Hotel New Otani announces “Sumikko Gurashi Special Sweets Buffet” to take place this summer

Hotel New Otani are set to offer a delightful escape this summer, with a special “Sumikko Gurashi Special Sweets Buffet” at two of their hotels.

This limited-time event will be hosted at their Makuhari and Osaka hotels and will feature an array of sweets and drinks inspired by the “never-ending cuteness” of the popular Sumikko Gurashi characters.

Sumikko Gurashi, which translates to “characters living in a corner”, are a cute cast of shy and introverted characters who feel most at ease when they’re in a corner.

Created by San-X, the franchise includes characters like Shirokuma (polar bear), Penguin? (a penguin unsure of its identity), Tonkatsu (a piece of leftover fried pork cutlet), Neko (cat), and Tokage (a dinosaur disguised as a lizard).

Their endearing personalities and relatable anxieties have made them popular with audiences both in Japan and internationally, leading to a wide range of merchandise, animated films, and themed cafes.

The “Sumikko Gurashi Special Sweets Buffet” promises a mid-summer sweets experience with hotel pastry chefs from Patisserie SATSUKI crafting a total of six adorable Sumikko Gurashi-themed sweets.

Patisserie SATSUKI is renowned for its high-end and often viral dessert creations, ensuring both visual appeal and gourmet quality.

The planned menu showcases imaginative confections that bring the characters to life:

• Tokage and Nisetsumuri Eclairs
• Fried Shrimp Tails
• Tonkatsu Mont Blanc
• Neko and Zassou Caramel Popcorn
• Penguin? and Tapioca Jelly
• Polar Bear and Furoshiki Maritozza

Beyond the sweet treats, the buffet experience will extend to themed drinks and interior decorations themed around “Sumikko Gurashi”.

Five types of optional non-alcoholic drinks will be available for purchase at 1,200 yen each, with designs featuring the characters in various costumes.

Each optional drink will come with an exclusive original coaster featuring the corresponding character.

True to the Hotel New Otani’s reputation, the buffet will not be limited to sweets alone.

Alongside the Sumikko Gurashi desserts, guests can enjoy a wide selection of other gourmet offerings from Patisserie SATSUKI, as well as savory options such as sandwiches and pasta.

As a delightful bonus for all attendees, each customer at the “Sumikko Gurashi Special Sweets Buffet” will receive one original sticker, with two designs available.

At Hotel New Otani Makuhari, guests will also receive one original placemat per person.

Hotel New Otani Osaka will further enhance the experience by lending out a set of small Sumikko Gurashi stuffed toys for photo opportunities at each table and will assign guests to a “corner” seat, playing on the characters’ preference for corners.

For those seeking an even more immersive experience, plans including an exclusive original canvas tote bag will also be available. This tote bag is described as being the perfect size for a lunch box or for short trips and shopping.

Reservations for this highly anticipated event are staggered, with a “Premium Stay Plan” that guarantees a seat at the buffet opening for advance room bookings on Friday, May 30th at 12:00 PM JST.

General reservations for the buffet will begin a week later, on Friday, June 6th at 12:00 PM JST.

The “Sumikko Gurashi Special Sweets Buffet” will be available between July 1st and August 17th 2025.

Event Locations and Pricing

Hotel New Otani Makuhari (Tea & Cocktail “The Lounge”)

• Times:
  • Lunch 11:00-14:00
  • Dinner 17:30-20:00 (Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, 8/13-15 only, 120 minutes each).
• Cost:
  • Adults:
    • Weekdays – 7,900 yen
    • Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, August 12-15 – 8,700 yen
  • Elementary school students – 4,000 yen
  • Preschoolers (4+) – 2,500 yen
• Plan with Original Canvas Tote Bag:
  • Weekdays – 9,600 yen
  • Weekends/Holidays/August 12-15 – 10,400 yen
• Premium Stay Plan with Optional Drink:
  • From 46,400 yen (2 people/room)
  • From 63,900 yen (3 people/room)
• Reservations & Inquiries: 043-299-1847 (The Lounge 10:00-18:00).

Hotel New Otani Osaka (Tea & Cocktail “SATSUKI LOUNGE”)

• Times:
  • Weekdays – 11:30-16:30 (last entrance 15:00)
  • Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, 8/12-15 – 11:30-18:30 (last entry 17:00, 90 minutes each)
• Cost:
  • Adults:
    • Weekdays – 6,500 yen
    • Saturdays, Sundays, holidays, August 12-15 – 7,500 yen
  • Elementary school students – 4,000 yen
  • Preschoolers (4+) – 3,000 yen
• Plan with Original Canvas Tote Bag:
  • Weekdays – 8,300 yen
  • Weekends/Holidays/August 12-15 – 9,500 yen
• Premium Stay Plan with Optional Drink:
  • From 61,000 yen (2 people/room)
  • From 79,500 yen (3 people/room)

More detailed information, including the full menu and updated images, will be released by Hotel New Otani on Friday, May 30th, 2025, at 12:00 PM JST.

Event Details

Source: PR Times

Images: © New Otani Co., Ltd., San-X

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