Kitayama Kochakan

At Kitayama Kochakan, scones are warmed before serving and come with jam, butter and clotted cream. Visitors describe a crisp exterior and a moist centre; the caramel flavour, one reviewer notes, has an appealing toasted aroma. A scone set with a drink is one way to take your time over them with a cup of tea.

There is a generous choice of teas, and picking a leaf is part of the pleasure. Assam comes with milk and suits those looking for a rich flavour and sweetness. For something lighter, Dimbula is described as low in astringency, with a gently wafting fruity aroma. One visitor says their pot held about 2 cups’ worth, with the leaves removed before serving. Seasonal options include Ginger Peach, with peach sweetness and a hint of ginger, and Fruit Punch, made with fruits such as apple and citrus. The tea menu recommends the former iced.

For tea with something savoury, consider the croque monsieur: thick toast topped with white sauce, ham and 2 kinds of cheese, then baked. The lunch set costs 1,800 yen and includes a drink, soup and salad, with options such as a hamburger, quiche with bread, curry or a ham-and-cheese toast. In the afternoon, an afternoon tea set pairs a drink with items including scones, sandwiches and 2 kinds of cake. You can make tea the focus, or build a meal around it with savoury dishes and sweets.

One review of the apple crumble pie mentions the crunch of cinnamon and nuts and the pairing with fresh cream. The reviewer also found it not too sweet, with a tartness from the apples and pieces of fruit that retained their bite. Whether you settle on scones and tea or add pie or lunch, the menu at Kitayama Kochakan lets you plan around the tea you feel like drinking.