IHG Hotels & Resorts has signed its largest new-build hotel agreement in Japan, near Universal Studios Japan, in partnership with Sakurajima Kaihatsu, a consortium of four companies: Kajima Corporation, Japan Post Real Estate Co., SMFL MIRAI Partners Company, and Keihanshin Building Co..
The project, celebrated at a recent groundbreaking in Konohana-ku, Osaka, marks IHG’s first triple-branded hotel development in Japan. The collaboration will bring InterContinental, Kimpton and Holiday Inn Resort to a prime riverside location near Asia’s most visited theme park, with the hotels a 10-minute boat ride or drive from the new integrated resort in Yumeshima.
Totalling 817 keys, the trio will be Universal Studios Japan official hotels and the only internationally branded properties in the area when they open in 2029. They will offer a range of facilities including all-day dining, bars and lounges, gyms, indoor and rooftop swimming pools, wellness and spa experiences, meeting and event spaces, and family-friendly features such as kids’ clubs and pools, reflecting each brand’s distinctive style from luxury to lifestyle to resort.
InterContinental, Kimpton and Holiday Inn Resort will complement IHG’s existing Osaka portfolio, which includes InterContinental Osaka, voco Osaka Central and RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection. Surrounding infrastructure developments include the extension of the JR Sakurajima Line, new ferry terminals, and Kansai International Airport’s upgraded capacity of 40 million passengers annually.
Universal Studios Japan, wholly owned by Comcast NBCUniversal, has become a major entertainment and leisure landmark, attracting guests from Japan and overseas. Attractions include Super Nintendo World, The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park’s Flying Dinosaur coaster, and Minion Park.
Abhijay Sandilya, managing director, Japan & Micronesia, IHG Hotels & Resorts and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, said: “This agreement marks an important double growth milestone for IHG – our largest new-build hotel deal in Japan, and our first triple-branded project in the country. This trio of exceptional new-build hotels will expand our current portfolio of 10 properties in Osaka and 12 in the wider Kansai region.
“We can’t wait to introduce our InterContinental, Kimpton and Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts brands to guests, who will enjoy easy access to the Universal Studios Japan while being within easy reach of its many neighbouring attractions, including the new integrated resort at Yumeshima.”
Katsunori Ichihashi, senior executive officer, general manager, real estate development division, Kajima Corporation, added: “Partnering with an international hotel group of the stature and reputation of IHG will greatly enhance the experiences of our visitors, who will savour everything our collaboration has to offer, including iconic hotels and the vibrant restaurant and bar scene we’re developing on the Osaka riverfront.
“The area, which is already very popular, has the potential to attract even more visitors. By building new infrastructure, adding attractions, introducing an integrated resort, and opening international branded hotels, we’re creating a must-visit destination for visitors, and a fresh experience for Japan.”
