8-Day Family-Friendly Itinerary for Osaka Adventures

Day 1: Explore Osaka Castle

Osaka, Japan on September 25, 2024

9:00AM

Osaka Castle Park

Start your adventure at the iconic Osaka Castle and explore the beautiful park surrounding it, perfect for the kids to run around.
Take the Osaka Metro to Tanimachi 4-chome Station.
JPY0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Local Lunch at Kusuriya No Daidokoro

Enjoy a family-friendly lunch with local favorites like okonomiyaki, served in a cozy environment.
A short 10-minute walk from Osaka Castle.
JPY3,000 for a family of four, 1 hour

1:00PM

National Museum of Art

Head to the National Museum of Art to inspire creativity and curiosity in your children with contemporary art exhibitions.
Take the subway to Nishi-Umeda Station and walk about 15 minutes.
JPY1,000 per adult; kids free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Dotonbori Street

Wander the vibrant Dotonbori area and snap photos with the iconic Glico Man sign.
Take the subway to Namba Station.
GBP0 - free to explore, 2 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Doteyaki Zaiyu

Savor deep-fried skewers and doteyaki, a local specialty, suitable for the whole family.
Walking distance from Dotonbori.
JPY4,000 for a family of four, 1.5 hours
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Day 2: Aquarium Fun

Osaka, Japan on September 26, 2024

9:00AM

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Marvel at the marine life at one of the largest aquariums in the world, featuring interactive exhibits.
Take the subway to Osakako Station.
JPY2,400 per adult; JPY1,200 per child, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Aioli

Refuel with a delightful Mediterranean meal while overlooking the harbor at Aioli restaurant.
Walking distance from the aquarium.
JPY6,000 for a family of four, 1 hour

2:00PM

Tempozan Ferris Wheel

Take a spin on the Tempozan Ferris Wheel for stunning views of Osaka Bay and beyond.
Adjacent to the aquarium.
JPY900 per person, 1 hour

4:00PM

Shopping at Tempozan Marketplace

Enjoy shopping and exploring local treats, perfect for picking up souvenirs for the kids.
Located next to the Ferris wheel.
JPY0 - cost varies, 1.5 hours

6:00PM

Dinner at Kushi Katsu Daruma

End your day with kushi katsu (fried skewers) at a popular chain loved by families.
Take the subway back to Namba Station.
JPY5,000 for a family of four, 1.5 hours
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Day 3: Day Trip to Nara

Nara, Japan on September 27, 2024

8:00AM

Travel to Nara

Catch an early train from Osaka to Nara to maximize your day of exploration.
Take the Kintetsu Nara Line from Namba Station.
JPY1,500 per adult; JPY750 per child, 1 hour

9:30AM

Nara Park

Once in Nara, explore the expansive park filled with friendly free-roaming deer, truly a sight to behold.
A short walk from the station.
JPY0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Naramachi Norenkan

Try local specialties at this quaint food stall and enjoy the charming atmosphere of old Nara.
Take a brief walk to Naramachi.
JPY4,000 for a family of four, 1 hour

1:00PM

Todai-ji Temple

Visit the impressive Todai-ji Temple, home to a giant Buddha statue, a highlight for all ages.
Walk 15 minutes from Nara Park.
JPY600 per adult; kids free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Isuien Garden

Stroll through the beautiful Isuien Garden, providing a tranquil escape and picturesque scenery.
A 10-minute walk from Todai-ji.
JPY900 per adult; kids free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Magurobito

Savor a dinner of fresh sushi and other seafood dishes before heading back to Osaka.
Walking distance from the garden.
JPY5,500 for a family of four, 1.5 hours

7:00PM

Return to Osaka

Take the train back to Osaka, reflecting on a fun-filled day in Nara.
Kintetsu Nara Line back to Namba Station.
JPY1,500 per adult; JPY750 per child, 1 hour
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Day 4: A Day in Universal Studios

Osaka, Japan on September 28, 2024

9:00AM

Universal Studios Japan

Spend an exciting day at Universal Studios Japan full of thrilling rides and attractions based on beloved movies, making memories.
Take the JR Line to Universal-City Station.
JPY8,500 per adult; JPY6,000 per child, Free to enjoy all day

12:30PM

Lunch in the Park

Grab some themed dining options available within the park for a family friendly lunch experience.
Available throughout the park.
JPY6,000 for a family of four, 1 hour

6:00PM

Dinner at Hard Rock Cafe

Enjoy a hearty dinner in an energetic environment surrounded by rock memorabilia!
Located just outside the park.
JPY5,500 for a family of four, 1.5 hours
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Day 5: Say Hello to Animal Friends

