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Kansai's Early Summer Sweets 2026: A Matcha Lover's Dream from Osaka to Kyoto, with 5 Luxe Hotel Afternoon Teas & All-You-Can-Eat Picks

Kansai's Early Summer Sweets 2026: A Matcha Lover's Dream from Osaka to Kyoto, with 5 Luxe Hotel Afternoon Teas & All-You-Can-Eat Picks

Date published: 27 April 2026

Early summer in Kansai is painted in shades of green. As soft May breezes drift through Osaka’s Dojima streets and Kyoto’s serene gardens, the region’s top luxury hotels unveil a fresh new lineup of seasonal sweets. It’s a time of transition, where the last of spring’s bright, tangy strawberries take their final bow, making way for rich matcha and refreshing melon to steal the spotlight.

From sky-high bars with a modern artistic edge to forest-inspired resorts designed to soothe the senses, the 2026 early summer dessert scene feels more exciting than ever. Expect standout collaborations like signature roll cakes from top-tier brands, alongside thoughtful creations such as gluten-free afternoon teas inspired by seasonal traditions and wellness.

If you’re planning a Kansai getaway, this is your cue to indulge. Follow along as we explore five carefully selected hotels, where each bite captures the essence of the season, turning your trip into a refined early summer ritual.

(Main image: RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection)
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Table of Contents
  1. (Osaka / Umeda) Aloft Osaka Dojima: W XYZ Bar “Strawberry × Matcha Afternoon Tea”
  2. (Osaka / Nakanoshima) RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka: Matcha Dessert & Lunch Buffet
  3. (Osaka / Umeda) The Westin Osaka: Melon & Green Afternoon Tea
  4. (Osaka / Dojima) CANDEO HOTELS × Dojima Roll: Limited “Adult Tiramisu Dojima Roll”
  5. (Kyoto) Six Senses Kyoto: A Matcha Experience That Engages All Five Senses

(Osaka / Umeda) Aloft Osaka Dojima: W XYZ Bar “Strawberry × Matcha Afternoon Tea”

If traditional afternoon tea isn’t your style, Aloft Osaka Dojima is a perfect match for those drawn to music, art, and a more modern vibe. Starting May 1, the hotel’s open and lively W XYZ Bar hosts a limited-time Strawberry × Matcha Afternoon Tea that’s as visually striking as it is delicious, blending bold reds and greens into a contemporary experience.

(Photo: Aloft Osaka Dojima)
(Photo: Aloft Osaka Dojima)
(Photo: Aloft Osaka Dojima)
(Photo: Aloft Osaka Dojima)
(Photo: Aloft Osaka Dojima)
(Photo: Aloft Osaka Dojima)

This afternoon tea beautifully balances the bright sweetness and tang of strawberries with the refined, slightly bitter notes of matcha, making it ideal for early summer. The dessert lineup is generous, featuring strawberry yogurt au lait, matcha donuts, strawberry tarts, mille crepe cake, eye-catching matcha lollipops, and classic strawberry shortcake.

On the savory side, enjoy fragrant Earl Grey scones alongside the American favorite chicken and waffles, creating a satisfying sweet-and-savory rhythm that never feels too heavy. Whether you're after a stylish afternoon in Umeda or planning a chic get-together with friends, the sleek, modern setting adds an instant upgrade to your social feed.

Location
Aloft Osaka Dojima, 1F (W XYZ Bar)
Dates
May 1–June 30, 2026
Price (Tax incl.)
Standard afternoon tea: 5,900 yen / Non-alcoholic drink plan: 6,900 yen / Sparkling wine plan: 7,000 yen / Veuve Clicquot champagne (single glass) plan: 8,600 yen
  • Aloft Osaka Dojima
    アロフト大阪堂島
    • Address 2-1-31 Dojimahama, Kita-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
      View Map

(Osaka / Nakanoshima) RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka: Matcha Dessert & Lunch Buffet

For matcha lovers who want to satisfy both their sweet tooth and their appetite, this early summer spread at RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka is hard to beat. Held at All Day Dining REMONE, the buffet features an impressive lineup of 19 matcha desserts, including matcha strawberry cake, matcha rolls, and matcha opera cake, each highlighting the rich, layered flavors of green tea.

