#Japan #Osaka #IHG Hotels #Universal Studios #Osaka Resort

IHG Launches Triple-Brand Hotel Near Universal Studios Japan

IHG Hotels & Resorts has officially announced the groundbreaking of a major new hotel development project adjacent to Universal Studios Japan (USJ), symbolizing a significant milestone in their global growth. The collaboration includes four companies, led by Kajima Corporation, under a partnership with Sakurajima Development LLC. This ambitious initiative will introduce three of IHG's esteemed hotel brands — InterContinental, Kimpton, and Holiday Inn Resort — to Osaka, enhancing the area's hospitality offerings.

The construction ceremony took place in Osaka's Konohana Ward, where IHG's triple-brand hotel represents the company's largest new facility in Japan to date. The project aims to provide guests with convenient access to one of Asia's most popular theme parks, creating a synergy with the new integrated resort planned for Yumeshima, which is only a short boat or car ride away.

This new property will include a total of 817 rooms, featuring luxury, lifestyle, and family-friendly accommodations under one roof. Scheduled to open in 2029, it will become the only foreign-owned hotel in the area and will serve as an official hotel for Universal Studios Japan. This strategic development underscores IHG's mission to broaden its influence in the competitive Japanese hospitality market.

Abhijit Sandiya, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts Japan & Micronesia and CEO of IHG-ANA Hotels Group Japan, expressed enthusiasm about the partnership with Kajima and the other involved companies, stating, “We are honored to expand our presence as the official hotel partner for Universal Studios Japan and to be part of this remarkable growth journey in Osaka.”

The facility will cater to various guest needs by combining the luxurious experience of InterContinental, the vibrant lifestyle appeal of Kimpton, and the family-oriented atmosphere of Holiday Inn Resort. Notably, this project marks two critical milestones in IHG's domestic growth trajectory: it is their largest new hotel contract in Japan, as well as the country’s first project featuring three hotel brands under one roof.

As the hotel landscape in the area evolves, there are plans for significant infrastructure development, including an extension of the JR Sakurajima Line and a new ferry terminal. Kansai International Airport is also undergoing major renovations to accommodate a capacity of 40 million annual passengers, adding to the anticipation surrounding this new hospitality venture.

Kajima's Executive Officer and Head of Development, Katsunori Ichihashi, celebrated IHG as the official hotel operator for Universal Studios Japan, emphasizing the importance of this project as a key milestone in the area's large-scale development. He highlighted the partnership with IHG, a globally trusted hotel group known for its quality, indicating that it will enhance the overall guest experience in Osaka's riverfront area through a unique blend of distinctive hotels, lively bars, and diverse restaurants.

The hotel's features are as follows:

• - InterContinental Hotel (244 rooms): Offers all-day dining, a lobby bar and lounge, traditional Japanese public baths with a jacuzzi, a fitness gym, a rooftop pool, and a meeting space with four event rooms.
• - Kimpton Hotel (246 rooms): Includes all-day dining, a rooftop specialty restaurant, deli/café, fitness gym, indoor pool, and meeting space accommodating four event rooms.
• - Holiday Inn Resort (327 rooms): Provides all-day dining, deli/café, kids' club, game room, indoor pool, and a children's swimming pool.

This development not only enhances IHG's existing portfolio of ten hotels in Osaka but also aims to attract both domestic and international travelers to this vibrant area. IHG's expansion aligns with the increasing popularity of Universal Studios Japan, a renowned landmark in the entertainment and leisure sector, known for its immersive attractions and seasonal events that continue to evolve, offering guests unforgettable experiences.

Since its opening in 2001, Universal Studios Japan has consistently innovated, introducing attractions like the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and ongoing expansions to its entertainment offerings, turning it into a must-visit destination in Japan. The hotel will complement Osaka's existing accommodation options, offering guests a fantastic experience paired with easy access to the park, ensuring that both leisure and business travelers receive top-notch hospitality.

With this project, IHG Hotel & Resorts is set to redefine the Osaka hotel landscape, ensuring guests experience world-class hospitality while exploring exciting attractions nearby. This initiative is a beautifully poised addendum to the ever-growing appeal of Osaka as a global travel destination, promising to deliver memorable experiences for years to come.

For more information on IHG Hotels & Resorts' offerings and future aspirations in Japan, visit their official websites for both English and Japanese languages.