DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station (Higashikujo, Minami Ward, Kyoto City) will serve a Christmas afternoon tea called "Gifts from Snowy Kyoto" (雪降る京からの贈り物) from Saturday, November 14 to Friday, December 25, 2026.
The tea features the "Tree Apple Pie" (ツリーアップルパイ), a dessert completed right in front of guests as pistachio cream is piped on top to form a Christmas tree. The sweets and savories are served ojū (box) style and use ingredients associated with Kyoto, such as Kyoto turnip (kyo-kabura), Kyo-Tanba chicken, matcha, and yuzu.
It is a way to enjoy the excitement of the Advent season, when people look forward to Christmas, alongside the flavors of winter in Kyoto.
Tree Apple Pie: Freshly Baked Apple Pie with Pistachio Cream
The signature dessert of the tea is the "Tree Apple Pie." A crisply baked apple pie is topped with pistachio cream piped in front of the guest, completing a dessert styled as a Christmas tree. Along with the live finishing, guests can enjoy the aroma of the freshly baked pie and its crisp texture. Vanilla ice cream, which can be added to taste, pairs well with it.
Sweets
Matcha Butter Sand Gift (抹茶香るバターサンドギフト): Rich butter sandwiched between fragrant, moist matcha financiers. The richness of matcha and butter come together in a sweet with a Japanese character.
Chocolate and Plain Biscotti (チョコレート&プレーンビスコッティ): Biscotti with the bittersweet taste of chocolate and the toasty flavor of nuts. After the crunchy texture, a refined aftertaste lingers.
Winter Grove Orangette (冬木立のオランジェット): Orangette styled after a grove of trees in winter. A refreshing citrus aroma and bittersweet orange peel are wrapped in chocolate for a grown-up taste.
White Christmas Cassata (ホワイトクリスマスのカッサータ): A cassata inspired by a snowy Christmas scene. The sweet-tart raspberry and the toasty nuts come together for a festive flavor.
Berry and Black Tea Advent Jelly (ベリーと紅茶のアドベントジュレ): A jelly that captures the rich aroma of black tea, paired with sweet-tart berries. It is a light glass dessert inspired by the Advent season, when people look forward to Christmas.
Savories
Kyo-Kabura Snow-Dusted Eggs Benedict (京かぶらの雪化粧エッグベネディクト): The saltiness of cured ham is paired with a mild Kyoto turnip sauce. It is a savory that expresses a winter landscape dusted with snow, with a seasonal look.
Kyo-Tanba Chicken and Okara Hummus Canapé (京丹波鶏とおからフムスのカナッペ): A canapé that pairs flavorful Kyo-Tanba chicken with hummus made to bring out the gentle taste of okara (soy pulp). Radish adds a refreshing accent and color.
Yuzu-Scented Winter Citrus Caprese (柚子香る冬柑橘のカプレーゼ): A Japanese-style caprese of winter citrus scented with yuzu and smooth mozzarella cheese. The juiciness and refreshing acidity of the citrus spread through the mouth.
Kyo-Kabura Potage (京かぶらのポタージュ): A potage that carefully brings out the gentle sweetness of Kyoto turnip. Its smooth texture and comforting flavor warm the winter afternoon tea.
Christmas Afternoon Tea "Gifts from Snowy Kyoto" Details
Dates: November 14 (Saturday) to December 25 (Friday), 2026
Location: Café lounge "Grove Lounge" (グローブ ラウンジ), DoubleTree by Hilton Kyoto Station
Hours: 11:00 AM to 4:00 PM (last order 3:30 PM). Reservations required (same-day reservations accepted).
Unlimited use is available only within the afternoon tea service hours (11:00 AM to 4:00 PM).
Price: ¥4,900 per person (tax and service charge included)
With sparkling wine for a toast: ¥5,600 (tax and service charge included)
URL: https://doubletree-kyoto-station.hiltonjapan.co.jp/restaurants/lp/grove-lounge-afternoontea
Menu
Signature item:
- Tree Apple Pie (ツリーアップルパイ): freshly baked apple pie with pistachio cream
Sweets:
- Matcha Butter Sand Gift
- Chocolate and Plain Biscotti
- Winter Grove Orangette
- White Christmas Cassata
- Berry and Black Tea Advent Jelly
- First Snow Vanilla Ice Cream (初雪のバニラアイスクリーム)
Savories:
- Kyo-Kabura Snow-Dusted Eggs Benedict
- Kyo-Tanba Chicken and Okara Hummus Canapé
- Yuzu-Scented Winter Citrus Caprese
- Kyo-Kabura Potage
Drinks:
- Three kinds from Dilmah's t-Series (hot only)
- Ippodo Tea (一保堂茶舗) matcha and matcha latte (iced available for the matcha latte only). Matcha is limited to one cup per person.
- Two kinds of Ippodo Japanese tea
- Coffee, café latte, and cappuccino
Option: Special dessert "Bonsai Tiramisu" (盆栽ティラミス) for an additional ¥1,500
