Summary: Sono International will open SONO Moon Nagoya in July 2026, converting the Compass Hotel Nagoya into a 10‑storey, 130‑room property just seven minutes on foot from Nagoya Station as part of its wider global expansion.

Korean hospitality company Sono International, a unit of Daemyung Sono Group, is preparing to enter the Japanese market with the launch of SONO Moon Nagoya. The new hotel, opening in July 2026, represents the group's first property in Japan and forms part of an aggressive international growth strategy.

Expansion into Japan

The company has taken over Compass Hotel Nagoya in Aichi Prefecture and will relaunch the property as SONO Moon Nagoya after renovations. The building is 10 storeys tall and will offer 130 rooms. Its location — roughly a seven‑minute walk from Nagoya Station — gives guests convenient access to Nagoya Castle, Atsuta Shrine and the lively Sakae district.

Renovation and Rebranding

Ahead of the July opening, the property will undergo an extensive makeover to deliver an updated experience for both business and leisure travellers. Rebranding as SONO Moon is intended to align the Nagoya hotel with Sono International’s global identity, blending contemporary comfort with local touches.

A Growing Global Footprint

Sono International began its international expansion in 2019 and opened its first overseas hotel, Sono Belle Hai Phong in Vietnam. Since then the group has grown to operate 43 hotels and resorts across seven countries, with a combined room inventory approaching 14,500.

  • Recent acquisitions include the Normandy Hotel in Washington, D.C., and the 33 Seaport Hotel in New York.
  • In 2024 Sono completed the purchase of Cross Hotels & Resorts, adding 16 properties in Thailand and Indonesia.
  • The group has targeted further expansion in major markets such as the United States, France and Hawaii.
SONO Moon Nagoya site near Nagoya Station showing the urban surroundings and nearby landmarks
The former Compass Hotel Nagoya will be renovated and relaunched as SONO Moon Nagoya, offering easy access to Nagoya’s transport hub and attractions

Pipeline and Future Markets

Looking forward, Sono International plans to expand its portfolio further, targeting the addition of 11 hotels by 2029. Announced pipeline cities include Hanoi and Kuala Lumpur, reflecting a continued emphasis on growth across Asia.

The company’s strategy mixes property upgrades and acquisitions to broaden its range of offerings, from upscale stays to business‑oriented accommodations, while maintaining a focus on service quality and locally informed design.

What This Means for Travelers and the Industry

For travellers, SONO Moon Nagoya will add another centrally located accommodation choice in a major transport hub, benefiting both visitors and local tourism demand. For the hospitality sector, Sono’s entry into Japan signals continued international interest in the market and reinforces competition among global and regional operators.

So what? The opening underlines Sono International’s push to diversify geographically and offers travellers more options in Nagoya, while contributing to the broader trend of cross‑border consolidation and investment within the hotel industry.