Japanese diners are reveling in extended buffet options as various restaurants announce special campaigns to entice food enthusiasts this January. With unlimited dining experiences being introduced, patrons are finding it hard to resist these attractive offers.
Niraku, known for its Grand Buffet chain, has kicked off its "Petit Buffet" campaign, allowing diners to indulge for 60 minutes instead of the usual 45, all for the same price of 1099 yen. The offer, available until January 29, 2025, includes popular dishes such as seasonal curries, pizzas, pasta, udon, and ramen, alongside vibrant salads. This campaign spans 24 locations nationwide, including shopping centers like Aeon Mall and Lalaport.
Also on the buffet scene is the new "Susukino Department Store," which opened on December 6, 2024, situated on the second floor of the Susukino Cyber City Building. Adopting the theme of experiencing Hokkaido's culinary riches, this establishment offers tantalizing buffet choices featuring not just the region’s renowned crab varieties but also fresh seafood sourced from 16 different coastal areas. Diners can enjoy all-you-can-eat crab — Taraba, Matsuba, and Keime — fresh seafood grilled right at their tables, and numerous local delicacies ranging from chicken skewers to Sapporo-style ramen.
Meanwhile, the "Kobe Cruise" liner is hosting its own sweet experience with "Strawberry Dessert Buffets" from January 14 to May 6, 2025. Guests can delight in various strawberry-themed treats such as strawberry tiramisu, shortcakes, and parfaits against the backdrop of the beautiful blue sea. This cruise isn’t just limited to sweets; guests can also enjoy free-flowing drinks, including soft drinks and available champagne options at 1500 yen.
To increase culinary adventure opportunities, "Niraku Buffet" runs its "Express Course" campaign, where the buffet duration increases from 45 to 60 minutes at no additional cost from January 6 to January 29, 2025. The menu features diverse Japanese and Western options from fried chicken to pizza; the campaign tantalizes diners without extra charges, with affordability highlighted as one of its main selling points.
During the winter months, "Takinokura Farm" is hosting "Strawberry Picking" sessions from December 14, 2024, to May 18, 2025. Located at the foot of Mount Fuji, visitors can pick and enjoy premium strawberries like "Benihoppe" and "Akihime" for 40 minutes of all-you-can-eat goodness. Known for its sweet and juicy berries, the venue allows options for chocolate fondue and generous servings of milk to accompany the fruit.
These multi-faceted dining opportunities point to the growing trend of extended buffet experiences at Japanese restaurants, catering to diverse palates and bringing both local and seasonal delights to the table. No matter the craving—be it savory dishes or sweet desserts—restaurants across Japan are making it easier for diners to indulge and celebrate the flavors of the season.