Enjoy "Nun-Katsu" (Afternoon Tea). Here, we will explain the appropriate attire and manners.

Afternoon tea is a refined experience where you enjoy tea and cakes in an elegant, non-daily setting. It is said to have originated from a tradition among British aristocrats.

During afternoon tea, a beautifully arranged table features a selection of delicious teas and sweets. Traditionally, finger sandwiches (cut into bite-sized pieces), scones, and cakes are served on a three-tiered tea stand.

Afternoon tea is cherished not only for the food but also as an opportunity to strengthen relationships. It provides a chance to share special moments with friends or family in a graceful setting, offering a break from the everyday routine to enjoy the ambiance and time together.

Nun-Katsu:
Nun-Katsu refers to the activity of enjoying afternoon tea. In this article, we will introduce the basic etiquette and appropriate attire for an afternoon tea experience.

Afternoon tea is a luxurious and elegant event for enjoying a special moment. Here’s a simple guide to basic etiquette:

Attire:
When in doubt, choose "smart casual." More details on this will be provided later.

Napkins:
Place the napkin on your lap. Use it as needed to gently dab your mouth before drinking tea or during your meal.

Tea Cup:
Hold the teacup by the handle with a light grip. When stirring, move the spoon up and down vertically rather than swirling it in circles.

Food Etiquette:
Order: Eat savory items before moving on to sweets. Typically, savory items are on the bottom tier, with sweets on the middle and top tiers. Sandwiches and scones are commonly served.
Eating: Both sandwiches and scones can be eaten with your hands. Break the scone in half with your fingers, then spread clotted cream and jam on top.

Detailed Information on Attire Etiquette:

(Here, you would include more specific details about what constitutes "smart casual" attire for afternoon tea.)

Hotels or establishments that offer afternoon tea may have specific dress codes, so it's important to adhere to those guidelines. However, if the dress code is not immediately clear and contacting the hotel or venue directly feels a bit daunting, it's generally safe to avoid overly casual attire. Examples of casual clothing to avoid include T-shirts, sneakers, and sandals.

Instead, aim for a more refined style. For women, this could be a dress or a skirt, while for men, a jacket or chinos would be appropriate. Such attire aligns with the elegant atmosphere of afternoon tea and enhances the sense of occasion.

Additionally, choose formal shoes over sneakers or sandals. Leather shoes, dress shoes, pumps, or boots are better options.

Avoid outfits with excessive exposure. Clothing that reveals too much skin may not suit the elegant atmosphere of afternoon tea. For women, sleeveless tops are acceptable, but choose for styles that cover the chest. Men should also aim for appropriately formal attire.

If you're unsure about what to wear for afternoon tea, smart casual is a recommended choice. Smart casual attire strikes a balance between formal and informal, offering a polished and clean look without being as formal as wedding attire. It provides a sophisticated and refined appearance suitable for the occasion.

While maintaining cleanliness and sophistication is important, you can avoid being overly formal. For instance, clothing made from soft materials like silk or linen is suitable. Additionally, choose colors and patterns that align with the season, event, or dress code. If opting for patterns, go for chic and subtle designs.

Choosing simple and refined accessories will enhance your overall look. Avoid excessive decorations and choose for minimalist designs. For footwear, consider elegant options like heels or flat shoes.

In the setting of afternoon tea, smart casual attire is ideal for enjoying a special time with those around you. This style strikes the perfect balance between elegance and comfort, ensuring you look polished while feeling relaxed.

Depending on the hotel or venue hosting the afternoon tea, some may require a formal dress code. A formal outfit provides an elegant and sophisticated appearance, making it suitable for the refined and glamorous atmosphere of the event.

For instance, a tea gown or a chic dress is appropriate. Fabrics such as silk or satin, as well as beautiful embroidery or lace details, are preferred. The cut and silhouette of the clothing are also important; choose pieces that fit well and create an elegant line.

Accessories are also important. Refined pearl necklaces or earrings, and a simple yet sophisticated handbag are typically appropriate choices.

For afternoon teas that require a formal style, sophistication and elegance that align with the social nature of the event are essential. Maintaining cleanliness and a polished appearance shows respect for the occasion and the company you are sharing it with.

For an appropriate afternoon tea look, men should choose for a jacket in subdued colors like navy or charcoal gray to convey a sharp impression. Choose trousers that harmonize in color and material with the jacket. A dress shirt is recommended, and shirts with patterns or in lighter colors are also preferred.

Footwear should include slip-on loafers or leather shoes. Black leather shoes are best avoided as they may resemble work shoes; instead, focus on well-maintained and clean footwear.

Accessories such as a wristwatch or pocket square will complete the outfit. Choose for classic designs or high-quality items to add elegance to the overall look.

A suitable male outfit for afternoon tea should be simple yet sophisticated, with attention to detail. Ensure that your attire matches the atmosphere of the event.

There are various themed afternoon teas such as "seasonal fruits" or "Japanese" styles. For instance, for a mango-themed afternoon tea, adding a yellow item to your outfit can enhance the experience.

See the List of Various Afternoon Teas Offered by Prince Hotels

Prince Hotels, with locations across Tokyo and nationwide, offer a variety of themed afternoon teas at each hotel.

Casual dress is perfectly acceptable! We encourage you to enjoy the experience in a relaxed manner. We offer many vibrant and visually delightful afternoon teas.

