Winter’s Bloom: Taste the Joys of Strawberry Season at Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto

In the hush of midwinter, Four Seasons Hotel Kyoto unveils a vibrant celebration of Japanese strawberries, glowing with a sweetness found only in the coldest season. Guests are invited to explore a full bloom of strawberry indulgences, from limited-time desserts and takeaway treats to a seasonally inspired afternoon tea.

Famed for their quality, flavour, and shine, Japanese strawberries achieve brilliance in deep winter, peaking in natural sweetness and radiance. Served against serene views of the Hotel’s 12th-century pond garden, each exquisitely crafted strawberry treat offers a vivid reminder of warmth and colour amid winter’s frosty chill.

This year’s offerings also make liberal use of Amaou strawberries, treasured as one of the most premium varieties of Japanese strawberries. Exceptionally sweet, glossy, and succulent, Amaou is the strawberry of choice for luxury gifting and confectionaries.

EMBA KYOTO GRILL

Strawberry Tart: Crowned with fresh Amaou strawberries and layered with velvety custard, this picture-perfect creation from EMBA KYOTO GRILL spells pure indulgence. Every bite embodies a sublime balance as the gentle sweetness of the strawberry meets the subtle tang of the rhubarb, with just a hint of earthy almond to deepen the taste experience.

• December 1, 2025 – February 28, 2026
• 1:00 pm – 7:00 pm
• JPY 4,000 (14 cm/5.5 in); JPY 6,500 (18 cm/7 in)

Strawberry Afternoon Tea: A showcase of seasonal dainties to light up frosty afternoons. Starring ripe strawberries and fragrant roses, five exquisite sweets bring winter’s glorious harvest to the table. Guests can discover highlights like the classic Fraisier, made with Hokkaido strawberries, and the delicately perfumed Strawberry Rose Mousse, wrapped in silky white chocolate.

Four elegant savouries merge French culinary artistry with Kyoto’s seasonal bounty. The Parmesan Gougère gets a local twist with the addition of tender Tanba Ajiwai chicken, while the chilled Winter Soup is elevated with Kujo green onions – known for their remarkable sweetness in the winter.

• December 26, 2025 – February 28, 2026
• Seatings at 12:00 noon,12:30 pm, 2:30 pm, and 3:00 pm (120-minute seating)
• JPY 7,000 (weekdays) | JPY 7,800 (weekends and holidays)
• Includes five sweets, four savouries, scones, tea or coffee

The Lounge & Bar

Winter Strawberry Parfait. The season’s finest strawberries, including Amaou, reveal their full brilliance in a symphony of taste and texture at The Lounge & Bar. This artfully crafted parfait unfolds layers of fresh strawberries, slow-cooked berry compote, fragrant tonka cream, and refreshing lychee jelly – all finished with a gossamer oolong tea espuma and a crunchy almond crumble.

• December 22, 2025 – February 28, 2026
• 12:00 noon – 3:00 pm
• JPY 3,500
• Limited to 20 servings per day. Advance reservation required.

Seasonal Takeaway Selection

• Berries Crumble. Rich, buttery, and full of fresh berries, these bite-size treats add a touch of indulgence to winter’s teatime rituals.
  Dates: December 26, 2025 – February 28, 2026
  JPY 500 per piece
• Guimauve Cookie Sando. Crispy cocoa cookies enfold fluffy marshmallow, infused with strawberry and framboise – a delightful interplay.
  Dates: December 26, 2025 – February 28, 2026
  JPY 600 per piece