IHG Hotels & Resorts has recently made a significant move in the Japanese hospitality landscape by signing an operation contract for its second Holiday Inn Express location in the country, set to debut in July 2026. This new property, named the Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino, will be strategically located in Susukino, the bustling entertainment district of Sapporo, which is witnessing a surge in domestic and international travel demand.
The Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino will mark the first instance of the brand’s Generation 5 design being introduced in Japan. This innovative design approach emphasizes modern aesthetics combined with practicality, catering to the needs of today’s travelers. The hotel will feature a total of 223 elegantly remodeled guest rooms, an Express Café, a fitness center, and laundry facilities—all aimed at providing an enhanced stay experience for its guests.
As global travel continues to accelerate, Sapporo’s Susukino area remains an attractive destination for both leisure and business travelers. The hotel's prime location is just a five-minute walk from the Sapporo Municipal Subway Namboku Line's Susukino Station and three minutes from the Sapporo Streetcar's Shiseikan Elementary School Station, making it easily accessible for guests.
The partnership behind this hotel involves prominent companies such as Mitsubishi Corporation Urban Development, Tokyo Tatemono, and Sankei Building. IHG's Managing Director for Japan and Micronesia, Abhijit Sanyal, expressed enthusiasm about this new venture, highlighting the collaboration as a reflection of the consortium's ambition to generate long-term value while supporting Japan’s tourism growth strategy.
The Holiday Inn Express brand, known for its fast-paced growth, boasts a current portfolio of 3,292 open properties globally and 655 more in the pipeline. The IHG brand is a strong choice for travelers seeking a no-frills, quality experience. Accommodations emphasize comfort, with complimentary hot breakfast included with every stay to enhance the guest's morning routine.
The hotel will not only meet the increasing demand but also cater to a diverse range of clientele—from business travelers to vacation seekers. As one of IHG's essential brands, Holiday Inn Express aims to deliver smart, friendly hospitality with a commitment to guest satisfaction.
With the introduction of the Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino, IHG strengthens its position within the Japanese market, currently running 59 hotels across 10 brands, with an additional 24 hotels on the horizon. This move exemplifies IHG's ongoing dedication to growing and innovating its presence in Japan.
The company's initiative appears to be aligned with a broader trend where rebranding within the hotel industry is consistently on the rise, indicating heightened interest from hotel owners eager to leverage IHG’s substantial marketing, technology, and distribution capabilities. IHG's loyalty program, IHG One Rewards, with over 160 million members, further underscores the value of aligning with such a globally recognized brand.
In sum, the upcoming Holiday Inn Express Sapporo Susukino is not just a new building but a strategic element in IHG’s expansion plans and a commitment to providing quality accommodation options in Japan. As Sapporo continues to grow as a travel hub, this new hotel is set to play a vital role in welcoming a diverse array of visitors, ensuring a cozy and convenient experience for all.
For more information about the brand, visit the Holiday Inn Express official website or social media accounts on Facebook, TikTok, and Instagram.