Staying in budget-friendly accommodations near Universal Studios Japan doesn’t mean a hefty S$500/night price tag!
A trip to Universal Studios Japan (USJ) is an absolute blast — but spending the whole day waiting in lines isn’t.
So here’s a theme park hack we live by: Arrive at the gates an hour before it opens so you’ll be one of the first few in the park — once you’re in, pick a popular ride and head straight for it. That way, you save on queue times of up to 3 hours.
Theme park hack two: stay the night near the theme park to reduce travel time. Which also means a little more snooze time!
Don’t worry, we’re not recommending its partner hotels like The Park Front Hotel, or Hotel Kintetsu Universal City which are properties right at the doorstep of USJ but can go up to ~S$615/night during peak season.
For budget-savvy travellers, we’ve done the research for you and rounded up seven accommodations near USJ for under S$81/night — all less than 20 minutes away from USJ.
We’ve arranged this list according to travel time from USJ, with accommodation options that don’t require a train ride up first.
1) J-Hoppers Osaka Universal
The nearest accommodation to USJ on our list is J-Hoppers Osaka — a popular budget-friendly option near Universal Studios Japan because it does all the “basics” well. The rooms in the guesthouse are clean, spacious, and have comfortable beds.
This guesthouse is only a 15-minute walk from USJ, and a 5-minute walk from Ajikawaguchi Station. When you get hungry, you can also try various flavours of takoyaki (octopus balls) at the nearby Osaka Takoyaki Museum like black takoyaki (made from squid-ink batter) and cheese-filled takoyaki.
Cost: From ~S$26/night (1 pax, 8-bed dormitory)
Distance from USJ: 1.5km
How to get to USJ: Walk 15mins (google maps)
2) Tabist Gloire Osaka
Photo credit: Booking.com
For a private room that fits two, go with Tabist Gloire Osaka. Rooms are clean, and away from the noise that’s common for neighbouring guesthouses and hostels near USJ — perks for being located on a residential side street!
While it may not have all the snazzy amenities that you’ll enjoy in other hotels, it’s decent enough to rest up for your trip to USJ, given its proximity. Tabist Gloire Osaka is only 1.5km away which means that you could just take a 6-minute train going there.
Cost: From ~S$68/night (3 pax)
Distance from USJ: 1.5km
How to get to USJ: Walk 300m to Sakurajima Station, then take the JR Yumesaki Line to Universal-City Station (6mins). Alternatively, walk 19mins (google maps).
3) Rota Hostel
Photo credit: Booking.com
Rota Hostel is literally just behind Noda Station, which is only a 7-minute train ride away from the Universal-City Station. This modern hostel has a patio, lounge, and kitchen area where they serve free coffee and tea.
While staying in a dormitory room is a common option for backpackers, their private rooms can go as low as ~S$40/night. Perfect for those who need to recharge their social batteries before USJ!
Cost: From ~S$28/night (1 bed, mixed dormitory)
Distance from USJ: 4.9km (Google Maps)
How to get to USJ: Walk 60m to Noda Station, then take a direct train that runs on both the Osaka Loop Line and Sakurajima Line (9mins). Exit at Universal-City Station (google maps).
4) PORTA INN Bentencho
Photo credit: Booking.com
Only a 15-minute train ride from USJ is PORTA INN Bentencho — an affordable business hotel fitted with minimalistic and contemporary furnishings.
Despite being a 3-minute walk from Bentenchō Station, it doesn’t get too noisy so you can enjoy a quiet night staying in before your trip to the theme park. Plus, its strategic location also makes it easy to visit other tourist attractions like Osaka Castle and Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.
After a full day at USJ, make yourself a relaxing bath with complimentary bath bombs to unwind.
Cost: From ~S$68/night (1 pax) and ~S$78/night (2 pax)
Distance from USJ: 3.9km
How to get to USJ: Walk 230m to Bentenchō Station, then take the Osaka Loop Line to Nishikujō Station (13mins). Then take the JR Yumekasi Line to Universal-City Station (google maps).
5) Guesthouse Yours
Photo credit: Booking.com
Staying in a guesthouse adds a lot of value to a Japan trip. Much like hostels, they’re affordable, and interactions with other guests are encouraged. Guesthouse Yours is located just 550m away from Noda Station and many local eateries.
If you always wanted to have a taste of what it feels like to live like a local, book their Japanese-style room. Instead of a bunk bed, you’ll get to sleep on a comfortable twin futon. While you’re here, head to the small terrace on the rooftop to bask in the city view!
