IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) has announced its biggest new-build hotel agreement in Japan near Universal Studios Japan, in partnership with Sakurajima Kaihatsu LLC, a local consortium of four companies.
Celebrating the agreement at the recent groundbreaking in Konohana-ku, Osaka, the project marks IHG’s first triple-branded hotel development in Japan. Totalling 817 keys, this trio of adjoining properties will be Universal Studios Japan’s official hotels and the only internationally branded properties in the area when they open in 2029.
The collaboration will bring InterContinental, Kimpton, and Holiday Inn Resort to the prime riverside location near Asia’s most visited theme park, offering guests an exceptional stay experience in close proximity to Universal Studios Japan. The hotels’ location is a 10-minute boat ride or drive from the new Integrated Resort in Yumeshima, which is a massive casino resort project led by MGM Resorts International and Orix Corporation which is set to open around autumn 2030.
This trio of new-build hotels will expand IHG’s current portfolio of 10 properties in Osaka and 12 in the wider Kansai region. IHG stated that its growth continues apace in Japan where it has 57 open hotels across 10 brands and 20 pipeline properties.
InterContinental, Kimpton and Holiday Inn Resort will be located within easy reach of central Osaka, perfectly complementing IHG’s portfolio of properties within the city, including InterContinental Osaka, voco Osaka Central, and RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection.
Surrounding infrastructure developments include the extension of JR Sakurajima Line and the opening of new ferry terminals, while Kansai International Airport recently increased its passenger capacity to 40 million annually following a major renovation of Terminal 1.
Universal Studios Japan has continued to evolve since its opening in 2001. It most recently launched SUPER NINTENDO WORLD. It also offers premier entertainment experiences such as the magical The Wizarding World of Harry Potter featuring Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the Jurassic Park area with its state-of-the-art Flying Dinosaur coaster, and Minion Park, where guests will encounter Minions causing mischief on Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.
Hotel snapshots
InterContinental Hotel (244 keys): All-day dining restaurant, lobby bar and lounge; Japanese-inspired thermal bathing experience/jacuzzi; gym; rooftop swimming pool; meeting and event space including a ballroom and four meeting rooms.
Kimpton Hotel (246 keys): All-day dining restaurant; rooftop specialty restaurant; deli/café; gym; indoor swimming pool; meeting and event space including four meeting rooms.
Holiday Inn Resort (327 keys): All-day dining restaurant; deli/café; kids club; games room; indoor swimming pool and kids’ pool.
Images Courtesy of Sakurajima Kaihatsu LLC.
