Japan’s Hokkaido Welcomes Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino as IHG Expands with First Regional Hotel Featuring New Gen 5 Design and 223 Rooms

The Hokkaido region of Japan has now seen an arrival of a fresh global hospitality facility in the form of Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino, which is the first such hotel of the brand in Hokkaido and second in Japan. Running under the auspices of IHG Hotels & Resorts, the 223-room hotel brings the Generation 5 (Gen 5) concept of the brand to Japan. Situated at the heart of the famous Susukino district in Sapporo, the destination is intended for tourists and business travelers alike.

Holiday Inn Express Expands Presence Into Hokkaido

The opening of Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino represents an important milestone for IHG’s expansion in Japan. The property becomes the first Holiday Inn Express hotel in Hokkaido, Japan’s northernmost main island known for its natural landscapes, winter tourism, food culture and outdoor experiences.

The opening also strengthens the brand’s presence in Japan following its earlier expansion into the country. With international and domestic travel demand continuing to recover, the addition provides travellers with a new accommodation option in Sapporo, one of Japan’s leading regional tourism hubs.

Susukino Location Places Guests at the Heart of Sapporo

The hotel’s location in Susukino gives visitors direct access to one of Sapporo’s most energetic districts. Known as the largest entertainment area in northern Japan, Susukino is famous for its restaurants, nightlife, bars and illuminated streets.

The neighbourhood is particularly popular among visitors seeking to experience Sapporo’s food culture, including local specialties such as Hokkaido seafood, miso ramen and regional cuisine. The hotel’s position allows guests to explore the district easily while remaining connected to wider city attractions.

Guests Gain Easy Access to Sapporo Attractions

Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino is located within walking distance of several major attractions. The property is approximately a five-minute walk from Susukino Subway Station, providing convenient access throughout the city.

Nearby attractions include:

• Susukino Intersection
• Ramen Alley
• Odori Park
• Sapporo Clock Tower
• Nijo Market

The location allows visitors to combine urban exploration, shopping, dining and cultural sightseeing during their stay. For travellers arriving in Sapporo for short breaks, the central position provides an efficient base for experiencing the city.

First Japanese Holiday Inn Express With Gen 5 Design

The new hotel introduces IHG’s Generation 5 design concept to Japan for the first time. The Gen 5 design focuses on creating flexible spaces that match how modern travellers use hotels. Rather than separating areas for work, relaxation and social interaction, the concept combines different functions into welcoming environments.

At the centre of the design is the Express Café, a communal area where guests can enjoy breakfast, connect with others or relax during the day. The concept reflects Holiday Inn Express’ focus on smart simplicity by providing essential services while avoiding unnecessary complexity.

Express Café Creates a Social Guest Environment

A key feature of the hotel experience is the Express Café, designed as a comfortable gathering space for guests. Visitors can begin their mornings with the brand’s complimentary Express Start Breakfast, providing convenient dining before exploring Sapporo. The space is designed to support different travel needs, whether guests are preparing for business activities, planning sightseeing routes or enjoying a relaxed start to the day.

Modern travellers increasingly value hotel spaces that offer flexibility beyond traditional room-based experiences. The Express Café concept reflects this shift by creating an environment where guests can work, eat and socialise.

Rooms Designed for Comfortable City Stays

The hotel features 223 guestrooms, each designed around the practical needs of contemporary travellers. Rooms include the essential features associated with the Holiday Inn Express brand, focusing on comfort, convenience and functionality. The design approach aims to support both leisure and business guests, offering spaces suitable for relaxing after exploring the city or preparing for professional commitments.

Additional facilities include:

• complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi
• fitness centre access
• self-service guest laundry facilities

These services are designed to support short city breaks as well as longer stays.

Sapporo Strengthens Position as a Four-Season Destination

The opening comes as Sapporo continues strengthening its reputation as a year-round tourism destination. The city is internationally recognised for its winter attractions, including nearby ski areas and high-quality powder snow experiences.

However, Sapporo also attracts visitors during warmer months through parks, food festivals, outdoor activities and access to Hokkaido’s natural landscapes. The destination offers opportunities ranging from urban exploration to mountain adventures, making it attractive throughout the year. The new Holiday Inn Express provides another accommodation option for travellers exploring both the city and the wider island.

Hokkaido’s Tourism Appeal Continues Growing

Hokkaido has become increasingly popular among domestic and international visitors due to its combination of nature, food and seasonal experiences. The island is known for:

• ski resorts
• national parks
• hot springs
• seafood markets
• agricultural products
• scenic landscapes

Sapporo functions as the main gateway to these experiences, making central accommodation increasingly important. Hotels located near transport links and entertainment districts can help visitors maximise their time while exploring the region.

IHG Targets Growing Demand for Smart Hospitality

The launch supports IHG Hotels & Resorts strategy of expanding internationally recognised brands in important travel markets. Holiday Inn Express has positioned itself around accessible, efficient and comfortable stays for travellers seeking reliable accommodation without unnecessary complexity.

The introduction of the Gen 5 design in Japan reflects changing expectations among guests who increasingly value technology, flexibility and functional spaces. By combining global brand standards with local destination characteristics, IHG aims to create a hotel experience suited to modern travellers visiting Sapporo.

Supporting Business and Leisure Travel in Sapporo

Although Susukino is primarily known for entertainment and dining, Sapporo also serves as an important business and conference destination. The hotel’s facilities make it suitable for corporate travellers requiring reliable connectivity, convenient transport access and practical amenities.

At the same time, its central location appeals strongly to leisure visitors interested in exploring Sapporo’s attractions and Hokkaido’s wider tourism offerings. The combination of business and leisure demand provides opportunities for stronger year-round occupancy.

Holiday Inn Express Adds New Energy to Sapporo Hospitality Market

With the establishment of Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino, IHG is entering into an exciting new era in Japan and enhancing the hotel offerings in Hokkaido. By being centrally located in Susukino, offering Gen 5 rooms with free breakfast, this hotel is trying to offer a good place for those who want to stay at smart city hotels.

With growing number of tourists in Sapporo due to its famous food culture, seasonal attraction, and gateway to Hokkaido, this hotel will be playing an important role in contributing towards the tourist infrastructure of the city.

Image Source: IHG