#Japan #Japanese snacks #Kansai Area #Hotel Snack #Kobe, Hamamatsu, Kyoto, Akasaka

Experience Unique Snacking in Hotels Across Japan's Major Cities

In recent times, a unique blend of nostalgia and modern culture has emerged within Japan's hotel industry, tapping into the trend of retro culture that resonates particularly with younger generations. ABEST Corporation, headquartered in Kobe, is about to launch an innovative concept across four of its hotels: Kobe Port Tower Hotel, Hotel SUI Hamamatsu, Hotel SUI Kyoto Shimizu, and Hotel SUI Akasaka by ABEST. Each venue now hosts a hotel snack bar run by employees taking on the roles of “Mama” and “Master,” making it an inviting environment for both locals and visitors, especially those new to the snack culture.

A New Look at Snacks

With the resurgence of retro culture, particularly prevalent on social media, Japanese snack bars, or “snacks,” have become a trending attraction. Post-COVID, people are yearning for genuine, face-to-face interactions, which these establishments uniquely provide. At a snack bar, guests can enjoy conversing with both the staff and fellow visitors in a casual, comfortable setting, a contrast to today’s increasingly digital society. Additionally, as inbound tourism begins to rebound, foreign tourists are expressing a strong desire to experience the “real Japan,” further fueling interest in this nostalgic form of entertainment.

Why Include Snack Bars in Hotels?

Traditionally, a hotel’s interaction with guests occurs primarily during check-in and check-out or during queries—often rather formal moments. However, ABEST Corporation believes that creating memorable experiences requires breaking beyond these formal interactions. By introducing the inherently social atmosphere of a “snack” within the hotel, where staff take on more informal roles, they aim to facilitate deeper connections with guests. The newly introduced concept includes meaningful conversations between hotel staff as “Mama” or “Master” and patrons, encouraging first-timers and tourists to engage comfortably.

Features of the Hotel-based Snack Bars

1. Unique Hotel Operation

Unlike typical streetside snacks, those operated within hotels come with distinct advantages:

• - Extension of Hospitality: Staff maintain a respectful distance but encourage enjoyable conversations.
• - Transparent Pricing: With a straightforward pricing model of 500 yen per drink and free karaoke, guests can enjoy a worry-free experience compared to traditional izakayas or restaurants.
• - No Regulars: Each evening welcomes a new group of guests, alleviating the concern of navigating social dynamics, including the need to appease long-time patrons.
• - Shared Connection: Being in the same hotel serves as an effective icebreaker, fostering connections among strangers and cultivating a sense of security.
• - Convenience: After a night of fun, guests have the unique advantage of just stepping into the elevator for quick access back to their rooms.

2. Official Commencement

In celebration of its launch, guests will be treated to an unlimited buffet of nostalgic Japanese snack foods at 500 yen per person. From salty and tangy bites that pair well with drinks to delightful gummies, dumplings, and gums, the snack selection varies daily and by location, offering visitors a chance to reconnect with cherished childhood treats — a stroke of luck for the taste buds!

Conversations might flow effortlessly as guests compare notes over their favorite nostalgic snacks. Going forward, these hotel-run snack bars plan to implement strategies designed to bring staff and guests, as well as guests to one another, closer together.

Highlights of Each Hotel Snack Bar

• - Kobe Port Tower Hotel “Snack & Bar Sakabe”: This location emanates the most retro Showa vibe, featuring private karaoke rooms perfect for family outings. Open from 7 PM to 11 PM, with a cover charge of 500 yen for adults and free for children, this space promises a unique twist on traditional snack bars.

• - Hotel SUI Hamamatsu “Snack YOASOBI”: Providing a lively atmosphere infused with traditional Japanese games like “Chinchirorin,” this snack encourages guest interaction. Open from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM with no set closing days, it features a 500 yen cover charge, inviting visitors to experience unexpected joy.

• - Hotel SUI Kyoto Shimizu “Snack YOASOBI”: With its modern Japanese interior, this snack offers local sake and is especially welcoming to international guests, ensuring an array of English and Japanese songs for karaoke sessions. Operating nightly from 8:30 PM to 10:30 PM, it takes pride in not having a cover charge.

• - Hotel SUI Akasaka by ABEST “Snack Yoasobi Sui”: Known for a jolly and engaging atmosphere, this venue thrives on lively interactions and entertaining karaoke pricing games. Open from 8 PM to 10 PM, guests can enjoy it with a cover fee of 1,000 yen bundled with a drink.

About ABEST Corporation

Founded in 2003, ABEST Corporation manages 21 hotels across Japan, working steadily to adapt its operational strategies to meet regional demands. The company is also committed to community programs, including children’s dining initiatives and sustainable practices through partnerships with local charities. For further details, visit ABEST Corporation’s webpage.

ABEST Corporation's approach to hospitality and its novel integration of snack culture into the hotel experience signifies a commitment to creating spaces of warmth and connectivity for all.