Are you one of the lucky people travelling to Osaka? Travellers of all ages will be blown away by the beauty and excitement of this region. You’ll trip over yourself trying to fit in all the sights and sounds, and choosing what to visit and see during your trip can be pretty challenging. This dynamic region has so much to offer for both you and your kids. To help you make the most of your time in this Japanese region, we’ve consulted experts in Japanese food tourism and found out what are the most fun things to do around Osaka with your family.
Things to Do Around Osaka: Family Edition
Osaka serves as Honshu, Japan’s economic hub. It is famous for its impressive skyscrapers and other modern architecture, its vibrant nightlife, and its delicious and varied street cuisine. Some of the most interesting sights include the moat and park with plum, peach, and cherry blossom trees and the castles and shrines. You can’t fathom how incredible it is until you see it.
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However, seeing everything would take at least a couple of weeks, so you should keep this in mind when planning international travel with family. You need to be ready and know what you want to see before you get here from your home country. To help you organize a trip your entire family will remember forever, we have this list of things to do around Osaka.
Universal Studios Japan
Everyone, especially your children, will enjoy a visit to Universal Studios Japan. The Wizarding World of Harry Potter is a must-see since it has an actual reproduction of Hogwarts Castle from the films, so visitors may experience the magic for themselves. We guarantee both you and your kids will have the time of your lives.
And if that’s not enough, there’s also the spectacular Water World Show and the adrenaline-pumping Jurassic Park Adventure Tour. Fun for all ages, USJ is a family-friendly theme park. However, do plan on waiting in line for each attraction for around 30 minutes, and even longer for the most popular ones.
Shinsekai District Food Tours
Even if you are not a family of foodies, you can’t go to Osaka and not try traditional Japanese food. And what better place to try all the delicacies that Osaka has to offer than the Shinsekai district?
This area of Osaka is completely unique; the vintage neighbourhood is something you should definitely not miss. The best part about it is that it’s not too touristy. This means that you and your family will get an opportunity to have an authentic experience and truly get to know the local culture. Therefore, make sure to book your spot for an evening food tour and enjoy everything the Shinsekai district has to offer.
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The Legoland Discovery Centre
Legoland Discovery Centre in Osaka is a favourite among families from all over the world. There are 12 different attractions, including the laser ride Kingdom Quest, and the virtual reality experience Great Lego Race, as well as interactive displays and a 4-D theatre.
Trying to find something to eat? Enjoy unique treats like Lego-shaped french fries and milkshakes topped with chocolate sweets in the onsite cafeteria. This place is packed with family fun and adventure! If you plan on adding the Legoland Discovery Centre to your itinerary, do keep in mind that you should probably dedicate an entire day to this attraction.
Tennoji Zoo
Tennoji Zoo, which was opened in 1915, is home to around 1000 animals of 200 different species. The park spans 110 acres and features habitats for various animals that are designed to resemble their native settings.
Kids Plaza Osaka
Osaka’s Kids Plaza became the country’s first children’s museum when it opened in July 1977. Each level is themed on different aspects of innovation, exploration, and newfound knowledge in keeping with the “Learning by Doing” philosophy. Moreover, there are several engaging areas where kids and grownups can play together.
Workshops and events, like voice acting and cooking classes, are regularly held at Kids Plaza Osaka. Kids Plaza Osaka is a great place to visit, even if it rains all day. You can take a break at one of the neighbouring restaurants or parks and then return the following day with your ticket stub.
There are penguins, giraffes, and elephants, among other animals, to observe across the park’s four zones. Tennoji Zoo allows free same-day re-entry, so you can go out to lunch or see some of the local attractions, like the Tsutenkaku Tower, and then come back to see the animals. There is no need to return to the park if you tell the gate attendant you are leaving early.
Harvest Hill Osaka
Harvest Hill Osaka is an educational, agricultural park with plenty of opportunities for fun in the fresh air. You can enjoy activities like feeding sheep and goats, riding horses, going sledding and go-karting, and even learning how to bake pastries and loaves of bread. You can’t get bored even if you’re just strolling and looking around.
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There are two athletic courses: Low Ground is geared toward newcomers and intermediates, while High Ground is designed for more experienced adventurers (with a maximum height of 8 metres). There is a bungee jump and a zip line in Harvest Hill as well. Be sure to check the official website before making a trip as there are monthly events, such as capybara petting sessions, that you really shouldn’t miss out on.
And There Are Plenty More Fun Things to Do Around Osaka…
On top of everything we’ve listed, there are plenty more fun things to do around Osaka with your family. From exploring Japanese cuisine through fabulous Osaka food tours and having a blast at theme parks, to enjoying lovely scenery at Harvest Hill park, you and your kids will leave Osaka wanting more.
Featured Photo by Mike Swigunski on Unsplash
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