Where to Stay Near Universal Studios Japan, Osaka: Best Hotels for Every Budget

Are you heading to Osaka? Universal Studios Japan has got to be in your itinerary. With worlds dedicated to Harry Potter, the Nintendo universe, Snoopy, and more, the park promises tons of great fun for all ages.

#KlookTip: Ride wait times are notoriously long, especially during peak travel seasons! Trust us, an express pass — that allows you to skip the lines — is a total lifesaver.

In fact, there’s so much to do at the park that you might even want to spend more than a day there (and yes, there are 1.5- or two-day passes available). Or, maybe you’re an early bird, and want to get to the park bright and early before the gates even open. To maximise your time, why not stay at a hotel near Universal Studios Japan itself?

Alternatively, stay near a station that’s just one or two stops from Universal City station (the closest station to USJ). The seven-minute walk will bring you through Universal Citywalk, an entertainment and shopping complex packed with lots of shops and good food! Universal City station lies on the JR Sakurajima Line (Yumesaki Line), and has four stops: Nishikujo, Ajikawaguchi, Universal City, and Sakurajima.

#KlookTip: Missed out on buying your Universal Studios Japan souvenirs? Keep a lookout for the official merchandise store at the Universal Citywalk.

You can’t get any closer to the park than this! Park Front Hotel is located right at the doorstep of USJ, complete with spacious rooms, modern decor, and incredibly hospitable staff. The family-friendly hotel checks all the boxes with lots of equipment (including cribs, bottle warmers, and more) for rent. There’s even a ‘Time Travel Concierge’ whose only job is to interact with the kids, and make them laugh! 

#KlookTip: Travelling with young kids in tow? The close proximity makes it easy for you to nip back to the hotel for a quick nap before continuing the day.

Stay with a view in one of their many rooms; for families, there are even rooms with bunk beds available. If you’re feeling fancy, splash out on the rooms that come with a bathtub overlooking a fantastic view.

Now, this might just be the highlight of your kids’ holiday! A mere four-minute walk from USJ, Hotel Universal Port pulls out all the stops with a variety of themed rooms. Stay in Minion-inspired rooms inspired by the Minions, or even in rooms on an entire underwater-themed floor. Other concepts include the Girly room, the Exciting Adventure room, and more.

Families with young children will love the soft floors of the Waku Waku Wonder Room too! Larger groups can spread out in the Party Room, which comes with bunk beds and a sunken kotatsu table in the middle of the room. If you’re travelling with the elderly, there’s even a barrier-free room.

Opened in 2018, Hotel Universal Port Vita is one of the newer official USJ hotels. The property has a cheery sunshine theme, with vibrant shades of orange and yellow woven into its decor. Choose from a wide line-up of room types; and, if you have kids in tow, feel free to ask for complimentary children’s pyjamas and slippers.

There’s even a two-floor Fluffy Maisonette, which is something that we hardly see at other hotels! It comes with two floors: a living room and mini-kitchen on the upper floor, and a bedroom with four low beds arranged side-by-side on the lower floor. Otherwise, stay in a room themed after a starry night or a rainbow. 

#KlookTip: Check out the self-serve amenity bar behind the front counter! Help yourself to toothbrushes, razors, hairbrushes, hairbands, cotton swabs, and cotton pads.

Conquering USJ can pretty much be a sport in itself. Tell us all about it! Fill up with a buffet breakfast, and make your way to USJ bright and early to tick off all the rides on your list before making a beeline back to Hotel Keihan Universal Tower. It’s just got just the thing to soothe your weary legs: kick back and unwind at its natural hot spring, sauna, and jacuzzi — which is located on the 31st floor, no less — with a view. 

The rooms underwent a renovation in 2017; stay in the underwater-seashell-themed rooms, have a blast with the kids in the bunk beds room, or spread out along four beds in a row in the comfort superior rooms.

#KlookTip: Want to maximise your day at Univeral Studios Japan? Check ride wait times via a monitor from the comfort of the hotel lobby.

Recently renovated in 2022, Oriental Hotel Universal City (previously known as Hotel Keihan Universal City) offers a soothing sanctuary from the stimulating USJ atmosphere. After a day of thrilling rides, retreat to rooms that are decked out with earthy colours. The lobby is worth a mention, with a high ceiling and stylish decor. 

#KlookTip: Before check-in or after check-out, feel free to leave your baggage at the luggage storage space located on the first and third floors. 

Plus, what’s a trip to Osaka without sampling some of the local delicacies? Try them all in one place at the hotel’s restaurant, which has dishes like kushikatsu, takoyaki, and doteyaki.

Directly connected to Universal City station, Singulari Hotel & SkySpa is best known for its sparkling rooftop spa. Boasting both indoor and outdoor baths (with a magnificent view!), it also has a sauna and cold water bath. After your soak, take some time to unwind in the ‘yu-agari dokoro’, where you can enjoy a panoramic view from a plush sofa.

Staying true to its local roots, the hotel has a consistent Japanese theme — see if you can spot images of Mt. Fuji and traditional folding fans in the rooms, the Karesansui pattern in the lifts, or the chandelier that’s modelled after a Japanese bonsai tree. You’ll also find comfortable roomwear in the rooms — something that’s characteristic of a ryokan — to wear both in your room and around the hotel.

