IHG and its Japanese partners announced three new hotels near Universal Studios Japan in Osaka, set to open in 2029.
The project will have 817 rooms across InterContinental, Kimpton, and Holiday Inn-branded hotels.
You can access IHG here.
READ MORE: IHG One Rewards Rate & Bonus Points Offers
Location:
The location of these hotels are roughly 25 minutes away from Namba station by a cab or 38 minutes by public transportation.
IHG’s Press Release:
Triple branded hotel project breaks ground near Universal Studios Japan – IHG’s biggest new build in country
Opening in 2029, 817-key development marks a global growth milestone for IHG and establishes a new collaboration with Sakurajima Kaihatsu LLC – a consortium of four companies led by Kajima Corporation
InterContinental, Kimpton and Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts to offer guests easy access to Asia’s most visited theme park and new Integrated Resort
Tokyo, Japan – 18 December 2025 – IHG Hotels & Resorts (IHG) proudly announces its biggest new-build hotel agreement in Japan near Universal Studios Japan (USJ), in partnership with Sakurajima Kaihatsu LLC, a consortium of four companies: Kajima Corporation, JAPAN POST REAL ESTATE Co., Ltd., SMFL MIRAI Partners Company, Limited, and Keihanshin Building Co., Ltd.
Celebrating the agreement at the recent groundbreaking in Konohana-ku, Osaka, the project marks IHG’s first triple-branded hotel development in Japan.
The collaboration will bring InterContinental, Kimpton and Holiday Inn Resort to the prime riverside location near Asia’s most visited theme park, offering guests an exceptional stay experience in close proximity to Universal Studios Japan. The hotels’ location is a 10-minute boat ride or drive from the new Integrated Resort in Yumeshima.
Totaling 817 keys, this trio of outstanding, adjoining properties will be Universal Studios Japan official hotels, and the only internationally branded properties in the area, when they open in 2029.
Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director, Japan & Micronesia, IHG Hotels & Resorts and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, said:
“IHG is honoured to extend our relationship with our valued partners – a consortium of four companies behind Sakurajima Kaihatsu LLC – and expand IHG’s footprint as an official hotel partner to Universal Studios Japan, Asia’s leading theme park. This agreement marks an important double growth milestone for IHG – our largest new-build hotel deal in Japan, and our first triple-branded project in the country.
“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, who will enjoy easy access to Universal Studios Japan while being within easy reach of its many neighbouring attractions, including the new integrated resort at Yumeshima.
“IHG’s growth continues apace in Japan where we have 57 open hotels across 10 brands and 20 pipeline properties. This trio of exceptional new-build hotels will expand our current portfolio of 10 properties in Osaka and 12 in the wider Kansai region.”
Katsunori Ichihashi, Senior Executive Officer, General Manager, Real Estate Development Division, Kajima Corporation – the representative company among the four development partners – said:
“We’re delighted to announce IHG as an official hotel operator for USJ – the latest milestone in our major expansion of this area. Partnering with an international hotel group of the stature and reputation of IHG will greatly enhance the experiences of our visitors, who will savour everything our collaboration has to offer, including iconic hotels and the vibrant restaurant and bar scene we’re developing on the Osaka riverfront.
“We chose IHG and three of its differentiated brands to ensure we provide a wide selection of choices for visitors – from the world-famous luxury of InterContinental to the awe-inspiring experiences of Kimpton, through to the family friendly resort experience of Holiday Inn. The area, which is already very popular, has the potential to attract even more visitors. By building new infrastructure, adding attractions, introducing an integrated resort, and opening international branded hotels, we’re creating a must-visit destination for visitors, and a fresh experience for Japan.”
InterContinental, Kimpton and Holiday Inn Resort will be situated within easy reach of central Osaka, perfectly complementing IHG’s portfolio of properties within the city, including InterContinental Osaka, voco Osaka Central and RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, Vignette Collection. Surrounding infrastructure developments include the extension of JR Sakurajima Line and the opening of new ferry terminals, while Kansai International Airport recently increased its passenger capacity to 40 million annually following a major renovation of Terminal 1.
Universal Studios Japan is wholly owned by Comcast NBCUniversal. Universal Studios Japan, located in Osaka Japan, has succeeded in establishing its position as a prominent entertainment and leisure landmark – drawing many guests from Japan as well as overseas. The park offers some of the world’s most exciting and innovative experiences – high quality attractions, shows, and seasonal events based on Hollywood blockbusters, Japanese anime and entertainment brands popular around the globe. Guests can let loose and enjoy unforgettable, super energetic experiences throughout the park.
