The Pop

A Global Feast in the Mountains

Pop serves as the vibrant heart of the resort's dining scene, offering an expansive "World Buffet" concept that caters to the diverse tastes of international travelers. The atmosphere is consistently lively, reflecting the excitement of a day spent on the slopes of Akaigawa. It is designed to be a social hub where stories of the day’s adventures are swapped over steaming bowls of ramen and plates of artisanal sushi.

The restaurant excels at balancing quantity with genuine local quality. While the variety is immense—ranging from Italian pastas to traditional Japanese delicacies—there is a clear emphasis on the seasonal bounty of Hokkaido. This focus ensures that even within a large-scale buffet setting, diners get a true "sense of place" through ingredients sourced from nearby farms and the surrounding cold-water seas.

From Heritage to Heights: The Legacy of Pop

Originally established as the flagship dining venue for The Kiroro, a Tribute Portfolio Hotel, Pop was conceptualized to match the hotel’s reputation for boutique luxury and local immersion. As the resort transitioned through its rebranding phases, the restaurant maintained its status as the primary destination for guests seeking a comprehensive culinary experience. It has long been the gold standard for resort dining in the region, known for its ability to feed large numbers without losing its gourmet edge.

The history of the restaurant is deeply intertwined with the development of Kiroro as a year-round mountain destination. Over the years, it has evolved from a standard hotel eatery into a sophisticated international buffet. Its enduring popularity lies in its consistency, having hosted generations of winter sports enthusiasts who return year after year for the familiar warmth and the ever-evolving menu that keeps pace with global food trends.

Alpine Elegance Meets Modern Design

The interior of Pop is a masterclass in "Alpine Modern" design, featuring soaring ceilings and massive floor-to-ceiling windows that frame the snow-covered pines outside. The use of light-colored woods and a neutral color palette creates a bright, airy feeling that mimics the crisp Hokkaido air. This sense of openness is intentional, preventing the large space from feeling crowded even during the peak breakfast and dinner rushes.

Strategically placed lighting and contemporary furniture give the space a sleek, upscale edge that differentiates it from a typical cafeteria-style buffet. The "open kitchen" stations are integrated seamlessly into the design, allowing guests to watch chefs at work. This creates a theatrical element to the dining experience, as the sizzle of the grill and the artistry of the sushi chefs become part of the restaurant's visual appeal.

Top 3 Renowned Dishes

The Hokkaido Seafood Tower

The undisputed star of the evening service is the lavish display of local seafood. Guests can indulge in sweet, succulent Hokkaido snow crab legs, freshly shucked scallops, and a rotating selection of sashimi. It is a true celebration of the region’s maritime riches, presented with the freshness one would expect from a high-end coastal market.

Signature Wagyu Roast Beef

Expertly carved to order, the slow-roasted Wagyu beef is a favorite for those seeking a hearty, melt-in-your-mouth experience. The meat is seasoned with local herbs and served with a variety of infusions, including a pungent mountain wasabi sauce that perfectly cuts through the richness of the premium Japanese beef.

Custom Miso Ramen Station

Nothing warms a diner after a day in the snow like a bowl of authentic Hokkaido ramen. At this live station, chefs prepare bowls to order using a rich, savory miso broth—a staple of the region. Guests can customize their bowls with bamboo shoots, nori, soft-boiled eggs, and spicy corn, making it a personalized comfort-food classic.