View the Various Afternoon Teas Offered by Prince Hotels

This summer, The Prince Park Tower Tokyo presents a special afternoon tea experience inspired by the beautiful sunsets of Hawaii. Named "Sunset Hawaiian Afternoon Tea", this themed event brings the essence of Hawaii to Tokyo.

Highlights:
Themed Sweets: The desserts feature orange and dark brown hues, representing the enchanting Hawaiian sunset.
Unique Offerings: Instead of the usual finger sandwiches on the third tier, enjoy adorable mini cheeseburgers.
Hawaiian Vibes: Savor the feeling of Hawaii right in Tokyo.

Ideal For:
Those looking to enjoy a unique afternoon tea experience.
Anyone wanting to immerse themselves in the Hawaiian ambiance.

Note: This afternoon tea is available by reservation only. Please check the official website for further details and to make a reservation.

View Details of the Sunset Hawaiian Afternoon Tea Offered by Prince Hotels

For a delightful spring afternoon tea, consider incorporating brightness and lightness into your outfit. Embrace the season with cheerful colors and airy fabrics like silk, tulle, and lace to convey elegance and grace.

For a spring afternoon tea, dresses or skirts with floral patterns or pastel colors are ideal. Shades like soft pink, baby blue, and lavender capture the essence of spring beautifully. Combining a blouse with a full skirt is also charming. Choose a chiffon or lace blouse and pair it with a light, flowing skirt to create a feminine and graceful look.

Enjoy selecting accessories that add a spring touch. Consider scarves, ballet flats, or a clutch bag in soft colors. Pastel or Softly colored pearl necklaces and earrings can also add a touch of elegance to your outfit.

For men, a fresh and light look is ideal. Choose for jackets in spring-like, bright colors such as light blue or light gray. Pair them with a clean white shirt or a well-structured knit T-shirt to create a bright, spring-appropriate vibe. Avoid very thin T-shirts.

For pants, chinos or lightweight slacks are ideal. Choose for lighter colors or subtle stripes to maintain a fresh look. For shoes, choose loafers or driving shoes in spring-like shades of brown or beige, which add a light and spring-appropriate touch to your outfit.

For summer afternoon tea, a style that emphasizes lightness and freshness is ideal. By incorporating cool materials and bright colors, you can create a refreshing and elegant impression. Lightweight dresses or sundresses are particularly recommended.

Although summer can be hot, avoid outfits with excessive skin exposure or deep necklines. Choose accessories with a touch of elegance rather than ornate decorations, as excessive embellishment is not suitable for afternoon tea.

Additionally, adding summer-inspired accents can enhance your outfit. In summer, when your wrists and neckline are more visible, bracelets and necklaces that match the color or pattern of your outfit are a good choice. For makeup, opt for a light base with a bright lip color and blush to achieve a fresh and vibrant look.

For men, a cool and refreshing outfit is recommended. A light blue jacket paired with a thin linen or cotton shirt creates a crisp appearance. Short-sleeve knit polo shirts also add a summer touch and complete the look. Loafers are generally a good choice, but espadrilles or other lightweight, breathable shoes are also suitable.

For autumn afternoon tea, it’s important to create an outfit that exudes calm and warmth while incorporating seasonal colors and materials. Deep hues such as burgundy, mustard, and olive green highlight the autumnal atmosphere. Warm materials like wool and cashmere enhance the seasonal feel. Combining a knitted top with a pencil skirt or a sweater with wide-leg pants results in a beautifully autumnal style.

Additionally, leather handbags, boots, and scarves are recommended autumn accessories. Choosing items that reflect the season’s warmth will refine the overall look. Natural waves or long hair styles contribute to the autumnal vibe. For makeup, incorporate shades of brown or red in your eyeshadow and lip color to align with the fall palette.

For men’s autumn afternoon tea attire, a look that conveys calm and warmth is ideal. Pair a jacket in navy or olive green with a knitted sweater or cardigan. Chinos or tweed pants in brown or grey further enhance the autumn feel. Choose for sturdy boots or classic leather shoes to add a touch of autumnal weight to your outfit. Adding a silk pocket square or a wool scarf will complete the look with a sophisticated touch.

Autumn afternoon tea is a perfect opportunity to embrace the season through your clothing. Integrate rich colors and cozy textures to create an elegant and warm ensemble. Enjoy a special time with a cup of tea, celebrating the beauty of fall.

Winter afternoon tea outfits should exude warmth and elegance. Given the cold season, it's important to use high-quality materials and seasonally appropriate colors to create a special experience. Fabrics like wool, velvet, and silk blends highlight the winter ambiance beautifully. Dark tones and winter patterns such as checks and jacquard are also great choices. Pairing a turtleneck sweater with a flared skirt or a sweater with a pencil skirt can create a quintessential winter look. Cashmere and merino wool sweaters provide warmth and a refined appearance. A blouse with pants made from velvet or silk adds a touch of sophistication.

Pearl and crystal accessories complement winter outfits well. Incorporating brown or berry-colored lip shades and warm eyeshadows can enhance the seasonal feel.

For men’s winter afternoon tea attire, aim for a refined look. A navy or charcoal gray wool coat or a cashmere blend coat adds a chic touch. Suits made from warm fabrics like tweed or with check patterns are also very appealing in winter. Layering a sweater or cardigan over a shirt adds an extra layer of sophistication.

When attending a winter afternoon tea, balance both warmth and fashion while enjoying elegant tea in a luxurious setting.