IHG Hotels & Resorts, a global leader in hospitality, is charting a new path across regional Japan with the upcoming opening of ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda and ANA Holiday Inn Tosu. Scheduled for launch in 2026, these properties mark the first internationally branded hotels in each city, underscoring IHG’s strategy to expand beyond Japan’s traditional tourism hubs.
This move strengthens IHG’s longstanding partnership with FET SYSTEM INC., a major player in the Japanese hospitality sector, and highlights the company’s commitment to meeting the evolving needs of domestic and international travelers in underserved markets.
Strategic Conversions in Rapidly Growing Cities
The hotels will be converted from existing properties: The Celecton Premier Kobe Sanda Hotel and Hotel Bientos, and fully rebranded after comprehensive renovations. These upgrades will incorporate Holiday Inn’s signature Open Lobby concept, offering multi-functional spaces where guests can work, dine, or relax—an approach increasingly favored by both business and leisure travelers.
Sanda, located approximately 40 km north of Kobe, is growing as a regional leisure and business destination, while Tosu, in Saga Prefecture, is an industrial hub located 30 km from Fukuoka with strong logistics and manufacturing sectors. IHG’s entry into these cities aims to boost their visibility on Japan’s tourism and business maps, while providing a trusted global hotel experience.
ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda: Scenic Retreat Meets Business Comfort
Once renovated, ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda will offer 130 rooms with stunning views of the Hyogo countryside, close to popular hiking trails, cycling routes, and golf courses. The hotel’s proximity to Kobe makes it a convenient venue for corporate meetings and weekend getaways. The redesign will introduce contemporary aesthetics and functionality tailored to the needs of modern travelers.
The Kobe-Sanda area is also home to cultural landmarks like the Takarazuka Revue and Kobe-Sanda Premium Outlets, appealing to a broad demographic of domestic tourists. With Hyogo Prefecture’s growing focus on regional tourism development, this new Holiday Inn will support local economic diversification.
ANA Holiday Inn Tosu: Gateway to Kyushu’s Industrial Corridor
ANA Holiday Inn Tosu, featuring 126 rooms, will serve a dual purpose: as a comfortable base for corporate visitors and a hub for weekend travelers exploring Kyushu. Located just five minutes from JR Tosu Station, the hotel will provide easy access to major cities like Fukuoka and Kurume, and is ideally positioned near Tosu Premium Outlets and Tosu Stadium, a popular J-League venue.
Tosu’s strategic location in northern Kyushu makes it an ideal destination for business travelers visiting factories and logistics centers in Saga and Fukuoka prefectures. The hotel will also support tourism to nearby destinations like Yoshinogari Historical Park and Mount Tara.
Why Sanda and Tosu? IHG’s Smart Regional Strategy
IHG’s focus on emerging Japanese cities aligns with government and prefectural tourism strategies that encourage investment in regional revitalization. According to Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism (MLIT), regional cities are seeing increased travel interest post-pandemic due to their open spaces and slower pace of life.
“We’re excited to bring Holiday Inn to two new markets in Japan through strategic conversions,” said Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director, IHG Hotels & Resorts Japan & Micronesia. “Sanda and Tosu are well-positioned for business and leisure growth, and these openings will offer travelers a reliable and familiar hotel experience.”
With 60% of IHG’s global hotel openings coming through conversions, the company’s quick-to-market strategy has allowed it to grow efficiently in regions where development cycles are typically longer. The partnership with FET SYSTEM INC ensures local expertise supports the brand’s high operational standards.
A Stronger Holiday Inn Presence in Japan
With these additions, IHG will boast 15 Holiday Inn properties across Japan—either open or in the pipeline. The global Holiday Inn brand, with over 1,240 hotels worldwide and another 275 in development, remains a cornerstone of IHG’s portfolio. In Japan, the brand appeals to a wide range of travelers looking for value, consistency, and service quality.
In 2023, Japan’s domestic travel market recovered to nearly 80% of pre-pandemic levels, according to the Japan Tourism Agency. As tourism infrastructure improves and remote working fuels regional relocation and “bleisure” travel, cities like Sanda and Tosu are becoming increasingly attractive.
Looking Ahead: A Model for Regional Hospitality Growth
The ANA Holiday Inn properties in Sanda and Tosu represent more than hotel conversions—they’re symbols of a broader shift toward decentralized tourism and smart hospitality growth in Japan. The successful launch of these hotels could open the door for further IHG developments in similarly underserved areas, such as Takamatsu, Kofu, and Utsunomiya.
Local governments in both Hyogo and Saga prefectures have welcomed the investment. With tourism-focused infrastructure projects and business incentives in the pipeline, these cities are poised for long-term growth, supported by reliable hospitality options.
IHG Hotels & Resorts’ expansion into Sanda and Tosu through the ANA Holiday Inn brand is a forward-thinking move that aligns with Japan’s evolving travel landscape. These upcoming 2026 openings not only bring global hospitality standards to emerging domestic markets but also signal confidence in regional Japan’s future as a travel and business destination. For travelers seeking comfort, convenience, and consistency, Sanda and Tosu are about to become compelling new options on the map.
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