Friday, May 1, 2026
Travellers heading to Sapporo will soon find a new base in the city’s lively Susukino district as Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino is scheduled to open in July 2026, marking a significant tourism development in the northern island of Hokkaido.
The new Holiday Inn Express will occupy a central spot in Susukino, one of Sapporo’s most visited entertainment and dining districts, known for attractions such as the Susukino Intersection and Ramen Alley where visitors explore local cuisine and nightlife. The hotel’s location places guests within walking distance of the Susukino Subway Station and Shiseikan Shogakkō‑mae Streetcar Station, offering practical access to the wider city and surrounding areas.
IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has announced the signing of this 223‑room Holiday Inn Express in partnership with Mitsubishi Corporation Urban Development Co., Ltd., Tokyo Tatemono Co., Ltd. and The Sankei Building Co., Ltd. The property is undergoing extensive renovation and will be the second Holiday Inn Express in Japan after its predecessor, reinforcing the brand’s expanding footprint in the country’s hospitality market.
Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino will be the first in Japan to feature the brand’s Generation 5 design, a concept focused on modern, efficient stays with amenities tailored to travel needs. Planned facilities include an Express Café, a fitness centre, guest laundry services and a complimentary hot breakfast — elements that support both business and leisure travel.
Sapporo is a key gateway for tourism in Hokkaido, a region famed for seasonal highlights like the Sapporo Snow Festival in winter and cool summer escapes amidst parks and outdoor activities. The addition of a Holiday Inn Express in Susukino increases accommodation options for both domestic travellers exploring Hokkaido’s natural landscapes and international visitors seeking urban convenience.
IHG’s expansion with this Holiday Inn Express complements existing hotel operations in Hokkaido, where the group currently manages multiple properties across its brands. This growth aligns with broader trends in Japan’s tourism infrastructure, where established hotel chains increase offerings to meet steady visitor demand and seasonal travel flows.
For travellers planning itineraries around Sapporo, Susukino serves as a lively base from which to explore city attractions, including Tanukikoji Shopping Street, nearby parks, cultural venues and regional food experiences. Proximity to public transport ensures that guests at the new Holiday Inn Express can navigate Sapporo’s urban core and connect to day trips across Hokkaido.
The hotel’s location near subway and streetcar stations enhances travel convenience, encouraging visitors to integrate city exploration with access to wider Hokkaido destinations such as Odori Park, Mt. Moiwa, and seasonal excursions. These transport links make it simpler for guests to incorporate cultural sightseeing and nature experiences into their stays.
Holiday Inn Express, one of IHG’s fastest‑growing Essentials brands with thousands of hotels worldwide, appeals to a broad spectrum of travellers looking for straightforward, comfortable stays that balance cost and quality. With global operations and a substantial pipeline of upcoming properties, the brand’s expansion into Sapporo reflects its commitment to providing reliable hospitality choices across key travel markets.
The launch of Holiday Inn Express Susukino in July 2026 is expected to augment Sapporo’s accommodation inventory ahead of peak travel seasons, offering visitors more flexibility in where they stay. With Hokkaido’s growing reputation for year‑round attractions, from snow festivals and hot springs to summer hikes and cultural events, this new hotel contributes to the region’s capacity to host increasing traveller numbers.
As the hotel continues renovation work toward its 2026 opening, travel planners and tour operators are highlighting Susukino’s appeal as an easy‑to‑navigate district for first‑time visitors to Sapporo. Its bustling street life and variety of dining choices make it an attractive neighbourhood for travellers seeking urban experiences in Japan’s northernmost major city.
With its coastal setting, proximity to ski resorts, and status as a hub for seafood, culture and festivals, Sapporo remains a central node in Hokkaido’s tourism landscape. The addition of Holiday Inn Express further positions the city to accommodate diverse traveller segments while enhancing the overall travel infrastructure that supports exploration of Japan’s northern regions.
When Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino opens in July 2026, it will offer visitors a contemporary, accessible lodging option in one of Japan’s most dynamic urban districts, reinforcing Sapporo’s standing as a destination that blends entertainment, culture and easy access to Hokkaido’s natural attractions.
Tags: Hokkaido, Hokkaido hotel news, Holiday Inn Express Susukino Japan, hotel openings Japan., IHG expansion Japan, japan, japan travel, sapporo, Sapporo hotel opening 2026, Sapporo tourism, Sapporo tourism attractions, Susukino, Susukino travel guide, travel Japan hospitality
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