The long-awaited luxury hotel, InterContinental Sapporo, opened near Nakajima Park in Sapporo on October 1, 2025. Experience the much-talked-about afternoon tea in an extraordinary space on the upper floors overlooking the Toyohira River. We'll introduce you to a special afternoon surrounded by high-quality sweets and Sapporo-style hospitality.

The impressive glass exterior reflects the blue sky

InterContinental Sapporo opened just a four-minute walk from Exit 1 of Nakajima Park Station on the Sapporo Municipal Subway. It is located between Nakajima Park and the Toyohira River.

The logo displayed at the entrance is also beautiful.

It is operated by IHG Hotels & Resorts, which operates hotels around the world. In Japan, it has many popular hotel brands, including InterContinental, Kimpton, Indigo, ANA Crowne Plaza, and Holiday Inn.

A beautiful space in front of the reception on the 9th floor

Enter through the entrance with a driveway and take the elevator to the 9th floor, the reception floor. Three spaces are connected: the front lobby with a water basin, the fire lounge with a fireplace, and the lounge area with a green feel.

A spatial design that evokes the natural beauty of Hokkaido

Materials from Hokkaido, such as Sapporo soft stone and wood from Hokuryu Town, Uryu District, are used throughout the building.

The library also features a collection of works by Kan Yasuda.

There was also a collection of works by Kan Yasuda, a sculptor from Bibai City, Hokkaido. It would be nice to pick up a book that catches your eye while enjoying a drink in the bar lounge.

Lilac-themed artwork on the ceiling

Afternoon tea is served in the lounge and bar "Norva," a space bathed in natural light and offering views of the Toyohira River and Sapporo cityscape.

A private room with a view of the Toyohira River in the all-day dining restaurant "AuBlanc"

There are also two restaurants on the same floor: AuBlanc, an all-day dining restaurant with a live kitchen and an open space overlooking the Toyohira River from large windows, and SAWAKA, a contemporary Japanese-style restaurant where you can enjoy your meal while watching the chefs perform at the counter.

A special seat by the window

Now, let's have afternoon tea at "Norva".

"Seasonal Afternoon Tea" 6,800 yen (tax and service charge included)

The image shows a portion for two. The tray on which the scones, tarts, and other sweets are individually arranged is cute and exciting. The sandwiches and other savory dishes are arranged on separate plates, which are both colorful and delicious!

Here is what was included in the "Seasonal Afternoon Tea" I received this time, which cost 6,800 yen (tax and service charges included).

There are two types of scones. One contains autumn-like silk sweet.

The homemade scones have a delightfully crunchy texture and are served with plenty of clotted cream and jam. The gorgeous tarts, as well as baked goods such as financiers and galettes vrytonnes, are all delicious.

The Kyoho grape parfait is a delicate beauty

There was also a parfait that looked like a work of art, made with plenty of Kyoho grapes and beautiful meringue. It was apparently inspired by Sapporo's Shime Parfait culture.

Savory dishes with an adult taste

Many ingredients were produced in Hokkaido, and the afternoon tea had a Sapporo feel to it throughout. The sweets had a refreshing tartness to them, and the savory dishes had a variety of textures, so there was something new to enjoy with each bite.

18 types of tea to choose from after tasting the aroma

The system allows you to choose your drink while looking at the actual tea leaves lined up in wooden boxes. You can choose from a wide selection of black teas and herbal teas by asking the staff for recommendations and sampling the aromas. InterContinental Sapporo's original black tea, "Citrus Harmony," has a refreshing citrus aroma and is a tea that pairs well with both sweets and savory dishes.

Beautiful sweets that look like blooming flowers

This time, the menu was full of autumnal flavors, including chestnuts, pears, and grapes. The contents of the afternoon tea are planned to change with the seasons. I would like to come back again and again to enjoy the unique flavors and riverside scenery of each season.

The spacious sofa seats are also comfortable.

What I felt while experiencing it was that both afternoon tea and lunch are likely to become popular in the future! I recommend making reservations early.

A stylish shop where you'll want to buy souvenirs to take home

Bread, cakes, and other baked goods are available for purchase at AuBlanc Boutique, located near the lounge. Croissants, cannelés, and other treats are also available as souvenirs to take home.

Twin Classic (42 square meters) guest room

Let's take a look at the guest rooms! All 149 rooms are spacious, measuring over 42 square meters. The views from the large windows, the subtle artwork, and the warm, sophisticated interior are impressive.

King Premium (50 square meters) guest room

For those who want to enjoy their hotel stay even more, we recommend choosing a premium room or higher that includes club lounge access.

The double basin design with two sinks is also a plus.

The bathroom is spacious and functional. Both the bathtub and washing area are large, making bath time relaxing.

Club InterContinental: Relax as if in your own living room

The Club InterContinental lounge offers breakfast, afternoon tea, cocktail hour, and nightcaps. It also has a private meeting room and allows check-in and check-out from the lounge.

One-bedroom suite (87 sqm)

There are also three types of suites available: one-bedroom suites, junior suites, and serenity suites. The largest, the serenity suite, is 160 square meters in size and is sure to meet a variety of needs.

20-meter long pool

There is also a pool with a great view of Nakajima Park and Mt. Moiwa. In addition to the regular pool use, morning poolside activities are also available.

In addition to poolside yoga, another highlight is the relaxation program known as the "Floating Sound Bath." Guests float in the pool on a mat, immersing themselves in the sounds of singing bowls for a deeply soothing experience.

Fitness gym with the latest equipment

There is also a fitness gym next to the pool, so you can work out during your stay. You'll feel like you're in a luxury Asian resort in Bali or Koh Samui, even while in Sapporo. This makes for a truly special hotel stay.

Don't miss the sculpture at the first floor entrance

The object at the entrance is said to be inspired by a single flower blooming in the land of Hokkaido. It leaves an impression of a dramatic atmosphere, as if something is about to begin. You can feel the thought and casual hospitality that went into each piece of artwork in the building, and it left a feeling of fulfillment.

InterContinental Sapporo opened on October 1, 2025. It's a luxurious and stylish hotel with a coexistence of transparency and dignity, offering an extraordinary experience. If you want to spend a little special time, be sure to visit.