Discovering Osaka: A Family-Friendly Adventure

Nestled in the heart of Japan’s Kansai region, Osaka beckons with its vibrant culture, delectable cuisine, and captivating attractions. For families with young children, this dynamic city offers a treasure trove of experiences that promise excitement, wonder, and plenty of memorable moments.

I saved our trip experience in a highlight bubble on my Instagram page called “Japan”. Go watch those stories!

Choosing Our Oasis: Best Western Osaka Fino Hotel

Before delving into the bustling streets of Osaka, we settled into the comfort of the Best Western Osaka Fino Hotel. With its convenient location and family-friendly amenities (breakfast on-site is a must-have when traveling with kids), it provided the perfect sanctuary for our little explorers amidst the urban bustle. The rooms are small and because we booked last minute, we ended up having to book two rooms as just the single bedrooms were available. Honestly, it wasn’t bad though as both my baby and toddler were still adjusting to the new time zone and a little space between the two kids allowed more sleep for us parents!

Universal Studios Osaka: A World of Whimsy

No trip to Osaka is complete without a visit to Universal Studios, where fantasy and reality collide in a whirlwind of excitement and enchantment. Our toddler is obsessed with Mario so this was an obvious stop for us in our Japan trip!

We booked our Universal Studios tickets on Klook for a great deal! You can use discount code BRIGGS20 for any booking on Klook. Check out this video to learn more about our time there.

Food Markets: A Feast for the Senses

In the heart of Osaka’s bustling entertainment district, Dotonbori captivated our senses with its dazzling array of sights, sounds, and flavors. From towering neon signs to sizzling street food stalls, we navigated the lively thoroughfare, sampling local delicacies and immersing ourselves in the vibrant energy of this iconic landmark.

We took a tour with City Unscripted and loved it! Not only did our guide show us Dontunburi, but also many other smaller markets (with little to no waiting lines). I highly recommend booking a half-day tour with them!

We only had 48 hours to explore so sadly we didn’t get to many of the things I wanted to see! Below you’ll find some additional items that were on my list.

Additional Reading: 48 hours in Tokyo with a baby & toddler

Nara Park: A Brush with Nature and History

Just a short train ride from Osaka lies Nara Park, home to a breathtaking landscape dotted with ancient temples and friendly deer roaming freely. Kids love feeding the deer here!

Kids Plaza: Where Learning Meets Play

Kids Plaza is a haven of interactive exhibits and hands-on activities designed to ignite young minds. From creative workshops to educational play areas, our little ones reveled in a world where learning seamlessly intertwined with play, sparking curiosity and imagination at every turn.

Zaou: Fishing for Dinner

For a unique culinary experience, visit Zaou! You have the opportunity to catch your dinner from tanks teeming with fresh fish.

Solaniwa Onsen: Serenity in the City

Amidst the hustle and bustle of Osaka, people seek solace and relaxation at Solaniwa Onsen, where a private room is perfect for the entire family! Here, we immersed ourselves in healing waters, letting the soothing warmth melt away our cares as we basked in the tranquility of this urban oasis—a blissful respite from the excitement of our Osaka escapades.

In the end, our trip to Osaka with a baby and a toddler had been nothing short of extraordinary—a testament to the power of adventure, discovery, and the enduring magic of family.