In this series, we introduce lunch buffets that we've personally tried and loved so much we want to go back. This time, we're featuring a classic, can't-miss spot for any buffet lover: Restaurant & Bar "SKY J" at the JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo.

The JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo boasts a prime location, directly connected to JR Sapporo Station. Its 35th-floor Restaurant & Bar "SKY J" offers a stunning panoramic view from 150 meters above ground. Both the waiting area and the dining room provide magnificent, sweeping views of Sapporo, lifting your spirits before the meal even begins. There's also a cloakroom at the entrance where you can store your luggage and coats for free, making it a convenient and worry-free stop during your travels or shopping trips.

A relaxing atmosphere in the spacious dining room

Expansive views spread out from the large windows

The buffet corner is rich in variety, featuring appetizers, hot Western and Chinese dishes, bread, salad, and desserts. The wide spacing between the buffet counters prevents crowding, allowing you to smoothly pick up dishes from any open section. By the way, a staff member's pro tip is to start at the salad corner for the best flow.

The appetizers feature plenty of vegetables and are vibrant and Instagrammable!

The bite-sized portions are perfect for those who want to try a little bit of everything.

The hot meals consist of Western and Chinese dishes. Both are authentic creations by the hotel's chefs, featuring standard favorites alongside seasonal, themed dishes. With a commitment to serving food as fresh as possible, the staff frequently checks and replenishes the buffet tables, ensuring a constant rotation of appealing, freshly-made dishes.

A wide variety of Western dishes made with abundant Hokkaido ingredients.

The Chinese section features classic dishes and steamed dim sum.

Classic hotel Chinese cuisine offers a refined flavor that sets it apart from your typical neighborhood joint.

A highlight of any buffet is the live cooking station, where hotel chefs prepare dishes right before your eyes. The menu changes monthly; on this day, it was roast beef. There are also fun DIY options, like cooking your own ramen noodles or getting fresh mini pancakes from an automatic pancake machine. The croffle station, where you press a croissant in a waffle maker, is especially enjoyable—you might find yourself making more than you planned!

The roast beef is served over risotto and drizzled with sauce, like a dish from a full-course meal.

The automatic pancake machine means you can always enjoy them fresh and hot.

The croffle station even has a video explaining how to use it.

Crispy and flaky on the outside, chewy on the inside. A croffle fragrant with high-quality butter.

This buffet pays close attention not only to the main dishes but also to the side offerings. Among them, the hotel-made breads are not to be missed. The in-house bread, which has been highly acclaimed since the hotel's opening, is a hidden gem of the buffet. There's a wide selection, including baguettes and mini croissants, and of course, you can toast them to perfection. With a rich assortment of jams and spreads available, it's easy to eat more than you intended.

The black bean baguette, generously filled with black beans, is especially popular.

Be sure to pair the bread with the monthly selection of cheese from Hokkaido.

Even if you're full, you have to save room for dessert! The cakes here are all bite-sized with a refined sweetness. In addition to classic cakes, there are sweets based on a monthly theme, and many regulars come specifically for these desserts. Personally, I think having baked goods is a big plus. For those too full for cake, it's nice to be able to enjoy a cookie with coffee to round off the meal.

In spring, sakura-themed cakes make an appearance. Look forward to the monthly theme!

Having some small baked goods allows you to relax and chat at the end of your meal.

Many places have recently started offering all-you-can-drink wine for an extra fee, but here it's an incredible 800 yen! The selection includes sparkling, red, and white wine by the glass, as well as a daily liqueur that you can mix with soda or juice.

We were actually allowed in before opening for this photoshoot, and I was struck by the sight of the hotel's executive chef, the restaurant manager, and several other staff members tasting and checking every single dish. From the frequent replenishment of food to the perfect timing of clearing empty plates and the attentive way they approach guests who look like they need help, their dedication to hospitality is palpable. Furthermore, if you mention you're celebrating an anniversary or birthday when booking, the staff will offer to take a commemorative photo for you. I'm truly impressed by their thorough service.

I was also impressed that they provided lemon slices for the tea.

While it's a classic hotel buffet centered on Western and Chinese cuisine, it's constantly evolving, which has earned it a large and loyal following. Above all, the customer service and presentation style, which prioritize hospitality, are exactly what you'd expect from a high-class hotel buffet.

・Flawlessly delicious classic dishes prepared by hotel chefs
・Always fresh thanks to live cooking and DIY stations
・Excellent access, directly connected to JR Sapporo Station
・A great all-you-can-drink wine option
・Comfortable service with attention to the smallest details

*Photos are from the time of the visit. Menu items may vary depending on the season.

*All prices include tax.

JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo

■ Address: Kita 5-jo Nishi 2-chome 5, Chuo-ku, Sapporo
■ Phone: 011-251-2222
Click here for details and map information for "JR Tower Hotel Nikko Sapporo"

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