Park Hyatt Kyoto The Living Room Afternoon Tea

After enjoying afternoon tea at Dawayura Kyoto for 90 minutes, I head to Park Hyatt Kyoto, which is about a 25-minute walk away, for my next afternoon tea. Along the way, I take the opportunity to explore Kyoto.

Starting from the end of the Philosopher's Path, I stroll through Chion-in, Yasaka Shrine, and Maruyama Park. These are places I've passed by several times before, but this time I take in the autumn foliage with fresh eyes and even encounter a newly installed Pokémon manhole cover.

Upon reaching my destination, I enter The Living Room, the lounge of Park Hyatt Kyoto located next to the 1st-floor reception. After confirming my reservation, I am guided to a pre-arranged seat.

As soon as I sit down, I am handed a warm oshibori (wet towel), which brings a sense of calm to my heart after the brisk walk. Grateful, I decide to upgrade my drink to sparkling water for an additional charge.

In Japan, where tipping is not customary, upgrades through various options are a common practice. Although the sparkling water upgrade costs 800 yen, it often comes with extra attention and enhanced service.

Japan, as a capitalist society, often equates money with service quality. However, based on my experiences, even small gestures can lead to upgraded service, making it feel like a fun gamble, much like buying a lottery ticket.

Initially, I was seated next to a fireplace, but the flickering flames were a bit distracting and made my eyes uncomfortable. I considered asking for a seat change but decided to stay put, thinking there must be a reason for this arrangement.

After about 20 minutes, I got used to it, and the fireplace's warm glow began to add to the ambiance, making the experience feel special.

The afternoon tea here is unique in that it is served as a course meal rather than on a traditional tiered tray. Each course is paired with one of five different teas.

This was my first time experiencing this style, and I only learned about it upon arrival, which made me both excited and curious. The pumpkin mousse, reminiscent of the texture of sea urchin, was delicious.

Ingredients and teas from various regions of Japan are used, creating a moment where the delicacies of the entire country converge in Kyoto. Adding champagne to the mix further enhances the enjoyment.

As I savor each dish like a work of art, the main course arrives: a croquette made with Omi beef, a specialty of nearby Shiga Prefecture. Even the visual presentation, with an egg yolk sauce on top, is stunning.

Feeling like I'm indulging in high-end desserts, I finish with a fruit platter that includes a personalized lettering service. At that moment, a staff member kindly offers to show me the beautiful night view from the hotel terrace.

Although I am not a hotel guest and only visited for the restaurant, I feel privileged to enjoy this special service, gazing down at Yasaka Pagoda from the terrace. The view of the hotel from the back is also lovely.

Since the tea is served as a course, I naturally end up spending two hours interacting with the staff, which likely led to the terrace night view tour. Travel often brings unexpected joys. Thank you.