IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced the signing of Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino, marking the brand’s second Holiday Inn Express in Japan. Scheduled to open in July 2026, the 223‑room hotel is currently undergoing extensive renovation and will be the first Holiday Inn Express in Hokkaido.
Hokkaido is Japan’s northernmost island and largest prefecture, renowned for spectacular natural scenery, world-class powder skiing in winter, and cool summers. It is a premier destination for outdoor adventure, featuring national parks, hot springs (onsen), fresh seafood, and unique Ainu indigenous culture. Major cities include Sapporo, famous for its snow festival, and historical Hakodate.
Strategically located in the heart of Susukino, Sapporo’s vibrant entertainment and dining district, Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino is ideally positioned to meet the growing domestic and international travel demand to Sapporo.
The first Holiday Inn Express in Japan to feature the brand’s Generation 5 design
Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino will be the first Holiday Inn Express hotel in Japan to feature the brand’s Generation 5 design, delivering a high-quality, efficient stay for guests. Facilities will include the Express Café, fitness centre, and guest laundry, all designed to support smart, seamless travel.
Holiday Inn Express is IHG’s fastest-growing Essentials brand with 3,292 open hotels and 655 hotels in the pipeline globally. Built around a promise of simple, smart travel, the brand appeals to a broad range of travellers – from business to leisure – offering an engaging place to rest and recharge, with a complimentary hot breakfast included with every stay.
Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director, Japan & Micronesia, IHG Hotels & Resorts and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, said: “We’re delighted to bring our second Holiday Inn Express hotel to Japan, which will join our seven existing properties in Hokkaido.
This signing also reflects the continued momentum of conversions, both globally and in Japan. In 2026, all our hotel openings across the country are conversions, demonstrating strong interest from owners seeking fast access to IHG’s leading enterprise – including our marketing, technology and distribution platforms and the power of more than 160 million IHG One Rewards loyalty members.”
Susukino is the Hokkaido’s most recognisable entertainment and dining district, with nearby attractions including the Susukino Intersection and Ramen Alley. Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino will be located just a five-minute walk from Susukino Subway Station and a three-minute walk from Shiseikan Shogakkō-mae Streetcar Station, offering excellent connectivity across the city.
IHG operates 59 hotels across 10 brands in Japan, with 24 properties in the pipeline, reinforcing its continued commitment to growth and innovation in the country.
AloJapan.com