IHG Announces Landmark Triple-Branded Hotel Complex Near Universal Studios Japan
A new hospitality hub is set to transform the Osaka waterfront, offering guests unprecedented access to one of Asia’s premier entertainment destinations. IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) revealed on Thursday, December 18, 2025, its largest new-build hotel agreement in Japan, a triple-branded property near Universal Studios Japan (USJ) developed in partnership with Sakurajima Kaihatsu LLC.
The project, celebrated with a recent groundbreaking in Konohana-ku, Osaka, will bring together InterContinental, Kimpton, and Holiday Inn Resort in a single, integrated complex. This marks IHG’s first triple-branded hotel development within the country, signaling a significant expansion of its presence in the Japanese market.
The 817-key development will be strategically located on the riverside, offering a 10-minute commute via boat or car to the upcoming Integrated Resort in Yumeshima. Upon completion in 2029, the hotels will function as official hotels of Universal Studios Japan, and represent the only internationally branded properties in the immediate area.
According to a company release, Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director, Japan & Micronesia, IHG Hotels & Resorts and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, stated, “IHG is honoured to extend our relationship with our valued partners…and expand IHG’s footprint as an official hotel partner to Universal Studios Japan.” He further emphasized the significance of the deal, noting it represents both the company’s largest new-build hotel agreement in Japan and its inaugural triple-branded project. “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 & Resorts brands to guests,” Sandilya added.
The consortium behind Sakurajima Kaihatsu LLC includes Kajima Corporation, JAPAN POST REAL ESTATE Co., Ltd., SMFL MIRAI Partners Company, Limited, and Keihanshin Building Co., Ltd. Katsunori Ichihashi, Senior Executive Officer, General Manager, Real Estate Development Division, Kajima Corporation, expressed enthusiasm for the partnership, stating, “Partnering with an international hotel group of the stature and reputation of IHG will greatly enhance the experiences of our visitors.” He highlighted the intention to create a “must-visit destination” through infrastructure improvements, new attractions, and the introduction of internationally recognized hotel brands.
The new hotels will complement IHG’s existing Osaka portfolio, which includes InterContinental Osaka, voco Osaka Central, and RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection. Ongoing infrastructure projects, such as the extension of the JR Sakurajima Line and the addition of new ferry terminals, are expected to further enhance accessibility to the area. Recent renovations at Kansai International Airport have also increased its passenger capacity to 40 million annually.
Universal Studios Japan, owned by Comcast NBCUniversal, has established itself as a leading entertainment and leisure destination in Asia. The park continually evolves, most recently launching SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, alongside popular attractions like The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, and Minion Park. The park offers a diverse range of experiences based on globally recognized franchises, drawing both domestic and international visitors.
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This development underscores the growing appeal of Osaka as a tourism hub and represents a significant investment in the region’s hospitality infrastructure, promising an elevated experience for visitors to Universal Studios Japan and beyond.
