When travelling to Japan from Australia you will probably grapple with whether to land in Tokyo or Osaka with many of the airlines providing both options. With a bounty of things to do in Osaka with kids, perhaps you could fly into Osaka and leave from Tokyo (or vice-versa). I wonder if we can convince you.
Things to do in Osaka with Kids
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As the largest port city in Japan, Osaka is a bustling city which never seems to sleep. Sprawling across 223 square kilometres (yes, it is THAT big!), finding things to do in Osaka with kids is child’s play. There’s so much to do. Of course, we have a few favourites and with sharing being caring and all we had to list them for you! Are there any that we should add?
Osaka’s Top Attractions with Kids
Universal Studios Japan
Universal Studios Japan is quite an experience. Whilst it lacks America’s backlot tour, the rides and attractions are incredible. Experiencing the wonderful world of Harry Potter was the biggest highlight for us. Much of it is in English, although the Japanese spin on things make it such a fun exeperience.
Hours: from 9.00 am. Closing time varies depending on the season.
Price: Adults 7,400 yen with tax | Children 5,100 yen with tax | Prices are subject to change and were correct on publication.
Address: 2 Chome-1-33 Sakurajima, Konohana Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 554-0031, Japan
Website: Universal Studios Japan with kids
Kids Plaza Osaka
Kids Plaza Osaka has been keeping kids busy since July 1997. In fact, it was the very first museum in Japan dedicated to children’s education. The fifth floor, also dubbed Let’s Try Floor, is often a favourite as it’s all hands on and the kids can actually create electricity and a while bunch of other things.
Hours: 9.30 am to 5.00 pm daily
Price: Adult 1,400yen | Elementary and junior high school students 800yen | Pre-schoolers (3 years or older)
500yen
Address: 2 Chome-1-7 Ogimachi, Kita, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 530-0025, Japan
Website: www.kidsplaza.or.jp
Osaka Castle
Japanese castles are quite spectacular and Osaka Castle is no exception. Covering over 15 acres of land, Osaka Castle was initially started in 1583. It has been destroyed and rebuilt a number of times with the most recent restoration in 1997. These days the inside of the castle is quite modern and features an elevator for easy access.
Hours: The castle opens early at 9:00 am. It closes at 5.00 pm with last entry at 4.30 pm.
Price: 600Y per adult. Children 15 years old and younger are free.
Address: 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 540-0002, Japan
Website: www.osakacastle.net
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Possibly one of the biggest aquariums in the world so you will need a few hours to experience each exhibit. You’ll see a plethora of aquatic animals across the aquarium including a number of Whale Sharks which can be enough to boycott the place.
Hours: 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. (Last admission is one hour before the closing time. The opening hours vary by season.)
Price: Adults 2,300yen | Aged 7 – 15 years 1,200 yen | Aged 4-6 600yen | children under 3 FREE
Address: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 552-0022, Japan
Website: www.kaiyukan.com
Asahi Brewery Tour
Have you ever wondered how beer is brewed? Ever wondered about what goes into the beer to create its taste? The Asahi Brewery tour walks you through the entire brewing process followed by an Asahi Super Dry beer tasting for the adults.
Hours: 9:30 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
Price: FREE. Reservations required
Address: 1-45 Nishinosho-cho, Suita, Osaka
Website: www.asahibeer.co.jp
Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum
For most Australian’s our experience with cup noodles is through the Maggi variety you buy at supermarkets. Japan has numerous varieties with an almost cult following of some types which has led to the development of the Momofuku Ando Instant Ramen Museum which is dedicated to instant noodles and Cup Noodles, as well as its creator and founder, Momofuku Ando. It’s free. It’s interactive. It’s quirky and fun.
Hours: 9:30 – 16:30 (Last admission is at 15:30). Closed Tuesday (in case Tuesday is a National Holiday, the following day will be a non-business day), Year-end through New Year Holidays
Price: Free of charge. Fees are charged at some facilities in the museum.
Address: 8-２５ Masumicho, Ikeda, Osaka Prefecture 563-0041, Japan
Website: www.cupnoodles-museum.jp
Tempozan Ferris Wheel
With a height of 112.5 metres and diameter of 100 metres, the Tempozan Ferris Wheel offers an incredible panoramic view across Osaka. Personally, it was a little high for me but I know that this giant wheel provides a lot of awe for families who take the trip around.
