# ISSUE 26 Introducing Western Elegance to Hokkaido: The Opening of Sapporo Grand Hotel

2024.11

With a current population of 1.97 million, Sapporo is Hokkaido’s bustling urban center. However, back in 1934, when the city had just 200,000 residents, the Sapporo Grand Hotel opened its doors. Its inception can be traced to 1928, when the late Prince Chichibu visited Hokkaido and expressed hope for Sapporo’s growth, remarking, “How about building a proper Western-style hotel in Sapporo?”

The Sapporo Grand Hotel opened in 1934 as Hokkaido’s first authentic Western-style hotel. It quickly became more than just a place to stay—it was a hub of culture and society. Hosting everything from dinner shows to Sapporo’s first Christmas party, the hotel introduced new cultural experiences to the city. Over the decades, it weathered wartime challenges and remained a vital part of the lives of Sapporo’s citizens and Hokkaido’s residents. Few urban hotels in Japan with banquet facilities have sustained operations from the pre-war era to today.

Beloved by locals and visitors alike, the Sapporo Grand Hotel has served not only as a destination for travelers from across Japan and the world alike but also as a cherished venue for weddings and various banquets. It is this deep connection to its community that has brought the hotel to its 90th anniversary.

To express gratitude to the many supporters who have contributed to its legacy, the hotel is hosting a series of 90th-anniversary events this year. These include special dining offers such as two-person lunches and dinners priced at ¥9,000, available across its restaurants. Through these celebrations, the Sapporo Grand Hotel honors its history while looking forward to the future.