Tokyo’s 33-floor “Black Afternoon Tea” – Everything but the Food Is Colorless

Reported and photographed by Reporter You (pseudonym) / Tokyo, Japan

The hottest spot for afternoon tea in Tokyo in 2015 wasn’t a hidden café in the city, but rather within the 33-floor Aman Tokyo. Offering a minimalist all-black aesthetic experience, this afternoon tea is also nicknamed the “Black Afternoon Tea.” Every piece of tableware and decoration is black, leaving only the colors of the food itself as visual highlights.


▲ The Black Afternoon Tea — Only the food has color.



Combining traditional Japanese residential architecture with Western aesthetics, Aman Tokyo is located in the prestigious Otemachi financial district, occupying floors 33 to 38 of the Otemachi Tower. The “Black Afternoon Tea” is served on the 33rd floor lobby. Reservations are required about one to two months in advance, or it’s very difficult to secure a spot. Seated high above the city, you can enjoy views of the Imperial Palace gardens surrounded by greenery, with a panoramic daytime view of Tokyo spread out before you.

At Aman Tokyo’s “Black Afternoon Tea,” everything from knives and forks to plates, napkins, and even water glasses is presented in black. The tea service is served on a classic three-tiered British-style stand — also entirely black. On the whole table, aside from the food and condiments that bring in color, there’s an undeniable air of royal confidence that commands your full attention to the cuisine.


▲% As the main course and drinks, guests are treated to a series of delightful experiences.


The afternoon tea beverages here are unlimited, with around ten options ranging from Western teas to Japanese teas. After selecting your drink, you’ll first be served plain and matcha-flavored warm scones along with four types of handmade spreads. Then comes a white chocolate-topped dessert featuring Yamanashi Prefecture cherries in a white wine jelly, serving as the opening treat.

On the three-tiered stand, savory items include small black charcoal burgers, smoked Norwegian salmon, and savory tarts, while sweet offerings feature diamond-shaped French-style soft candies, caramel cake, cheese pineapple mousse, handmade red berry chocolate pouches, and a 62% dark “high-heel” chocolate filled with caramel sauce. With a colorful variety of afternoon tea items, you can choose the order in which you enjoy them — from savory to sweet. The delicate appearances and diverse flavors are truly astonishing.


▲ % The savory finger foods served here offer a new sensory experience with every bite — refined and delicious.




Aman Tokyo Hotel
Address: 1-5-6 Otemachi, Chiyoda-ku, Tokyo, Otemachi Tower
Phone: 03-5224-3333
Afternoon Tea Price: Approximately 6,000 Japanese Yen per person