Tokyo Banana Unveils Nighttime Afternoon Tea at Karuizawa's Forest Restaurant: Enjoy Enchanting Night Views and Drinks

Cresson Riverside Story Karuizawa, a restaurant and patisserie operated by Grapestone Co., Ltd. (headquartered in Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo), which manages brands such as Tokyo Banana and Nenrin-ya, will begin offering a nighttime version of afternoon tea called 'Forest High Tea' from Friday, September 4, 2026. This special experience allows guests to enjoy Nagano’s seasonal bounty and natural blessings alongside drinks, set against the tranquil moss garden at night.

Cresson Riverside Story Karuizawa at the Gateway to the Night

'Forest High Tea' is available exclusively at night, offering a luxurious moment immersed in the atmosphere of Karuizawa after dark.

Savory-Centric Menu Perfectly Paired with Drinks

Launched in 2021 under the production of Tokyo Banana, Cresson Riverside Story Karuizawa is a restaurant nestled in an enchanting forest. Here, guests experience the rhythm of nature—dining and enjoying desserts to the sounds of flowing streams and birdsong, all while feeling the forest breeze. A renowned destination in Karuizawa, it attracts not only locals and villa owners but also celebrities traveling from afar.

Now, this unique venue introduces a specially crafted High Tea experience available only at night, designed to complement the magical scenery after sunset.

What Is High Tea?

The Moss Garden as Night Falls

High Tea, a nighttime counterpart to Afternoon Tea, has become popular among food enthusiasts for its savory dishes that pair well with alcoholic beverages. It blends the satisfaction of dinner with the indulgence of desserts—a new dining style that offers the best of both worlds. At Cresson Riverside Story Karuizawa, this exclusive nighttime High Tea is served alongside the enchanting ambiance of the forest after dark.

An Enchanted Restaurant Floating in the Night Forest

As the sun sets and a gentle moon rises, Karuizawa’s forest is wrapped in serene silence, and a relaxed pace of time begins. In stark contrast to the lively daytime, the quiet of night in Karuizawa offers a peaceful retreat. With fewer people around, it becomes the perfect time to gaze at the clear starry sky or listen closely to nature’s subtle sounds and crisp air. 'Forest High Tea' is the ideal menu for fully enjoying Karuizawa’s tranquil nights, enhanced by seasonal ingredients and the blessings of Nagano. Whether you're savoring it alone in contemplation or sharing warm conversation with close friends, it’s a fresh new way to experience Karuizawa after dark.

Authentic High Tea Crafted by Executive Chef Keiko Nagae

Executive Chef Keiko Nagae

The 'Forest High Tea,' recommended as a meal replacement from dusk into evening, is created by Executive Chef Keiko Nagae, who has served as a pastry chef at Michelin-starred restaurants and crafted numerous acclaimed desserts. Guests are invited to enjoy Nagae’s culinary philosophy, which blends refined, authentic pastry techniques with a playful, classical approach developed at Cresson Riverside Story Karuizawa.

A Menu That Balances Sweets and Savories

Forest High Tea: A Miniature Full Course

'Forest High Tea' resembles a miniature full-course meal. The first tier features items reminiscent of salads and appetizers. Each bite-sized dish is meticulously prepared using the finest seasonal ingredients personally selected by Executive Chef Nagae on the day of service.

First Tier

Second Tier

The second tier presents heartier savory dishes, including meat courses and house-made breads. Whether you're pairing with drinks or sampling a variety of dishes, this diverse selection promises full satisfaction.

The third tier features beautifully crafted desserts that add a vibrant finish. Inspired by the seasonal changes and scenery of the restaurant’s prized moss garden, these desserts perfectly conclude the miniature culinary journey.

Third Tier

Even around the stand, meticulous details are thoughtfully incorporated.

Guests can enjoy a special High Tea experience unique to a restaurant—featuring fine cheeses from Nagano and France where Chef Nagae has worked, dry-cured hams personally aged from whole legs, and bread made from natural yeast cultivated by the chef herself. This is a High Tea only possible from a chef with a pastry background and deep restaurant expertise.

Gougères generously filled with French AOP cheeses and dry-cured ham aged by the chef, showcasing Nagano’s bounty

Soup served in antique ceramic containers resembling treasure boxes, featuring seasonal vegetables and delicate confections

<Forest High Tea>

[Period] Starting Friday, September 4, 2026 — Reservation required

[Time] 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM (Last Order 7:00 PM) — 2-hour seating [Price] ¥12,000 per person (¥13,200 including tax), plus 10% service charge — Available for one or more guests [Venue] Cresson Riverside Story Karuizawa

[Menu] Savories: Over a dozen savory dishes highlighting Nagano’s seasonal ingredients

Desserts: Six seasonal sweets Drinks: Welcome alcoholic drink included

Coffee, tea, herbal tea, and original cider available for unlimited refills

*Menu may change due to weather or ingredient availability.

Chef Keiko Nagae

Originally aspiring to become a lawyer, Nagae studied law at Gakushuin University and later moved to France after graduation. She earned a diploma from the world-renowned culinary school Le Cordon Bleu, honed her skills at the famous patisserie Ladurée, and was selected as an opening team member at Pierre Gagnaire’s London restaurant Sketch in 2002. After working under rising star Yannick Alléno at Hôtel Murice, she became Chef Pâtissier at Hôtel Lancaster under Michel Troisgros in 2004. In 2008, she served as Chef Pâtissier at the Paris flagship of three-star maestro Pierre Gagnaire, where she played a key role in global restaurant openings, international events, and pastry chef training. In 2012, she became an independent gastronomy consultant, founding her own company AROME in Paris, France, and expanding her influence across various culinary fields. She began collaborating with Cresson Riverside Story Karuizawa in July 2023 and was appointed Executive Chef of the restaurant in April 2024.

Cresson Riverside Story Karuizawa

https://www.cressonriver.jp https://www.instagram.com/c.r.s.karuizawa/ Launched in summer 2021, Cresson Riverside Story Karuizawa is a restaurant nestled in a magical forest. Designed to offer a rich experience unique to Karuizawa, guests enjoy local Nagano ingredients prepared in Karuizawa-style cuisine, all while feeling the forest breeze and listening to the babbling stream and birdsong. Popular among locals, villa owners, and visiting celebrities alike, the on-site patisserie also offers original drinks and alcoholic beverages made from Nagano fruits, as well as signature baked goods for takeout.

Patisserie also available on-site

[Name] Cresson Riverside Story Karuizawa [Location] 680-1 Karuizawa, Karuizawa-machi, Kitasaku-gun, Nagano Prefecture 389-0102 — Along Karuizawa Ginza, the main street of Karuizawa [Closed] Irregular holidays — Updated regularly on the official website [Hours] Lunch: 11:30 AM – 3:00 PM (Last Order 1:30 PM) Dinner