Hours: 10.00 am – 9.30 pm
Address: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 052-0022, Japan
Website: www.senyo.co.jp
Children’s Museum BIG BANG
If your kids have a thing for space or even if you’re just keen to try something a little different, the Children’s Museum BIG BANG will take you to space through a bunch of hands on activities that you’ll all enjoy. Spread across four levels, the museum offers the opportunity to glimpse some of Japan’s space exploration artefacts whilst also indulging in activities that the kids will love including walking through a giant blue lizard and taking a close look at its internal organs!
Hours: From 10:00 to 17:00 (last entry at 16:30). Closed Monday
Price: Adult 1,000 yen | Junior high student 800 yen | Primary schoolchild 800 yen | Infant (3 years old or older) 600 yen | Infant younger than three years FREE
Address: １-9-1 Chayamadai, Minami Ward, Sakai, Osaka Prefecture 590-0115, Japan
Website: Big Bang Osaka
Umeda Sky Building
This unique and striking building is not far from Umeda station. The building’s two towers are around 170 meters in height and are connected by the Floating Garden Observatory on the 39th floor. From this observatory, you can take in the view of the city and as far as Awaji Island on a good day. Just be mindful that it is an open air observatory so you will feel the wind too!
Hours: 9:30 – 22:30 (varies seasonally; admissions close 22:00)
Price: 1000 yen per person
Address: 〒 531-0076 1-1-88 Oyodonaka, Kita-ku, Osaka
Website: Umeda Sky Building Website
Kema Sakuranomiya Park
Visiting green space always breaks up an adventure in a large commercial city. With over 4,800 cherry trees, visiting Kema Sakuranomiya Park is spectacular in spring and one to add to your itinerary.
Hours: always open
Price: Free
Address: 1 Chome-10 Nakanocho, Miyakojima Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 534-0027, Japan
Website: Osaka Park website
Dotonbori
When it comes to eating and shopping in Osaka, heading to Dotonbori as night falls is an exciting adventure. On our trip, we headed there at dusk and then let our eyes lead us to all of the street stalls where we tried takoyaki, yakitori, okoniyami and a whole lot more. We even found a Daiso to keep Sunshine happy!
Hours: 24 hours
Price: Your budget!
Address: Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka, Osaka Prefecture 542-0071, Japan
Where to Stay in Osaka with Kids
We have stayed in Osaka twice and chose our hotels based on the attractions that we wished to see. On our first trip to Osaka we were very focused on experiencing the theme parks so based ourselves in Osaka Bay. When we returned we were keen to explore the city whilst also using it as a hub to visit a few places outside Osaka such as Nara. Based on this, we have two hotels that we recommend for families based on our experience.
ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka
ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka offers double rooms with the addition of a fold out bed which we found was great for our family of four. The luxury of daily housekeeping and what felt like an endless supply of bathroom amenities made our homecoming after a day of exploring relaxing.
Click here to read our review of the ANA Crowne Plaza Osaka Hotel
Universal Front Hotel
We travelled to Osaka on our first trip to Japan with the sole goal of visiting Universal Studios Japan. We had a very small time frame and wanted to see as much of the park as possible. We booked the Universal Front Hotel for a steal and were able to snag a quadruple room on one of the high floors overlooking Universal Studios.
Getting to Osaka
Osaka can be reached by almost any transport means making it a very accessible city to visit.
By Plane
If travelling by plane is your thing you can book a ticket to Kansai International Airport via many international carriers. From Australia, you can book via Qantas, ANA or Japan Airlines. Domestic flights between the cities are also available and can be a fast way to get between many Japanese destinations
By Train
Japan boasts one of the most advanced train systems in the world. When heading to Japan for a holiday we typically invest in a JR Pass which provides almost unlimited access to the JR lines throughout the country.
A shinkansen ride from Tokyo to Osaka takes under 3 hours and is super easy to book. This is our preferred method of transport when in Japan itself.
By Bus
Japan also has a good bus system across most of the country but they are a lot slower than the train systems and no less in price comparatively. They may be an option if visiting some of the smaller townships in Japan that do not have train connectivity and you want to get to Osaka.
By Car
Japan has quite a number of car rental companies. To drive in Japan you will need an international car licence and we highly recommend travel insurance to protect you and your family in case of misadventure. Like Australia, the Japanese drive on the left side of the road.
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Planning a Trip to Japan?
Are you planning a trip to Japan? You may find some of our other articles helpful. They include:
Planning your trip to Japan with kids
Things to do in Hiroshima with kids
Visiting Japan during Cherry Blossom season
10 things you need to know about Tokyo before you visit with kids
or head to our Japan archives for an array of tips and tricks to make the most out of your trip