InterContinental Sapporo
(NEWS) WINDSOR, UK, 2025-Oct-1 — /Travel PR News/ — InterContinental Hotels & Resorts has expanded its luxury portfolio in Japan with the opening of InterContinental Sapporo, a landmark debut in Hokkaido’s capital city. Positioned within the modern Lilac Square complex, the new hotel occupies the 9th to 14th floors and offers sweeping views across the city, Nakajima Park, and the Toyohira River. Featuring 149 guest rooms, including 13 suites, the property blends contemporary residential design with natural elements inspired by Hokkaido’s landscapes, providing an immersive setting for both leisure and business travelers.
Sapporo, known worldwide as a winter resort destination and designated as a UNESCO Creative City of Media Arts, is celebrated for its snow-covered mountains, thriving culinary culture, and artistic scene. InterContinental Sapporo connects guests to the heart of the city with close access to the entertainment district of Susukino and the cultural expanse of Nakajima Park, enhancing the brand’s mission of delivering meaningful cultural discovery through curated guest experiences.
InterContinental Sapporo – AuBlanc
Dining plays a central role at the hotel with three distinctive venues. Sawaka, the omakase-style signature restaurant, combines Japanese artistry with international cooking techniques, showcasing premium ingredients from Hokkaido and beyond. AuBlanc offers a versatile bistronomy-inspired setting with everything from bakery treats to refined evening meals, while Norva Lounge & Bar serves as a stylish retreat with afternoon teas and cocktail experiences against artful interiors. Guests can also relax at the 20-metre heated indoor pool or maintain wellness routines at the 24-hour fitness centre.
InterContinetal Sapporo indoor pool
The hotel also elevates the luxury experience with its Club InterContinental lounge on the top floor, providing a refined space with signature privileges including private check-in, dedicated breakfast service, and evening refreshments. With this opening, InterContinental Hotels & Resorts strengthens its presence in Japan, adding to its 10 existing properties, and continues to expand within IHG Hotels & Resorts’ wider luxury and lifestyle collection. The launch of InterContinental Sapporo reinforces the brand’s legacy of pioneering luxury stays in new destinations and further enhances Hokkaido’s standing as an international travel destination.
The debut of InterContinental Sapporo coincides with IHG Hotels & Resorts’ wider growth in Japan. As reported in recent announcements on TravelPRNews.com, IHG will open the 195-room Holiday Inn & Suites Sapporo Odori Park in late 2025 through a partnership with Minami Nijo Operations and a fund managed by Goldman Sachs. Located near Odori Park and Tanukikoji Shopping Street, the property will undergo a major renovation to introduce refreshed guestrooms, a gym, meeting facilities, a restaurant, and the Holiday Inn Open Lobby concept, marking the brand’s second appearance in Japan.
Hokkaido is also experiencing rising international demand, with overseas arrivals up 40% in 2024 compared to 2019. Japan Airlines (JAL) and Hokkaido Air System (HAC) are promoting the region through the FLY Deep Hokkaido – summer edition – campaign, showcasing its UNESCO natural sites, culinary culture, and wildlife. At the same time, AirJapan and AIRDO have teamed up to attract travelers from Thailand and Singapore with new promotional offers, highlighting Hokkaido’s growing role as a premier destination.
