IHG Unveils Vignette Collection in Japan: RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka Sets a New Standard in Authentic Luxury
(IN SHORT) IHG Hotels & Resorts has debuted its new collection brand in Japan by rebranding RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka as part of the Vignette Collection. This transformation blends the hotel’s historic legacy—dating back to 1935—with a refreshed, modern guest experience. Situated in Nakanoshima, Osaka, the hotel has undergone extensive renovations to offer over 1,000 remodeled rooms, 18 diverse restaurants and bars, a fitness center, and comprehensive event facilities. The grand opening featured a creative ribbon-cutting ceremony with a traditional tenugui hand towel, symbolizing a long-term partnership between RIHGA and IHG. The Vignette Collection is built on the principles of ‘Memorable Rituals’ and ‘A Means For Good,’ providing guests with culturally immersive experiences, such as the daily “Furumai-cha” tea ritual, and engaging community initiatives that support youth education. Abhijay Sandilya of IHG emphasized that RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka exemplifies the collection’s unique blend of individuality and collective excellence, paving the way for authentic and enriching travel experiences. This launch marks a significant milestone in IHG’s strategy to expand its luxury and lifestyle portfolio globally.
(PRESS RELEASE) OSAKA, Japan, 2025-Apr-2 — /Travel PR News/ — IHG Hotels & Resorts has officially launched its new collection brand in Japan with the rebranding of RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka, marking the first property in the country to join IHG’s Vignette Collection. This prestigious transformation blends the hotel’s storied past with a fresh, modern guest experience designed for today’s discerning venturer. Located in the vibrant district of Nakanoshima—dubbed “City of Water”—RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka has been a symbol of international and cultural exchange since its founding in 1935, welcoming distinguished guests from imperial families to celebrated global luminaries.
Following an extensive renovation, the hotel now boasts over 1,000 newly redesigned rooms—including a standout 700m² suite—18 unique dining venues, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and versatile event facilities featuring 56 banquet rooms. To complement this transformation, globally acclaimed Japanese fashion designer Junko Koshino has been commissioned to create the hotel’s new uniforms, further enhancing its refined identity.
In a memorable opening ceremony, the hotel marked its rebranding with a unique twist on the traditional ribbon-cutting, featuring an original tenugui hand towel dyed using the classic Osaka “Chusen” technique. Inspired by the rivers that wind through Nakanoshima, the hand towel symbolized the enduring partnership between RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka and IHG Hotels & Resorts as they embark on a shared global journey.
Abhijay Sandilya, Managing Director – Japan & Micronesia for IHG Hotels & Resorts and CEO of IHG ANA Hotels Group Japan, expressed his excitement: “We are thrilled to introduce Vignette Collection as our 10th brand in Japan. RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka perfectly exemplifies the essence of our collection brand—each property tells its own unique story while upholding our collective vision to provide travellers with authentic, one-of-a-kind experiences, enhanced by the best-in-class benefits of IHG One Rewards.”
Central to the Vignette Collection ethos are its twin pillars: ‘Memorable Rituals’ and ‘A Means For Good.’ RIHGA Royal Hotel Osaka celebrates its cultural heritage by embracing local traditions such as “Furumai-cha”—a daily tea ritual accompanied by a majestic performance of Japanese classical music on a Steinway & Sons SPIRIO piano in the hotel’s Main Lounge. Additionally, the hotel is committed to community engagement through initiatives that support secondary and high school students, fostering education and self-development.
Since its inception, Vignette Collection has rapidly expanded, with IHG’s portfolio growing from a single property to over 500 properties across more than 70 countries in the luxury and lifestyle segment. As IHG’s first collection brand, Vignette Collection curates distinctive hotels that balance individuality with a unified vision, offering owners the advantage of IHG’s global enterprise and rewarding guests with unique travel experiences.
For further information please contact:
Naoko Nishida
naoko.nishida@ihg.com
SOURCE: InterContinental Hotels Group
