IHG Hotels & Resorts has officially broken ground on a monumental hospitality project in Osaka, marking the company’s largest new-build hotel development in Japan to date. In partnership with Sakurajima Kaihatsu LLC—a consortium comprising Kajima Corporation, Japan Post Real Estate, SMFL MIRAI Partners, and Keihanshin Building—IHG will launch a triple-branded hotel complex situated directly adjacent to Universal Studios Japan (USJ). This strategic development, located in the Konohana-ku ward, is poised to become a premier destination for travelers. Furthermore, it capitalizes on its riverside setting and proximity to one of Asia’s most visited theme parks. Scheduled to open in 2029, the complex will feature three distinct brands: InterContinental, Kimpton, and Holiday Inn Resort. They will collectively offer 817 rooms to cater to a diverse range of guests from luxury seekers to families.
A Trio of Iconic Brands
The project introduces a unique mix of hospitality experiences within a single complex, ensuring broad market appeal. The InterContinental Hotel will feature 244 luxury rooms, aimed at affluent travelers seeking refined elegance. Guests can expect premium amenities such as an all-day dining restaurant, a lobby bar and lounge, a gym, a rooftop swimming pool, and a Japanese-inspired thermal bathing experience. The hotel will also house significant meeting and event spaces, including a ballroom and four meeting rooms.
The Kimpton Hotel, known for its sophisticated and playful design, will offer 246 rooms. This lifestyle-focused property will include an all-day dining restaurant, a rooftop specialty restaurant, a deli/café, a gym, and an indoor swimming pool, alongside its own dedicated meeting spaces.
Rounding out the trio is the Holiday Inn Resort, designed with families in mind. With 327 rooms, it will be the largest of the three hotels by key count. Family-centric amenities will include a kids’ club, a games room and indoor swimming pools for both adults and children. Additionally, a casual dining options like a deli/café.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
The development’s location is a key asset, situated just a 10-minute boat ride or drive from the upcoming Integrated Resort in Yumeshima, the site of the World Expo 2025. This connectivity positions the hotel complex as a central hub for tourists exploring the wider Osaka Bay area. The project benefits from ongoing local infrastructure improvements. This includes the extension of the JR Sakurajima Line and the development of new ferry terminals. Additionally, the recent expansion of Kansai International Airport, which increased its capacity to 40 million annual passengers, supports the anticipated influx of international visitors.
Economic and Tourism Impact
As official hotels of Universal Studios Japan, these properties will be the only internationally branded accommodations in the immediate vicinity, filling a significant gap in the local market. The partnership between IHG and the Sakurajima Kaihatsu consortium underscores a shared vision to elevate Osaka’s status as a global tourism destination. By integrating high-end accommodations with the vibrant entertainment offerings of USJ and the future Integrated Resort—momentum solidified as the groundbreaking ceremony is held for the US$8.9 billion MGM Osaka—the project is expected to drive substantial economic growth and job creation in the region.
Project Factsheet
Project Name: Triple-Branded Hotel Complex (Osaka Sakurajima Resort Project)
Location: Konohana-ku, Osaka, Japan (Near Universal Studios Japan)
Developer: Sakurajima Kaihatsu LLC (Consortium: Kajima Corp, Japan Post Real Estate, SMFL MIRAI Partners, Keihanshin Building)
Operator: IHG Hotels & Resorts
Total Rooms: 817 Keys
Brands:
InterContinental: 244 Rooms
Kimpton: 246 Rooms
Holiday Inn Resort: 327 Rooms
Opening Date: 2029
Key Features: Rooftop pools, Japanese thermal baths, extensive meeting spaces, direct access to USJ area
