TOKYO, Nov. 10, 2025 — Pacifica Hotels G.K. revealed today that it has executed a franchise agreement with Marriott International Inc. to introduce the brand to Japan through the conversion of two existing hotels in Osaka. Following a comprehensive rebrand, these properties are slated to relaunch in Spring 2026 as City Express by Marriott Osaka Namba South and City Express by Marriott Osaka Shin-Imamiya. These launches are anticipated to signify the debut of the midscale City Express by Marriott in the Asia Pacific region, bringing its compelling blend of affordability, practicality, and contemporary comforts to one of Japan’s most dynamic urban centers.
City Express by Marriott provides dependable, modern, and easily accessible lodging options for budget-aware travelers across urban, suburban, and developing destinations. Emphasizing quality, simplicity, and consistency, the brand invites both corporate and leisure guests to unwind in comfortable rooms featuring ample space for rejuvenation.
“We are delighted to partner once more with Pacifica Hotels G.K. to introduce City Express by Marriott to Japan, which is also projected to be the brand’s first appearance in Asia Pacific,” stated Shawn Hill, Chief Development Officer, Asia Pacific excluding China, Marriott International. “This agreement underscores our ongoing dedication to strategic expansion throughout the region and to diversifying our offerings to satisfy the changing demands of modern travelers. Given its compelling value proposition and the robust distribution and loyalty platform of Marriott Bonvoy, City Express by Marriott is ideally situated to enhance Marriott’s expanding midscale presence in Japan and to significantly boost Osaka’s flourishing tourism sector.”
“As hotel prices are increasing quickly across Japan, we identify a significant chance to provide guests with high-quality lodging at reasonable rates through City Express by Marriott,” commented Seth Sulkin, CEO of Pacifica Hotels and its subsidiary Shin Imamiya Hospitality, the franchisee for both properties. “These hotels will enable travelers to explore the lively district of Nishinari Ward, located south of Namba, an area where we observe considerable promise and increasing demand.”
City Express by Marriott Shin-Imamiya is anticipated to include 100 guest rooms. This nine-story, independent property will be situated in Haginochaya, Nishinari-ku, immediately next to Shin-Imamiya Station—a significant transport hub for the JR Osaka Loop Line, Nankai Main Line, and Osaka Metro. Its advantageous position guarantees effortless travel throughout Osaka and the wider Kansai area.
City Express by Marriott Osaka Namba South is designed to offer 143 guest rooms. This will be a 14-story, standalone structure located in Hanazono-kita, Nishinari-ku, next to Hanazonochō Station on the Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line. Situated along National Route 26 and flanked by low-rise commercial and residential properties, the hotel provides easy subway and road connections to central Osaka.
Both properties are located within lively retail, residential, and business centers, offering convenient reach to Osaka’s premier sights, such as Abeno Harukas, Tennoji, Namba, Dotonbori, Shinsaibashi, Osaka Dome, and Osaka Castle Park. Additionally, they benefit from excellent connections to Kansai International Airport via the Nankai Main Line, promising travelers a straightforward and direct arrival.
These launches underscore Marriott’s ongoing commitment to augmenting its midscale offerings in Japan, providing intelligently designed, attainable, and connected lodging solutions that cater to the changing demands of both local and global visitors.
Regarding Pacifica Hotels G.K.
Pacifica Hotels G.K. stands as the foremost third-party operator of international hotels throughout Japan, managing a diverse array of brands spanning from midscale to upper upscale categories.
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Akio Nakamura
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