The BEST Places for High Tea in Tokyo

Part of a travel experience in Japan is eating delicious food and going to the best places for high tea in Tokyo. What you eat is a big part of going to a new country and fusion food is an even more fun way to experience it. I love to eat and as a vegetarian/pescatarian you think it would limit me and my choices for afternoon tea in Tokyo, but it doesn’t.

While I was in Tokyo, I was invited to five different fancy hotels to experience their afternoon tea. All of them were delicious and I cannot recommend them enough. Keep in mind, all of these places were delicious, but I do have my favorites. 😉

Just a note, everything in Japan is always made with seasonally fresh ingredients. That means a certain afternoon tea never stays for long and each hotel listed is constantly changing ideas and concepts. In addition, if you have any dietary restrictions make sure you contact each establishment ahead of time and they will go above and beyond to meet them.

Oh yeah… And the best part of afternoon tea in Tokyo? Each hotel has their own special tea blends and carefully select the teas from the best places and makers. I highly recommend trying the special blend of each hotel.

Related: 25 Foods You MUST Try in Japan

Table of Contents

1. Ritz Carlton Tokyo

I have to put Ritz Carlton Tokyo at the number one spot here for many reasons. Located on the 45th floor, they have the absolute BEST views of Tokyo. Their lounge is literally sky high and they blend Japan’s culture with the modernity of the hotel.

Nothing but the best is good enough for my readers and everything you consume is delicious. The high tea platter is modeled off a bird cage to make the presentation of the food even more stunning than it is.

All the desserts complimented each other with assortments of chocolate and fruit and the savory dishes were also perfect with the cheeses and vegetables.

You’ll also be treated to different tea blend selections as you relax and enjoy the views. The never ending fresh pots of hot tea were my favorite. P.S. Try the Ritz Carlton blend first because it is AH-Mazing!

Afternoon Tea Hours: 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Related: Afternoon Tea at the Ritz

2. Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

I seriously had the toughest time deciding between the Ritz Carlton and the Mandarin Oriental for the number one spot. I loved both so much and honestly, they’re both deserving of it. Rest assured that both of them are the very tippy top of the A list.

Why is the Mandarin Oritental Tokyo Hotel worth your time? Well, the views from the Oriental Lounge on the 38th floor are super stunning. You’ll easily be able to see the Tokyo Skytree from the cocktail bar on the 37th floor.

Pro Tip: As for the spot at the end of the restaurant where the big windows are because there’s one one seat and it has the BEST views of Tokyo. You can sink into plush chairs and enjoy ceiling lights modeled from fans. It’s absolutely cozy.

Also, I loved how the Mandarin Oriental is modeled after a tree. Water comes from the ground up into the hotel “nourishing” the guests. Below, the cocktail bar and floating islands are insanely gorgeous and great for photo opps.

You’ll also be treated to The Oriental Lounge’s many different teas and you can try as many as you like. Be sure to come thirsty!

Afternoon Tea Hours: 12pm – 6pm (last order is 4pm)

3. Grand Hyatt Tokyo

If you’re a hungry tourist, then may I suggest afternoon tea at the Grand Hyatt Tokyo? (Your inner fat kid will cry with happiness.) They offer an unlimited buffet so you’ll be privy to all sorts of sweet and savory snacks selected by the head chef. Each dish is selected with utmost care.

Situated in a shopping mall in the middle of Roppongi Hills, the Grand Hyatt Tokyo just screams luxury. You’ll be sitting in a lounge modeled after the French style. You’ll get some European and Japanese vibes while you sit and gaze at the gardens.

Pro Tip: Go early so you can get pictures and videos of all the treats before the guests chomp on them.

Like any incredible afternoon tea in Tokyo, you’ll also be treated to a many options of freshly brewed teas by their friendly and caring staff.

Afternoon Tea Hours: Afternoon tea starts 2:30 p.m. for those who want to come in early and order something else off the menu. The official start of the buffet is 3:00p.m. to 5:30 p.m.

4. Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo

If bougie is your business, then there is no atmosphere better than the Shangri-La Hotel Tokyo. I absolutely fell in love with the edokiriko glass chandelier modeled after ginko leaves. The Shangri-La offers a very homey and luxurious atmosphere as you dine on pastries and savory treats inspired by Japan.

Born in Singapore, you can see how the Shangri-La Hotels made their mark on Asian luxury and hospitality throughout the world.

My compliments to the chef because they were incredibly talented in dreaming up the beautiful creations on the platter. The ingredients for the afternoon tea I tried were all from Kyoto, the heart of traditional Japan.

Pro Tip: Go later in the day and watch Tokyo light up. The views on the 28th floor at the Lobby Lounge Shangri-La Tokyo are also quite stunning.

I really loved the atmosphere of the Shangri-La Tokyo because I felt like I was in a movie.

Afternoon Tea Hours: 12p.m. – 5.30p.m. (Mon – Fri)
1p.m. – 5.30p.m. (Sat, Sunday & Public Holidays)

5. Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills

Andaz in hindi means having your own personal style. If you’re one of the younger millennial who loves a hotel that represents the modernity and the ancient, you’re going to love Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills.

The views are exceptional from all sides of the 51st floor. The Tavern Grill&Lounge has exceptional views and is a wonderful way to spend a late afternoon. I don’t know about you, but I could never get tired of looking at Tokyo from above.

Just like the motto of the hotel, the afternoon tea at Andaz Tokyo Toranomon Hills is just as unique. You’ll love their scones and unique desserts styled from the chef’s imagination. The food is a fusion of East and West with the best of both worlds.

Also, you can never go wrong with anything chocolate. Amirite?

I loved the high ceilings and the laid back atmosphere of the Andaz Tokyo. It honestly feels like you’re going to a friend’s house to chill and lounge around.

Afternoon Tea Hours: 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Related: Andaz Tokyo Afternoon Tea

Nothing is more memorable than going to a different country and indulging in the finest and best experiences. Travel is very personal to each and every person and everything you participate in has a chance to make you a wiser and better person.

Whether it be trying afternoon tea with the best views in Tokyo or renting kimono in Asakusa, the capital of Japan will have a special place in your heart. I hope you get a chance to try at least one of these afternoon tea experiences because they are literally out of this world. Which one do you think you’d go to?