IHG to Open Holiday Inn Express in Sapporo for 2026
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IHG to Open Holiday Inn Express in Sapporo for 2026

IHG is bringing the Holiday Inn Express brand to Hokkaido with the July 2026 opening of the Sapporo Susukino. Learn how to use IHG One Rewards for your trip.

Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino to Open in July 2026

IHG Hotels & Resorts will open the 223-key Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino in July 2026. This marks the first Holiday Inn Express in the Hokkaido region. IHG currently operates seven other hotels in Hokkaido. These properties include various brands that serve different traveler needs. This new addition fills a specific gap in their regional portfolio.

Expanding IHG’s Midscale Footprint in Northern Japan

The 2026 opening expands IHG’s midscale footprint in northern Japan. The company is not building a new hotel from the ground up. Instead, it is performing an extensive renovation on an existing structure. This renovation will create a 223-key hotel. This size is relatively large for the Holiday Inn Express brand. Most Holiday Inn Express properties have smaller, more streamlined urban footprints.

IHG can enter this high-demand area quickly through this conversion. The hotel sits in Susukino, the main entertainment and dining district of Sapporo. Many traditional Japanese business hotels sit near major train stations. However, those hotels are often far from social centers. This property puts travelers within walking distance of famous food streets and nightlife.

A Prime Location in the Susukino District

Sapporo attracts more international tourists due to its proximity to New Chitose Airport (CTS) and its role as a gateway to Hokkaido’s winter festivals and summer scenery. Travelers seek predictable, standardized hotel experiences. Because of this, midscale brands like Holiday Inn Express gain ground against local Japanese hotel chains.

In Japan, travelers often choose large luxury brands or domestic chains like Toyoko Inn or APA Hotels. The brand provides a middle ground. It gives the reliability of a global brand and focuses on essential amenities. Travelers from North America or Europe recognize the brand. This familiarity reduces the friction of navigating a foreign hotel market.

Susukino is a unique micro-market. Many travelers stay near Sapporo Station for easy transit. However, those who prioritize dining and social activity prefer Susukino. The decision to place a Holiday Inn Express here suggests IHG sees a growing segment of leisure travelers. These travelers want to be in the middle of the action. They do not want to pay the premium rates of luxury hotels. This position competes with the lifestyle brands and boutique hotels in the Sapporo area.

The Holiday Inn Express Amenity Model

Holiday Inn Express follows a standardized amenity model. This includes a complimentary breakfast. This breakfast is a core part of the brand’s value. In Sapporo, this provides a consistent start to the day. The brand focuses on essential items. These items include coffee, pastries, and fruit. This approach allows travelers to know what to expect at every location.

The hotel renovation will also focus on the room layouts. The 223-key design aims to maximize space in a dense urban environment. This ensures guests have a comfortable area to rest. The hotel also includes high-speed Wi-Fi and functional workspaces. These features cater to both leisure and business travelers.

Travelers can reach Susukino from New Chitose Airport (CTS) in several ways. The JR Rapid Airport train is the fastest option. You can take this train from CTS to Sapporo Station. The trip takes approximately 40 minutes. From Sapporo Station, you must transfer to the subway. The Namboku Line goes directly to Susukino Station.

The airport limousine bus is another choice. These buses run frequently from CTS. They stop at major points in the city. This option is helpful if you have heavy luggage. Taxis are also available at the airport. A taxi ride to Susukino takes about one hour. The price is higher than the train or bus.

Maximizing Value with IHG One Rewards

You can use the IHG One Rewards program to reduce costs for your Hokkaido trip. The program helps travelers use points and flexible booking to find value. IHG points are worth about 0.5 to 0.6 cents per point. The large size of the IHG portfolio makes this a practical option. While Hyatt may have a higher per-point value, the IHG portfolio is much larger. This makes IHG easier to use for travelers who move between different cities in Japan.

Chase Ultimate Rewards members can transfer points to IHG One Rewards at a 1:1 ratio. This is a good way to build a balance before a trip to Japan.

IHG One Rewards has two specific advantages over competitors. First, the program gives a fourth-night-free reward on award stays. This is a better deal than the fifth-night-free benefit at Hilton Honors or Marriott Bonvoy. This benefit helps if you stay in Sapporo to see the mountains or the coast.

Second, IHG allows unlimited point top-offs on reward certificates. Marriott Bonvoy limits top-offs to 25,000 points. If you have a certificate from a Chase co-branded credit card and need more points, IHG lets you bridge the gap. This flexibility helps travelers who rely on milestone rewards or credit card benefits. Members can also earn Milestone Rewards at specific spending thresholds. These rewards include various benefits depending on your tier.

Planning Your Stay

Since the hotel does not open until July 2026, you cannot book rooms yet. Check the IHG website periodically for official booking dates. If you have existing reservations in Sapporo that you want to move to this new location, contact IHG customer service to discuss availability and rate adjustments.

Summary

The new hotel is a practical addition for travelers who want a reliable, midscale home base in Sapporo’s primary dining district. It lacks the large amenities of an InterContinental, but the location and IHG One Rewards benefits make it a useful choice. Check the IHG website for booking availability in early 2026.

Learn more in our Guide to IHG One Rewards.

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