Afternoon Tea with Osaka Castle View at DoubleTree by Hilton Osaka Castle

The lounge is located on the 6th floor, the same floor as the reception. Afternoon tea is served in two time slots: 1 PM and 3 PM. I had previously visited DoubleTree Hilton in Toyama in July and was quite satisfied with the experience, which felt unexpectedly refined for a regional location. The tray used in Osaka is the same as the one at DoubleTree Seoul Pangyo and is also used at the InterContinental in Beppu. It's fun to spot the same tray in different locations. I was seated by the window with a view of Osaka Castle. Over the years, I’ve visited Osaka Castle 5–6 times using stations like Tanimachi Yonchome, Morinomiya, Osaka Business Park, and Osakajo Koen. However, this was my first time approaching it from Tenmabashi Station, offering a fresh perspective of the castle. From any angle, the castle’s blend of white, black, green, and gold creates a stunning appearance. The weather was great, and simply gazing out the window at the scenery was a healing experience. With two afternoon tea sessions per day, the experience begins calmly. Feeling about 50% full, I started with ordering black tea. The drinks include a nomihodai (all-you-can-drink) option. Next came the savory plate, followed by scones served with two types of jam and clotted cream. The three-tier tray was then brought out, along with the ordered black tea. Once the full setup was ready, I followed my usual routine: taking signature photos, adjusting angles for a few more shots, and then diving into the food. It’s almost like a ritual. The set includes three savory items, seven sweets, and two scones. Seasonal fruits are used generously across all dishes, from the mikan wagyu burger to the desserts. One dessert even replicates Osaka Castle itself, adding a visual delight to the experience. The afternoon tea was enjoyable, with the Osaka Castle view being particularly impressive. One staff member’s warm smile and friendly conversation added to the pleasant atmosphere. However, the taste of the afternoon tea felt slightly underwhelming. Thank you.