Osaka Family Vacation : 8 days Itinerary for 2023
Last December, we decided to visit this once gritty city to check out the colourful hype.
Setting 8 days 7 nights family holiday itinerary, we explore the sight, sound and taste of Osaka's modern and ancient culture. For this trip, we will be covering the major attractions as follows.
- Universal Studios Japan
- Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
- Osaka Museum of History
- Osaka Castle
- Dotonbori Street Food
- Day trip to Nara
- Day trip to Kyoto
- Tennoji Zoo
DAY 1
Highlights: Universal Citywalk, Hotel Universal Port Osaka
Starflyer |
Osaka was the second leg of our holidays in Japan. We had earlier stayed for 5 days in Tokyo. We took a local flight, the black-clad Starflyer and embarked on an hour-long flight to Osaka.
Fuji-San |
If you want to save costs and see more of Japan, you can opt for the JR Pass, which allows you to travel within cities for a reasonable price. Great if you are travelling between Tokyo - Osaka - Kyoto
Get your JR Pass from Klook here.
Off to Osaka |
Pokemon Store |
Ho-Oh ... I choose you! |
Bus Tickets |
HOTEL: Hotel Universal Port
Hotel Universal Port |
Hotel Universal Port Room |
The Room was a decent size and fit 4 Super Single size beds. There was a unique Minions room, but since we would be out most of the time, it would be a waste to pay double the standard room price for an upgrade. It was a wise decision.
Read about Our Review of The Hotel Universal Port here.
Want to book a room?
We booked our Hotel through booking.com, and it was fast and straightforward. Best of all, it has free cancellation if we change our minds.
Universal Citywalk Osaka |
Udon |
Osaka Takoyaki Museum |
Takoyaki |
DAY 2
ATTRACTION: Universal Studios Japan
After having our fill, it was off to Universal Studios Japan. We highly recommend booking the tickets online to prevent disappointment and long queues. We got our tickets from Klook along with the Universal Studios Japan Express Pass 4.
Universal Studio Japan |
You can opt for the Express Pass 7 if you go on days when crowds are insane and want to take all the rides!
ButterBeer |
Universal Parade |
With the Express Pass 4, we managed to sit on all the rides and attractions we wanted. It included Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey, Minion Mayhem, The Amazing Spiderman, Jaws, Jurassic Park the Ride, Terminator, Backdraft and Space Fantasy. Unfortunately, we skipped the Hollywood Dream and Flying Saucer due to the height restriction (minimum 132 cm). With the time saved, we had time to explore Universal Wonderland.
All in, we sat on over 12 rides in ONE day. The most we ever did in any theme park!
Spiderman - The Ride |
Universal Wonderland |
- Book here for the day passes.
- Book here for the Express 4 passes ( You need to purchase the day pass as well)
DAY 3
Highlights: Captains Line. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Tempozan Ferris Wheel, Legoland Discovery Center
Captains Line |
Port of Osaka |
Osaka Amazing Pass |
The pass cost us only SGD 28.9 per person and allowed us to several attractions in Osaka. This includes the Captain Line boat ride from the Hotel to the Osaka Aquarium (Returns cost SGD 15 each). With this pass, we visited 6 attractions with free transportation in between. We saved about 50% off the fees if we had paid for it individually. Highly recommended for 1st timers to Osaka.
You can get the Osaka Amazing Pass here.
Still undecided? Read about our Osaka Amazing Pass review here.
ATTRACTION: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Whale Shark |
ATTRACTION: Tempozan Ferris Wheel
Tempozan Market Place |
Next, we headed to the Tempozan Marketplace to ride on the Tempozan Ferris Wheel.
Japanese Goodies |
We found a couple of interesting shops in the building. Stores were selling old-school Japanese goodies, Gachapon stores, and Anime stores. So if you looking for quirky souvenirs, you might just find one here.
Soon we were up and away on the Tempoza Ferris Wheel. The ride is also included in the Osaka Amazing Pass we introduced earlier.
You can see half of Osaka from the top. But, most of the time, you will try to spot familiar buildings from your Ferris Wheel. At 112.5 meters with 60 passenger cars, it was the world's tallest Ferris Wheel... until the London Eye came along.