(Photo: RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection)
(Photo: RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection)
(Photo: RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection)
(Photo: RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection)
(Photo: RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection)
(Photo: RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection)
(Photo: RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection)
(Photo: RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection)

The lunch selection is just as memorable. The chef brings a taste of his hometown Kanazawa with Hanton Rice, making its debut at the buffet. This hearty dish layers omelet rice with fried shrimp and fish, finished with a generous drizzle of tartar sauce for a deeply satisfying bite.

Set in a bright, open dining space, it’s easy to tailor your experience, whether you’re here for matcha sweets or a full Western-style lunch. Either way, the balance of indulgence and variety makes for a truly luxurious afternoon.

Location
RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, 1F All Day Dining REMONE
Dates
May 11–July 14, 2026
Time
Weekdays: 11:30 AM–3 PM / Weekends & holidays: 11:30 AM or 1:30 PM (90-minute seating)
Price (Tax incl.)
Adults: 6,831 yen / Elementary school students: 4,554 yen
  • 麗嘉皇家酒店大阪
    リーガロイヤルホテル大阪
    • Address 大阪府大阪市北区中之島5丁目3−68
      View Map

(Osaka / Umeda) The Westin Osaka: Melon & Green Afternoon Tea

(Photo: The Westin Osaka)
(Photo: The Westin Osaka)

Starting May 7, The Westin Osaka presents its Melon & Green Afternoon Tea, a seasonal spread centered on fresh green flavors. The stars of the show are sweet, juicy melon and rich matcha, brought together in a lineup that feels both refined and playful.

The highlight is a beautifully layered melon and strawberry cake, bursting with fruit flavor, while one of the most charming items is a savory bite designed to resemble a moss ball. Made with cream cheese and rum raisins, then dusted in matcha powder to mimic soft moss, it’s as photogenic as it is delicious.

(Photo: The Westin Osaka)
(Photo: The Westin Osaka)
(Photo: The Westin Osaka)
(Photo: The Westin Osaka)

The three-tier stand is filled with variety, including matcha Mont Blanc, matcha financiers, and melon macarons. The third tier stands out with rich pistachio cream sandwich cookies and tea-scented matcha scones, offering a deeper take on green flavors.

Savory options are equally satisfying, from mini roast beef burgers to smoked salmon omelets and savory bacon quiche. Paired with the lush greenery outside the window, it’s an elegant way to enjoy a relaxed early summer afternoon.

Location
The Westin Osaka, 1F Lobby Lounge
Dates
May 7–June 20, 2026
Time
12 PM–6 PM (last entry at 4 PM)
Price (Tax incl.)
Weekdays: 7,400 yen / Weekends & holidays: 7,900 yen (reservation required)
  • The Westin Osaka
    ウェスティンホテル大阪
    • Address 1-1-20 Oyodonaka, Kita-ku, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture
      View Map

    Vacancy search, reservation

    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

(Osaka / Dojima) CANDEO HOTELS × Dojima Roll: Limited “Adult Tiramisu Dojima Roll”

This special collaboration brings together two brands rooted in Osaka’s Dojima district, CANDEO HOTELS Osaka The Tower and the beloved Mon cher. Reimagining the iconic Dojima Roll, they’ve created a refined, layered dessert designed with grown-up tastes in mind: the CANDEO HOTELS Original Rum-Infused Tiramisu Dojima Roll.

(Photo: CANDEO Hospitality Management Inc.)
(Photo: CANDEO Hospitality Management Inc.)

