Originally published on metropolis.co.jp on May 2013

If you go down to the Ritz-Carlton Tokyo today, you’re sure of a big surprise, because today—and every day— is when the Teddy Bear Tea is held in the upscale hotel’s lobby lounge (Tokyo Midtown, 9-7-1 Akasaka, Minato-ku; Tel: 03-3423-8000). From noon-5pm parents and children are welcome to sup on traditional delights while making friends with likeminded play partners. Junior can enjoy a special menu of kid-friendly nosh while mummy or daddy tucks into the hotel’s traditional tea service. The cucumber sandwiches even have their crusts cut off, as befitting the occasion. After tea, the littler of the two receives a souvenir teddy bear as a keepsake. Be aware of the price tag—¥8,500 per duo—to avoid any other big surprises.