Lego Discovery Center Osaka |
The next stop was Legoland Discovery Center, Osaka. Initially, we toyed with the idea of heading to Nagoya for the new Legoland. However, we decided on this alternative instead due to the lack of time. Having been to the one in Tokyo, this Discovery Center is almost similar in terms of attractions.
LEGO Dotonbori |
*Pun Intended
Rides for kids |
Dinner was at Katusdon at the food court. We think the food quality was equally good after eating in restaurants and food courts. The food court cost about 10-20% cheaper, but they were generous with their portions.
The Naniwa Food Theme Park was next to the food court itself. It may be interesting to explore and have your meal there instead.
Katsudon |
Goodbye Tempoza! |
DAY 4
Highlights: Osaka Museum of History, Osaka Castle, Hep 5, Dotonbori Street Food
With 4 luggage, calling a cab to fit everything in was impossible. So we decided to be adventurous and take the train instead. It was challenging, but we made it in the end. We need to change 2 trains to make it to our Hotel.
Hello Kitty Train |
We took the train From Universal City Station and changed to another train at Nishikujo. Along the way, we had to navigate flights of stairs. If you have younger kids, this part may be challenging. Fortunately, the boys can carry their own luggage for this.
From Nishikujo, we took another train to Osaka-Namba. The journey took us about 30 minutes in total.
Dotonbori River |
ATTRACTION: Osaka Museum Of History
Getting There: Covered by Osaka Amazing Pass
1) Namba Station-Tanimachi 9-Chome Station (Sen-Nichimae Line)
2) Tanimachi 9-Chome Station - Tanimaciyonchome Station (Tanimachi Line)
Face Off in Osaka |
Osaka Museum of History. |
There were a few floors of exhibits to explore with explanations in English.
Our personal favourite would be the miniature displays of Old Osaka.
Sushi today? |
Playing Japanese Snake and Ladder |
Getting There: Walk
Old School Car |
Let's Go, Osaka Castle, |
You strike a pose!
Osaka Mood |
Or you could visit the Castle. The entrance to the Castle is also covered by the Osaka Amazing Pass.
Osaka Castle |
Do you know the original cars and castles were destroyed not once but twice?
The first time it was destroyed by invaders. The second time it was struck by lightning in 1665 and burnt down. The current car castle was only built in 1931!
Battle |
On the flip side, we were entertained by a Canadian juggler just outside the Castles entertaining as it is; we do wish it was a local performer instead. Seeing a foreigner perform in Japan is a little odd considering that it is a country that prides its own culture.
Street Performer |
Before you go, grab a bite of ice cream from the food stalls outside the entrance.
ATTRACTION: HEP FIVE
Getting There: Covered by Osaka Amazing PassTanimachiyonchome Station - Higashi-Umeda Station (Tanimachi Line)
HEP FIVE |
You could do it in the Summer when the days are longer.
|
Want to stay in Cross Hotel?
You can book your stay through this link.
Want to know more about the Cross Hotel Osaka? Read our review here.
Cross Hotel Osaka |
Dotnobori River |
Taking a photo with the Glico man will be mandatory while you are there!
Let's hit the street! |
Gyoza |
Bring a plastic bag along to bin your food, as finding a dustbin can be a little challenging ( they are located at certain spots and not at the food stalls)
Osaka Food Street |
Having eaten our fill, it was back to the Hotel for a well-deserved nightcap.
Takoyaki |
Check out The Wacky Duo Youtube Channel for more videos.
Dotonbori Top 10 Must-try Street Food
DAY 5
After our delicious first Breakfast at Cross Hotel, we were all set for a day trip to Nara Park!Initially, our room included 3 adult breakfast vouchers, and the staff was kind enough to change one of the adult vouchers to 2 children's coupons. Thumbs up for the initiative!
Watch out! |
While on our way to the station, we were met with numerous bicycles on the pedestrian path. This is the norm in Osaka, so put down the phone and watch where you are walking in Osaka.
ATTRACTION: Nara Park
Getting there : Osaka Namba Station - Kintetsu - Nara Station (Kintetsu-Nara Line)
Nara Deers |
Oh, dear!
