Only a brief 2.5 hour Shinkansen trip from Tokyo, Osaka gives a energetic and relaxed ambiance that’s actually price experiencing, whether or not it is your first or tenth go to to the Land of the Rising Solar. Regardless of its distinctive appeal, Osaka is usually overshadowed by the extra conventional locations of Kyoto or Nara — stunning in their very own proper, however nothing like a port metropolis identified for its unimaginable structure, nightlife and wonderful meals. Are you able to embark on the last word 72-hour journey, discovering Osaka’s must-see sights, eats and unforgettable experiences? That is our really helpful itinerary for an incredible three days in Osaka.
Finest issues to do in Osaka with youngsters
1st day
Begin your morning early by arriving in Osaka on one among Japan’s quick bullet trains. We advocate that you just e book tickets prematurely, particularly in the event you plan to journey to Japan throughout key holidays equivalent to Golden Week (late April/early Could) or throughout peak site visitors instances (between 6am and 8am on weekdays). Make sure to cease by one of many retailers or meals stalls on the practice station to purchase workforce (railway bento) to eat whereas touring — this is likely one of the few circumstances the place consuming on public transport shouldn’t be condemned. After arriving at Shin-Osaka Station, go away your baggage on the lodge earlier than heading downtown. For those who purchased a transit ticket in Tokyo, you will be glad to listen to that you could simply use it in Osaka. Reap the benefits of the bus and metro system, as it’s simply as complete and straightforward to make use of because the one within the capital.
If it is your first time within the metropolis, Osaka Fortress (Osaka-jo) is a enjoyable and spectacular introduction to the historical past of Japan. Older youngsters will benefit from the fashionable reconstruction of the citadel inside, which gives a samurai exhibition on the Osaka Museum of Historical past and a panoramic view of town from the highest of the citadel — nice photograph ops! Alternatively, your loved ones can spend time in Osaka Fortress Park, which options picturesque gardens (particularly stunning when the cherry blossoms bloom in spring), strolling paths and a spacious playground.
Are you prepared to start out planning the last word household trip in Japan?
That is what we do! Our household journey advisors may also help you select the place to go, e book confirmed lodging, design a customized itinerary, organize personal excursions and guides, and extra. Click on to ship us an inquiry!
Head to Kuromon Ichiba Market at Nippombashi Station for a avenue meals lunch. Osaka is called a foodie’s paradise and the most effective cities in Japan to discover a hearty meal at an honest worth. The market is a good way to introduce the little ones to varied well-known dishes within the space, equivalent to grilled seafood, hen on a spit in caramelized sauce (yakitori), sea urchin, sushi, fruit and probably the most well-known dish in Osaka, takoyaki. These are spherical balls usually crammed with items of seafood and topped with elements equivalent to mayonnaise, dried bonito and seaweed. Depart room for dessert and bask in a fish-shaped cake with a candy pink bean or cream filling (taiyaki).
From Nippombashi Station, take a brief stroll to the Tombori Riverwalk within the Dotonbori space. Right here you possibly can get pleasure from a scenic and leisurely stroll alongside the Dotonbori Canal, which gives an amazing view of one among Osaka’s most well-known streets and shall be an amazing alternative to purchase souvenirs. Dotonbori is finest skilled because the solar units so you possibly can see it in its full neon glory. Take an image on the well-known Glico Operating Man signal, then finish the day with dinner at Kana Dorak, a well-known crab restaurant identified for its big transferring crab signal and crab-centric delicacies.
2nd day
Begin your second day at Osakako Station (close to Osaka Bay) and spend the morning at one of many largest aquariums on the earth, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. The aquarium’s everlasting exhibit faithfully replicates about 15 pure ecosystems from the Pacific Rim, precisely recreating their climates and displaying marine animals native to these areas. It is also one of many few aquariums on the earth to deal with a cetacean, a must-see for each shark lover of their household. Afterwards, take a trip on the Tempozan Ferris Wheel for spectacular views of Osaka Bay and the skyline.
For lunch, enterprise to Tempozan Market proper subsequent to the Ferris Wheel, the place you will discover Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho Meals Restaurant. What makes this meals courtroom a must-visit is that it is modeled after a Sixties Osaka avenue, giving the youngsters a little bit of historical past when you search for one thing good to strive. Certainly one of my favorites is okonomiyaki, a savory pancake that may be custom-made together with your favourite toppings — an Osakan staple. After lunch, spend a while wandering across the procuring advanced and look out for nice souvenirs. Inside the advanced there’s additionally an indoor zoo for pampering youngsters.
Within the afternoon, spend a while at Youngsters Plaza Osaka, a youngsters’s museum that encourages interactive play and has displays that enable friends (each younger and outdated) to take part in hands-on actions. Close to Youngsters Plaza you will additionally discover the Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, a Tenth-century Shinto shrine that hosts one among Japan’s largest festivals in July, the Tenjin Matsuri. If you’re fortunate sufficient to go to the pageant on the finish of July, make sure you go to the pageant for an evening of energetic parades, conventional music and fireworks. Essentially the most well-known is the boat parade on the Okawa River, which is a must-see.
