#Japan #Tokyo #Afternoon Tea #Eric Carle #The Very Hungry Caterpillar

The Very Hungry Caterpillar Afternoon Tea: A Celebration of a Timeless Classic

The Imperial Hotel Tokyo is thrilled to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Japanese publication of Eric Carle's beloved children's book, "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," with a delightful afternoon tea event. From May 1 to June 30, 2026, guests are invited to indulge in a whimsical tea experience at the Imperial Lounge Aqua, located on the 17th floor of the main building.

This special afternoon tea, themed around the story of a caterpillar's transformation into a beautiful butterfly, features an array of sweets, savory dishes, and a special dessert that encapsulates the essence of the book. Furthermore, in a bid to cater to a younger audience, the hotel will also debut a kid-friendly afternoon tea menu, ensuring that children can enjoy this iconic story along with their families.

A Taste of the Story: Menu Overview

First Tier: Sweet Delights

• - Hungry Caterpillar Cookie: A buttery cookie designed to look like the caterpillar, perfect for a whimsical start to the experience.
• - “Apple” Mousse for Monday: A delightful mousse enveloping a caramel-drenched apple compote that balances sweetness with refreshing flavors.
• - “Pear” Pie for Tuesday: This pastry features poached pear encased in chocolate-flavored choux pastry, rolled in matcha pie dough, providing a unique blend of taste and texture.
• - “Orange” Tart for Friday: An egg tart topped with mango and passionfruit jelly, garnished with chocolate flowers and crunchy pearls.
• - Melon and Raspberry Cocktail: A vibrant presentation of melon and raspberry perched atop zesty lemon jelly, reminiscent of the caterpillar’s playful spirit.

Second Tier: Savory Selection

• - Bone-In Sausage with Ratatouille: A visually appealing dish featuring sausage dressed in saffron mayonnaise, served with ratatouille for a hearty option.
• - Potato Salad and Coleslaw: Representing ice cream, the potato salad sits atop coleslaw, with a crispy bacon filling served in a waffle cone.
• - Plain Scone: Moist and slightly sweet, these Imperial Hotel original scones can be enjoyed fresh or taken home.

Third Tier: Fulfilling Bites

• - Colorful Pickles and Seafood Salad: A vibrant dish that includes shrimp, baby scallops, and hokkigai, paired with colorful pickles and creamy yogurt dressing.
• - Salami and Egg Sandwich: Made with spinach and carrot-infused bread, this sandwich layers salami and egg with crinkly lettuce.
• - Smoked Salmon and Corn Chowder: A rich chowder with chunks of smoked salmon and sweet corn, topped with a cheese sable that refers back to the story.

Special Dessert

• - Butterfly Fruit Pancake: Inspired by the caterpillar’s metamorphosis, this pancake is soaked in maple syrup, adorned with strawberry ganache cream, and decorated to resemble butterfly wings.

Kids Afternoon Tea

In celebration of the book's enduring popularity, an afternoon tea that accommodates children aged 4 to 12 will also be available. This menu includes simplified versions of items from the main menu, priced at 5,800 yen, with the same reservation options as the standard offering.

About Eric Carle

Eric Carle, an iconic figure in children’s literature, published over 80 wonderful books that have captivated readers worldwide. Among his celebrated works is "The Very Hungry Caterpillar," which has been translated into over 80 languages, selling over 60 million copies globally. His legacy continues through the Eric Carle Museum of Picture Book Art in Amherst, Massachusetts, a venue dedicated to preserving and exhibiting children’s literature.

As we embark on this journey celebrating the timeless tale of growth and transformation, join us for The Very Hungry Caterpillar Afternoon Tea at Imperial Hotel Tokyo! Reservations can be made via phone or through the official website.

Location: Imperial Lounge Aqua, 17th Floor, Imperial Hotel Tokyo
Period: May 1 - June 30, 2026
Hours: 11:30 AM - 6:00 PM (Last Order)
Pricing: 9,600 yen on weekdays, 10,000 yen on weekends and holidays (including service charge and tax)
Reservation Contact: 03-3539-8186 or visit the official website.

Don’t miss this opportunity to celebrate a beloved classic through an exquisite culinary experience!