Universal Studios Japan has continued to evolve since its opening in 2001. It most recently launched SUPER NINTENDO WORLD, where guests can unleash their passion to play in an immersive environment based on iconic Nintendo characters and their worlds. It also offers premier entertainment experiences such as the magical The Wizarding World of Harry Potter featuring Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, the breathtaking Jurassic Park area with its state-of-the-art Flying Dinosaur coaster, and Minion Park, where guests will encounter Minions causing mischief on Despicable Me Minion Mayhem.
Sumitomo’s Press Release (Machine Translation from Japanese):
The Only Foreign-Owned Official Hotel of Universal Studios Japan
“Osaka Sakurajima Resort” Project Begins Full-Scale Construction
— A “Triple-Brand” Hotel Featuring Three Brands, Scheduled to Open in 2029 —
Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited
December 18, 2025, 1:00 PM
Sumitomo Mitsui Finance and Leasing Company, Limited (President and CEO: Tetsuro Imaeda; hereinafter “SMFL”) announces that Sakurajima Development LLC—jointly invested in by its strategic subsidiary SMFL Mirai Partners Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Akira Ueda), Kajima Corporation (President and CEO: Hiromasa Amano), Japan Post Real Estate Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Akira Ikeda), and Keihanshin Building Co., Ltd. (President and CEO: Tsuneo Wakabayashi)—has commenced full-scale construction in December 2025 on the “Osaka Sakurajima Resort” project, the only foreign-owned hotel among Universal Studios Japan’s official hotels.
This project will be operated by IHG Hotels & Resorts (Headquarters: United Kingdom; Japan operating company: IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan LLC, Minato-ku, Tokyo; Managing Director, Japan & Micronesia and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan LLC: Abhijay Sandilya; hereinafter “IHG”), one of the world’s largest global hotel companies. The resort is planned to feature three hotel brands: InterContinental, Kimpton, and Holiday Inn Hotels & Resorts.
Project Features
1. The Only Foreign-Owned Official Hotel of Universal Studios Japan
Located in close proximity to Universal Studios Japan, which delivers world-class entertainment, and within the Osaka Bay Area where entertainment facilities such as the Osaka Integrated Resort (scheduled to open in 2030) are concentrated, this project will be the only foreign-owned hotel designated as an official Universal Studios Japan hotel. Working closely with USJ LLC (President: Takashi Murayama), the project will contribute to the creation of vibrancy throughout the Osaka Bay Area.
2. Excellent Accessibility from Across the Kansai Region
The site offers outstanding convenience, approximately 20 minutes from Osaka Station, 40 minutes from Itami Airport, and 60 minutes from Kyoto Station and Sannomiya Station.
The planned site is also close to Universal City Port, a ferry terminal, enabling water-based access to central Osaka. In the future, marine access from Kansai International Airport and Kobe Airport is also anticipated.
3. Development of a “Triple-Brand” Hotel Operated by IHG
This project will be IHG’s first “triple-brand” hotel in Japan, meaning a single building housing three distinct hotel brands. It represents a large-scale development project unique in the Japanese market.
4. Landscape Design Expressing Dual Characteristics of the Site
The western side of the site faces Universal Studios Japan, while the eastern side overlooks the Ajigawa River estuary, where sightseeing boats travel. To fully leverage this exceptional environment, the building is divided into two structures—east and west—designed to harmonize with their respective surroundings and create a continuous, airy space where movement and flow are emphasized.
The western façade evokes the solid, weighty character of Brooklyn’s urban streetscape, while the eastern façade presents an open, transparent appearance reflecting the shimmering waters of the Ajigawa River. By creating harmony at the intersection of city and nature, the project aims to become a destination that offers experiences unique to this location.
5. Development of a Waterfront Space Seamlessly Connecting the River and the Hotel
Prior to construction, Sakurajima Development LLC was selected in March 2023 as the planned operator through an open proposal process for the Konohana West Port Green Space Waterfront Activation Project, covering the area between the site and the Ajigawa River (hereinafter, the “Waterfront Area”).
Through the development of plazas and the installation of art, the project aims to create a walkable environment reminiscent of strolling through a circuit-style garden. Efforts will also be strengthened to enhance water transportation infrastructure that embodies Osaka as a “City of Water.”
In developing the Waterfront Area, the project will work in unison with the Konohana West Port Green Space Waterfront Activation Council, consisting of government bodies, local companies, and community organizations, with the goal of generating vibrancy across the entire Sakurajima area—the gateway to Osaka’s waterfront.
Conclusion
These three hotels are convenient for Universal Studios Japan and other developments that are coming up in the area.
They are not, however, hotels where you should stay if you plan to explore Osaka, as they are too far from the city center.
AloJapan.com