Nishikujo is two stops from Universal City station on the JR Sakurajima Line (Yumesaki Line). The journey is a 5-minute ride.

If all you want is to be near USJ without breaking the bank, Urbanty Nishikujo is the place for you. There’s nothing fancy here, just a no-frills accommodation with all the basic creature comforts that you need for a comfortable stay. Each room comes with a private bathroom, free toiletries, a television, and a small working desk. 

Note: this hotel might not be the best for light sleepers due to the sounds of passing trains nearby!

Nedoco Osaka West is a cosy aparthotel that only has two types of rooms: the deluxe twin room or the superior triple room. Easily prepare meals in the mini kitchen that’s part of each room, which comes with tableware, cooking utensils, stove, fridge/freezer, electric kettle, and microwave oven. Even better, there’s a supermarket within walking distance too.

Just a heads-up: there aren’t any staff stationed at this hotel. All communication, including check-in, is done through iPads. Don’t worry, clear instructions are given to ensure a seamless experience! That’s not all: each room door also has an electronic lock, which means you won’t have to carry around a room key or card.

If you’re planning to stay for at least three nights in Osaka, Hostel Jin might be right up your alley. Stay in one of 12 private rooms; however, shower rooms and toilets are shared. Each room comes with a bunk bed, work table, fridge, microwave, and wash-stand. 

 You basically get the best of both worlds: your own private space, but with the ability to mingle if you’d like. Keen to make friends? Meet like-minded travellers at the shared kitchen or lounge. Grab a drink and relax on the outdoor patio; when you feel peckish, the hostel is surrounded by convenience stores, local restaurants, and supermarkets. Before you start your day, fuel up with a free breakfast of toast, croissants, and cereal.

#KlookTip: Good news! The washing machine and dryer are free to use during your stay.

Ajikawaguchi is one stop from Universal City station on the JR Sakurajima Line (Yumesaki Line). The journey is a 2-minute ride.

Short for ‘Japan-Hopping’, the J-Hoppers Osaka Universal Hotel offers a great base for exploring Osaka. Stay in a gendered or mixed dorm, where you’ll stay in cosy capsules. Unlike the usual compact pods, these capsules have a little extra nook that can fit a bag or small suitcase. Travelling with a larger group? There are private rooms (with a shared bathroom) that can up to eight people. There are eight shower rooms altogether, reducing the risk of congestion. Plus, there’s also a women-only shower room!

#KlookTip: If you have little ones in tow, the hostel goes all out to welcome them with a range of toys and books.

The hostel has a shared lounge and kitchen, making it easy to make friends from around the world! The staff here are incredibly friendly; don’t worry about the language barrier too, as they can all speak English. Location-wise, it is a mere five-minute walk from Ajikawaguchi station, or a very do-able 20-minute walk to USJ itself.

A clean and modern business hotel, Simple Heart Hotel offers accommodation near USJ that’s easy on the wallet. Families, here’s looking at you: have the whole family stay together in connecting rooms, and children under six years old can co-sleep for free. A free, albeit basic, breakfast is provided in the morning. If you’d like to sleep in after a long day at USJ, simply add on an additional 1000yen (~S$9) for a late 1pm check-out.

Sakurajima is one stop from Universal City station on the JR Sakurajima Line (Yumesaki Line). The journey is a one-minute ride.

Why not immerse in local culture by staying in a traditional Japanese room fitted with tatami mats and futons? Choose to stay in either Japanese- or Western-style rooms at Tabist Gloire, which come complete with a mini-kitchen. Think: a sink, fridge, microwave, toaster, and induction hob in every room!

Don’t expect luxury at this aparthotel; instead, it checks all the boxes with its cleanliness, functionality, and proximity to USJ. It’s located on a quiet residential street, creating a calm bubble for its guests.

The sleek Liber Hotel wows at first sight with its grand lobby, which is adorned with glittering chandeliers. The cherry on top is its gorgeous outdoor patio that boasts a marvellous view of Osaka Bay and Tempozan Ohashi Bridge. If you still have energy to burn after a day at USJ, check out the fitness gym that’s decked out with state-of-the-art equipment. Otherwise, relax at the onsen — which has a riverside open-air bath, sauna, and carbonated bath. The onsen is split by gender; the men’s bath even has a mist sauna and foot massage corner.

Want to pamper yourself? Book a room on the luxury floor, where the plush rooms and suites come with lounge access, use of a private observation terrace, priority breakfast, and a late check-out. Large groups will also love the ‘spacious rooms’ category, which sleeps up to six people, and offer a unique sunken lounge area. P.S. Don’t leave without trying the onsite restaurant’s charcoal-grilled steak using ‘Totorri Wagyu’!

Turn your accommodation into an experience at La’gent Hotel Osaka Bay! Indeed, how does a jungle-, flower garden-, or outer space-themed floor sound? The decor starts the moment you step out of the lift — watch your children light up in delight as they make their way down colourful corridors, and open the door to their very own wonderland.

Help yourself to the amenity bar on the first floor, and grab a drink to go from the vending machines. If you’d like to do some laundry, there are coin-operated washing machines too.

#KlookTip: All rooms here are non-smoking, which is perfect for children or the elderly.