A major new hotel has officially opened in Hyogo Prefecture, with the launch of ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda marking the first international full-service hotel in the city of Sanda.
The hotel held its grand opening ceremony on April 27, welcoming representatives from the hospitality industry, local government officials, and tourism stakeholders. The property is operated by Select Hotels Group in partnership with global hospitality company IHG Hotels & Resorts.
Located in the suburban hills of Sanda between Kobe and Osaka, the new hotel is expected to strengthen tourism and business travel access to northern Hyogo while also supporting growing inbound tourism demand across the Kansai region.
The opening reflects a wider trend in Japan’s tourism industry, where international hotel brands are increasingly expanding beyond major city centres into regional destinations. As visitor numbers to Japan continue to rise, travellers are also beginning to look beyond the traditional “Golden Route” of Tokyo, Kyoto, and Osaka in search of quieter and more local experiences.
Convenient Access Between Kobe and Osaka
One of the hotel’s strongest selling points is its accessibility. The property is located just a one-minute walk from Woody Town Chuo Station on the Kobe Electric Railway line, making it relatively easy to reach from central Osaka and Kobe by public transport. Drivers can also access the hotel within around seven minutes from both the Kobe-Sanda Interchange and Sanda-Nishi Interchange.
The surrounding area combines suburban convenience with natural scenery. Nearby attractions include the popular Kobe-Sanda Premium Outlets, the expansive Kobe Fruit & Flower Park Ozo, and several business hubs including Hokusetu Sanda Techno Park. Walking paths and green spaces along the Hiratani River also add to the area’s relaxed atmosphere.
For overseas visitors exploring Kansai by rental car, Sanda offers a quieter alternative to staying directly in Osaka or Kyoto while still remaining within day-trip distance of major attractions.
A Full-Service International Hotel
The six-storey hotel features 130 guest rooms ranging from compact doubles to premium twin rooms, suites, accessible rooms, and even a Japanese-style room. Facilities include banquet halls, conference rooms, a fitness gym, self-service laundry facilities, free parking, and a restaurant called APPLE ROAD serving breakfast buffets and lounge services throughout the day.
The property also incorporates the Holiday Inn “Open Lobby” concept, designed to create a more flexible social and work-friendly environment for guests. This style has become increasingly popular among both leisure travellers and business guests seeking spaces suitable for remote work and longer stays.
Families are also a clear target market. The hotel has introduced the Holiday Inn “Kids Stay & Eat Free” programme, which allows children under 12 to stay and dine free under certain conditions.
Growing Interest in Regional Japan
The opening comes at a time when Japan’s tourism industry is experiencing record international demand. While cities like Kyoto and Osaka continue to face concerns about overtourism, regional destinations across Japan are actively promoting alternative travel experiences to spread visitor numbers more evenly.
Hyogo Prefecture has increasingly positioned itself as one of those alternatives, offering access to urban attractions, mountains, hot springs, historic towns, and coastal scenery without the same congestion seen in more heavily visited destinations.
Sanda itself is not traditionally known as a major tourist destination, but developments like ANA Holiday Inn Kobe Sanda suggest confidence in the long-term growth of regional tourism and business travel in the wider Kobe area.
For travellers interested in exploring a different side of Kansai, the hotel may offer a convenient base with easier access to nature, shopping, and surrounding regional attractions while still remaining connected to the major cities.
