IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced its biggest new-build hotel agreement in Japan near Universal Studios Japan, in partnership with Sakurajima Kaihatsu LLC, a consortium of four companies: Kajima Corporation, JAPAN POST REAL ESTATE Co., Ltd., SMFL MIRAI Partners Company, Limited, and Keihanshin Building Co., Ltd.

Celebrating the agreement at the recent ground breaking in Konohana-ku, Osaka, the project marks IHG’s first triple-branded hotel development in Japan. 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.

Totaling 817 keys, the trio of adjoining properties will be Universal Studios Japan official hotels, and the only internationally branded properties in the area, when they open in 2029.

Image credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts

Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director, Japan & Micronesia, IHG Hotels & Resorts and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, said:
“IHG is honoured to extend our relationship with our valued partners – a consortium of four companies behind Sakurajima Kaihatsu LLC – and expand IHG’s footprint as an official hotel partner to Universal Studios Japan, Asia’s leading theme park. 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.

“As the only international hotel company operating in this area of Osaka, we can’t wait to introduce our InterContinental, Kimpton and Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts brands to guests, who will enjoy easy access to Universal Studios Japan while being within easy reach of its many neighbouring attractions, including the new integrated resort at Yumeshima.

“IHG’s growth continues apace in Japan where we have 57 open hotels across 10 brands and 20 pipeline properties. This trio of exceptional new-build hotels will expand our current portfolio of 10 properties in Osaka and 12 in the wider Kansai region.”

Image credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts

Katsunori Ichihashi, Senior Executive Officer, General Manager, Real Estate Development Division, Kajima Corporation said:
“We’re delighted to announce IHG as an official hotel operator for USJ – the latest milestone in our major expansion of this area. 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.

“We chose IHG and three of its differentiated brands to ensure we provide a wide selection of choices for visitors – from the world-famous luxury of InterContinental to the awe-inspiring experiences of Kimpton, through to the family friendly resort experience of Holiday Inn. 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.”

Which IHG hotels will be part of the Universal Studios Japan development? 

InterContinental Hotel (244 keys): All-day dining restaurant, lobby bar and lounge; Japanese-inspired thermal bathing experience / Jacuzzi; gym; rooftop swimming pool; meetings 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; meetings 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.

InterContinental, Kimpton and Holiday Inn Resort will be situated 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.

 

Main image credit: IHG Hotels & Resorts