IHG to Open Triple-Branded Hotel Near Universal Studios Japan in 2029

IHG Hotels & Resorts will open a triple-branded hotel near Universal Studios Japan in Osaka by 2029, marking its largest new-build project in the country.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced a new hotel development project in Osaka, Japan, near Universal Studios Japan. The project, in partnership with Sakurajima Kaihatsu LLC, a consortium led by Kajima Corporation, will feature a triple-branded hotel comprising InterContinental, Kimpton, and Holiday Inn Resort properties. This development is set to open in 2029 and will be IHG’s largest new-build hotel project in Japan.

The new hotel complex will be located in Konohana-ku, Osaka, providing guests with convenient access to Universal Studios Japan and the upcoming Integrated Resort in Yumeshima. The site is accessible via a 10-minute boat ride or drive from the resort. The development will include 817 rooms, making it a significant addition to the area’s hospitality offerings.

The InterContinental Hotel will feature 244 rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby bar and lounge, a Japanese-inspired thermal bathing experience, a gym, a rooftop swimming pool, and meeting spaces, including a ballroom and four meeting rooms. The Kimpton Hotel will offer 246 rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a rooftop specialty restaurant, a deli/café, a gym, an indoor swimming pool, and four meeting rooms. The Holiday Inn Resort will have 327 rooms, an all-day dining restaurant, a deli/café, a kids club, a games room, and indoor swimming facilities for both adults and children.

This development marks IHG’s first triple-branded hotel project in Japan and expands its presence as an official hotel partner to Universal Studios Japan. The hotels will be the only internationally branded properties in the area upon their opening.

The project is part of IHG’s ongoing expansion in Japan, where the company currently operates 57 hotels across 10 brands, with an additional 20 properties in the pipeline. The new hotels will complement IHG’s existing portfolio in Osaka, which includes InterContinental Osaka, voco Osaka Central, RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, and Vignette Collection.

The development is expected to benefit from surrounding infrastructure improvements, such as the extension of the JR Sakurajima Line and the opening of new ferry terminals. Additionally, Kansai International Airport has recently increased its passenger capacity to 40 million annually following renovations.

Universal Studios Japan, owned by Comcast NBCUniversal, is a major entertainment destination in Osaka, attracting visitors from Japan and abroad. The park features attractions based on popular entertainment brands and continues to evolve with new additions like SUPER NINTENDO WORLD.