When visiting Sapporo, time spent at the hotel can be just as much a part of the trip as exploring the city. One hotel worth considering is InterContinental Sapporo, which opened in October 2025 as the first InterContinental hotel in Hokkaido.
Set close to Nakajima Park and the Toyohira River, the hotel brings a sense of nature to the heart of the city. Even its entry-level rooms measure 42 square metres, offering plenty of space. During my stay, I enjoyed Hokkaido-inspired dining and a gentle morning activity that let me float on the water while listening to sound vibrations.
Here is what I discovered during one night at a hotel designed to make the stay itself part of the journey
InterContinental Sapporo occupies floors 9 to 14 of Lilac Square, a mixed-use complex. The hotel is about a four-minute walk from Exit 1 of Nakajima Koen Station on the Namboku subway line, and Susukino is just one subway stop away.
Despite its convenient city-centre location, the hotel is surrounded by Nakajima Park and the Toyohira River, bringing together the energy of Sapporo and the natural beauty of Hokkaido.
Photo: InterContinental Sapporo
floors 9 to 14 of the Lilac Square complex
Photo: InterContinental Sapporo
The hotel’s design theme is “a residence that reflects the changing seasons.” A sense of warmth runs throughout, as if guests had been invited into the home of a gracious host. The colours, materials and artworks subtly reflect Hokkaido’s nature and seasons, Ainu culture and the region’s history of development.
Rather than relying on glittering displays, the hotel offers a calm setting where the character of the materials and the warmth of craftsmanship can be appreciated.
From the Tokonoma to Water, Fire and Forest : Discovering Hokkaido’s Stories Throughout the Hotel
The entrance draws inspiration from the Japanese tokonoma, or alcove. A large floral installation and paintings are arranged in a way that recalls a hanging scroll and a flower arrangement. The hotel’s design concept is “a residence that reflects the changing seasons.”
As guests enter the lobby, the hotel’s story begins: visitors are welcomed as guests invited into the home of a gracious host.
The ninth-floor lobby is arranged around three elements—water, fire and forest—with the Ainu concept of kamuy, the spiritual presence believed to dwell in all things, as its inspiration. One area evokes the flow of snowmelt, another is centred around a fireplace, and another is surrounded by greenery. Local influences can be found throughout the floor.
As you walk through the space, the scenery and atmosphere shift subtly, even within the same floor. The artworks do not dominate, but I often found my attention drawn to them as I explored.
The rooms on floors 10 to 14 and the Club InterContinental Lounge on the top floor also feature artwork and materials inspired by the seasons. The colours and textures inside the hotel connect naturally with the changing landscape outside the windows. Even moving through the hotel feels a little like tracing the natural world of Hokkaido.
Spacious Rooms, Even at the Classic Level
The hotel has 149 rooms, including 13 suites. I stayed in a Classic Room, the hotel’s entry-level category.
Even though it is the most basic room category, the Classic Room measures 42 square meters. There is plenty of room to open a large suitcase while still leaving ample space to move around. The room feels generous not only around the bed but also by the window and in the bathroom, making it comfortable as a base for sightseeing—or a place to work or simply unwind.
The room is decorated in calm tones that sit naturally with Hokkaido’s landscapes. Amenities include a coffee machine, smart TV and minibar.
The hotel does not have a spa or massage salon, but the bathroom is spacious, with a large bathtub where you can stretch out and relax. I enjoyed a long soak with the bath salts provided in the room.
Two types of hotel-original bath salts are provided for different times of day: “Dream” for an evening bath and “Awake” to help you start the morning. Although the hotel does not offer spa treatments or massages, the spacious bathroom and bath salts make it easy to relax in your room. The bath salts are also available at AuBlanc Boutique on the ninth floor.
A Relaxing Stay on the Top Floor at Club InterContinental
The Club InterContinental Lounge is on the 14th floor and is reserved for guests staying in Premium Rooms or suites. Club access is not normally included with a Classic Room, but I was able to experience the lounge and its afternoon tea as part of this visit.
The lounge is open from 7 a.m. to 11 p.m. Its offerings change throughout the day, from breakfast and afternoon tea to evening cocktails and canapés, nightcaps and refreshments.
Photo: InterContinental Sapporo
The lounge is a bright, peaceful space with views of Sapporo and the Toyohira River. I arrived at around 2:30 p.m. and requested afternoon tea. Seasonal sweets and savoury bites were served on a neatly arranged individual plate, along with tea and herbal tea.
This is a service exclusively for Club InterContinental guests, separate from the afternoon tea at Norva on the ninth floor, which can also be booked by hotel guests and visitors. Having tea here after checking in helps you unwind after the journey and settle into your stay. Guests can also enjoy afternoon tea while checking in on their first day.
In the evening, guests can enjoy light bites featuring seasonal Hokkaido ingredients with wine, cocktails or champagne. Later, the lounge moves into its nightcap service, with whisky and liqueurs.
The evening cocktail spread also features a range of Hokkaido-inspired flavors. With something to enjoy from breakfast through to a nightcap, the lounge offers a different experience at each time of day.
