New IHG Hotels Near Universal Studios Japan to Cater to Luxury, Lifestyle, and Family Travellers with InterContinental, Kimpton, and Holiday Inn Resort

Published on December 25, 2025

Japan’s bustling Osaka is poised to welcome a monumental addition to its hospitality landscape. IHG Hotels & Resorts, in collaboration with a consortium of leading developers, has officially broken ground on a groundbreaking triple-branded hotel project near Universal Studios Japan (USJ). This project, which will bring three iconic brands—InterContinental, Kimpton, and Holiday Inn Resort—to one of Japan’s most exciting tourist destinations, promises to deliver unparalleled experiences for visitors to Osaka and Universal Studios.

The new hotels will be situated within a prime riverside location, just a 10-minute boat ride or drive from USJ, and are set to open in 2029. This strategic location is expected to significantly enhance the guest experience for those visiting Universal Studios Japan, the most visited theme park in Asia. The development will feature a total of 817 keys across the three hotels, with each brand offering a distinct experience to cater to a diverse range of guests—from luxury travellers to families.

This expansion is a significant milestone for IHG Hotels & Resorts as it marks both the company’s largest new-build hotel deal in Japan and its first triple-branded project in the country. This collaboration with Sakurajima Kaihatsu LLC—a consortium of major developers, including Kajima Corporation, Japan Post Real Estate, and SMFL MIRAI Partners—brings together the expertise and vision of leading players in the hospitality and real estate sectors.

In this article, we explore the details of this exciting new project, the benefits it brings to Osaka, and how it will complement the rapidly growing tourism and entertainment sector around Universal Studios Japan.

A Strategic Collaboration Near Universal Studios Japan

The decision to build a triple-branded hotel complex in Osaka underscores the region’s growing importance as a global tourism destination. Universal Studios Japan has become an entertainment hub for both domestic and international tourists, offering world-class attractions such as Super Nintendo World, Harry Potter, and Jurassic Park.

The triple-branded development—featuring InterContinental, Kimpton, and Holiday Inn Resort—is designed to cater to various guest preferences while offering the best in comfort, luxury, and convenience. These three brands will provide a seamless experience for guests visiting the park and surrounding attractions.

Key Highlights of the New Hotel Complex:

• Prime location: A 10-minute boat ride or drive from Universal Studios Japan and the new integrated resort at Yumeshima.
• 817 hotel rooms across three distinctive brands to suit different budgets and travel styles.
• InterContinental Osaka will provide luxury and sophisticated amenities, with features like a rooftop swimming pool, Japanese-inspired thermal bathing, and a ballroom for events.
• Kimpton Osaka will offer a chic and modern experience, complete with a rooftop specialty restaurant, an indoor swimming pool, and meeting spaces.
• Holiday Inn Resort Osaka will cater to families with spacious rooms, a kids’ club, and a games room for younger guests.

Enhancing the Visitor Experience at Universal Studios Japan

The new hotel complex will further enhance the tourism infrastructure around Universal Studios Japan, ensuring that visitors have a seamless and luxurious stay. The project is part of a broader effort to improve the area’s hospitality offerings and attract more international visitors to Osaka and Japan.

With the addition of InterContinental, Kimpton, and Holiday Inn Resort hotels, guests will have access to top-tier accommodations that are ideally located for quick access to USJ. This is a perfect solution for those looking to experience all that Universal Studios Japan has to offer, from thrilling rides to unforgettable entertainment experiences.

Additionally, the hotels will benefit from new transportation developments, including the extension of the JR Sakurajima Line and the opening of new ferry terminals, making it even easier for guests to access the theme park and surrounding areas. This strategic connectivity will make these hotels an attractive option for both international tourists and local guests.

A Boost to Osaka’s Hospitality Landscape

The opening of these three iconic hotels will not only enhance the visitor experience at Universal Studios Japan but will also elevate Osaka’s status as a leading global tourism hub. With an increasing number of tourists visiting Japan, particularly for theme park experiences, Osaka is witnessing a surge in demand for high-quality accommodations.

The hotels will add to IHG’s expanding portfolio in Japan, where the company already operates 57 open hotels across 10 brands and 20 pipeline properties. In Osaka, IHG’s current portfolio includes InterContinental Osaka, voco Osaka Central, and RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, providing a solid foundation for this new triple-branded venture.

This new project is expected to further contribute to the region’s tourism growth, attracting both international tourists and local visitors looking for top-tier hospitality options in close proximity to Universal Studios Japan.

A Closer Look at the Brands

The three brands involved in this triple-branded hotel complex bring their own unique character and style to the development, ensuring that guests have a wide range of options to choose from:

• InterContinental Hotels: Known for luxury and sophistication, InterContinental Osaka will offer a world-class experience, with premium amenities such as a rooftop pool, upscale dining options, and state-of-the-art event spaces.
• Kimpton Hotels: Kimpton Osaka will cater to guests seeking modern design, with chic interiors and vibrant dining options, including a rooftop restaurant offering stunning views of the Osaka skyline.
• Holiday Inn Resort: Perfect for families, the Holiday Inn Resort Osaka will feature spacious rooms, a kids’ club, and ample facilities to keep young guests entertained.

The Future of Hospitality in Osaka

The opening of these three hotels marks just the beginning of IHG Hotels & Resorts’ ambitious expansion plans in Japan. The company aims to continue its growth in the region, adding more properties and strengthening its presence in key cities like Osaka. This triple-branded hotel project is a reflection of the growing demand for luxury and family-friendly accommodations in the country’s bustling tourist hubs.

As Japan’s tourism industry continues to grow, developments like this one are poised to further enhance the country’s global hospitality offering. The collaboration between IHG, Kajima Corporation, and other partners is a prime example of how the industry is evolving to meet the demands of modern travellers seeking both comfort and convenience.