Experience the Best of Universal Studios Japan at These 10 Best Hotels Near USJ
Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Osaka. It’s only gotten busier with the opening of the world's first Super Nintendo World in March 2021, an area made up of attractions centered around the world of Nintendo's characters and video games. For this article, we’ve carefully selected the 10 best hotels that are conveniently located near USJ. Some are partnered with the park, others provide the latest information on what’s happening at USJ from the comfort of your own room, and some even help you save money with their affordable rates. Choose the hotel of your dreams from the following list!
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10 Best Hotels Near Universal Studios Japan
1. The Singulari Hotel & Skyspa at Universal Studios Japan
This official USJ hotel is particularly recommended as it is located just a short walk from the park and is directly connected to JR Universal City Station. It only takes five minutes to get from the hotel to the park’s main gate. This luxurious facility also boasts a modern decor with a touch of Japanese aesthetics that enhance its already high-class ambience.
There are three types of partner hotels: official, alliance, and associate. The advantage of staying at any of these facilities is that you can purchase a Studio Pass directly from the hotel without having to queue at the ticket booth. Plus, at an official hotel, you can check waiting times for attractions from your room and make the most of your time at the park.
The most attractive feature of The Singulari Hotel & Skyspa is the titular spa where you can indulge in superb relaxation of the mind and the body. The top floor offers an outstanding view of the city, as well as a comfortable open-air bath from which you can admire the ever-changing scenery of Osaka, including the morning glow or the starry skies over buildings shining with fantastical light. English-speaking staff are also available, so visitors from overseas can enjoy the baths without having to worry about the language barrier.
2. Hotel Universal Port
Hotel Universal Port is a fantastic official USJ hotel situated just a short 4-minute stroll from the park. As the only hotel in Japan offering collaboration rooms based on the Minions, it has quickly become a popular choice among animation fans and visitors of all ages. As soon as you step into the lobby, you'll immediately be drawn into the facility’s "crazy fun time" atmosphere thanks to the Minion motifs adorning every corner.
There are three types of Minion rooms to choose from, each fully equipped with furniture and interior decorations inspired by the popular movie series featuring the supervillain thief Gru and his army of yellow Minions. You'll find missile-shaped beds and crocodile sofas here, among other fun hidden surprises that will undoubtedly get you excited for your visit to the park. For those looking for a more peaceful stay, we also recommend the more elegantly designed hotel accommodations, such as the serene Aegean Sea-inspired concept room.
The hotel offers a restaurant based on the concept of treasure hunting, as well as the REX cafe inspired by giant dinosaurs. What's more, the official Universal Studios Store where visitors can purchase all sorts of souvenirs is located just a short 3-minute walk from JR Universal City Station. Visitors from outside Japan can enjoy these facilities with ease, as English-speaking staff are readily available.
3. Hotel Kintetsu Universal City
Hotel Kintetsu Universal City is a delightful official USJ hotel located a quick 2-minute walk from JR Universal City Station where you'll be greeted by Cookie Monster, Elmo, and Moppy in the lobby and elevators! The facility is well known for its Sesame Street™ concept floors, which are a huge hit among guests of all ages.
There are several room options to choose from, including the colorful Sesame Street™ Happy Fun Rooms with character illustrations adorning the walls, standard rooms with a casual and pop design, and Studio View Rooms overlooking the park and bay area. With so many styles to choose from, you're sure to find a room that meets your needs perfectly.
All the amenities, including slippers, toothbrushes, and hairbrushes, are designed with original motifs inspired by the world of Sesame Street™, adding a fun touch to your stay. After fueling up during a colorful buffet breakfast, you won’t have to waste all that energy on walking as the park is just a short 1 minute stroll away. Additionally, English-speaking staff are available, so international visitors can feel right at home.
4. The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan
Located less than a 1 minute walk from the main gate of USJ, Park Front Hotel is aptly named and very convenient for park-goers. The large rooms offer plenty of space for storing your many souvenirs and luggage, and more than half of the accommodations come with a park view that’s especially enchanting at night after a fun-filled day.
The hotel is based around the idea of a "Trip to the USA," with guests feeling as if they were transported to the States immediately upon entering the lobby. The ground-floor entrance to the hotel is reminiscent of Broadway while the first-floor entrance evokes the glitz and glamor of a Las Vegas casino. Walking around the hotel is a thrilling experience in itself, with exciting decor catching your eye at every turn. Be sure not to miss the only Universal Globe on display in an official USJ hotel, which here is located in the main lobby and makes for a perfect photo opportunity.
Upon stepping out of the elevator, guests will also be transported back in time as each floor showcases a different part of America of days past. This includes the 1980s "New York Pop Art" floor or the 1960s "California Modern" floor, which allow visitors to choose the accommodation that best suits their tastes. With the hotel being just a 1 minute walk from JR Universal City Station and boasting English-speaking staff for the benefit of international visitors, Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan caters to a wide range of visitors.
5. LIBER HOTEL AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN
LIBER HOTEL AT UNIVERSAL STUDIOS JAPAN boasts the largest number of guestrooms among official USJ hotels and is conveniently located a 1 minute walk from JR Sakurajima Station, only one stop from JR Universal City Station. With the goal of providing an unprecedented hotel experience, it offers a sophisticated space for the discernable traveler.
In addition to simple Standard and Superior rooms, guests can also choose from concept rooms inspired by the movie "Jurassic World" and collaboration rooms featuring Snoopy, the beloved character from the "Peanuts" comic strip. A terrace has been set up along the Aji River flowing right outside the hotel, where guests can enjoy breakfast, lunch, and dinner at the attached dining room while taking in the breathtaking views of Osaka’s bay area.
