MICE News

Japan’s first integrated resort is being built in Osaka!

After the success of Expo 2025, much excitement has been building for Osaka’s next biggest development; the Integrated Resort (IR). In this article we will break down plans for the IR and explain why this massive development is well worth the anticipation!

What is an Integrated Resort (IR)?

Many in Japan call it the casino, or casino resort. While there are plans for a casino, big news due to it being something historically banned from Japan until now, the Osaka IR is much, much more. As the name suggests, an integrated resort is a resort complex that offers built-in all-around services including hotels, retail, entertainment and more. Some of the most globally famous integrated resorts include Marina Bay Sands (Singapore), Caesars Palace (USA), Paradise City (South Korea), and Genting Highlands (Malaysia).

What is the Osaka IR?

The Osaka IR is a complex that integrates hotels, convention space, restaurants, entertainment and more, all into one facility. It aims to provide a space to enjoy high-quality products and service for all, whether on business or a family trip. The project will proceed through public-private partnerships with the target opening date of fall 2030.

Specifics of the plan include a lot size of 492,000 sq. m. (approx. 42 hectares) utilized to house facilities that will add to a total floor area of 780,000 sq. m. (approx. 8 million sq. ft.). Once the doors are open, an estimated 20 million visitors are expected to visit a year. Among that number, domestic travelers are estimated to be around 14 million and international travelers to be around 6 million. Additionally, the estimated annual revenue is expected to reach 520 billion JPY (approx. 3 billion USD), with 100 billion JPY (approx. 600 million USD) born from the non-gaming facilities and the remaining 420 billion JPY (approx. 2.6 billion USD) generated by the gaming areas. The location of the IR is also expected to produce an economic ripple effect of roughly 1.14 trillion yen (approx. 8 billion USD) per year in the Kansai region, in addition to creating 15,000 jobs on-site, greatly contributing to the regional economy.

Meeting and Event Capabilities

The IR aims to build large-scale international conference and exhibition facilities, providing a one-stop world-class MICE hub. The largest event room is intended to reach a capacity of over 6,000. Combined with the other spaces, the expected total capacity is approximately over 12,000. This would make the Osaka IR one of the largest event complexes in Japan. With an exceptional local MICE infrastructure complete with event support, long-term subsidies, and more, this colossal complex is expected to help support the OCTB’s goal in making Osaka the No. 1 MICE destination in Asia.

Transportation Hub

Plans for the IR also include a transportation hub aiming to connect not only Osaka to the surrounding Kansai region, but to the rest of Japan via bus and ferry terminals. There, guests can consult with expert agents to craft travel plans tailored to their individual preferences. With its almost perfectly central position in Japan, Osaka is the ideal location to connect travelers to hidden gems of Japan that are typically out of the spotlight solely for their distance from the capital Tokyo.

Entertainment

Multiple entertainment facilities are in the works, including a theater with over 3,500 seats, and most anticipated, a casino complex. Japan has long had strict regulations against cash gambling, so the introduction of a traditional casino has made quite the news. Due to this, the facility is often simplified and called “the casino” by locals. The casino itself, however, will occupy less than 3% of the floor space.

There will also be a waterfront area that will be open for outdoor events, activities, and experiences, with Osaka Bay as a scenic backdrop.

Culture & Tradition Showcase

The IR aims to spotlight Japanese culture by dedicating specific spaces such as the Kansai Japan House and the Japan Food Pavilion to sharing traditional craft, food culture, and more. Additionally, a facility known as the Garden Theater will provide a space for innovative content and interactive events, which will incorporate a blend of new techniques and traditional performing arts.

Yumeshima

The IR is being built on Yumeshima, the artificial island located in Osaka Bay. Most recently, it is famous for being the site of Expo 2025, which welcomed over 29 million visitors during its six-month run. The name of the island literally means "dream island". The IR is the beginning of long-term development and vitalization of the area.

Overview

The construction of such a massive integrated resort is a large step for not only Osaka, but all of Japan. The unique facilities that are under construction bring new possibilities for event planners around the world. Paired with Osaka’s recent robust international convention subsidy, we hope to use this momentum to bring the region even further into the spotlight of the world stage.

Find out more on the official Osaka Prefecture/City website:

• About Osaka IR (Japanese only)

Find out more on the official MGM website:

• About Osaka IR