IHG Hotels & Resorts operates more than 7,000 properties across 21 hotel brands in over 100 countries worldwide. In Japan, the company currently operates approximately 62 hotels across 10 brands, from Hokkaido to Okinawa (as of June 2026). In this article, we spoke with Hiroki Sato, General Manager of the Holiday Inn & Suites Sapporo Odori Park, about the attractions in the area surrounding the hotel.
Property Name: Holiday Inn & Suites Sapporo Odori Park
Address: 6-1, Nishi 8-chome, Minami 2-jo, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
――Could you tell us what led you to start working at the Holiday Inn & Suites Sapporo Odori Park?
Having spent my college years in the United States, I wanted to find a job where I could put my English skills to use after returning to Japan, so I began my career as a bell staff member at a hotel in Narita City, Chiba Prefecture. After serving as Assistant General Manager at the ANA Crowne Plaza Hotel Narita, I was fortunate enough to be appointed as the opening manager of the Holiday Inn & Suites Sapporo Odori Park. Since the hotel’s opening, I have been involved in hotel management as General Manager.
――What kind of hotel is it?
Opened in October 2025, this hotel is conveniently located right next to Odori Park, making it an ideal base for exploring Sapporo. We offer a variety of 10 different room types and are conveniently located just a 10-minute walk from Odori Subway Station and within walking distance of the bustling Susukino entertainment district. Whether you’re traveling for business or a family vacation, we welcome you with amenities suited to a variety of occasions and warm, attentive service.
――What kind of unique experiences does the Holiday Inn & Suites Sapporo Odori Park offer?
We offer a variety of guest rooms suitable for groups, families, and long-term stays, including two-story maisonette-style rooms, premium maisonette suites with kitchens and washing machines, and four-bedroom suites with four beds on a single floor. Additionally, just a 5-minute walk away at Odori Park, you can enjoy seasonal events up close, including the “Sapporo Snow Festival”—a symbol of Hokkaido—and beer gardens.
――Please let us know if there are any sightseeing spots or restaurants in the area around the hotel that you personally recommend.
Just a short walk from the hotel, Tanukikoji Shopping Street is one of the oldest shopping streets in Hokkaido, featuring approximately 200 shops lining its 900-meter-long arcade. Among them, the gelato specialty shop “Gelateria Italiana La Giostra,” open only on Friday and Saturday evenings, is a renowned establishment that always has a line out the door. You’ll definitely want to try their fresh milk gelato made with pasteurized milk from Komagaoka, Hokkaido, as well as their matcha pistachio flavor, which won an award at an international gelato competition.
――What are your recommended restaurant dishes?
We highly recommend the Hokkaido-style soup curry served in the “Dining” area on the second floor. This dish allows you to select and add your favorite roasted vegetables, letting you savor the deep richness of the spices and the natural sweetness of the ingredients. It’s the perfect way to fuel up before heading out to explore. While you’re here, be sure to try the Hokkaido Classic Beer served at the “Café & Bar” as well.
――What souvenirs would you recommend?
These “Traveling Magnets” let you experience the charm of the local area. Created by Hokkaido-based designer Asuka Kayaba with a deep love for her hometown, these handmade tile magnets feature designs inspired by the Susukino intersection, the Sapporo Clock Tower, and Hokkaido’s wildlife. They’re popular with international visitors and make a great souvenir to commemorate your trip.
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