Head up to THE C’s SKY CAFE on the 17th floor, where sweeping city views and an open skyline set the scene. As you take in Osaka from above, each bite of this tiramisu-inspired roll delivers a rich blend of coffee’s gentle bitterness, creamy cheese, and fragrant rum, turning a simple dessert into a distinctly elevated early summer experience.

Location
CANDEO HOTELS Osaka The Tower, 17F THE C’s SKY CAFE
Dates
From April 21, 2026
Price (Tax incl.)
À la carte: 1,200 yen / Cake set (with drink): 1,600 yen
  • Candeo Hotels Osaka The Tower
    カンデオホテルズ大阪ザ・タワー
    • Address 1 Chome-1-27 Dojimahama, Kita Ward, Osaka, 530-0004
      View Map

(Kyoto) Six Senses Kyoto: A Matcha Experience That Engages All Five Senses

This isn’t just an afternoon tea, it’s a quiet dialogue with nature. Timed with “Grain Rain” from Japan’s traditional 24 solar terms, a season long associated with tea harvesting, Six Senses Kyoto brings deeper meaning to the experience. The hotel even grows tea in its own garden and partners with the long-established Ippodo Tea Kyoto to create an afternoon tea that blends tradition with a modern wellness philosophy.

(Photo: Six Senses Kyoto)
(Photo: Six Senses Kyoto)

What sets this experience apart is its fully gluten-free menu, covering both sweets and savory dishes. Guided by the hotel’s “Eat With Six Senses” philosophy, ingredients are pesticide-free and incorporate traditional fermentation techniques like amazake and enzyme-rich brown rice.

The experience begins with a chilled, cold-brew gyokuro tea called “Rinpo,” its deep umami instantly awakening the senses. From there, creative dishes unfold, including matcha and citrus tarts and marinated trout rolls infused with matcha, revealing just how versatile this ingredient can be.

(Photo: Six Senses Kyoto)
(Photo: Six Senses Kyoto)

Alongside a curated selection of tea sweets, guests can enjoy unlimited refills of tea, including original herbal Japanese blends made with fresh herbs grown on-site and Ippodo teas. Set in a serene, Zen-inspired space, it’s an experience that feels less like a meal and more like a mindful pause, a true moment to connect with matcha on a deeper level.

Location
Six Senses Kyoto, B2F Sekki
Dates
April 20–June 20, 2026
Price (Tax excl.)
6,900 yen per person (includes free-flow tea; tax and service charge not included)
  • Six Senses Kyoto
    シックスセンシズ京都
    • Address 431 Myohoin Maekawacho, Higashiyama Ward, Kyoto, Kyoto View Map
    • Original source: Booking.com

    Vacancy search, reservation

    Check with our partner site as the latest rates, rate details, and guest room requirements may vary.

Whether you’re drawn to the bold red-and-green contrast of music and art at Aloft Osaka Dojima, the refreshing visual pairing of melon and matcha at The Westin Osaka, or the deeper, nature-connected tea experience at Six Senses Kyoto, each hotel offers its own take on the charm of early summer.

These limited-time offerings are extremely popular, especially on weekends and for scenic seating with skyline views, so booking ahead through official websites or apps is highly recommended. With fresh greenery at its peak and the summer heat yet to arrive, it’s the perfect moment to carve out an afternoon and indulge in a seasonal treat that defines early summer in Kansai.

Written by:
Wemmy Chau
Wemmy Chau

LIVE JAPAN

Originally from Hong Kong, she graduated from university with a degree in English and Japanese before moving to Chiba, Japan, in 2015. With her 10 years of experience living in Japan, she excels at discovering unique, off-the-beaten-path information that you won't find in typical travel guides. Specializing in art, seasonal scenery, and theme parks, she provides the latest and most useful travel information. She has experience writing for major travel media outlets and regional tourism websites and has also obtained JLPT Level 1 certification. She hopes to offer reliable travel information from a unique Hong Kong perspective.

*This information is from the time of this article's publication.
*Prices and options mentioned are subject to change.
*Unless stated otherwise, all prices include tax.

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