The Ritz-Carlton, Kyoto - Afternoon Tea at The Lobby Lounge

My first-ever strawberry buffet-style afternoon tea was at The Ritz-Carlton, Osaka. Two months later, I experienced my first tray-style afternoon tea at The Ritz-Carlton, Okinawa. Now, six years later, I return to The Ritz-Carlton, this time in Kyoto. This marks the beginning of my challenge to enjoy afternoon tea three times in one day. I made a reservation for the first session at 12:00 PM.

Later, I planned to attend the 3:00 PM and 7:00 PM sessions, so I paid extra attention to managing my condition. After having breakfast and tea time in Osaka, I headed to Kyoto, where the hotel is located.

The weather is absolutely stunning—bright and sunny. The garden at the hotel entrance is starting to show beautiful autumn foliage. Even the sound of water is delightful. As I step into the hotel lounge, I am greeted by an elegant salon atmosphere filled with Kyoto’s sophisticated ladies. The large windows at the front offer a picturesque Japanese-style view of the garden I saw upon entering.

I requested a seat that would be ideal for taking photos of the afternoon tea, and they kindly provided a spacious corner-side table. 🙏 The staff is numerous, yet they move with perfect coordination.

The drinks begin with a welcome drink, followed by champagne, which I ordered additionally. Guests can enjoy up to two beverages. Similar to Park Hyatt Kyoto, the afternoon tea is served in a course format, but trays are also provided.

The savory items consist of five varieties, beautifully plated and brought to the table. These include a croque monsieur with truffle, a quiche harmonizing shrimp, sweet potato, and pumpkin, a waffle sandwich, a pie topped with salmon roe, and a pistachio cake with chestnut cream. All pair wonderfully with champagne. The piano melodies further enhance the experience, and the attentive staff frequently tidies the table, making me feel truly pampered.

The café latte I ordered arrives, and the staff sequentially brings out three-tiered trays to each table. The trays, which have lids, are opened and presented with a charming performance. When taking photos, they offer additional macarons and chocolates, asking if I’d like them brought out beforehand. I decline and take the photos as they are served. Their meticulous attention to detail leaves me deeply impressed.

The scones come in two varieties. They don’t crumble easily but have a moist texture that surprisingly becomes crumbly in the mouth—deliciously intriguing. I end up devouring them completely.

The sweets are cream-and-bakery style, with the cream being absolutely perfect. This makes the mille-feuille, Paris-Brest, tart, and cake all pair wonderfully. These desserts are best enjoyed with tea.

For dessert, macarons and chocolates are served, adding a sweet touch to the experience. As I head to the next afternoon tea session, the Kamogawa River greets me. I move forward, embraced by the world’s beautiful scenery. Thank you.

Post by 킹센세 | Sep 4, 2025