This signing marks IHG’s first partnership with AXA Life Insurance Company. The luxury hotel will be IHG’s fifth property in Hokkaido and 11th InterContinental-branded hotel in Japan.
A landmark hotel
IHG has revealed plans to develop InterContinental Sapporo on floors nine to 14 of the new AXA Sapporo Nakajima Park Project building by AXA.
Abhijay Sandilya, IHG Hotels & Resorts Japan & Micronesia Managing Director and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, commented: “I am honoured that AXA Life Insurance Company will introduce IHG’s flagship InterContinental brand to Hokkaido with the opening of InterContinental Sapporo.”
“As the world’s largest luxury hotel brand, and one with a strong presence and heritage in Japan, we are confident that the InterContinental brand will attract both domestic and international tourists as it debuts in Sapporo as the first international luxury hotel in Sapporo City. Its prime location in the Nakajima Park area, we expect it to quickly become a favourite destination for business, leisure and MICE tourists to the city.”
Seiji Yasubuchi, President and CEO of AXA Life Insurance Company, added: “I am very happy that IHG Hotels & Resorts has partnered with us to operate its luxury hotel brand in the AXA Sapporo Nakajima Park Project, which will create the future of Sapporo City, Hokkaido, by introducing InterContinental Sapporo to debut as the first international luxury brand in Sapporo.”
“We strongly hope that Nakajima Park, rich in nature and history, will play a role in the development of the city by working together as a new landmark of Sapporo that brings bustle, hospitality, and well-being.”
Natural inspiration
On completion, this new hotel will house 149 spacious guest rooms and suites, along with two dining venues, a lounge, bar, function room, indoor pool and gym.
The property will have a high-end residential feel with colours and design touches that reflect the nature of Hokkaido, with floor-to-ceiling windows taking in views of Nakajima Park and Toyohira River.
The dining experience here will include an all-day dining space overlooking the Toyohira River, a show kitchen and kappo-style Japanese restaurant with counter seating. The hotel’s art-filled, forest-inspired lounge and bar will then provide a setting for both tea and cocktails.
The hotel will provide a luxurious base for exploration of a destination known for combining the charm of the city and the island’s rich nature. The city is celebrated for its local food scene and events such as Sapporo Snow Festival.
