If you’re planning a trip to Universal Studios Japan, finding the right accommodation will be foremost in your plans.
In this article, I share the 5 best hotels for Universal Studios Japan, including outstanding official hotels and some great budget and family options.
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5 Best Hotels for Universal Studios Japan (USJ)
USJ is Japan’s #1 theme park, attracting more than 5.5 million domestic and international visitors every year.
Now that the pandemic restrictions are over, Universal Studios Japan is returning to full strength with its legendary lineup of outstanding attractions, including Hollywood Dream – The Ride and Despicable Me – Minion Mayhem.
One of the best ways to beat the crowds and have a stress-free visit is to book accommodation that is near USJ.
There are several official Universal Studios Japan hotels and great-value alternatives just moments from the park gates.
Here are my top picks.
1. Liber Hotel at Universal Studios Japan
Location | 1 Chome-1-35 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan |
Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Property type | Hotel |
Book hotel | booking.com |
Official Universal Studios hotel? | Yes |
Are children welcome? | Yes |
Distance from Universal Studios Japan | 1.2 km (0.7 miles) – 16-minute walk |
Nearest airport | Itami Airport (9 miles) |
The Liber Hotel is Universal Studios Japan’s newest and largest official hotel.
It’s only a 16-minute walk from Universal Studios and boasts amazing views across the Osaka Bay area.
It’s one of Osaka’s premium hotels, but it is extremely well located for enjoying USJ and Osaka, with many international tourists making it their base for the city.
Take a look at the Liber Hotel at Universal Studios Japan
The Liber Hotel has 760 spacious air-conditioned guest rooms with a fridge and kettle.
There is hotel-wide free Wi-Fi, impressive bayside terraces, and an in-house onsen that is perfect for a soak after your travels.
More photos on booking.com
Guests start their day with the American and continental-style buffet breakfast, and if you want snacks or other supplies, there is a supermarket nearby.
As a Universal Studios Japan official hotel, you’ll benefit from real-time park updates and USJ merchandise in the hotel shop!
2. Sakurajima Parkside House A
Location | 〒554-0031 Osaka, Konohana Ward, Sakurajima, 3 Chome−7−25 TIIDAビル |
Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Property type | Self-catering apartment |
Book accommodation | booking.com |
Official Universal Studios hotel? | No |
Are children welcome? | Yes |
Distance from Universal Studios Japan | 1.5 km (0.9 miles) – 20-minute walk |
Nearest airport | Itami airport (9 miles) |
Named after an impressive Japanese volcano, Sakurajima Parkside House A makes the ideal base for a relaxed stay in close proximity to Universal Studios Japan.
This self-catering apartment accommodates up to 10 guests in an expansive 1 bedroom apartment equipped with sofa beds and futons.
Previous guests have been pleased with the spaciousness of Sakurajima Parkside House A. It is well equipped with a good standard of kitchen and bathroom facilities.
The air-conditioned apartment comprises 1 separate bedroom, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and 1 bathroom.
More photos on booking.com
If you are a serial self-catering traveler like me, this apartment will feel like staying at a friend’s house, especially as the owner is a Universal Studios Japan fan!
While the apartment is great for accessing USJ, it is a little removed from the rest of Osaka.
However, it is competitively priced, making it worthwhile extending your stay and explore more of the city.
3. The Park Front Hotel at Universal Studios Japan
Location | 6 Chome-2-52 Shimaya, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0024, Japan |
Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |
Property type | Hotel |
Book hotel | booking.com |
Official Universal Studios hotel? | Yes |
Are children welcome? | Yes |
Distance from Universal Studios Japan | 300 meters – 5-minute walk |
Nearest airport | Itami airport (8 miles) |
Die-hard Universal Studios fans will want to make their USJ trip extra special by staying at this official Universal Studios Japan hotel that is just moments from the park!
The USJ experience will continue with staying in this themed hotel with restaurants and shops selling official Universal Studios merchandise.
Take a look:
The Park Front Hotel has 598 air-conditioned and purified rooms.
You can enjoy satellite television,hotel-wide Wi-Fi, and a coin-operated laundry is available.
More photos on booking.com
Other highlights include an on-site pancake house, pizzeria, and the Hawaiian-styled restaurant Buffet Dining Akala which attracts diners from all over Osaka.
This hotel is also well connected to the rest of Osaka. Use Universal City Station nearby the hotel to get to JR Osaka Station and JR Shin-Osaka Station, where you can get on the bullet train.
4. Tabist Gloire Osaka
Location | 3 Chome-3-2 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, 554-0031, Japan |
Star rating | ⭐⭐ |
Property type | Self-catering apartment |
Book hotel | booking.com |
Official Universal Studios hotel? | No |
Are children welcome? | Yes |
Distance from Universal Studios Japan | 370 meters – 5 to 10-minute walk |
Nearest airport | Itami airport (9 miles) |
If you’re looking for budget accommodation near Universal Studios Japan, Tabist Gloire Osaka.
Amazingly this extremely basic self-catering apartment complex is just a 10-minute walk from the gates of Universal Studios Japan, making it very popular with Japanese visitors to the theme park.
This hotel offers double, triple, and family rooms for up to five guests.
Rooms include a kitchen, private bathrooms, and air-conditioning. The rooms are very small, but Tabist Gloire Osaka has the lowest prices for USJ in the area.
More photos on booking.com
If you’re planning a family stay, these simple apartments make your budget stretch, especially as you don’t have transport expenses for the park.
Book Tabist Gloire Osaka and save cash for snacks and souvenirs when you visit Universal Studios Japan.
5. Universal Bay Condominium
Location | 2 Chome-7-33 Chikko, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0021, Japan |
Star rating | ⭐⭐⭐ |
Property type | Self-catering apartment |
Book hotel | booking.com |
Official Universal Studios hotel? | No |
Are children welcome? | Yes |
Distance from Universal Studios Japan | 370 meters – 5 to 10-minute walk |
Nearest airport | Itami airport (9 miles) |
This Osaka gem punches above its weight as a charming holiday home that is just a short ferry ride from Universal Studios Japan.
It is also in a great location for visiting Tempozan Ferris Wheel and the Osaka Aquarium Kaiykan, the world’s largest aquarium.
This tastefully furnished and well-equipped holiday condominium is located in a quiet Osaka neighborhood with plenty of local amenities, including some great izakaya food!
More photos on booking.com
The apartment has 3 bedrooms, a living room, a fully equipped kitchen, and a bathroom with a shower.
Universal Bay Condominium can accommodate up to 11 guests on a combination of beds, sofa beds, and supplied futons.
Free Wi-Fi is included, and you can enjoy a pleasant view from the balcony.
In Conclusion
These five hotels each make a great base for your trip to Universal Studios Japan and the rest of Osaka.
Remember, even if your accommodation is basic, proximity to the park will make all the difference to your visit. Stay as close as possible and enjoy every moment of the Universal Studios Japan experience.