Redefining Afternoon Tea: A Culinary Journey at Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel

The Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, nestled in the heart of Shibuya, Tokyo, is launching an innovative concept for afternoon tea at its renowned Japanese Cuisine Sakuraoka from January 6, 2026. This new offering is designed to transform the traditional afternoon tea experience into a satisfying meal, appealing to those seeking more than just snacks in their teatime experience.

A Contemporary Twist on Tradition

Traditionally, the afternoon tea at Sakuraoka has featured a variety of Japanese dishes, including seasonal snacks and sweets. Responding to customer feedback and the staff's ambition to elevate the experience, the hotel began trial runs in October 2025. Following this successful trial, the offering will now be refined to serve a full meal experience that meets the desires of lunch or dinner dining amid a cozy tea setting.

As guests arrive, they will be greeted with a welcome drink featuring mirin, a sweet rice wine essential in Japanese cuisine. This cocktail, along with the meal, aims to immerse visitors into the wonders of Japanese culinary culture right from the start.

Seasonal Menus to Delight the Senses

The new menu will showcase a remarkable array of dishes, leveraging seasonal ingredients to provide a feast for all five senses. The afternoon tea will start with various obanzai (small dishes), followed by a main course, light meals, and desserts, ensuring an exciting culinary journey that evolves with each season.
Here's a preview of the January menu:

Example January Menu:

- Obanzai:

- Crab salad with shiso dressing
- Hamachi with pickled vegetable
- Thick omelet with vinegared myoga
- Fried flat clam
- Fugu chawanmushi (steamed egg custard)
- Aromatic grilled pork with diced onion

- Main Dish:

- Japanese amberjack steamed with tea smoke

- Meal:

- Kanappe sushi
- Green tea soba with smoked meat

- Desserts:

- Daifuku (rice cakes filled with sweet red bean paste)
- Tai (sea bream) monaka (wafer cakes)
- Matcha warabi mochi (bracken-starch dumplings)
- Sesame cookies
- Mandarin jelly
- Sweet red bean soup

The main dish, Japanese amberjack steamed with tea smoke, is prepared right before the guests, showcasing both skill and presentation. Each element of the menu reflects a dedication to beauty and flavor, ensuring not just delight in taste but also visual appeal.

Unique Beverage Offerings

The drink selections complement the meal beautifully. Starting with the welcome drink, named Cedar Ball, this cocktail incorporates mirin and red wine, symbolizing the cedar ball placed outside sake breweries to announce the arrival of new sake. The unique round ice changes as it melts, providing each sip with a varying taste experience that harmonizes with the meal. Non-alcoholic options tailored to the season and meal are available as well.

Guests can also savor a range of teas that include:

- Japanese Teas:

- Deep-steamed sencha
- Aged hojicha
- Matcha with black beans

- Chinese Teas:

- Bai Mudan
- Taiwanese jasmine tea
- Phoenix Dan Cong
- Dong Ding Oolong
- Oriental Beauty

- Other Options:

- A seasonal recommended Japanese black tea
- Various herbal teas and health drinks

Experience the Harmony of Japanese Culture

The Sakuraoka Afternoon Tea seamlessly blends culinary excellence with the essence of Japanese hospitality, showcasing the culture through food, drink, and service. This evolution represents a new chapter for afternoon tea at the Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, designed specifically for those looking for a unique dining experience.

Key Information:

- Duration: Available year-round from January 6, 2026 (excluding special event days)
- Time Slots: 1:00 PM / 2:00 PM / 5:30 PM (each for 2 hours)
- Location: Japanese Cuisine Sakuraoka, Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel (2F)
- Price: ¥6,000 per guest (including service charge and tax)
- Reservation Required: Call 03-3476-3420 until 6 PM the day before

Note: Early reservations are encouraged as seating is limited and may fill quickly. Additionally, alternative arrangements can be made for guests with food allergies.

Conclusion

The new Sakuraoka Afternoon Tea is poised to offer a delightful culinary journey infused with tradition and innovation. Experience the best of Japanese gastronomy in a charming setting at Cerulean Tower Tokyu Hotel, where every bite and sip invites you to explore the profound beauty of Japanese culture.