While searching for delicious restaurants in Kurashiki on Instagram, I often came across "Kurashiki Afternoon Tea".
Although I was drawn in by the elegant photos, I hesitated to go due to a somewhat high barrier to entry, and before I knew it, it had ended...
Thus, I have missed several opportunities to attend without being able to visit.
This year, I thought, "This is the year!" and finally experienced my first "Kurashiki Afternoon Tea," so I hope this report will be helpful for others who are also interested.
What is "Kurashiki Afternoon Tea"?
"Kurashiki Afternoon Tea" is a tea-drinking custom that originated in England, where light meals and sweets are enjoyed with tea. It was uniquely arranged in the style of Kurashiki and started in 2015.
It is held twice a year in summer and winter, and every store must use seasonal specialty fruits from Kurashiki and Okayama, featuring the following characteristics:
- In summer, it includes "peach or grapes," and in winter, "strawberries."
- Drinks are provided as "2 cups included or free refills or served in a pot."
The winter 2024 Afternoon Tea is being held at 28 cafes in Kurashiki City from January 15 to March 31.
My First Afternoon Tea at "Takenoya Bettei"
From the south exit of JR Kurashiki Station, it takes about 10 minutes on foot through Ichibangai. I visited the traditional Japanese restaurant "Takenoya Bettei," which is a 150-year-old historic farmhouse.
Upon entering through the gate, a Japanese garden spreads out in the center of the premises. Various types of plants are planted, and depending on the season of your visit, you can enjoy the scenery of each season.
I was guided through an atmospheric corridor to a private room with a view of the garden. The light from outside is pleasant, and it feels calming in this private space.
Reservations for the Afternoon Tea at "Takenoya Bettei" are required by 5 PM the day before, and the private room with a view of the garden is limited to the first three groups.
Once seated, I first looked over the menu.
With cute illustrations, I wondered, "What kind of colorful dishes will come?" and my imagination began to expand.
It seems that pairing drinks will be served according to the timing of each dish.
Tasting the Afternoon Tea
Finally, the dishes began to be served.
One by one, the staff carefully explained each dish, raising my expectations.
The first dish was "Wanmono" (a soup dish). It featured fragrant dashi broth with highland vegetables and Domyoji steamed cake.
The pairing drink was "Jou Sencha" (high-grade green tea).
It was brewed with water at 50 degrees Celsius, allowing me to enjoy its sweetness and umami in the first brew.
The second dish was "Hassun" (a seasonal platter).
It featured ten types of authentic creative dishes made with seasonal ingredients, including A5 Wagyu roast beef, simmered oysters, soy sauce-marinated winter yellowtail, and smoked gherkin cheese.
The pairing drink was brewed with the same Jou Sencha, this time with water at 80 degrees Celsius, allowing me to enjoy its refreshing astringency.
The third dish was a cute, bite-sized "Temari Sushi" (ball-shaped sushi).
The staff taught me to try dipping the sencha tea leaves in soy sauce, which transformed the flavor into something reminiscent of ohitashi (blanched vegetables), and it was refreshing.
And then, the fourth dish was the long-awaited, lavish "Dandan Plate" filled with a variety of sweets.
- Strawberry Cassata Tart
- Lemon Cake
- Red Bean Butter Matcha Macaron
- Hojicha Panna Cotta, etc.
The sweetness was perfectly balanced with acidity, saltiness, and bitterness, allowing me to enjoy each dish until the end without getting bored.
The pairing drink was hot Japanese black tea enjoyed in a wine glass.
I savored the elegant aroma of "Takahashi Black Tea" from Takahashi City, Okayama Prefecture.
The final dessert was soba tea jelly with seasonal fruits.
The soba tea jelly had a refreshing aftertaste and was easy to eat.
About the Store
Inside the store, there were also displays and sales of soba choko, chopstick rests, and small plates.
There were also cute works of birds and fish.
It would be nice to buy a souvenir to remember the time spent at Takenoya Bettei.
Conclusion
My first "Kurashiki Afternoon Tea" was much more casual and delicious than I had imagined.
I would love to invite family and friends to visit Takenoya Bettei again.
During "Kurashiki Afternoon Tea 2024 Winter," a paper stamp rally is also being held.
With the stamp paper distributed at participating stores, you can receive the following gifts.
- 5 stamps: 1,000 yen meal voucher for Kurashiki Afternoon Tea (everyone)
- 10 stamps: 3,000 yen meal voucher for Kurashiki Afternoon Tea (everyone)
- 15 stamps: 5,000 yen meal voucher for Kurashiki Afternoon Tea (everyone)
- 3 or more stamps: Tickets or special products usable at participating stores (46 winners will be drawn)
For more details on this great campaign, please check the official website of Kurashiki Afternoon Tea at official site.
Data for Kurashiki Afternoon Tea 2024 Winter
| Name | Kurashiki Afternoon Tea 2024 Winter |
|---|---|
| Dates | January 15, 2024 - March 31, 2024 |
| Location | Within Kurashiki City |
| Participation Fee (including tax) | Price (including tax) 2,000 yen - 5,500 yen Varies by store |
| Homepage | Kurashiki Afternoon Tea |
