DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station in Kyoto, Japan will offer its “Autumn Afternoon Tea” from September 1 through November 14.
The theme is “Kyoto’s Autumn Bounty — Harvest and Blessings,” featuring a total of 10 items. The experience begins with “Shiratama Zenzai,” made with Hokkaido-grown azuki beans, where a lightly salted, subtly sweet red bean paste harmonizes with chewy shiratama rice dumplings. Sweets include “Hojicha Gelato,” showcasing the aroma of roasted green tea; “Chestnut Inari,” sweet simmered chestnut rice wrapped in inari-age (fried tofu pouch); “Pumpkin and Cheese Kinchaku,” a Western-style take that blends creamy cheese into a kabocha pumpkin salad for mellow sweetness and depth; and “Little Candied Sweet Potatoes (Daigaku-imo),” crispy outside and moist inside, glossed with sugar syrup. Savories feature “Miso Dengaku” made with fresh namafu (wheat gluten) from Kyoto’s long-established Hanbey Fu, and “Basil and Cheese Madeleines,” noted for their refreshing aroma and firm saltiness that pair perfectly with sparkling wine.
Two varieties of baked matcha confections are served daily, with options such as dacquoise, financiers, and tigres. Chocolates also rotate daily, centered on bonbons like bergamot, praline, bitter, and orange peel, offering an adult profile designed to pair with alcoholic beverages.
Beverage selections include matcha from Kyoto tea house “Ippodo,” three carefully chosen teas from Sri Lankan tea brand “Dilmah,” and a free-flow sparkling wine option. On September 27, a collaborative afternoon tea with Dilmah will be held, featuring limited tea selections along with special sweets and savories.
Venue: Cafe lounge “Grove Lounge.” Hours: 11:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (last order 3:30 p.m.). Price: 3,900 yen; with free-flow sparkling wine: 5,000 yen. Optional special dessert “Bonsai Tiramisu”: additional 1,500 yen. Tax and service charge included. Advance reservations required; same-day bookings accepted.
