Marriott Launches City Express Brand in Japan

OSAKA, May 26, 2026 — Marriott International has officially launched its City Express by Marriott brand in Japan with the opening of two hotels in Osaka, marking the brand’s first entry into the Asia Pacific region.

The openings of City Express by Marriott Shin-Imamiya and City Express by Marriott Osaka Namba South add 243 guestrooms to Marriott’s growing Japan portfolio and expand the company’s value-oriented hospitality offerings across Asia.

City Express by Marriott Expands Into Japan

The two Osaka properties will operate under franchise agreements with Marriott International and are managed by Shin-Imamiya Hospitality, part of Pacifica Hotels.

Marriott executives said the City Express brand is designed for travelers seeking efficient, comfortable and accessible stays in major urban destinations.

The launch also marks the first Asia Pacific expansion for the City Express by Marriott brand, which originally developed a strong presence across Mexico and Latin America.

Industry analysts say global hospitality groups are increasingly focusing on affordable and midscale accommodation segments as travel demand diversifies across international markets.

Marriott Continues Midscale Hospitality Expansion

Marriott acquired the City Express brand portfolio in 2023 as part of its strategy to strengthen its position within the affordable and midscale hospitality market.

At the time of acquisition, the City Express portfolio included approximately 150 hotels across Mexico, Costa Rica, Colombia and Chile.

The hospitality group has since expanded the brand into the United States, Canada and Brazil while continuing to develop additional midmarket hotel concepts globally.

Hospitality experts say value-oriented brands continue attracting business and leisure travelers seeking internationally recognized accommodations at competitive price points.

Japan Remains Key Market for Marriott Growth

Marriott continues expanding its hotel portfolio across Japan through multiple projects across different hospitality segments.

Upcoming developments include Courtyard by Marriott properties in Shin-Yokohama and Hiroshima, alongside a new Moxy Hotels project in Niseko scheduled to open in late 2026.

The company is also developing new luxury properties under The Luxury Collection brand, including hotels in Hakone and Tottori.

Tourism analysts note that Japan remains one of Asia Pacific’s strongest hospitality investment markets as international visitor arrivals and domestic travel continue recovering.

Source: Marriott International and Top Hotel News reports.