Kamakura Afternoon tea in a renowned architectural mansion.
August 2024 Seasonal up date
Kamakura to Hayama. While today they are popular tourist spots known for their beaches and temples, in the past, they were resorts for the aristocracy and wealthy families. The luxurious Western-style mansions from that era have been preserved and are now used as museums, restaurants, and wedding venues, maintaining their elegant charm from the past.
Enjoy afternoon tea at Kamakura’s “Kogatei” and Hayama’s “R・CASA,” two magnificent Western-style mansions. It promises a lovely afternoon perfect for a little dress-up.
Koga Residence (kogatei)
1Built in 1916, “Kogatei” is one of the three major Western-style mansions in Kamakura and is considered a historic and renowned residence. Originally a private property, it is now operated as a gastronomic Spanish restaurant. While the modern Spanish restaurant, frequented by food enthusiasts, is exceptional, the space is also available for casual cafe visits, making it a wonderful spot for a relaxed stop during a stroll from Kamakura Station.
Afternoon tea is offered only once a month, and although it was difficult to make a reservation, I finally visited this summer.
Entering the grounds, you ascend a gentle slope leading to the mansion. The excitement of enjoying afternoon tea in such a space is truly special.
After being shown to my seat, I select my drink. Here, I choose one type of tea served in a pot. At the end, Chinese tea will be served. For now, I begin by enjoying the savory items.
This afternoon tea offers a refreshing take, different from the traditional style. There’s a lot of seafood, with intricate sauces, and the finger foods come in various forms, making it distinctly Spanish and fun.
The gazpacho is rich and chilled, packed with vitamins and lycopene that help shake off the summer fatigue. The salmon roe cone is undeniably delicious. One dish with a tangy green mojo verde sauce paired with bonito feels like a delightful collaboration between Japan and Spain. However, as there are no small plates provided, it’s helpful to have tissues or paper napkins if there’s something that might spill, as some items are too large to eat in one bite.
Having enjoyed all the savory offerings, my stomach is reasonably satisfied, but now it’s time for the sweets to arrive.
The sweets were seven adorable, compact-sized treats, with the most intricate one being the “Kokedama,” a round matcha-flavored cream dessert.
Already feeling full, I was about to give up on the mango cake, but I had a friend with me to share it, and we managed to savor everything. The shortcake made with delicious mango was wonderfully fragrant, and I was completely satisfied.
While enjoying multiple servings of Chinese tea, “Oriental Beauty,” served by the waiter, we chatted and agreed that the first cup, with its fresh aroma, was the best.
I had a great time indulging in a gastronomic afternoon tea, something I rarely get to experience, and considering the location, 5,000 yen per person is quite generous. I am truly grateful.
Address: 1-7-23 Ogi-gatani, Kamakura City, Kanagawa Prefecture
Phone: 0467-22-2011
Lunch: 11:00 AM – 3:00 PM (Last entry 1:30 PM)
Dinner: 5:30 PM – 9:00 PM (Last entry 7:00 PM)
Café: 11:00 AM – Sunset (Seasonal operation, March - December / Last entry 4:00 PM)
Closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays
For afternoon tea reservations, please refer to the website.
https://kamakura-koga.com/restaurant/
R・CASA HAYAMA
Located in a residential area of Hayama, “R・CASA” is a wedding space housed in the former Takahashi Shin Saburo residence, built in the early Showa period. This mansion, renovated into a beautiful private residence, exudes the luxury of a Western-style house while maintaining a cozy, home-like atmosphere.
Still relatively unknown as a restaurant, it has become a hidden gem for an elegant afternoon tea and meals.
The relaxed atmosphere typical of Hayama, combined with the charming interior that makes you feel like you’ve wandered into a private home, adds to the allure. The afternoon tea here is reasonably priced at 4,000 yen, so I decided to give it a try.
The savory dish has arrived. It features scrambled eggs made with the exquisite “Himesama no Tamago” (Princess Eggs) from Miura, served with pancakes, scones, and a salad of Kamakura vegetables—light, yet satisfying. Normally, I would consider this enough for lunch, as it offers a perfect balance. The flowers decorating the plate are edible, and they were delicious too.
The “Himesama no Tamago” is often used in cakes and restaurants around the Miura Peninsula, and I occasionally have the pleasure of tasting it. It has a wonderful aroma, rich flavor, and really elevates the dishes it’s used in.
This plate of sweets was quite substantial! Despite looking large in photos, the portions turned out to be quite filling. There were matcha tiramisu, a rich chocolate cake, a raspberry mini cake, and a Japanese-inspired dessert with strawberries and red bean. It was certainly a hearty selection.
I even had to pass some over to my friend who has quite the appetite, while I enjoyed another round of drinks. Speaking of drinks, guests can choose from a variety of options, including tea and coffee refills. The coffee here, provided by the nearby “Inuit Coffee Roasters,” is a real treat—aromatic, full-bodied, and a fantastic addition to the afternoon tea experience!
After enjoying the afternoon tea, we asked to see other rooms in the house. R・CASA, which primarily hosts weddings, is such a beautiful venue. I couldn’t help but think how wonderful it must be to have a wedding in such a magnificent estate. The fact that dogs are allowed to participate is such a nice touch for pet owners—it’s definitely a bonus for those who have furry companions!
Address:
541-4 Horiuchi, Hayama Town, Miura District, Kanagawa Prefecture
Phone:046-854-5707
Closed:Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Business Hours:10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Parking:
2 spaces (reservation required)
Shuttle Service:Available
A luxurious moment spent at mansion restaurants in Kamakura and Hayama. The afternoon tea was perfect for special occasions like anniversaries and birthdays, offering an ideal setting to dress up for. Both places have their own unique characteristics, and I’m now eager to visit them for their meals as well.
For more mansion-style afternoon teas, I recommend checking out the “Ishigama Garden Terrace” from my previous post,“Three Afternoon Tea and Dessert Spots in Kamakura”. It’s definitely worth a visit!
For those who may prefer a less voluminous experience, but still want a satisfying treat, my guide ”SOLO TIME: RELAXING AT TEA SALONS & CAFES IN KAMAKURA”will help you find relaxing spots to enjoy cream tea.
As luxury hotels in the area are increasingly offering afternoon teas, I plan to post a report on that soon as well. Stay tuned!