Breakfast is served from 7 a.m. to 11 a.m., afternoon tea from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., evening cocktails from 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. and nightcaps from 8 p.m. to 10 p.m. The dress code is smart casual. From 5:30 p.m., the lounge is open only to guests aged 13 and over. Children aged 6 to 12 may use the lounge during the day for an additional charge of ¥7,500 per child, per night.
Guests also have access to complimentary high-speed Wi-Fi. Subject to availability, a meeting room on the 14th floor can be used free of charge for up to two hours. The lounge also offers services such as pressing for up to two items of clothing.
A Contemporary Kappo Dinner at SAWAKA
For dinner, I visited SAWAKA, the hotel’s speciality restaurant on the ninth floor. Its contemporary kappo cuisine combines the traditions of Japanese cooking with modern techniques, with ingredients nurtured by Hokkaido’s clean water and fertile land at its heart.
SAWAKA uses Riedel glasses, each with a different color on the stem. Champagne was served in a glass with an orange stem, while sparkling tea came in one with a blue stem, adding a subtle touch of color to the table. The colored stems and bases are finished by hand, adding the pleasure of admiring the glass to the experience of enjoying each drink.
From the counter seats, you can watch the chefs at work and see each dish come together. The head chef’s warm smile and easy conversation made the experience even more enjoyable.
I chose the dinner course “En.” The meal began with “Lily Bulb and Crab Croquette, Yuba Espuma.” A croquette filled with lily bulb and crab was paired with light, airy yuba espuma. It was a fresh take on familiar Japanese ingredients, and it naturally raised my expectations for the courses to come. Next was “Tuna, Carrot Sauce,” which paired tuna with the gentle sweetness of carrot.
“Crab, Scallop, Seasonal Fruit Tartare” brought together crab and scallop with seasonal fruit—a surprising combination. This was followed by “Lotus Root, Prawn.” The dish names focus simply on their ingredients, making the moment of anticipation before each plate arrives part of the experience.
The fish course was “Kinki Rockfish, Tomato Sauce.” The tomato sauce complemented the fragrant flavour of the lightly dried fish. Next came “Crab Consommé,” a clear soup that brought out the flavour of the crab. Japanese ingredients remained at the heart of the meal, while the presentation changed from dish to dish, giving the course a pleasing rhythm.
The main course, “Beef Aitchbone, Soft Eggplant,” was cooked in a Josper, a Spanish-made appliance that combines a charcoal grill and an oven. It sears the ingredients at high temperatures while adding a smoky aroma, helping the meat retain its juiciness.
The rich flavour and lightly charred surface of the beef went beautifully with the soft eggplant.
The final savoury course was “Mushroom Rice, Miso Soup.” After the seafood and meat dishes, rice and miso soup made for a comforting finish. The meal concluded with the dessert of the day and petits fours. Throughout the course, seafood, vegetables and meat from Hokkaido were paired in a variety of ways.
At the time of my visit, the “En” course was priced at ¥18,000 per person. The course in this form was available from August 7 to November 1, 2026. Ingredients and their origins may vary depending on the season and availability. SAWAKA is open for lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and dinner from 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m. It is closed on Tuesdays and Wednesdays.
End the Evening at Norva, with a Drink Inspired by Hokkaido
After dinner, I headed to Norva, also on the ninth floor. By day, it is a light-filled tea lounge; at night, it becomes an intimate bar with softer lighting. Blending the calm of a classic bar with a contemporary sensibility, Norva serves cocktails and mocktails inspired by Hokkaido’s ingredients, landscapes and stories. As someone who does not drink much alcohol, I appreciated having options that let me enjoy the hotel bar atmosphere.
At the counter, you can tell the bartender what you like or how you are feeling and ask for a recommendation. The atmosphere makes it easy to ask for guidance, even if you are not used to visiting bars. It is also convenient to be able to continue the evening on the same floor after dinner at SAWAKA.
One detail that caught my eye was the menu. It tells the story of our “lives” through charming illustrations, but there is also a hidden menu that appears under black light. I loved this playful touch—it made the menu more than just a list of drinks.
There is plenty to enjoy without even leaving the hotel. For adult travelers, it is a welcome alternative to a night out in the city. Norva is open from 11 a.m. to 11 p.m., with last orders at 10:30 p.m.
Floating Sound Bath: A Morning Meditation in the Pool
The following morning, I joined a morning activity in the indoor heated pool on the ninth floor.
Photo: InterContinental Sapporo
I tried the Floating Sound Bath. As I floated in the water, my body began to relax, and the sound vibrations travelled gently through the water. Instead of an energetic workout, it was a quiet, restorative session of about 30 minutes.
During this stay, I was recovering from an injury to my left leg and had difficulty bending my knee, so I had been a little concerned. The instructor’s guidance and the soothing sounds helped me settle into a meditative state. I appreciated that the hotel offers a session that guests can take part in even if they have concerns about their physical stamina.
helps settle the mind and body
Photo: InterContinental Sapporo
With views of Nakajima Park and the surrounding mountains, it was a peaceful way to begin the day.
