If your Japan summer itinerary includes a stop in Fukuoka, you might want to leave room for an extra sweet treat. Hotel New Otani Hakata is partnering with Sanrio's Kuromi for a limited-edition afternoon tea experience that combines themed desserts, exclusive merchandise, and plenty of photo opportunities.
From July 1st to August 30th, the hotel's Castillian Room restaurant will host the special collaboration, inspired by Kuromi's visit to the venue's elegant, castle-like setting. An exclusive illustration created for the event incorporates real features of the restaurant, including its entrance, piano, and afternoon tea treats, giving visitors the chance to recreate scenes from the artwork during their visit.
The afternoon tea menu is packed with Kuromi-inspired sweets and savory bites. Highlights include a Kuromi marshmallow modelled after her signature hood, a blueberry canelé inspired by her outfit, a Kuromi macaron, violet and berry panna cotta, and strawberry shortcake. Savory offerings include a Kuromi sandwich, purple sweet potato quiche, and cheese croquettes served with tartar sauce made using pickled shallots, one of Kuromi's favorite foods.
Guests can also order optional themed drinks. The KUROMI Cotton Trick combines floral notes with Calpis, popping pearls, and fluffy cotton candy, while the KUROMI Silky Float blends yogurt, grapefruit juice, strawberry syrup, Kyoho grape syrup, and acai ice cream.
As an added bonus, every afternoon tea guest will receive an exclusive Hakata-ori mini pouch featuring a special collaboration design inspired by Fukuoka's traditional textile craft. Those who order one of the themed drinks will also receive a random original Kuromi coaster.
Reservations are required and must be made at least two days in advance, making this one of the cutest limited-time experiences for Sanrio fans traveling through Japan this summer.
