The first MICHELIN Keys have been handed out in Japan, with five exceptional properties across the IHG Hotels & Resorts luxury & lifestyle portfolio recognized with a coveted Key. As part of the distinguished MICHELIN Guide, the MICHELIN Keys recognize the most outstanding hotels worldwide, from eminence in architecture and design to personality and value for price, evaluating over 5,000 hotels each year.

The following hotels have been recognized with One MICHELIN Key in Japan:

• Six Senses Kyoto
• ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa
• ANA InterContinental Appi Kogen Resort
• InterContinental Yokohama Pier 8
• InterContinental Osaka

The MICHELIN Key recognizes hotels that meet a rigorous criterion, including hotels that are destinations within their own right, offer enhanced local experiences, unique character and personality, excellent value and consistent high-quality service.

The Keys add to a storied history of eminent awards, with nine top titles awarded to IHG properties in Condé Nast Traveler Hot List, Travel + Leisure's It List and AFAR's Best New Hotels this year alone. The MICHELIN Keys in Japan join other impressive IHG Hotels & Resorts properties already awarded Keys in Europe including InterContinental Bordeaux – Le Grand Hotel and Six Senses Rome.

IHG is experiencing an exciting period of growth in Japan, with new luxury & lifestyle hotel openings including the iconic 1,000-room RIHGA Royal Hotel remerging as a Vignette Collection hotel following a significant transformation, alongside the new-build InterContinental Sapporo – set to be Sapporo's first international luxury hotel – both opening in 2025. In April 2024, Six Senses made its brand debut with the opening of Six Senses Kyoto, located among the iconic heritage shrines and palaces within the ancient capital. Guests can immerse in a holistic wellness experience with traditional healing experiences, sustainability tours, interactive workshops at the Earth Lab and guest suites with access to private Japanese gardens.

Guests can explore a range of immersive local experiences at the five Key hotels, including the rich onsen culture at ANA InterContinental Beppu Resort & Spa, where guests can experience the healing Myoban waters of Beppu.  

Images can be found here.

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