Experience Spring in Tokyo’s Hotel New Otani’s Japanese Garden and Lounge

Spring has arrived in Tokyo, and the Hotel New Otani is now painted with vibrant spring colors, featuring a breathtaking Japanese garden and restaurants that are a feast for the eyes and taste buds!

To experience the famous Japanese “hanami” cherry blossom viewing and enjoy seasonal desserts in central Tokyo, head to the Hotel New Otani Tokyo! Once you’ve had your fill of cherry blossom viewing in the hotel’s Japanese garden, treat yourself to an exquisite afternoon tea with the theme of “Amaou Strawberry” in the lounge overlooking the waterfall and cherry blossoms. VISIT CHIYODA editor-in-chief, Marei, recently visited the hotel to take in the beauty of spring!

A Japanese garden in the city

The Hotel New Otani’s Japanese garden is a massive, tranquil oasis with meticulously groomed greenery. Take a leisurely stroll through the garden’s winding paths, quiet streams, koi ponds, and seasonal flowers any time of the year.

You’ll find bridges and lanterns scattered throughout the garden, so you’re sure to find your perfect photo spot!

The approximately 3.3-hectare Japanese garden boasts 58 cherry trees of 19 different types. The timing of when the cherry blossoms are in full bloom varies depending on the type, so you can enjoy beautiful cherry blossoms in different areas of the garden from early March to late April.

Weeping cherry tree (left) Yoshino cherry tree (right)

The garden’s stunning waterfall is the real showstopper! As you get closer to the 6-meter-high waterfall, you will be overwhelmed by the amount of water cascading down. There are also cherry trees surrounding the waterfall, making it the perfect spot to take pictures of the waterfall and cherry blossoms.

Spring Afternoon Tea

Why not indulge in a delightful afternoon tea while enjoying the view of the waterfall and cherry blossoms? With over 30 restaurants and cafes, the hotel’s “Garden Lounge,” overlooking the Japanese garden, is always packed with visitors for their buffet lunch and afternoon tea.

The Japanese garden viewed from the Garden Lounge on the lobby floor is truly exceptional!

I had the pleasure of trying the “New Afternoon Tea Set – Amaou -” that uses plenty of Fukuoka’s famous “Amaou Strawberries” for a limited time.

A luxurious set of sweets, sandwiches, and fragrant tea.

The three-tiered afternoon tea stand features scones, sandwiches, pudding, jelly, and multiple cakes that are essential for a delightful afternoon tea. The menu includes many treats using Amaou Strawberries and other fruits, such as the “Super Melon Shortcake” from Hotel New Otani’s specialty “Super Series,” and the “New Super Amaou Shortcake.”

Super Melon Shortcake, New Super Amaou Shortcake, Basque cheesecake, Amaou tart, Montblanc

My favorites were the fruit sandwich, the Amaou pudding, and the Amaou macaron and soy meat sandwich. The fruit sandwich contained hidden bean paste, and the sweetness of the bean paste was a lovely surprise. I was loved this unexpected combination!

Amaou pudding, Amaou jelly, 4 types of sandwiches, Amaou macaron, Red rose macaron, Amaou scone

It was fun to choose tea from your favorite tea leaves. I opted for the “Wild Berry Hibiscus” tea. The fragrant and fruity tea was perfect for the afternoon tea.

You can’t miss the chance to indulge in the “New Afternoon Tea Set Amaou” until May 7th! This limited time offer is the perfect opportunity to treat yourself to a lavish afternoon tea experience while admiring the breathtaking view of the stunning Japanese garden. Don’t let this opportunity slip away – mark your calendars and make your reservation today!