TOKYO — Pacifica Hotels G.K. today announced that it has signed a franchise agreement with Marriott International, Inc. to introduce City Express by Marriott to Japan through the conversion of two existing hotels in Osaka. Following a comprehensive rebranding, the properties are expected to reopen in spring 2026 as City Express by Marriott Osaka Namba South and City Express by Marriott Osaka Shin-Imamiya. Together, these openings will mark the debut of the midscale City Express by Marriott brand in the Asia Pacific region, bringing its distinctive blend of value, convenience, and modern comfort to one of Japan’s most dynamic cities.
City Express by Marriott offers reliable, modern, and accessible accommodations designed for value-conscious travelers across urban, suburban, and emerging destinations. With a focus on quality, simplicity, and consistency, the brand caters to both business and leisure travelers seeking comfortable rooms and ample space to recharge.
“We are pleased to once again collaborate with Pacifica Hotels G.K. to bring City Express by Marriott to Japan, marking the brand’s debut in Asia Pacific,” said Shawn Hill, Chief Development Officer, Asia Pacific (excluding China), Marriott International. “This signing reflects our continued commitment to strategic growth across the region and to expanding our offerings to meet the evolving needs of today’s travelers. With its strong value proposition and the power of the Marriott Bonvoy distribution and loyalty platform, City Express by Marriott is well positioned to complement Marriott’s expanding midscale portfolio in Japan and contribute meaningfully to Osaka’s thriving tourism landscape.”
“With hotel rates rising rapidly across Japan, we see tremendous opportunity to offer guests high-quality accommodations at affordable price points through City Express by Marriott,” said Seth Sulkin, CEO of Pacifica Hotels and its subsidiary Shin Imamiya Hospitality, the franchisee for both properties. “These hotels will provide travelers with the chance to discover the vibrant Nishinari Ward area south of Namba, where we see strong potential and growing demand.”
City Express by Marriott Osaka Shin-Imamiya is expected to feature 100 guest rooms in a nine-story standalone property located in Haginochaya, Nishinari-ku, directly adjacent to Shin-Imamiya Station — a major interchange served by the JR Osaka Loop Line, Nankai Main Line, and Osaka Metro. Its prime location offers seamless connectivity throughout Osaka and the wider Kansai region.
City Express by Marriott Osaka Namba South is planned to feature 143 guest rooms in a 14-story standalone property located in Hanazono-kita, Nishinari-ku, adjacent to Hanazonochō Station on the Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line. Situated along National Route 26 and surrounded by low-rise commercial and residential buildings, the hotel provides convenient subway and vehicular access to central Osaka.
Both hotels are located within lively retail, residential, and commercial districts, offering easy access to major Osaka attractions such as Abeno Harukas, Tennoji, Namba, Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, Osaka Dome, and Osaka Castle Park. They are also well connected to Kansai International Airport via the Nankai Main Line, ensuring a smooth and direct travel experience for international visitors.
These openings underscore Marriott’s continued focus on expanding its midscale portfolio in Japan, delivering thoughtfully designed, accessible, and connected accommodations that cater to the evolving preferences of both domestic and international travelers.
Pacifica Hotels G.K. is Japan’s leading third-party operator of international hotel brands, managing a diverse portfolio that spans from midscale to upper-upscale segments. (GlobeNewswire)