Cost: From ~S$81/night (2 pax)
Distance from USJ: 5km
How to get to USJ: Walk 60m to Noda Station, then take a direct train that runs on both the Osaka Loop Line and Sakurajima Line (16mins). Exit at Universal-City Station (google maps).
6) Auberge du Tanuki Noir Maison d’Hôtes
Photo credit: Booking.com
Auberge du Tanuki Noir Maison d’Hôtes is a cosy and charming hostel located near many restaurants. A bunk bed goes from ~S$34/night, making it ideal for solo travellers heading to USJ.
The owner here is known to be very friendly and accommodating so don’t be shy to ask for local recommendations. The hostel is also great for making new friends as you chat over a free warm cup of coffee!
*Pro-tip: Request their well-loved cookies while you’re here!
Cost: From ~S$37/night (1 pax, 4-bed dormitory)
Distance from USJ: 3.6km
How to get to USJ: Walk 650m to Bentenchō Station, and take the Osaka Loop Line to Nishikujō Station (20mins). Then take the JR Yumekasi Line to Universal-City Station (Google Maps).
7) Hotel SHE Osaka
Photo credit: Booking.com
If you’re looking for modern, stylish and budget-friendly accommodations near Universal Studios Japan, then consider Hotel SHE Osaka! At first glance, you might think it’s just a trendy music-themed bar since they serve cocktails and play funky music in the lobby.
But what makes Hotel SHE a fun place to stay at is how their rooms all come with a record player. You can borrow vinyl LP’s from the front desk and create the perfect mood in your own space. How cool’s that?
Cost: From ~S$75/night (2 pax)
Distance from USJ: 4.5km
How to get to USJ: Walk 650m to Bentenchō Station, and take the Osaka Loop Line to Nishikujō Station (20mins). Then take the JR Yumekasi Line to Universal-City Station (google maps).
Planning your trip to Universal Studios Japan
You might be as shocked as I was when I realised that there are actually many comfortable and budget-friendly accommodations near Universal Studios Japan!
They may not be as fancy as the official hotels, but they do a great job of keeping you rested and relaxed for your trip to USJ. Plus, the affordable price tag means more budget for playing and eating in the park 😉
And once you’ve booked your accommodation, don’t forget to do the following things to maximise your trip to USJ:
1) Pre-book your USJ Pass — Avoid long lines at the ticket booth by pre-booking your USJ Pass via Klook. At the entrance, all you’ll have to do is show the QR code that will be emailed to you.
2) Read up on our tips and tricks — Be it your first or nth time in USJ, you might pick up a thing or two in our ultimate USJ guide! We cover things like top attractions, the best restaurants, and of course, how you can beat the queues 😉
3) Download the USJ app — Pre-plan your trip easily by checking attraction schedules in their official app. More importantly, you can book Timed Entry e-tickets for certain attractions so you won’t have to physically line up in the park.
Getting around Osaka
Whether or not you’re going to Universal Studios Japan, you might want to consider getting a JR Pass for travelling around Osaka and Japan. There are many JR Passes that cover the entire Osaka region (including USJ), so you can save money and time if you’re planning to visit multiple attractions.
Use this tool from Klook to see which one makes the most sense for your itinerary! Here are some examples of JR Pass itineraries that cover Osaka:
5-Day Kansai WIDE Area pass
– 7D Japan Itinerary Under S$1.3k — Osaka and Other Epic Cities in the Kansai Region — Osaka, Kobe, Kyoto, Nara, Okayama, Kurashiki
5-Day Kansai Hiroshima Pass
– 8-Day Japan Itinerary: 9 Cities in Kansai for under S$900 — Osaka, Kobe, Himeji, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Okunoshima, Naoshima, Kyoto, Nara
7-Day Whole Japan JR Pass
– 10-Day Japan Rail Itinerary For First Timers Under S$900 — Tokyo, Hakone, Kamakura, Yokohama, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto
– 8-Day Japan Winter Itinerary For Less Than S$1.2k — Tokyo, Fox Village, Kawaguchi, Nagano Snow Monkey Park, Takayama, Shirakawago, Osaka
Read also: JR Pass Guide — 9 Things You Need To Know Before Getting Your First Japan Rail Pass
ICYMI, JR Pass prices have increased by ~70% since Oct 2023, so we made a guide for JR Pass budget alternatives to help you save on transportation. You might also want to brush up on how to get around Osaka especially if you’re choosing an accommodation that requires a train ride to USJ!
Featured image credit: Booking.com
Do you know of other cool, budget-friendly accommodations near Universal Studios Japan? Let us know in the comments below! 😊
