Spring in Tokyo brings an abundance of cherry blossom-inspired treats, and this year Shangri-La Tokyo is celebrating the season with a special Spring Afternoon Tea with the Scent of Sakura. Served at the elegant The Lobby Lounge, the limited-time afternoon tea runs from mid-March through the end of April, offering a refined menu that blends delicate sakura flavors with traditional Japanese fermented ingredients.
The afternoon tea features a thoughtfully curated selection of sweets that highlight the gentle sweetness and aroma of cherry blossoms. Among them is the Sakura Strawberry Tropezienne, a spring-inspired take on the classic French pastry filled with cherry blossom cream and fresh strawberries. Guests can also enjoy Sakura Sake Lees Raisin Butter Monaka, a Japanese-Western fusion dessert combining buttery sake lees cream, raisins, red bean paste, and mochi, topped with salted cherry blossoms. Other highlights include Earl Grey S'mores, Matcha Basque Cheesecake, and a layered Dekopon and Amazake Pudding that pairs citrus confiture with subtly sweet amazake.
Savory items showcase the umami of fermented ingredients such as miso, soy sauce, and salt koji. Standout bites include a cherry blossom leaf-scented salt koji chicken sandwich, smoked scallop and Comté cheese tart, and organic tofu with Saikyo miso blancmange. Black rice inari sushi and a comforting amazake drink dusted with cherry blossom powder add further seasonal flair.
No afternoon tea would be complete without scones, and guests can choose from classic, sakura leaf, and kinako varieties served with clotted cream, cherry blossom bean paste, and seasonal jams. A returning "pass-around" service also offers unlimited servings of select treats, including a special French toast infused with Himalayan blend tea.
