Buffet Dining Nininupuri

A Feast Among the Firs

Buffet Dining Nininupuri stands as a flagship culinary destination within the Hoshino Resorts Tomamu complex. It is celebrated for its "Forest Dining" concept, which allows guests to enjoy a world-class buffet while feeling completely immersed in the surrounding wilderness. The restaurant serves as a central hub for guests staying at both The Tower and Risonare Tomamu, offering a menu that changes with the seasons to showcase the very best of Hokkaido’s agricultural and maritime treasures.

The dining experience here is designed to be effortless yet high-end, catering to the diverse tastes of international travelers. From the moment you enter, the sheer scale of the operation is impressive, yet the clever layout ensures that the atmosphere remains intimate and connected to the natural landscape outside. It is a place where the quality of the food is matched only by the breathtaking scenery, making every meal a memorable highlight of any Tomamu itinerary.

The Evolution of Nininupuri

The history of Nininupuri is deeply tied to the development of Tomamu as a premier year-round mountain resort. Originally designed to provide a grand-scale dining option that didn't sacrifice quality for volume, the restaurant has evolved into a symbol of Hokkaido’s hospitality. Over the years, it has transitioned from a standard resort eatery into a sophisticated buffet that prioritizes the "farm-to-table" philosophy, partnering with local producers to ensure the freshest ingredients reach the plate.

As part of the Hoshino Resorts transformation, Nininupuri underwent significant conceptual shifts to better integrate the indoor space with the outdoor environment. This evolution was driven by a desire to provide guests with a uniquely Japanese experience—one that honors the "Satoyama" (the borderland between mountain and arable land) spirit. Today, it stands not just as a restaurant, but as a landmark of the resort, representing the perfect harmony between modern tourism and environmental appreciation.

Architectural Harmony: Interior Design

The interior design of Nininupuri is a masterclass in bringing the outdoors in. The most striking feature is the massive glass facade that stretches across the entire length of the dining hall, providing unobstructed views of the ancient spruce forest. The soaring ceilings and open-plan layout create a sense of vastness that mirrors the Hokkaido wilderness, while the use of warm wood finishes and soft lighting ensures the space remains cozy and inviting, particularly during the snowy winter months.

Strategic lighting is used to illuminate the trees outside at night, creating a magical, theatrical backdrop that changes with the weather. Inside, the buffet stations are arranged with clean, modern lines, allowing for a smooth flow of guests even during peak periods. The seating is thoughtfully positioned to ensure that almost every table has a view of the forest, reinforcing the restaurant’s core identity as a sanctuary of natural beauty and culinary excellence.

Signature Flavours: Top 3 Renowned Dishes

Freshly Carved Hokkaido Roast Beef

The centerpiece of the Nininupuri dinner buffet is undoubtedly the succulent Hokkaido Roast Beef. Sourced from local cattle raised in the cool, clean climate of the north, the meat is slow-roasted to perfection, resulting in a tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture. Chefs carve the beef to order at the live station, serving it with a variety of house-made sauces, including a savory mountain wasabi jus that perfectly complements the richness of the fat.

The Seafood "Kaisen-Don" Station

No trip to Hokkaido is complete without sampling the ocean’s bounty, and Nininupuri’s DIY Kaisen-Don (seafood bowl) station is a fan favorite. Guests can build their own masterpiece using a rotating selection of premium toppings such as gleaming ikura (salmon roe), sweet shrimp, fresh scallops, and fatty salmon. The quality of the seafood is exceptional, reflecting the restaurant's commitment to sourcing directly from Hokkaido's famous coastal markets.

Signature Grilled Lamb Genghis Khan

A true Hokkaido soul food, the Genghis Khan (grilled lamb) at Nininupuri is prepared with a modern twist. The lamb is marinated in a proprietary blend of ginger, garlic, and fruit juices before being seared to lock in the flavor. It is often served with seasonal grilled vegetables, offering a robust and savory contrast to the lighter seafood dishes. This dish provides an authentic taste of the region’s heritage, served with the refinement expected of a Hoshino Resort.