A triple-branded hotel project is breaking ground near Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in Osaka to create the biggest new building by British developer IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) in the country.
IHG is partnering with Sakurajima Kaihatsu LLC, a consortium of Kajima Corporation, Japan Post Real estate Co., Ltd., SMFL Mirai Partners Co., Ltd. and Keihanshin Building Co., Ltd.
The collaboration will bring InterContinental, Kimpton and Holiday Inn Resort to the prime riverside location near Asia’s most visited theme park—and Japan’s first casino resort, slated for 2030—“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.
Totaling 817 guest rooms, this trio of adjoining properties will be USJ’s official hotels when they open in 2029.
Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director, Japan & Micronesia, IHG Hotels & Resorts and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, said, “IHG is honored to extend our relationship with our valued partners … 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.
“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.”
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 savor 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.”
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.
Universal Studios Japan—wholly owned by Comcast NBCUniversal—has succeeded in establishing its position as a prominent entertainment and leisure landmark, drawing many guests from Japan as well as overseas. The park offers some of the world’s most exciting and innovative experiences—high quality attractions, shows and seasonal events based on Hollywood blockbusters, Japanese anime and entertainment brands popular around the globe. Guests can let loose and enjoy unforgettable, super energetic experiences throughout the park.
Universal Studios Japan has continued to evolve since its opening in 2001. It most recently launched Super Nintendo World, where guests can unleash their passion to play in an immersive environment based on iconic Nintendo characters and their worlds. It also offers premier entertainment experiences such as the magical The Wizarding World of Harry Potter featuring Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the breathtaking 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.
Snapshots:
Hotels
- InterContinental Hotel (244 guestrooms): 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): 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): All-day dining restaurant, deli / café, kids club, games room, indoor swimming pool and kids’ pool
Brands
- InterContinental is the world’s first and largest luxury hotel brand with 237 hotels in more than 70 countries, and 102 pipeline properties. Founded by Pan American Airways Founder Juan Trippe in 1946, InterContinental is guided by the belief in the power of travel to expand the mind and connect cultures.
- Kimpton pioneered the concept of hotels combining sophisticated, playful design with a more human guest experience in the US. Founded in 1981, the San Francisco-born luxury lifestyle brand has 83 open hotels, 64 pipeline properties, and more than 100 restaurants, bars and lounges across urban locations, resort destinations and up-and-coming markets globally.
- Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts continues to grow, with 1,242 open hotels and 291 pipeline properties. In 2022, IHG celebrated 70 years since founder Kemmons Wilson opened the first Holiday Inn hotel in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, in August 1952.