The hotel baths’ natural hot spring water is pumped up from 1,000 meters underground, and is perfect for relaxing in after a long fun-filled day. The spa is equipped with a skin-beautifying carbonated bath (female guests only), an open-air bath, and a sauna. The park's main gate is just a 13-minute walk away, while English, Korean, and Chinese-speaking staff are always at the ready to help visitors from overseas enjoy the park with ease of mind.
6. RIHGA Royal Hotel
This USJ partner hotel is located a little way away from the park but makes up for it with one of the most luxurious accommodations in Osaka. At RIHGA Royal Hotel, guests can expect relaxation and hospitality nurtured by years of tradition and ceremony.
You can choose to stay in the Presidential Towers, located on floors 23 – 27 of the Tower Wing, or opt for the more affordable yet cozy West Wing rooms on the lower floors. Whichever guestroom you decide to go with, you'll experience world-class hospitality, reliability, and a feeling of safety.
Guests can take advantage of the hotel's free shuttle bus to USJ (reservations required one day in advance). The bus takes about 25 minutes and departs around one hour before the park opens, allowing you to enjoy a full day of fun with no time wasted. Alternatively, if you prefer to take the train, the hotel provides a free shuttle service to Osaka Station. It's only an 11-minute ride from there to JR Universal City Station. Plus, with direct access to Nakanoshima Station, you can easily explore Osaka, Kyoto, and beyond. The hotel offers their services in English, Korean, and Chinese, making it an ideal choice for international visitors.
7. Hotel Granvia Osaka-JR Hotel Group
If you’re planning on exploring Osaka beyond USJ, why not choose a hotel near Osaka Station? It’s just an 11-minute train ride from there to the theme park via JR Universal City Station or JR Nishikujo Station. Several subway lines and private railways also operate in the area, making Osaka’s central station an ideal sightseeing base. One of the best hotels in its vicinity is Hotel Granvia Osaka-JR Hotel Group, a USJ partner facility directly connected to Osaka Station. Although located in the heart of the city, it provides a peaceful and quiet environment where guests can escape the hustle and bustle of the city.
The hotel offers two types of rooms: the simple and comfortable Standard Floor accommodations and luxurious Granvia Floor ones, which include a private lounge. Both types are located on the 21st floor and above, providing outstanding views of Osaka through the windows.
At Hotel Granvia Osaka, you can start your day with a wide range of Japanese and Western dishes such as "dashimaki tamago" rolled eggs and grilled fish enhanced by the savory flavor of Japanese soup stock. There are also French delicacies and other Western-style side dishes prepared by a French chef and omelets prepared in front of you buffet style. English-language services are available, so visitors from outside Japan don’t have to worry about language barriers.
8. La'gent Hotel Osaka Bay
If you're looking for a reasonably-priced hotel within walking distance of Universal Studios Japan, La'gent Hotel Osaka Bay is a fantastic option. Located only a 4-minute walk from JR Sakurajima Station and a 10-minute walk from USJ, La'gent merges convenience and comfort without breaking your wallet.
The hotel features a unique and stylish interior design based on the themes of "a flower garden," "a jungle," and "outer space" on each floor, creating an exciting and inviting atmosphere. The rooms come in various types, including double, twin, and the moderate twin that can accommodate up to three people. Be it couples, groups of friends, or families, La'gent Hotel Osaka Bay has the perfect accommodation for you.
The deluxe rooms, perfect for families with kids, have an enjoyable and playful pop design, allowing guests to kick off their shoes and relax. The hotel's breakfast buffet is famous for its wide range of dishes, including both Japanese and Western cuisine. English services are available, ensuring that visitors from overseas can use the hotel with ease and comfort.
9. nedoco Osaka West
If you're searching for reasonably priced accommodations around JR Nishikujo Station, which is just two stops or 5-minutes away from JR Universal City Station on the JR Yumesaki Line, then look no further than nedoco Osaka West, a residential hotel located just a 2-minute walk from Nishikujo.
The hotel offers two types of guestrooms: Deluxe Twin and Superior Triple. These rooms can accommodate up to five people, making them ideal for families or groups of friends looking to spend time together.
JR Nishikujo Station provides easy and direct access to Osaka's two major downtown areas: Kita (Umeda) and Minami (Namba), making it a convenient base for sightseeing. The guestrooms come fully equipped with a kitchen with cooking utensils and tableware, making the hotel especially recommended for mid- to long-term stays. The hotel also adopts contactless smart check-in while providing services in English and Chinese to help overseas visitors use everything that nedoco Osaka West has to offer with peace of mind.
10. 8b HOTEL -Osaka Nishikujo APARTMENT-
8b HOTEL is conveniently located just a 5-minute walk from JR Nishikujo Station. This apartment-style hotel is ideal for those looking for affordable accommodations with unique interior designs featuring stylish and warm wooden furniture and coordinated fabrics in soothing colors.
Guests can choose between Premium four-person rooms with four single beds or 35-square-meter Deluxe Suites with six single beds.
All rooms come with a kitchenette and microwave oven to make guests feel as if they were staying in a regular home. That’s just one of the many benefits of 8b HOTEL. There are also convenience stores located nearby for any sudden shopping needs. The hotel additionally offers contactless smart check-in as well as English and Korean language services, making it especially recommended for international visitors.
Hotels Offering Universally Excellent Experiences
We hope that this guide can help you choose the hotel of your dreams. Simply go through the list and select a facility that best matches your desired type of accommodation and the types of places you wish to visit around Osaka, and soon you’ll be enjoying first-class hospitality and convenience. Safe travels!
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The information in this article is accurate at the time of publication.