MGM Osaka Integrated Resort (IR) in Japan is a high-capital infrastructure project located on the artificial island of Yumeshima in Osaka Bay. The collaboration between MGM Resorts International and Orix Corporation represents a JPY 1.6 trillion development, designed not merely as a gaming destination but as a multi-sector economic development aimed at anchoring the Kansai region’s post-2025 development.
MGM Osaka’s Architectural Details
It is the first casino-integrated resort in Japan’s history, shifting the country’s tourism strategy. The latest development and new architectural plans demonstrate a balance between high-glamour, high-visibility design archetypes and the Japanese landscape. Developing on the artificial island poses unique engineering challenges, ensuring the stability of high-rise structures in a seismically active coastal environment.
The structural integrity of the resort relies heavily on steel, selected for its combination of weldability and load-bearing capacity. The steel framework, utilizing H-beams, enables expansive spaces suitable for casino floors and conventional halls. Construction, which officially began on April 24, 2025, is being carried out by a consortium of Japan’s leading construction firms, including Takenaka Corporation, Obayashi Corporation, and Shimizu Corporation.
The architectural identity of MGM Osaka is defined by a 126-meter-high arced tower, inspired by the Bellagio Resort & Casino in Las Vegas. The arc design serves a dual purpose; it creates a distinctive visual silhouette along the Osaka waterfront and strategically positions most guest rooms to enjoy unobstructed views of Osaka Bay. Comprising 27 above-ground floors and one basement level, the tower also accommodates two distinct hotel brands.
Hospitality: 2,500 Rooms Across Three Tiers
The 56-meter-tall hotel-resort building is designed to offer a more intimate and culturally immersive experience. It will feature the MUSUBI Hotel along with specialized studios for traditional Japanese activities, such as tea ceremonies, promoting local culture. The hotel complex comprises 2,500 guest rooms across three distinct luxury brands, including the flagship luxury hotel and the MGM Villas.
The MUSUBI Hotel, located in the secondary 56-meter building, will feature 660 rooms. Beyond the guest accommodations, the resort includes a 3,500-seat theater designed to host world-class entertainment, from resident theatrical productions to international touring acts. The design team, led by Gensler in collaboration with prominent Japanese firms Nihon Sekkei and Kume Sekkei, focuses on creating luxurious spaces that transition from high-energy gaming zones to tranquil, nature-connected hospitality areas.
The MICE: A Global Business Hub
The biophilic approach creates serene environments within this expansive urban complex. Spanning 23,293 square meters, the casino floor accommodates 470 gaming tables and 6,400 slot or electronic gaming machines. The Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE) facility at MGM Osaka, covering a footprint of 16.7 hectares, rises 27 meters over four storeys. It offers 730,000 square feet of convention and exhibition space, one of the largest in Japan. The architectural layout comprises two massive halls and numerous smaller meeting rooms, with 400,000 square feet dedicated to conference facilities and 330,000 square feet allocated for exhibition space.
MGM Resorts International incorporates a sustainable framework, targeting both Japan’s CASBEE certification system and international LEED standards. As construction progresses steadily toward the 2030 deadline, the focus will gradually shift from architectural planning to technical challenges and regulatory compliance.
Photo Credits: resortX
AloJapan.com