Afternoon Tea “STONES” is presented on lacquerware made by world-renowned Akito Akagi, based in Wajima. Akagi’s representative work “Stones,” using river stones as a motif, was redesigned exclusively for this afternoon tea.
Whereas most Wajima lacquerware apply a final coat uwanuri to express the smooth texture and beauty, Akagi chose not to take this process for “Stones,” emphasizing the matte, modern texture.
Made of wood and lacquer born of nature, “Stones” resonates with “Harmony with Nature,” one of Palace Hotel Tokyo’s brand values.
Where: Lobby Lounge The Palace Lounge (1F)
Hours: 11:00 am / 11:30 am / 2:00 pm / 2:30 pm / 5:00 pm / 5:30 pm
*Afternoon Tea seating is limited to 2.5 hours.
Price: JPY 9,000 per person / JPY 12,000 with a glass of Champagne
*Prices are inclusive of consumption tax and subject to an additional 15% service charge.
*Limited to 20 servings per day.
Menu: Under the sub-theme of “Colors of Japan,” the lacquer vessels serve as canvases for sweets and savories colored in traditional hues, with changing menus marking seasonal transitions. Enjoy an afternoon tea tantamount to a work of art.
*Menus to change with the season.
Reservations: Required
Tel: +81-3-3211-5370 (10:00 am – 7:00 pm)
Born in Okayama Prefecture in 1962, Akito Akagi graduated from the Philosophy Department at Chuo University and initially worked as a magazine editor.
Moving to Wajima in 1988, he studied under lacquer craftsman Susumu Okamoto, and opened his own studio in 1994.
Akagi has since gained international recognition, and was selected as one of the “Twelve contemporary Japanese lacquerware artists” at the Germanisches Nationalmuseum. In 2004, his artwork became part of the collection at Die Neue Sammlung, a design museum in Germany.
His lacquerware is conceived to enrich contemporary life.
Afternoon Tea“Stones”, true to its theme of fresh greens and cherry blossoms, features a variety of lovely, colorful delicacies.
The savory selection is a plant-based burger with buns made from spinach. The sweets boast flavors as diverse as cherry blossom mousse, raspberry tart, fromage blanc, and strawberry verrine.
[Matcha]
Matcha “Wako” from Marukyu Koyamaen in Kyoto served in an original Kiyomizu-yaki bowl by Zensho kiln / Palace Hotel Tokyo original rakugan (dried sugar confectionery)
[Sweets]
Strawberry and rhubarb mousse / Lemon tart / Madeleine with pistachio cream / Raspberry tart / Japanese confectionery from Shichijo Kanshundo in Kyoto
[Sweets]
Marinated strawberries and cherry blossoms, fromage blanc mousse / Strawberry fresh cream / Canelé / Religieuse / Cherry blossom mousse / Matcha macaron with strawberry
[Savories]
White asparagus potage, truffle / Fava bean mousse, caviar, panipuri / Plant-based slider burger / Clam with tomato consommé jelly / Sakura shrimp quiche, Japanese pepper leaf bud / Beef tongue and bamboo shoot crêpe, yuzu pepper / Green peas and mint, mozzarella, tomato powder
[Scones]
Matcha and orange scones / clotted cream / mandarin orange jam