IHG added that it has strategically expanded its portfolio in Japan over the past year, enhancing its appeal to both owners and guests. Credit: T Schneider / Shutterstock.

IHG Hotels & Resorts has announced that it has achieved a milestone by reaching 50 open properties in Japan.

The hotel company said that it is also on track to double its estate in the country following the introduction of three new brands, namely Six Senses, Vignette Collection and Garner.

Go deeper with GlobalData

Data Insights

The gold standard of business intelligence.

Find out more

IHG added that it has strategically expanded its portfolio in Japan over the past year, enhancing its appeal to both owners and guests.

In April 2024, the company introduced Six Senses in Kyoto, adding to its urban collection.

Additionally, IHG launched the Vignette Collection with RIGHA Royal Hotel Osaka and The Windsor Hotel TOYA Resort & Spa in July 2023 and November 2024, respectively.

Last month, IGH’s new midscale conversion brand, Garner, also made its debut in Japan with three hotels in Osaka.

IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan CEO, IHG Hotels & Resorts Japan and Micronesia managing director Abhijay Sandilya said: “We are delighted to be growing across our brand portfolio in Japan, which is a priority market for IHG.

“While new-build properties remain fundamental to our growth, we are also seizing the great opportunity in the country’s conversion space where international brands only represent 5% of hotels, far lower than the global average of close to 20%-25%.”

This expansion aligns with Japan’s growing status as an international hotspot, with the Japan Tourism Bureau (JTB) forecasting a record 40.2 million international arrivals in 2025. Domestic travel is also expected to rise by 2.7% to 305 million travellers.

Sandilya added: “The rises in demand by international and domestic travellers are directly supporting our growth ambition in Japan. The recent launch of our newest brand, Garner, a mid-scale conversion brand, is a big opportunity for us, given the size of the country’s midscale market.

“Also, we are set to celebrate more notable growth milestones this year, including the return of our powerhouse midscale brand, Holiday Inn, to Tokyo and Kyoto. It will be a special moment when Holiday Inn Kyoto Gojo welcomes guests as Kyoto was the brand’s first destination outside of the Americas when it opened in the 1970s.”

The company aims to expand its ANA Crowne Plaza presence by opening hotels in new destinations this year such as Okinawa.