• Scheduled to open in 2029, the hotel will feature a total of 817 rooms, marking a significant global growth for IHG and establishing a new partnership with Sakurajima Kaihatsu LLC, a consortium of four leading companies led by Kajima Corporation.
  • The three hotel brands include InterContinental, Kimpton, and Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts, providing guests with comfort and convenience for visiting Asia's most popular amusement park, along with a new Integrated Resort.

IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG), one of the world's leading hotel companies, has announced a significant agreement for the largest new hotel project in Japan, located near Universal Studios Japan (USJ). This collaboration is with Sakurajima Kaihatsu LLC, a consortium of four major companies including Kajima Corporation, JAPAN POST REAL ESTATE Co., Ltd., SMFL MIRAI Partners Company, Limited, and Keihanshin Building Co., Ltd.

IHG celebrated the signing of the agreement with a groundbreaking ceremony in Konohana Ward, Osaka, moving forward with the development of three hotel brands in the same area, marking IHG's first such project in Japan.

This partnership will bring the InterContinental, Kimpton, and Holiday Inn Resort hotels to a premium waterfront location near Asia's most popular amusement park, offering an elevated stay experience and easy access to Universal Studios Japan, just a 10-minute boat or car ride from the Integrated Resort in the Yumeshima area.

The three hotel brands will be developed under the same project, totaling 817 rooms, and will be the official hotel partner of Universal Studios Japan, becoming the only international brand hotel in the area when it opens in 2029.

Mr. Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director of IHG Hotels & Resorts for Japan and Micronesia and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, stated: “IHG is honored to continue our collaboration with our key partners, the four companies under Sakurajima Kaihatsu LLC, and to expand IHG's role as the official hotel partner of Universal Studios Japan, Asia's leading amusement park. This agreement marks a significant growth milestone for IHG on two fronts: as the largest new hotel project in Japan and as the first project to combine three hotel brands in one location in Japan.”

“As the only leading international hotel operating in this area of Osaka, we are thrilled to introduce the InterContinental, Kimpton, and Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts brands to provide a unique experience for guests, ensuring maximum convenience for traveling to Universal Studios Japan and other top attractions in the nearby area, as well as the new Integrated Resort project in Yumeshima.”

“IHG continues to maintain rapid and sustained growth in Japan, currently operating 57 hotels across 10 brands, with over 20 projects in development. These three new hotel brands will strengthen IHG's existing portfolio, which includes 10 hotels in Osaka and 12 in the Kansai region.”

Mr. Katsunori Ichihashi, Senior Executive Officer and General Manager of Real Estate Development at Kajima Corporation, representing the consortium of four development partners, stated: “We are very pleased to collaborate with IHG as the official hotel operator for USJ, which represents the latest significant step in our major expansion plan in this area. Partnering with a renowned and globally recognized brand like IHG will greatly enhance the experience, allowing guests to immerse themselves in every aspect, from unique hotels to the vibrant dining and bar scenes we are developing along the riverside in Osaka.”

“We chose to work with IHG and selected three uniquely distinctive brands to offer a variety of choices for guests, from the world-class luxury of InterContinental, the impressive and unique experience of Kimpton, to the family-friendly resort of Holiday Inn. While this area is already highly popular, we believe there is still tremendous growth potential with the development of infrastructure, new attractions, the launch of the Integrated Resort project, and the introduction of international brand hotels, all of which will create a 'must-visit' destination and provide a new travel experience for Japan.”

The InterContinental, Kimpton, and Holiday Inn Resort hotels will be conveniently located to connect with downtown Osaka, further strengthening IHG's hotel portfolio in the city, including InterContinental Osaka, voco Osaka Central, and RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection. The surrounding infrastructure development includes the extension of the JR Sakurajima Line and the opening of a new ferry terminal, as well as enhancing Kansai International Airport's capacity to accommodate 40 million passengers per year following a major renovation of Terminal 1.

Universal Studios Japan is an amusement park operated by Comcast NBCUniversal, located in Osaka, Japan, and has successfully become a leading entertainment landmark, attracting numerous visitors both domestically and internationally. The park offers exciting and cutting-edge experiences, including high-quality rides, shows, and seasonal events inspired by blockbuster Hollywood films, Japanese anime, and popular global entertainment brands, allowing guests to immerse themselves in an exceptional and memorable experience throughout the park.

Since its opening in 2001, Universal Studios Japan has continuously created new experiences, most recently launching SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, a world of imagination where visitors can unleash fun with Nintendo's characters and unique atmosphere. The park also offers a wealth of premium entertainment, such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter featuring the groundbreaking ride Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the spectacular Jurassic Park area with the Flying Dinosaur roller coaster, and Minion Park where visitors can enjoy the antics of the Minions in the Despicable Me Minion Mayhem ride.

HARRY POTTER and all related characters and elements are trademarks and copyrights of © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Publishing Rights © J.K. Rowling.

MINIONS TM & © 2025 Universal Studios.

© Nintendo.

TM & © Universal Studios & Amblin Entertainment.

All Universal elements and related marks are trademarks and copyrights of TM & © 2025 Universal Studios. All rights reserved.

Overview of the Hotels

  • InterContinental Hotel (244 rooms): All-day dining restaurant, lobby bar and lounge, Japanese-style hot spring bath, gym, rooftop pool, meeting and event spaces including a ballroom and four meeting rooms.
  • Kimpton Hotel (246 rooms): All-day dining restaurant, rooftop specialty restaurant, café, gym, indoor pool, meeting and event spaces including four meeting rooms.
  • Holiday Inn Resort (327 rooms): All-day dining restaurant, café, kids club, game room, indoor pool, and children's pool.

Brand Overview

  • InterContinental is the first and largest international luxury hotel brand, with 237 hotels operating in over 70 countries and more than 102 projects in development. Founded in 1946 by Juan Trippe, the founder of Pan American Airways, InterContinental continues to be driven by the belief that travel has the power to open horizons and connect cultural differences from around the world.
  • Kimpton is a pioneer of the concept of hotels that blend sleek and playful design with warm and friendly hospitality experiences. This luxury lifestyle brand, originating from San Francisco, was founded in 1981 and currently operates 83 hotels with over 64 projects in development, including more than 100 restaurants, bars, and lounges in urban centers, leading resorts, and growing destinations worldwide.
  • Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts continues to grow, with 1,242 hotels currently operating and 291 projects in development. In 2022, IHG celebrated the 70th anniversary since Kemmons Wilson opened the first Holiday Inn hotel in his hometown of Memphis, Tennessee, in August 1952.