Sapporo Grand Hotel Celebrates 90 Years of Excellence

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.

Currently on display at the Granvista Gallery Sapporo, located in the hotel’s lobby, the Sapporo Grand Hotel 90th Anniversary Exhibition offers a unique opportunity to explore the hotel's history through its various design pieces.

The exhibition showcases a variety of materials created from the post-war period until around 1985, including posters, advertisements, restaurant menus, coasters, canned soup labels, and more. Most of these items were created during an era before pre-made fonts existed, with all designs hand-drawn by artists.

Hotel General Manager Takanori Nagase explains, "For those who remember the era, we hope they will enjoy the nostalgic elements. For younger generations, we believe they will find a sense of 'freshness' in these designs that are no longer seen today." He continues, "The use of typography, color schemes, and illustrations all have a distinctive charm. We hope not only our guests enjoy them, but also that our young staff take a moment to appreciate these pieces."

From the displayed items, visitors can truly feel how Sapporo Grand Hotel was at the forefront of culture and how deeply it has been cherished by the local community.

Nagase, the 19th General Manager of Sapporo Grand Hotel, reflects on the significance of the hotel’s 90th anniversary: "While I feel the weight of the history passed down from my predecessors, what stands out even more is the deep affection we have received from the people of Hokkaido and Sapporo over these 90 years. We have been nurtured by their expectations and have worked tirelessly to meet them." His words express his gratitude as the hotel celebrates this milestone.

Opening with the expectation of introducing a true Western-style hotel to Sapporo, the Sapporo Grand Hotel has brought a fresh cultural breeze to the city. Since its opening, the hotel has remained committed to improving the quality of its services while preserving its core offerings of accommodation, dining, and banquets. "Our goal has always been to remain a hotel that the people of Hokkaido and Sapporo can continue to rely on," says General Manager Nagase.

Over the course of its 90-year history, there have been many guests who have returned for weddings across generations, with couples celebrating their nuptials at the hotel as their grandparents once did. "We are truly grateful," says Nagase. This gratitude is reflected in special initiatives for customers as part of the hotel’s 90th anniversary celebrations.

As General Manager Nagase summarizes, "We cherish the history and tradition passed down by our predecessors, and our goal is to continue enhancing our quality to become the region’s top hotel." With the 90th anniversary serving as a milestone, his resolve is stronger than ever.

Sapporo Grand Hotel is celebrating its 90th anniversary with a variety of special initiatives, available until March 31, 2025, as a token of appreciation to its guests. In the hotel’s restaurants, guests can enjoy the hotel’s traditional menus and special course meals. Additionally, special anniversary accommodation plans at discounted prices come with numerous perks.

One of the highlights is the release of an original 90th-anniversary butter cake from The Bakery & Pastry shop. Made with Hokkaido-produced fermented butter, this unique cake combines a dacquoise base with Hokkaido-grown haskap berries and red bean paste. It is also available for purchase through the hotel’s online shop.

For those seeking a bit of mystery, the popular "Mystery Hotel" experience returns with a special 90th-anniversary edition. This special edition is tied to the hotel’s opening in 1934 and offers a thrilling way to celebrate its milestone.

As Sapporo Grand Hotel celebrates its 90th anniversary, it invites guests to enjoy dining, afternoon tea, and stays with family and friends, making the most of this special occasion.