It's time to meet some deers today. First, getting to Nara Park from Dotonbori is a breeze. Next, we headed to Osaka Namba Station, within walking distance and took a straight train to Nara. The train journey took less than 40 minutes, and we landed in the land of deer.
You can book a fuss-free tour from Osaka at Klook here.
Hello |
Deer crackers can be purchased from the street vendor for ¥150
Feeding a deer cracker |
Kofukuji |
We made a quick stop at Kofukuji before heading Tōdai-jiTemple.
ATTRACTION: Tōdai-Ji (東大寺, Eastern Great Temple)
Nandaimon Gate |
After walking past the imposing Nandaimon Gate, we reached Tōdai-Ji Temple.
Tōdai-Ji Temple housed Japan's world's most giant bronze Sitting Daibutsu (Budda Vairocana). The Daibutsuden itself is the world's largest wooden building. The temple is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Tōdai-Ji |
ATTRACTION: Nakatanido
Before leaving Nara, we made a stop at Nakatanido. Nakatanido is well known for its Mochi Pounding performance. Mochi is made live on the sport through the vicious pounding of the Mochi dough.
Mochi Pounding |
Words cannot simply describe the world's fastest Mochi Pounders.
See for yourself in the video.
Don't forget to get a warm Mochi after the performance!
Narakirisuo Church |
Soon, it was time to head back to Dotonbori.
If you think DIY is tough and want a Fuss Free Nara Day Trip, go for day tours from Klook.
Plan a day trip from Osaka, combing Nara Todaiji Temple and Kyoto Arashiyama Bamboo Forest from Klook
Alternatively, opt for the half-day Nara Tour instead.
See our full-day trip itinerary to Nara.
Wall of Money |
Since we still had energy left for the day, we had a game of bowling at the nearby Round 1
Round 1 |
Bowling rates were reasonable. They even had a unique bowling pin not to be found anywhere. But don't believe it, see below...
Ebisu Bashi-Suji Shopping street |
Nara Day Trip Video
Want to see more?
Check out The Wacky Duo Youtube Channel for more videos.
DAY 6
Highlights: Kyoto, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest, Fushimi-Nari Shrine, Nishiki Market
Another day... another day trip!
This time we head to Kyoto to see Kyoto 2 iconic attractions- The Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and the Fushimi Inari Shrine.
Want a fuss-free way to visit Kyoto from Osaka?
Book these value-for-money deals from Klook.
Klook: Kyoto Temples and Shrines Day Tour from with meal
Covers - Fushimi - Inari-Taisha, Kiyomizu-Dera, Kinkaku-Ji. Arashiyama
Klook: Kyoto Sagano Romantic Train, Arashiyama, Kiyomizudera & Fushimi Inari-Taisha Day Tour
Covers the popular Kyoto attractions with a Romantic Train ride
ATTRACTION: Arashiyama Bamboo Forest
Getting there
1)Namba Station - Umeda Station ( Midosuji Line)
2)Walk to Osaka Station. Osaka station-Kyoto (JR Tokaido-Sanyo Line)
3)Kyoto-SagaArashiyama Station
Kyoto Station |
We took a train to Kyoto Main Station before switching trains to Arashimiya. There are many ways to get to Kyoto from Osaka, including the Rapid train and even the Shinkansen. The latter will be the fastest and best option if you hold the JR pass. Otherwise, the regular JR trains would do about 15 minutes longer.
The whole journey took us a manageable 90 mins. So do not worry about the final fare. You can do a top-up before exiting the station ( the trip from Osaka Station does not indicate the food to Saga-Arashiyama.
After about 90 minutes, we arrived at the Arashiyama Bamboo Forest. Getting to the Forest was a tricky affair. We used Apple Maps on the phone to guide us. Otherwise, when exiting the station, look for a Locomotive Display.
Temple |
Arashiyama Bamboo Forest is located within a straight path. The forest's densest part is about 800 meters into the forest.
Don't worry about getting lost; there is only one path in and out. You might be disappointed if you had seen photos of empty trails and bamboo forests. It gets crowded there during the day. The best time to visit would be very early in the morning or late evening.
We had a quick peek before heading back to the entrance.
