One of Kichijoji’s beloved landmarks, the Kichijoji Excel Hotel Tokyu, offers a winter-only experience that feels like a treat created just for the season. It is the Strawberry Afternoon Tea, a beautiful tasting set that highlights Japan’s favorite winter fruit. This is your invitation to enjoy a multi-sensory tea time that celebrates everything strawberry.

This Strawberry Afternoon Tea is available only from winter into early spring, the time of year when strawberries taste their best. If your trip happens to fall within the service period (December 1, 2025 to March 1, 2026), it is well worth booking in advance.

Served at Lounge & Dining “SORAE” on the second floor of Kichijoji Excel Hotel Tokyu, this afternoon tea is far more than a simple assortment of sweets. It is a refined, creative experience that brings together carefully selected tea from a local specialty shop and the skillful craftsmanship of the hotel’s pastry chef.

Start with the dazzling lineup of strawberry desserts. Bright red berries sparkle on the tray like tiny jewels. The strawberry verrine layers strawberry jelly, panna cotta, and a hint of rose jelly for a beautiful, glass-served treat. The strawberry tart is generously topped with juicy berries, letting you enjoy the rich cream and the refreshing sweet-tart flavor of the fruit.

The savories are the quiet stars of any afternoon tea, offering a refreshing break between sweets. Here, the kitchen highlights the bright, tart character of strawberries in unexpected ways. The chilled strawberry soup brings a clean, tangy note that resets the palate, while dishes like tea-smoked duck pair surprisingly well with the berry’s aroma. It is a chance to see how strawberries can shine not only in desserts but also as a subtle accent in savory dishes.

What elevates this afternoon tea even further is a special partnership with a well-known local tea shop.

The tea served here is sourced from Tea Market Gclef, a specialty tea shop that has been part of the Kichijoji community for more than 26 years. From their collection of high-quality leaves gathered from around the world, seven varieties were selected to pair perfectly with the hotel pastry chef’s strawberry creations.

The heart of this menu lies in how each sweet is paired with the right tea. Darjeeling brings out the gentle sweetness of the strawberries and leaves a clean finish. Assam has a rich aroma and depth that makes it an ideal warm cup for the colder months. Rose Pekoe, with its soft floral notes, ties together the richness of the duck and the bright acidity of the berries. Since guests can freely switch and refill teas, it is easy to explore how different aromas and flavors harmonize with each dish.

This special afternoon tea is available by reservation only, and the number of servings is limited.

・Location: Lounge & Dining “SORAE” (2nd floor, Kichijoji Excel Hotel Tokyu)
・Dates: December 1, 2025 to March 1, 2026
・Price: 6,000 yen per person (service charge and tax included), reservation required
・Availability: Limited to 15 servings on weekdays and 20 on weekends and holidays. Early booking is strongly recommended.

Access: 8-minute walk from Kichijoji Station (North Exit) on the JR Chuo Line and Keio Inokashira Line. Direct access is possible from major Tokyo stations (Shinjuku, Shibuya, etc.). A stroll through the Kichijoji streets before heading to the hotel makes for a perfect winter travel plan.

This afternoon tea brings together thoughtful Japanese hospitality, a partnership with a beloved local tea shop, and the beauty of winter strawberries at their peak. It is a calm, elegant way to experience a different side of Tokyo in one of its most charming neighborhoods. If you are visiting this winter, consider setting aside an afternoon at Kichijoji Excel Hotel Tokyu to enjoy a refined tea time surrounded by the season’s brightest flavors.

(Source/Main Image :PR Times)