Mandarin Oriental Tokyo: An Exceptional Tea Time Overlooking Tokyo

The Airy Elegance of the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo

The Mandarin Oriental Tokyo unveils its charm upon arrival on the 38th floor, where spectacular floor-to-ceiling windows create the impression of hovering above the city, with Mount Fuji visible on clear days. Between interiors blending noble wood, Japanese textures, and contemporary lines, spacious rooms with mesmerizing views, and a collection of restaurants ranging from Italian to Cantonese to French-inspired cuisine, the hotel offers a refined and immersive atmosphere. Located in the authentic Nihonbashi district, close to Ginza, it provides ideal access to both historic shops and trendy addresses. We had the pleasure of staying there in 2019—an unforgettable memory you can revisit here: The Mandarin Oriental Tokyo : A Glamorous Hotel With the Best in Luxury—and this time, we returned to enjoy their afternoon tea.

The Art of Tea Time at the Oriental Lounge

Perched on the 38th floor, the Oriental Lounge unveils a world where the warmth of wood, the golden glow of lighting, and the vastness of Tokyo's views create a setting that is both elegant and comforting. The concept centers on a serene, almost suspended atmosphere, inviting guests to savor a timeless interlude. In this luminous haven, the seasonal tea time holds a central place: a sophisticated ritual that marries softness, delicate textures, and a carefully curated selection of sweet and savory treats. Each service reflects the rhythm of the seasons, enhanced by the changing light of the city shimmering beyond the large windows.

Leading this experience, Executive Pastry Chef Fabien Martin infuses his talent and sensitivity. Originally from Annecy, France, and trained under masters such as Pierre Hermé and Christophe Michalak, he refined his craft in Paris, Tokyo, Lausanne, and Osaka before joining the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo. His approach combines French precision with Japanese inspiration, resulting in a tea time where fresh fruits, local products, and bold creations meet in harmony. His international journey, marked by prestigious houses like the George V, Pierre Gagnaire, and the Ritz-Carlton Osaka, is reflected in every detail: elegant, modern, and irresistibly gourmet pastry.

A Suspended Moment With the Festive Afternoon Tea

From November 17 to December 19, 2025, the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo presents its Festive Legendary Afternoon Tea, an enchanting interlude that can, for the more festive guests, be paired with a glass of N.V. Louis Roederer. To open this moment, we chose the Mandarin Oriental, Tokyo Blend Tea, a Chinese oolong delicately enhanced with citrus, whose bright freshness proved ideal to begin the tasting.

The discovery begins with the savory selection, a set of delicate bites playing with textures and unexpected flavor combinations. The flounder with lentil tartare offers a fresh introduction, marrying the finesse of the fish with the vegetal depth of the lentils. The mushroom–pistachio duo surprises with its contrast between woody softness and aromatic crunch. The snow crab maritozzo revisits this Italian classic in an airy, ocean-kissed version, while the braised octopus in red wine, lifted with a touch of yuzu, combines Japanese accents with more rustic notes. To conclude the savory part, the raclette cheese and prosciutto terrine brings a warm, comforting touch, where the richness of the cheese meets the subtle saltiness of the prosciutto. Each bite, visually refined, is perfectly balanced and conceived as a miniature creation.

We then move on to the sweet collection, a true parade of petits fours as elegant as they are indulgent. The pistachio–cherry creation delights with its vivid, fruity balance, while the red fruits–Dulcey® duo plays on the contrast between bright acidity and caramelized sweetness. Fans of intensity will enjoy the 100% chocolate, whose deep, pure cocoa flavor stands out boldly. Brighter, the mikan cheesecake combines the freshness of the Japanese citrus with the generous creaminess of its texture. The chestnut Mont Blanc, airy and delicately autumnal, gently evokes the season. To finish, the pound cake infused with the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo blend tea offers a fragrant, tender note—a true nod to the hotel's identity.

At the heart of the experience, a signature moment stands out: the strawberry martini, prepared à la minute on a trolley before our eyes. In a gleaming martini glass appears an intense red, delicately adorned with a white marbled pattern. Between dessert and cocktail, its velvety texture enhances the freshness of the strawberry and adds an irresistible theatrical touch to the tea time.

To conclude this gourmet journey, the scones arrive still warm, their tender crumb revealing a delicate aroma. The plain version highlights the accompaniments, while the raisin scone offers a fruitier, more indulgent note. The strawberry jam, rich in pieces, and the silky lemon curd—balancing bright acidity and sweetness—complete the duo with elegance. A simple, refined finale perfectly in tune with the spirit of this exceptional tea time.

My Review

The Festive Legendary Afternoon Tea at the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo extends the hotel's airy elegance into a gourmet experience of great finesse. Between the serenity of the lounge perched above the city, Chef Fabien Martin's French expertise subtly inspired by his immersion in Japan, and a succession of sweet and savory creations conceived as true miniature works, this suspended moment celebrates both the season and the art of detail. Every bite, every aroma, and every gesture of service shapes a warm and sophisticated ritual, offering a luminous interlude in the heart of Tokyo.

Practical Information

A heartfelt thank-you to the Mandarin Oriental Tokyo for the invitation to discover their establishment. Of course, I remain entirely free in the opinions expressed in this article!