InterContinental has opened its first hotel in Sapporo, Hokkaido, marking the brand’s debut in the northern Japanese city with an international luxury offering.
Located in the Nakajima Park area and near the Susukino entertainment district, InterContinental Sapporo brings 149 guestrooms, including 13 suites, to one of Japan’s most popular cultural and winter destinations.
The property occupies the 9th to 14th floors of the Lilac Square complex, providing views of the city, park, and Toyohira River. The opening reflects InterContinental’s strategy of expanding its presence in Japan and adding to its global portfolio of more than 231 hotels. It is also the 10th InterContinental in Japan, further strengthening IHG Hotels & Resorts’ luxury and lifestyle offering in the country.
InterContinental Sapporo has been designed with inspiration from the natural landscapes of Hokkaido. The interiors combine residential-style luxury with design elements that reflect the textures and colors of the region. The lobby lounge on level 9 incorporates greenery, a fireplace, and an outdoor terrace, creating a retreat-like atmosphere in the heart of the city.
Guestrooms range from standard accommodations to suites, with layouts offering views across Sapporo’s urban skyline, Nakajima Park, and the Toyohira River. The hotel’s design incorporates natural finishes and soft tones intended to provide a sense of tranquility. Suites provide additional space and amenities, catering to both leisure and business travelers seeking extended stays.
The property features a Club InterContinental lounge on the top floor. This private lounge offers breakfast, twilight refreshments, and evening drinks, along with personalized services such as private check-in. The brand describes the lounge as a hallmark of the InterContinental experience, combining exclusivity with tailored service.
The hotel introduces three dining venues, each showcasing distinctive culinary approaches influenced by Hokkaido’s natural bounty and international techniques. Sawaka, an omakase-style specialty restaurant, offers a Chef’s Choice menu that uses techniques such as charcoal grilling and low-temperature cooking. The restaurant highlights seasonal produce from Hokkaido and ingredients sourced globally, aiming to engage all five senses of diners.
AuBlanc, an all-day dining venue described as “bistronomy-style,” provides a combination of bistro-style casual dining and refined gastronomy. The restaurant serves a breakfast buffet, lunch and dinner menus, and features a bakery. Norva Lounge & Bar serves as both a daytime retreat and evening gathering place. It offers afternoon tea, cocktails, and two dedicated settings: a fire lounge and a forest lounge designed to reflect local nature.
The culinary concepts are intended to integrate Sapporo’s cultural identity with InterContinental’s luxury positioning. The mix of omakase, bistronomy, and bar experiences reflects the diversity of dining options sought by both domestic and international travelers in Japan’s major cities.
In addition to its guestrooms and dining options, InterContinental Sapporo features wellness and leisure facilities. These include a 20-metre indoor heated pool with city views from level 9 and a 24-hour fitness center. The hotel’s design emphasizes relaxation and wellness in a city known for its winter sports and seasonal tourism.
The Club InterContinental lounge further differentiates the property by offering guests exclusive spaces and services. This feature is a signature of the brand worldwide and is aimed at travelers seeking privacy and curated experiences. With amenities that include twilight cocktails and personalized concierge support, the lounge reinforces the property’s luxury credentials.
IHG Hotels & Resorts said the new hotel aligns with its strategy of deepening its footprint in key Japanese destinations. Sapporo, already well-known for its ski resorts, food culture, and annual snow festival, provides an attractive location for an international luxury brand seeking to serve both leisure and business markets.
The launch of InterContinental Sapporo underscores the growing importance of Hokkaido as a tourism hub. The island is a popular domestic and international destination, drawing millions of visitors annually for skiing, hot springs, food, and cultural events. Sapporo, its capital, is also recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts, adding cultural significance to its tourism appeal.
InterContinental is the world’s first and largest international luxury hotel brand, with a presence in more than 65 countries. The Sapporo property joins InterContinental hotels in Tokyo, Osaka, and Yokohama, adding to the brand’s presence in Japan. IHG’s luxury and lifestyle portfolio also includes Six Senses, Kimpton, Vignette, and Hotel Indigo, with the Regent brand scheduled to debut in Japan in 2028.
The opening of InterContinental Sapporo represents a continuation of IHG’s long-term investment in Japan’s hospitality sector. The group has positioned itself to capture growing demand from international travelers as Japan continues to recover its tourism sector following pandemic-related disruptions. With its combination of luxury accommodation, curated dining, and cultural access, the hotel is expected to attract a wide range of visitors seeking an upscale urban experience in Sapporo.
By introducing the InterContinental brand to Sapporo, IHG is adding to the city’s appeal as a global travel destination. The new hotel connects visitors to Hokkaido’s cultural and natural assets while setting a new standard for international luxury hospitality in the region.
AloJapan.com