Aman Kyoto (アマン京都) The Living Pavilion Afternoon Tea

What would an afternoon tea in the style of Kyoto cuisine be like? For my birthday week in March 2020, I made a reservation via phone in early February and received a confirmation email.

However, with the outbreak of COVID-19, Japan closed its borders and suspended flights starting in March. Unfortunately, I had no choice but to cancel the reservation.

Time flew by, and two years passed in the blink of an eye. Finally, with the resumption of visa-free travel to Japan, I planned a trip and prioritized booking this place.

Back then, reservations were made via phone and allowed for a single guest, even though the standard was for two. This time, I could book directly on the official website, but the minimum was for two guests. I booked for two and planned to visit alone.

In Korea, most afternoon teas, except for about four places, require a minimum of two guests, so I’ve gotten used to paying for two and dining alone.

In Japan, however, out of the seven places I planned to visit this time, six allowed single reservations, with this being the only exception. I decided it was worth booking for two here.

I made the reservation 40 days in advance, and as the trip approached, I received a reply from the hotel restaurant team. They remembered the promise from two years ago and adjusted the reservation to one guest. This small gesture left me deeply moved even before my visit.

On the day of the visit, I took a bus to the Kinkakuji Temple entrance and walked uphill for about 20 minutes, as public transportation doesn’t directly reach the hotel. The hotel is nestled in a forested area, like a hidden fortress.

The crisp air and autumn foliage signaled the season’s arrival. The sight of fallen leaves among the moss created a stunning landscape.

After walking further from the entrance, I reached the check-in building. Upon mentioning my restaurant reservation, they confirmed my name and guided me to the restaurant.

The outdoor garden with moss-covered tables was breathtaking. I was seated at a window-side table, offering a picturesque view of the garden.

The restaurant is an intimate space with about ten tables. My reservation was for 3 PM, and aside from me, there were two tables occupied by Western guests.

The afternoon tea here is served as a course. It began with a warm soup, accompanied by champagne. Two boxes, embodying the autumn atmosphere, were brought out.

One box contained savory items, while the other held sweets, all beautifully plated. Detailed explanations were provided, as is customary with afternoon teas.

I savored each dish while enjoying the garden view. The tea list was extensive, and all drinks were unlimited, allowing me to try as many as I liked.

The courses continued. Following the soup, panna cotta was served, offering a perfect balance of sweetness. Next came scones, presented in bamboo containers.

The scones were accompanied by butter, jam, and clotted cream, all elegantly arranged. The freshly baked scones were warm and paired wonderfully with the butter. The taste was exquisite.

I also ordered tea. The unlimited drink menu was a highlight. A refreshing mikan (mandarin orange) sorbet was served, its vibrant appearance and tangy flavor delightful.

A cart was brought out. In 2020, they showcased freshly grilled dango, but this time it was monaka. Using fresh ingredients, they prepared it on the spot, and it was incredibly delicious.

The tea list included premium Uji matcha, which I decided to try. The rich flavor left me marveling at the quality of this green tea.

The experience concluded with a special omotenashi. A tea master personally came out to explain the tea and performed a meticulous matcha preparation demonstration right before my eyes.

I enjoyed the matcha while gazing at the moss garden, feeling connected to nature. Though I didn’t follow the formal tea ceremony posture, I appreciated the spirit and ambiance of the ritual.

Finally, I received a gift: two types of tarts, carefully packaged in a small box. A staff member I encountered at the entrance even took a photo for me. The experience was touching from start to finish. Thank you.