Osaka, Japan on September 29, 2024

9:00AM

Asahi Ryokuchi Park

Start with a beautiful outdoor experience at this park, where the family can enjoy a lovely picnic and time outdoors.
Etiz/On foot, easy access.
JPY0, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Hoshino Coffee

Relish in fluffy pancake dishes and enjoy various coffee drinks while relaxing in this popular spot.
Travel to Honmachi estacion by subway.
JPY4,000 for a family of four, 1 hour

1:00PM

Tennoji Zoo

Discover exotic animals and participate in educational sessions held at Tennoji Zoo, perfect for kids.
Take the subway to Tennoji Station.
JPY500 per adult; kids free, 2 hours

3:30PM

Explore Shitennoji Temple

Visit one of Japan’s oldest temples, Shitennoji, filled with history and cultural significance.
A short 10-minute walk from the zoo.
JPY300 per adult; kids free, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Ajinoya

Taste delicious classic Osaka-style pancakes in a family-friendly restaurant.
About 15 minutes by subway.
JPY4,000 for a family of four, 1.5 hours
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Day 6: Cultural Insights in Kyoto

Kyoto, Japan on September 30, 2024

8:00AM

Travel to Kyoto

Depart Osaka early to explore the cultural heart of Japan, only a short train ride away.
Take the JR Line from Osaka Station to Kyoto Station.
JPY600 per adult; JPY300 per child, 30 minutes

9:00AM

Fushimi Inari Taisha

Visit this iconic shrine known for its thousands of vermillion torii gates, allowing more family photo opportunities.
Take a local train from Kyoto Station to Inari Station.
JPY0 - free entry, 2 hours

11:30AM

Lunch at Inari Sushi Ko

Savor delicious sushi while enjoying the beautiful surrounding views of Fushimi Inari.
Walking distance from the shrine.
JPY5,000 for a family of four, 1 hour

1:00PM

Kiyomizu-dera Temple

Explore the stunning Kiyomizu-dera Temple, giving panoramic city views and a glimpse of traditional architecture.
Take a bus or taxi to the temple.
JPY400 per adult; kids free, 1.5 hours

3:00PM

Nanzen-ji Temple

Immerse in the tranquility of Nanzen-ji Temple with its serene gardens.
Bus ride from Kiyomizu-dera.
JPY0 - free to explore the grounds, 1 hour

5:00PM

Dinner at Katsukura

Enjoy tonkatsu at this well-known restaurant known for its fried pork cutlet.
Head back toward the main station for dinner.
JPY5,000 for a family of four, 1.5 hours
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Day 7: Theme Park Excitement

Osaka, Japan on October 1, 2024

9:00AM

Legoland Discovery Center

Have a blast at this indoor Lego-themed park, perfect for kids with its interactive exhibits and play areas.
Take the subway to Osaka’s Universal City.
JPY3,000 per adult; JPY2,000 per child, 3 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Pizza in the Sky

Enjoy a family lunch with hand-made pizzas and refreshing drinks in a fun atmosphere.
Located nearby the Discovery Center.
JPY5,000 for a family of four, 1 hour

2:00PM

Osaka Museum of History

Engage with interactive exhibits detailing the history of Osaka, enjoyable for both young and old.
A short train ride back to the city.
JPY600 per adult; JPY300 per child, 2 hours

5:00PM

Dinner at Hanamaru Udon

Relax with a casual meal of fresh udon noodles, simple and loved by families.
Located near the museum.
JPY3,500 for a family of four, 1 hour
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Day 8: Final Day and Departure

Osaka, Japan on October 2, 2024

9:00AM

Shitennoji Temple Visit

Take a leisurely visit to Shitennoji Temple for some final cultural immersions before heading home.
Walking distance from your accommodation.
JPY300 per adult; kids free, 1 hour

10:30AM

Visit Osaka's Tenjinbashi-suji Shopping Street

Walk through the longest shopping street in Japan, perfect for last-minute souvenirs and gifts.
Subway to Tenjinbashi-suji Station.
JPY0 - cost of shopping varies, 1.5 hours

12:30PM

Lunch at Matsubara-tei

Enjoy a delightful lunch of tempura and sushi, making sure to savor every last bite of Osaka’s cuisine.
Walking distance to the restaurant.
JPY5,000 for a family of four, 1.5 hours

2:00PM

Last-minute exploration in Osaka

Take a relaxing stroll in Nakanoshima Park, a lovely finish to your family's adventure.
Short taxi ride from the restaurant.
JPY0, 1.5 hours

4:00PM

Return to Hotel and Departure

Check out and prepare for your journey home, filled with beautiful memories.
Take a taxi to Kansai International Airport.
JPY3,000 for taxi fare, 1 hour
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