’s seasonal produce makes for unforgettable savory bites like crab wraps popping in crisp nori and red shiso pickles, Kujo leek parcels wrapped in yuba, and young sardine and sansho pepper sushi onigiri.
Like I said, the ingredients change every season and the chef is inspired by different things. So get this afternoon tea while its hot because it won’t last forever! And if you miss out… Don’t despair because the next set will be just as creative and delicious as the last. 😉 You should book afternoon tea at Shangri-La Tokyo here.
P.S. Are you vegan, vegetarian, pescatarian or have any dietary restrictions? As someone who doesn’t eat any bird, beef, or pork, sometimes I feel like I can be left out when traveling. Don’t have FOMO! Just make a reservation in advance and the Shangri-La Tokyo Hotel can accommodate for your needs.
BOOK YOUR STAY AT SHANGRI-LA TOKYO
Afternoon Tea Attire
So this goes without saying, but I thought I’d mention it anyway. Don’t dress like a scrub! I wore a white long sleeved shirt, pink ballerina princess skirt, gold flats and a faux fur jacket.
In other words, if you want… Dress like a Bond girl or guy to Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo afternoon tea. Whatever your flavor is. I don’t judge whatever floats your goat.
The Atmosphere
One of the first things I noticed right when I walked in was the stunning Edokiriko glass chandelier in the shape of Ginko leaves over the bar. It’s probably the most stunning chandelier I’ve ever seen.
Right on par with Shangri-La Tokyo’s vision of excellence I loved the more earthy tones, plush seats and pillows, and movie type setting the lounge offered… Kind of like a place James Bond would go.
Related: Where to Rent Kimono in Tokyo
BOOK YOUR STAY AT SHANGRI-LA TOKYO
How To Get There
Address: Japan, 〒100-8283 Tokyo, Chiyoda, Marunouchi, 1 Chome−8−３ 丸の内トラストタワー 本館
Phone: +81 03-6739-7888
Hours: 12p.m. – 5.30p.m. (Mon – Fri)
1p.m. – 5.30p.m. (Sat, Sunday & Public Holidays)
I seriously loved the atmosphere for afternoon tea at Shangri-La Tokyo so much. When I want to be extra bougie, I honestly think of this hotel. With properties in 24 countries, you know their excellence is recognized. So while Shangri-La is busy building more properties in mainland China, Cambodia, Indonesia, Malaysia and Saudi Arabia, I hope they build one in the United States too! *cough cough* Hint. Hint. *wink wink*.
Gina Bear was invited to try afternoon tea at The Lobby Lounge Shangri-La Tokyo. As always, all thoughts and opinions remain my own.
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3 Comments on Afternoon Tea at Shangri La Tokyo
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Oh wow, you did find some fabulous foodie spots in Tokyo. This looks amazing, a perfect fusion of high tea and that detail in flavour and presentation that Japan excels at. We’re headed back in May and my list just keeps on growing!