Nonomiya shrine |
Book your Rickshaw Ride from Klook here
Hungry? |
You can with a day trip to Nara Todaji and Arashiyama Day tour from Klook
This is value for money as it combines 2 cities in one for those with limited time.
You can get our entire itinerary for the Kyoto day trip here.
ATTRACTION: Fushimi Inari
Getting There :
1)Saga-Arashiyama Station to Kyoto (San-In Line)
2)Kyoto-Inari Station (Nara Line)
Top Tripadvisor attraction in Kyoto |
Kimonos |
Reflection |
After the mini 'photo session', we head to the mini food street next to the shrine. If you think Dotonbori has the best food in Osaka, this street has the best street food in Kyoto.
Yakitori |
The yakitori looked exceptionally good. However, we recommend you have a bite first before continuing your journey.
On the way back, we found a shop that sells the elusive Taiyaki (Japanese Fish shape cake with fillings); we just have to try it!
After a mini feast, we decided to head to Kyoto's Kitchen, Nishiki Market, to search for more exotic street food to sample.
Getting There
Fushimi-Inari Station - Gion Shijo Station - Walk
Kamo River |
This was the main reason we were here, as the youngest family member wanted to have a go!
Nishiki Market can get really crowded, and navigating it is challenging for small kids due to its narrow lanes. For those new to Kyoto, you should head to the nearby Ninenzaka instead to see the old Kyoto that lives in the traditional houses that lines the lane. Then, you could walk up to Kiyomizu Temple when you are there too. We were there a few years ago, so we decided to opt for Nishiki Market for this trip.
Kiyomizu Temple |
On Hindsight, we might be better off booking a day trip as the cost are similar. Besides, transportation is covered, so you do not have the hassle of finding out how to get to the attractions.
You can book the tours here.
Klook: Kyoto Temples and Shrines Day Tour from with meal
Covers - Fushimi - Inari-Taisha, Kiyomizu-Dera, Kinkaku-Ji. Arashiyama
Covers the popular Kyoto attractions with a Romantic Train ride
You can also check out our full one-day itinerary in Kyoto here.
Kyoto Day Trip
Day 7
Highlights: Karaoke, UFO Catcher, Dotonbori Food Street
If you had been to Japan, you would know that Monday is not a good day for sightseeing. As a result, most tourist attractions ( especially those run by the public sector) were closed on Monday!
Daiso JapanAfter shopping, we took a break and headed to Round 1 for Karaoke. It was slightly confusing to book a session. You must book a room and order a food/ drink per person. We recommend ordering food as drinks come in free flow at the counter outside. That is where we had our lunch too. For approximately SGD 40, we got food and a room to sing to our heart's content for an hour. Not a bad deal in our books.
Karaoke! |
Next up, we hit the UFO arcades around Dotonbori. Besides Round 1 and Taito, there are at least 3 other smaller arcades in the vicinity. We visited most of them for the day.
Before we show you, we are letting you in on our little secret...we are Ninja-trained UFO Catchers in disguise.
Have your doubts?
Dotonbori |
Check out our haul for the whole trip. We needed an extra 3 bags to pack them!
After stashing our catches in the Hotel, we return to Dotonbori for one last bite at the Street Food.
We were entertained by the Turkish Ice Cream man during our purchase. But, sometimes, it is the process of buying the food that makes it entertaining.
Turkish Ice Cream Man at Dotonbori |
Day 8
Highlights: Tennoji Zoo
Our flight was in the evening. We decided we still had time to do some sightseeing and headed to the nearby Tennoji Zoo for our last attraction.
ATTRACTION: Tennoji Zoo
Getting there
Namba Station - Dobutsuen-Mae Station ( Midosuji Line)
Tennoji Zoo |
Spot the lonely Chimpanzee |
We spent a couple of hours in the zoo, and soon it was time to head back to the Hotel to pick up our luggage.
If you have more time in Tennoji, you could add nearby attractions such as the Shitennoji Temple and Tsutenkaku (the Effiel Tower of Naniwa').
Tsutenkaku |
The shopping district of Shinsekai is also a tourist attraction resembling the streets of Dotonbori. The shopping district is just opposite the zoo.
There was even a shooting gallery there for you to win some snacks.
