Osaka’s beautiful blend of old-world charm and ultra-modern ambiance makes it a must-visit stop on any Japan itinerary. Food lovers, entertainment seekers, history buffs and technophiles of all ages can find plenty to love about this bustling port city, making it an attractive destination for an international family vacation.
When traveling with children, there’s a fine line between an enriching experience and a downright disaster. Planning on the front end can save you headaches and tantrums while providing peace of mind that your family excursion abroad will be a memory worth repeating. We’ve done the legwork to assemble a kid-approved itinerary to one of Japan’s most popular cities.
Getting There
While three airports (Kansai International Airport, Osaka International Airport and Kobe Airport) service Osaka, the city also is easily reachable within Japan thanks to its massive Shinkansen bullet train hub. A direct three-and-a-half-hour train ride from Tokyo puts you close to central Honshu’s top destinations, including Kyoto, Nara and Hiroshima, making it a well-situated base to explore the region.
Where To Stay
You’d be hard-pressed to find a more accommodating address for families than InterContinental Osaka. Set inside the luxury Grand Front Osaka shopping mall, roughly two blocks from Osaka Station, InterContinental Osaka is one of the only hotels in the city to boast a pool — a great perk for parents looking to tire out energetic tots. Everything from goggles to swim caps is available to borrow, so you don’t have to worry about packing extra gear.
InterContinental Osaka’s well-equipped residences include family-friendly extras like full kitchens (some with washing machines and dishwashers) and new Chromecast TVs. And all accommodations feature bathtubs to ensure your nightly routine isn’t interrupted. Gratis bike rentals allow for group outings, and NOKA Roast & Grill, a semi-buffet-style signature restaurant, makes mealtime at the hotel adaptable for smaller travelers.
What To Do
The visually striking Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is Japan’s largest aquarium, and it provides a fun rainy-day activity for those traveling with tykes in tow. Just a 15-minute taxi ride from InterContinental Osaka, the aquarium showcases the marine life of the Pacific Rim across more than 15 beautifully curated exhibits, all anchored around a 30-foot-deep tank representing the Pacific Ocean. After buying your tickets online to avoid the line, you’ll enter from the aquarium’s top floor and descend into the depths as you and your brood explore eight floors of king penguins, otters, a whale shark and other aquatic life.
Osaka Castle
No visit to Osaka would be complete without visiting its most enduring symbol. Towering five stories, the imposing Osaka Castle has been an integral part of the city’s story since its construction began in 1583. A well-curated museum inside the castle details this rich history, though the highlight is the view from the top-floor terrace.
While the museum offers plenty of fascinating information on the structure’s history, the gorgeous grounds are where you’ll likely spend the majority of your time. At more than 250 acres, Osaka Castle Park encompasses the cherry blossom-packed Nishinomaru Garden, a plum orchard, a former tea house and several other historic sites. Train-obsessed tots and tired parents will like an electric tram ride from the park entrance up to the castle gate — an incredibly scenic experience during the spring bloom.
After exploring the castle grounds, partake in some interactive learning at the Osaka Science Museum. A 10-minute taxi ride from the castle, the kid-friendly museum offers four floors of exhibits, live shows and a planetarium. The second-floor “Enjoy Science!” exhibit is particularly engaging for younger children thanks to its focus on hands-on play — think windchimes, wacky mirrors and pingpong balls suspended in jets of air. (Editor’s note: The museum is undergoing renovations and will reopen in summer 2024.)
Dontonbori District
Nothing can prepare you for the bright lights and larger-than-life energy of Osaka’s Dontonbori district. Similar to New York’s Times Square yet very different, Dontonbori is a sensory explosion of sight, sound and even smell and taste — the district is a prime place to experience Osaka’s well-deserved reputation as a culinary hub.
Oversized neon signs adorn modern skyscrapers while oversized food-inspired sculptures are perched above multi-story restaurants, all fighting for your attention on the crowded canal-lined streets. It can be overwhelming, but it’s also quintessentially Japanese. Bring the family during the day to wander, shop and take in Dontonbori’s one-of-a-kind experiences. Stay after sundown to watch the district’s signature neon signs come to life in vibrant technicolor.
Enjoy one of Osaka’s most spectacular views from the top of the 40-story Umeda Sky Building. The easily recognizable landmark (twin towers connected by a sky bridge and crowned with a circular observatory) lies just a six-minute walk from InterContinental Osaka for an easy afternoon or post-dinner excursion. Once you enter the skyscraper, follow signage for Kuchu Teien Observatory to find the ticket counter and entrance to the 39th- and 40th-floor lounge, restaurant and observation deck. Kids will love the tunnel-like escalator ride up to the observatory almost as much as the 360-degree vistas from the top-floor terrace.
We recommend visiting after nightfall to take in an illuminated Osaka skyline complemented by blacklights. The observation deck’s low lighting makes for better photos and brightens a vibrant splatter-painted walkway around the building.
There are few better places to taste Osaka’s famed street food than at Kuromon Market. Stroll among the glass-covered market’s 150-plus stalls to sample everything from fresh seafood to sweet treats. Small seating areas make it easy for the family to regroup and eat.
Must-try market staples include takoyaki (octopus fritters), okonomiyaki (cabbage pancake) and authentic Kobe beef. For the latter, look for stalls that showcase a gold plaque bearing the image of a cow mounted to a black base. This sculpture is proof that what you’re eating is a certified cut.
Another perk for parents is Kuromon Market’s centrally located rest area. The spacious (by market stall standards, anyway) room offers plenty of seating, a convenience store where you can stock up on water and public restrooms equipped with changing tables.
Thrill-seekers of all ages should add Universal Studios Japan to their Osaka itinerary. An easy 12-minute train trek (with one line change) or 17-minute taxi ride from your room puts you at the front gate of the first international Universal Studios theme park, where attractions from the worlds of Harry Potter, Jurassic Park, Sesame Street and Minions await.
Among the entertaining highlights at Universal Studios Japan is the 2023-debuted Super Nintendo World, home to immersive rides, restaurants and meet-and-greets that will transport everyone into their favorite family-friendly video games. Super fans should plan their trip in late 2024 to catch the opening of the park’s Donkey Kong Country expansion.
