Japan advances IR plans in in new tourism plan, 2027 bids to open
Japan’s national government has reaffirmed its commitment to integrated resort (IR) development as part of its long-term tourism strategy, following approval of the country’s latest Tourism Nation Promotion Basic Plan.
Earlier last week, on 27 March, the cabinet led by Sanae Takaichi approved the Fifth Tourism Nation Promotion Basic Plan. The policy was prepared by the Japan Tourism Agency under the Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism. The section covering IR policy remains unchanged from the earlier draft.
The plan positions IR development within broader efforts to strengthen regional tourism and expand Japan’s meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions (MICE) sector.
Tourism positioned as economic growth driver
The plan highlights tourism as a key pillar for economic recovery and long-term growth. It notes that tourism has a strong economic ripple effect and can capture rising global demand, particularly across Asia. The government also sees tourism as a tool for regional revitalisation, job creation and increased international understanding.
Promoting domestic travel is considered as important as inbound tourism. The policy emphasises the need for regions to develop distinctive tourism offerings, attract visitors from across the country, and strengthen local economies, with the aim of supporting communities that residents can take pride in.
The document also outlines the long policy journey behind Japan’s tourism push, from early initiatives in 2003 under former prime minister Junichiro Koizumi to the establishment of the Japan Tourism Agency in 2008 and successive tourism plans approved over the years. The Fifth Plan, approved in March 2026, continues this policy trajectory.
IR development remains part of tourism strategy
Within this wider framework, integrated resorts remain a defined policy tool. The government confirmed it will continue promoting IR development under existing legislation.
“The government will promote necessary measures to develop IRs… which will improve the international competitiveness of Japan’s MICE business, promote attractive stay-based tourism and attract inbound visitors to various areas in the country,” the document said.
“At the same time, the government is going ahead with countermeasures to address various concerns about casinos,” it added.
This indicates that IR development will continue alongside measures to address concerns related to casinos.
Focus on Osaka IR project
The plan refers to the MGM Osaka project, which is currently the only integrated resort approved at the national level. The project was approved in April 2023.
“With regard to [the] Osaka IR … the government will proceed with the necessary procedures, including evaluating the implementation status and conducting probity examinations when casino business licence applications are made,” the plan said.
The Osaka resort is being developed by MGM Resorts International in partnership with Orix Corp and other local stakeholders. It is scheduled to open by the end of 2030, with an estimated cost of JPY1.51 trillion (US$9.45 billion).
Second round of IR bids confirmed
A Cabinet Order issued on 10 March confirmed that Japan will open a second round of IR bidding between May and November 2027.
“The government plans to accept IR District Development Plan applications from 6 May 2027 to 5 November 2027 and will proceed with the necessary procedures to examine IR District Development Plans.” This marks the next phase of Japan’s IR expansion strategy following the approval of the Osaka project.
Regional interest begins to build
Interest in the upcoming bid round is already emerging at the prefectural level. On 1 April, Aichi prefecture launched a request-for-proposal (RFP) process for a potential IR project on an artificial island that also hosts Chubu Centrair International Airport.
Meanwhile, Hokkaido prefecture announced last month that it has initiated a bidding process to appoint a service provider to conduct research into the possible development of an IR with a casino.
These early steps indicate that regional governments are beginning to position themselves ahead of the 2027 application window.
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