IHG Hotels and Resorts breaks ground on mega triple-branded hotel project in Japan
The project is being developed in partnership with Sakurajima Kaihatsu LLC, a consortium of four companies – including Kajima Corporation, JAPAN POST REAL ESTATE Co., Ltd., SMFL MIRAI Partners Company, Limited, and Keihanshin Building Co., Ltd – and it 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.
The hotels’ location is a 10-minute boat ride or drive from the new Integrated Resort in Yumeshima.
“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,” said IHG Hotels and Resorts Managing Director, Japan and Micronesia and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, Abhijay Sandilya.
“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 and 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,” Sandilya said.
Totalling 817 keys, this trio of outstanding, adjoining properties will be Universal Studios Japan official hotels, and the only internationally branded properties in the area, when they open in 2029.
“We’re delighted to announce IHG as an official hotel operator for USJ – the latest milestone in our major expansion of this area,” said Kajima Corporation Senior Executive Officer, General Manager, Real Estate Development Division, Katsunori Ichihashi.
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.”
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, according to Sandilya.
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.