We are more than happy (ecstatic?) to be back in Japan for three weeks. Sapporo via Taipei makes for a long day of travel. Relieved and grateful our hotel accommodated our early check-in request.
The Intercontinental Sapporo is a recent addition to the IHG hotel group in Hokkaido. Not as centrally located as we prefer, strategy is to stay on-property and fully enjoy the range of services and hospitality of this newly minted 5*.
Check-in in the 19th floor Club Lounge was seamless and comforting. Chilled glasses of the Intercontinental champagne sets the welcoming tone.
We’d been upgraded to a club floor corner room. Views of the Toyoshira River to the left, Iris Pond to the right. Nakajima Park across the way is a famous Sakura viewing spot. We just missed the viewing season (thankfully), and the massive crowds. (by design)
Happy Hour at Intercon’s are consistently good. Some gooder than others. The Sapporo club does an exemplary job. Our champagne flutes were never empty for more than a moment before a topper was discreetly offered.
Made to order Canapés and Amuse.
Japanese presentation with small servings in custom box.
BUKKAE DOSAN KOSHO HOUSE SPECIALTY our server mixed the chopped Seafood into the small box of rice. All the while yelling AIYO!!!
The entire staff and customers joined in. As did we, once the initial shock wore off.
– but looks like happy hour more than made up for it 