Depending on the day, the hotel also offers beginner-friendly yoga and Pilates sessions by the pool. These take place from 7:30 a.m. to 8 a.m. and are complimentary for hotel guests and fitness members. The schedule and activities vary by month. The pool is open from 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., and the fitness gym is open 24 hours a day.
Breakfast at AuBlanc: Hokkaido Ingredients and Freshly Baked Bread
After the morning activity, I had breakfast at AuBlanc, the hotel’s all-day dining restaurant.
Photo: InterContinental Sapporo
The wide-ranging breakfast selection includes seasonal Hokkaido ingredients, local dairy products and seafood, eggs cooked to order, Japanese and Western favorites, and freshly baked bread.
The popular White Egg Benedict can be ordered with either truffle ham or salmon.
There is also a private dining room with large windows overlooking the Toyohira River. The scent of freshly baked bread made the morning feel especially inviting.
After waking up with a morning activity and sitting down to breakfast, I felt I had made the most of even a short stay. At the time of my visit, the breakfast buffet was ¥5,600 for adults and ¥2,800 for children aged six and over. Breakfast is served from 6:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., with last orders at 10:30 a.m.
Restaurants and Shops to Know About During Your Stay
AuBlanc is not only a breakfast restaurant. This casual French all-day dining venue also serves lunch buffets and dinner. In autumn 2026, it is hosting a Mediterranean and Spanish lunch buffet by its Spanish executive chef. The menu includes Valencian paella, ham carved to order and house-made bread baked in a German oven. The buffet has no time limit and is available through November 1. It is priced at ¥4,800 for adults.
During the day, Norva Lounge serves afternoon tea with seasonal sweets and savoury bites. Until November 1, 2026, the menu features maple and autumn flavours, accompanied by a choice of 18 tea blends from Art of Tea, as well as coffee. Afternoon tea is ¥6,800 per person. Unlike the Club Lounge service, it can also be booked by visitors who are not staying at the hotel.
AuBlanc Boutique, next to the restaurant, sells bread and pastries baked daily, hotel-made sweets, original teas and the bath salts found in the guest rooms. It is a small shop where you can take home a reminder of your stay. During the summer, Norva Terrace also opens outdoors, offering drinks and food with views of the city and surrounding nature.
Two Campaigns Currently Under Way at InterContinental Sapporo
InterContinental Sapporo × Air Canada Giveaway
This campaign celebrates the launch of a new direct flight between New Chitose Airport and Vancouver in winter 2026. Entries are being accepted from September 15 to October 31, 2026.
To enter, follow the hotel’s official Instagram account and like the campaign post. Then add Air Canada’s official LINE account as a friend and complete the entry form. The campaign is open to residents of Japan aged 18 and over. Each Instagram account may enter once.
The grand prize is a pair of round-trip economy-class tickets between New Chitose Airport and Vancouver International Airport. Other prizes include a hotel stay voucher for two, afternoon tea vouchers for two at Norva, lunch buffet vouchers for two at AuBlanc, and a dinner voucher for two at SAWAKA.
The tickets may be used from December 18, 2026 to March 25, 2027, subject to blackout dates and seat availability. Taxes and other fees may be the winner’s responsibility. Please check the terms and conditions on the official website before entering.
New-Member Benefits from the InterContinental Sapporo Dining Club App
New members receive five offers: 15% off lunch at AuBlanc, 20% off afternoon tea, 20% off selected items at AuBlanc Boutique, 10% off the bill at Norva Bar, and 10% off dinner at AuBlanc.
The coupons can be used repeatedly during their validity period. Please check the app for the latest information on eligible items, terms and validity dates.
A Hotel for Enjoying Both Sapporo and the Stay Itself
As I walked through InterContinental Sapporo, I noticed how naturally materials and artworks inspired by Hokkaido’s traditions and culture had been incorporated into the surroundings. The food and the views from the windows also offered a sense of the place.
I soaked in the bathtub in my room, enjoyed dinner at SAWAKA and had a drink at Norva. The next morning, I floated in the pool and took time to reset before breakfast.
The hotel is conveniently located for exploring Sapporo, yet once you return, you can step away from the bustle of the city. It is a hotel to consider if you want to enjoy Sapporo while also making time for good food, a gentle morning activity and a relaxing stay in your room.
InterContinental Sapporo: Overview and Access
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Hotel | InterContinental Sapporo |
| Address | Minami 10-jo Nishi 1-chome 1-48, Chuo-ku Sapporo, Hokkaido |
| Access | About a four-minute walk from Exit 1 of Nakajima Koen Station on the Namboku subway line; about 10 minutes by car from Sapporo Station |
| Rooms | 149 rooms, including 13 suites. Classic Rooms measure 42 square metres. |
| Check-in | 3 p.m. |
| Check-out | 11 a.m. |
| Telephone | 011-562-7000 |
| Official website | https://sapporo.intercontinental.com/ |
Prices, opening hours, services and campaign information are based on my visit in October 2026. Please check the official website for the latest details.
With thanks to InterContinental Sapporo for their cooperation with this visit.
