Did you know there’s a place in Higashine City where you can enjoy afternoon tea?
“Cafe Bell Tree,” located near Yamagata Airport, is a popular café known for offering authentic afternoon tea at an affordable price. The beautifully arranged sweets and light dishes served on a three‑tier stand are delightful both in appearance and taste.

In this article, I’ll share a detailed photo report of Cafe Bell Tree’s menu and afternoon tea experience. If you’re looking for a place to enjoy afternoon tea in Higashine City or within Yamagata Prefecture, this guide will be helpful.

What Kind of Café Is “Cafe Bell Tree,” Popular for Afternoon Tea in Higashine City?

If you’re searching for Italian cuisine or a café in Higashine City, Cafe Bell Tree is a great choice. Located near Yamagata Airport and close to the Higashine IC, it offers smooth access by car.

It’s perfect for lunch with friends or for a slightly special café outing. With advance reservations, they can also prepare birthday plates and other surprise arrangements, making it ideal for celebrations.

Authentic Pasta Made with Local Ingredients

Cafe Bell Tree offers dishes made with ingredients sourced from the Otomi district of Higashine City. They value local production for local consumption, creating a comfortable and casual dining atmosphere.

Their most popular option is the pasta course “Bell Lunch” (1,760 yen including tax), which includes appetizers through dessert. It’s a well-loved course that allows you to enjoy a full meal at a reasonable price.

During dinner hours, they offer à la carte dishes as well as reservation‑only courses featuring authentic fish and meat dishes. The popular lunch pasta course is also available at dinner (Pasta Dinner: 2,200 yen including tax). ※Prices are as of March 2026.

Authentic Afternoon Tea for Just 2,310 Yen!

A highlight of Bell Tree is its afternoon tea. Served during café hours from 14:00 to 16:00, the most surprising part is the price. While afternoon tea in urban areas often costs over 4,000 yen, Bell Tree offers it for just 2,310 yen per person (tax included)!

It’s rare to find authentic afternoon tea in Higashine City, making this café perfect for those seeking a special café experience. ※Prices are as of March 2026.

Reporting on Bell Tree’s Popular Afternoon Tea

I visited Bell Tree on a Sunday, and the café was full—almost every table had a three‑tier stand! Afternoon tea requires a reservation, so be sure to call ahead.

The Café Is Located Inside Hanyu Yokocho Near Yamagata Airport

The café is a charming single‑story building located within the same premises as “Ramen Jiyama” and the udon shop “Tsuntsuruten.” Parking is shared, and if the front area is crowded, there is a second parking lot behind the building on the left side.

A Bright Interior Filled with Cat Decorations

Upon entering, you’ll notice many wine bottles, glasses, and adorable cat decorations.

The cat décor reflects the owner’s love for cats, creating a delightful atmosphere for cat lovers like me.

The left side of the interior has counter seating, while the right side has table seating. The counter seats make it easy for solo diners to enjoy lunch comfortably.

The tables are spaced generously, allowing you to enjoy conversation without worrying about nearby guests. The wooden interior adds a calming atmosphere.

A Welcome Drink Is Served When You Take Your Seat

As soon as you sit down, a welcome drink is served.

It’s a butterfly pea drink that changes color when lemon juice is added—fun to watch and refreshing to taste.

Even the cutlery features cat motifs, showing attention to detail.

Afternoon Tea Arrives on a Three‑Tier Stand

While enjoying the welcome drink, the afternoon tea soon arrives. The volume and visual appeal are stunning—perfect for photos.

I got so absorbed in taking pictures that my soup cooled down a bit (laugh). Make sure to enjoy everything while it’s freshly prepared!

You Can Order Two Drinks

You can choose two drinks from the menu—an amazing perk at this price.

I chose iced coffee and hot tea. The tea is served in a pot, allowing you to enjoy about two cups.

Detailed Review of the Sweets and Savories in Afternoon Tea

The three‑tier stand consists of savory items on the bottom, scones and sweets in the middle, and refreshing glass desserts on the top.

I started with the warm soup, then enjoyed the bottom, middle, and top tiers in order.

Rich and Milky! Western‑Style Shiratama Sweet Soup

Before the afternoon tea, a soup is served—but surprisingly, this is actually oshiruko. It looks like potage, but inside the creamy, milk-rich soup are chewy shiratama dumplings.

Sweet, creamy, and wonderfully unique.

Stylish Appetizers and Sandwiches

The bottom tier features savory appetizers and a sandwich. Afternoon tea traditionally begins with the savory items. The refreshing caprese‑style appetizer and the ham sandwich had just the right amount of saltiness and volume.

I intentionally saved a bit for later—after enjoying the sweets, the savory flavors provided a perfect contrast.

Scones Served with Clotted Cream and Jam

The middle tier’s scones are served with high‑quality clotted cream and strawberry jam. Crispy on the outside and perfectly moist inside—an excellent match with the cream.

As a scone lover, I was thrilled by the authentic flavor. You can also enjoy crepes and pies, making the afternoon tea wonderfully filling.

Refreshing Glass Desserts to Finish

The top tier features refreshing glass desserts. The milk-based dessert has gentle sweetness with a hint of saltiness that sharpens the flavor.

My personal favorite was the matcha panna cotta. It has a rich matcha flavor and a smooth yet pleasantly chewy texture—so delicious I wanted seconds.

Cafe Bell Tree — Shop Information & Access

Cafe Bell Tree is located right next to Yamagata Airport. Since it’s far from Jinmachi Station, access by car is recommended. Also, afternoon tea and dinner courses require reservations, so be sure to call ahead.

Summary

Cafe Bell Tree is one of the few places in Yamagata Prefecture where you can casually enjoy authentic afternoon tea. Their Italian dishes made with local ingredients and their well‑rounded lunch menu are also popular. Among them, the three‑tier afternoon tea stands out for its excellent balance of price, volume, and overall satisfaction.

It’s the perfect café for those who want to enjoy a relaxing time around Higashine City or treat themselves to a special moment. Why not experience a delightful tea time at Bell Tree?

Click here for details about Cafe Bell Tree

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