Finish the day with a go to to the Umeda Sky Constructing’s Floating Backyard Observatory with a wonderful panoramic view of Osaka. For dinner, go to one of many many eating places within the space and seize a chunk to eat earlier than heading to Qu’il fait bon for one of many store’s well-known fruitcakes, a scrumptious dessert after a protracted day of journey.
day 3
Spend your final day in Osaka exploring the Tennoji district, an space that provides a enjoyable mixture of custom, cultural heritage and fashionable points of interest for all of the household. Begin your journey by visiting Shitennoji Temple, positioned inside strolling distance of Tennoji Station. One of many oldest temples in Japan, it’s best identified for being the nation’s first Buddhist and state temple. Though it has been renovated a number of instances, it has retained a lot of its historic integrity, giving guests a glimpse of what it regarded like previously. All year long, the temple hosts a variety of cultural actions equivalent to calligraphy and tea ceremonies that provide an perception into Japanese tradition. These are nice methods to introduce youngsters to a number of the nation’s oldest customs and a way more interactive different to what you may discover in a museum. Inside a brief strolling distance from the temple is Tennoji Park and a playground with giant, open inexperienced areas good for kids to work off some vitality or for a household picnic.
At midday, go to Abeno Q’s Buying Middle the place you can find quite a lot of household eating places, together with informal spots for a calming lunch. Some nice choices embrace MOS Burger, one among Japan’s most well-known burger chains, and Saizeriya, an Italian household restaurant that provides a really kid-friendly choice. Abeno Q’s is a big procuring advanced with about 250 shops, making it one of many largest in Osaka. Be happy to spend an additional hour wandering round to get a great really feel for the tradition, as you will discover quite a lot of well-known Japanese food and drinks spots, common trend shops, and extra.
Within the night, head to Shinsekai, an older Japanese neighborhood identified for its nostalgic show of retro Japan. Neon indicators line the streets and reasonably priced eats are all over the place you flip, making this avenue nice for a DIY meals tour. Fried skewers (kushikatsu) are particularly scrumptious, so strive them! Head to the Tsutenkaku Tower, often known as the “Eiffel Tower of Osaka,” for extra spectacular views of town. It additionally contains a enjoyable slide that older youngsters can strive in the event that they dare. After eating at one of many many meals stalls or eating places you will come throughout alongside Janjan Yokocho Alley, end off your time in Osaka with a visit to Spa World. This multi-story sizzling spring gives baths modeled on onsen world wide. Along with the bathhouse, there are additionally saunas, therapeutic massage areas, rest areas, playrooms, swimming swimming pools, water slides and extra.
The place to remain
Osaka has no scarcity of lodging choices, which might make discovering the proper place to base your self a problem in the event you’re unfamiliar with the realm. Though touring from one facet of Osaka to the opposite is comparatively straightforward, every of its most well-known districts gives a special perspective on life within the metropolis. Here is a fast overview of the most well-liked:
- Quantity (Minami): Often called the center of Osaka’s nightlife and leisure, that is the best choice for households on the lookout for an space bustling with actions and meals decisions. Neon lights, 24-hour recreation facilities, procuring choices and meals streets are a number of the highlights of this centrally positioned neighborhood, however that additionally means large crowds, noise and better costs.
- Umeda (We): This district is thought for its extra fashionable, stylish and business-oriented ambiance. It options top-notch procuring and a lot of the space’s luxurious accommodations, making it a must-visit in the event you’re on the lookout for high quality eating or a five-star expertise. A number of the key points of interest listed below are the Floating Backyard Observatory on the Umeda Sky Constructing, Grand Entrance Osaka (a procuring advanced) and HEP 5, a shopping mall with a Ferris wheel. Count on lodging to be dearer and nightlife to be quieter.
- Shinsaibashi: Shinsaibashi is well-known within the teenage and youth group. It is full of stylish trend boutiques and cafes, making it significantly enticing to households with older youngsters, and it is near Namba, making it straightforward to discover each areas extensively. It’s significantly well-known for the Shinsaibashi procuring arcade and America Village (Amerikamura), well-known for procuring and avenue artwork. Like Namba, Shinsaibashi is busy, particularly within the night.
- Tennoi: It is a nice possibility for households hoping to discover conventional and fashionable points of interest. With quick access to parks, temples and procuring malls, Tennoji may be very family-friendly and gives probably the most reasonably priced lodging amongst these choices. Right here you can find Abeno Harukas, the tallest constructing in Japan; Tennoji Zoo; and Shintennoji Temple, one of many oldest temples in Japan. Being extra conventional in nature, nightlife is sparse and fewer centrally positioned, making journeys into town longer however not uncontrollable.
Different common choices embrace the Osaka Bay space and Shin-Osaka, which provide quite a lot of family-friendly and extra reasonably priced lodging choices.
Related hyperlinks:
Browse all household actions and lodging in Japan on Ciao Bambino
The perfect one-week itinerary for Japan with youngsters
Seasons of Japan: When is the most effective time to plan a visit?
72 hours in Tokyo with youngsters
9 favourite day journeys from Tokyo with youngsters