With the nationwide boom, the number of places to enjoy afternoon tea in Sapporo is on the rise. For lovers of traditional, authentic afternoon tea, we highly recommend "afternoonTEA afternoonALCOHOL," a specialty salon that opened in Miyanomori in November 2024.

This hidden salon is a sophisticated space, strictly by reservation and for guests aged 18 and over, where you can enjoy an authentic afternoon tea served on a three-tiered tray.

Exterior of "afternoonTEA afternoonALCOHOL"

The salon is located on the first floor of a building with an impressive glass facade in Miyanomori, Chuo-ku, Sapporo. Be aware that there are no large signs or nameplates.

The round sign on the sidewalk is your landmark

Facing the street, there is a round sign with the logo "afternoonTEA afternoonALCOHOL." As it is strictly by reservation via their website, the door is generally closed. You'll need to ring the intercom to enter.

The interior is bathed in natural light from the windows

The spacious interior features table settings arranged under a beautiful chandelier. The rather long name, afternoonTEA afternoonALCOHOL, is affectionately shortened to "TA," they say.

Afternoon tea begins with sparkling wine

The table is adorned with stylish brand-name tableware and antique cutlery, all collected with the discerning taste of owner Yukari Mitani. The three-tiered afternoon tea set is already in place. We visited as a party of two, but solo diners and groups of three or more are also welcome.

TA offers two courses: the "Tea Course" for 6,600 yen (tax included) and the "Alcohol Course" for 8,800 yen (tax included). Both include a 2.5-hour free-flow of drinks.

A beautiful, photo-worthy setting

The menu changes slightly each month and consists of 15 items in total. This time, we enjoyed the non-alcoholic Tea Course with the February menu.

The set on the three-tiered tray is accompanied by soup, salad, and a meat dish, making for a very substantial meal. It's best to arrive with an empty stomach, as if you were coming for a full-course lunch.

Tea poured at the perfect moment

The tea is from the long-established French company Mariage Frères, with a selection of six varieties. Each cup is served at just the right moment.

A pot of Earl Grey

Pictured here is the Earl Grey, served in a pot. We were able to enjoy the warm, insulated tea for a long time while chatting.

Two types of sandwiches served with pickles

There are two types of sandwiches, one of which changes monthly. The "Hokkaido Cream Cheese and Smoked Salmon Sandwich" on the menu at the time had a sophisticated flavor. The classic "Cucumber Sandwich" was delightfully refreshing with a pleasant crunch.

Scones, an essential part of afternoon tea

Next up are the scones, which are perfectly crispy on the outside and wonderfully moist and fluffy on the inside. They can be warmed up for you right when you're ready to eat them. The wonderful aroma of wheat and butter from the re-baked scones filled the air, creating a truly blissful moment.

Clotted cream and jam to your liking

To eat, break the scone in two and generously top with rich clotted cream and strawberry jam. You could really taste the fragrant flavor of Hokkaido wheat.

Homemade, additive-free clotted cream

Both the clotted cream and strawberry jam are homemade. They pair perfectly with the scones and tea, an endlessly delightful combination.

Milk tea topped with plenty of foamed milk

The milk tea, topped with fluffy foamed milk, which we had with the scones, was also exquisite. By the way, since you get two large scones per person, you can take one to go if you can't finish them. (Though I must admit, they were so delicious I ate both!)

Sweets that look like blooming mimosa flowers, making you long for spring

The top tier was filled with chocolate-based sweets, fitting for February. It featured an assortment of classic items like cheesecake and seasonal fruits and sweets.

Pairing with an Americano or espresso is also a delight

While the tea is delicious, I decided to switch things up and had an Americano from Saito Coffee. Thanks to the free-flow system, you can request your next drink whenever you like.

"Hone to Kawa" Pistachio Ice Cream

The finale was the pistachio ice cream. This recipe was apparently inherited from Chef Sasagawa of the bistro "Hone to Kawa" (Bone and Skin), which previously operated in this location. It had a rich, delicate flavor that left a beautiful lingering taste.

The three-tiered afternoon tea is a feast for the eyes. The tableware for our visit was from Royal Albert's "Old Country Roses" collection. The classic and lovely rose pattern was beautiful, enhancing the mood with an authentic British atmosphere.

Tableware from the Portuguese brand COSTA NOVA

At TA, which has a large collection of tableware, you can even choose your favorite set from your second visit onwards. With a variety of styles and countries of origin, including COSTA NOVA, Bernardaud, and Iittala, you can enjoy afternoon tea in a different atmosphere every time.

Consommé soup served in a Royal Copenhagen cup

For example, the cup our soup was served in was a vintage piece from Royal Copenhagen. It felt comfortable in the hand, and we enjoyed the pleasure of trying out different tableware. For those who love pottery and porcelain, a conversation with the owner, Ms. Mitani, is sure to be lively.

"afternoonTEA afternoonALCOHOL" is a place in Miyanomori where you can spend a truly special and luxurious time. It's a wonderful afternoon tea specialty salon that will make you want to visit again and again in different seasons.