In Tokyo during spring, besides cherry blossom viewing and strolling through gardens, it's also a perfect time for an exquisite afternoon tea experience. Chinzans\u014d Tokyo (Hotel Chinzans\u014d Tokyo), located in the heart of the city yet boasting a forest garden landscape, will be offering a limited-time \"Uji Tea Afternoon Tea with Tsujirihei Honten\" at its lobby lounge \"Le Jardin\" starting from Monday, April 13, 2026.<\/p>\n
This spring and summer, we're featuring a \"Uji Green Tea x Chocolate\" theme, presented in two distinct sessions to showcase different flavors. From April 13th to May 14th, experience \"Uji Green Tea x Milk Chocolate,\" followed by \"Uji Green Tea x White Chocolate\" from May 15th to June 30th. The same Uji green tea aroma takes on a completely different depth when paired with different chocolates. This collaboration is one of the most worthwhile Tokyo afternoon tea experiences this season.<\/p>\n\n
This collaboration with Tsujirihei Honten, which began in 2016, is now in its 11th year in 2026. Founded in 1860, Tsujirihei Honten is a highly representative long-established tea shop in the Uji tea industry, dedicated to promoting Uji matcha and gyokuro throughout the country. This afternoon tea aims to showcase new possibilities for the aroma and umami of Uji tea in the world of sweets.<\/p>\n
The 2026 theme focuses on \"chocolate.\" The distinct characteristics of milk and white chocolate further accentuate the aromas of matcha and hojicha, while also creating an elegant contrast between green and chocolate colors, offering a stunning experience for both sight and taste.<\/p>\n
The premium dessert selection features four exquisite creations. These include the \"Matcha and Chocolate Mousse,\" which combines the textures of gyuhi and black beans; the \"Hojicha Cake,\" blending the aroma of hojicha with the tartness of raspberries; the \"Matcha Terrine,\" served with grapefruit and yuzu marmalade; and the \"Chocolate Bar,\" a crispy treat with three types of crunchy biscuits and almonds, encased in chocolate.<\/p>\n
Different types of chocolate are used in different periods, allowing the same matcha dessert to present a rounded or clear and sweet flavor profile. For matcha lovers, such subtle differences are precisely where the joy of tasting lies.<\/p>\n
The mid-tier offers original and matcha scones, which can be paired with traditional clotted cream, chocolate clotted cream, and red bean paste, combined according to personal taste. The bottom tier features savory dishes infused with Uji tea elements, such as royal steamed eggs with roasted tea flavor, scallops, and seared bamboo shoots; p\u00e2t\u00e9 with fish, served with crispy bread slices; and chicken breast and foie gras dishes that resemble kokedama.<\/p>\n
The entire afternoon tea set begins with the appetizer soup, \"New Onion Soup,\" building layers of flavor, and concludes with desserts and tea aroma, fully interpreting the Japanese-Western fusion of \"Uji Tea x Chocolate.\"<\/p>\n
Since its opening in 1952, Chinzanso Tokyo has been renowned for its forest-like garden landscape. The symbolic three-story pagoda, \"Entenkaku,\" relocated here in 1925, will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2025 and is a registered Tangible Cultural Property of Japan. Furthermore, the famous misty garden show, \"Tokyo Sea of Clouds,\" is a popular spot for travelers to take photos.<\/p>\n
In addition to enjoying the garden scenery and sea of clouds, arrange for an Uji tea afternoon tea. Whether during cherry blossom season or the verdant early summer, it can add an elegant moment to your Tokyo trip.<\/p>\n