Sharp Shooter |
The only catch... walking to the station with ALL our 7 luggage!
Heading Home |
Bonus points for looking like a train straight out of a futuristic anime comic book.
Rapid:t |
If you are interested in the attractions, we recommend Klook for your tickets. We got some of the best deals via Klook during our trip to Osaka.
Deals are featured in this post.
- Universal Studios 1-Day E-Tickets
- Universal Studios Express 4
- Osaka Amazing Pass
- Nara Afternoon Tour
- Nara Todaiji and Kyoto Arashiyama Day Tour
- Arashiyama Rickshaw Tour
- Kyoto Day Tour
- Rapid:t Limited Express (Kansai Airport - Namba Station)
Goodbye Osaka |
Want more of Osaka and Japan?
Bookmark this page for upcoming posts on Osaka.
Osaka
10 Must-Try Street Food in Dotonbori
16 Tips to Maximise your time at Universal Studios
Osaka
10 Must-Try Street Food in Dotonbori
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First time came across your blog from FB Japan Travel, Friendly Discussion Group and your blog is amazing. Your two boys are so cute and adorable.
ReplyDeleteThank you . Do visit often :)
DeleteAmazing write up. It brings me back to the time i was in osaka. You beautiful shots btw. What camera are you using?
ReplyDeleteThanks for the compliments . I used the Sony A7Riii for most of the shots :)
DeleteRegularly read your blog. Thanks for share very informative post. Keep it up.
ReplyDeleteThank you :)
DeleteHi, may I know what type of train or bus ticket did you buy for the whole journey? I am quite confused about the train system, not sure whether to buy local train ticket on top of JR pass. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteWe used Single Train tickets. The only time we did not was when we had the Osaka Pass with the 2 days free train rides
DeleteHi was reading your post on your Osaka trip and love your initinerary. Could advise how much you send per pax on average for this trip?
ReplyDeleteFor family of 4 , excluding airfares was about SG 8K
DeleteForgot to add, this includes 5 days in Tokyo as well
DeleteVery informative travel blog. Will be travelling with my family to Osaka in November with similar itinerary so useful to read your experience. Wonder if you will recommend Universal Port Hotel vs The Park Front Hotel at USJ? Much thanks.
ReplyDeleteThe Park Front Hotel is nearer, but it was an easy 5 minutes walk from Universal Port Hotel.If you are heading to Tempozan Ferris Wheel / Legoland / Aquarium, the Universal Port would be more convenient as the ferry is just outside the hotel
DeleteHow did you manage to use the Osaka Amazing Pass over so many days? I thought it had to be used on consecutive days?
ReplyDeleteWe used it for only 2 days. The last day was additional cost on our own. If you have time , you can try to squeeze it in for 2 days.
DeleteHi, for the Osaka Amazing Pass, do you just tap it at the fare gates of the subway stations? Or do we have to exchange it for train tickets at the counter before we are able to enter the stations? Thanks!
ReplyDeleteYou can tap it at the fare gates if I remember correctly.
Deletehi,
ReplyDeleteIs it convenient to travel by public transport on the places that you have visited?
We visited everywhere with Public Transport. No problem with it :)
DeleteHihi. Great to hv came across ur blog. Was wondering if u will recommend juz staying my 4 nights at hotel universal port and travel out to dontonori and nara rather than change hotel like u did.. cannot imagine the hassle lugging luggage and 3 kids...
ReplyDeleteIt might be better to stay in dontobori and travel to USJ as it might be easier for day trip to Nara . If you do not mind slightly longer commute . Staying in one location would be fine
DeleteHi, thanks for the great blog post, very informative and clear. I was wondering if the day tour for Kyoto from Klook is worth. For 2 adults + 1 child that will cost around $320 in total. Do you have some comparison in terms of how much the transport and admission fee would cost for similar itinerary if we do it on our own? If you don't , that's totally fine.. just trying my luck to see if it can help me decide. thanks
ReplyDeleteFor DIY, not including of meal , you just have to pay for the train rides. I am not sure how much it cost but its lesser than $320. The upside is that you can go where you want, but planning to go to certain places ( eg temples ) might be challenging as only buses head to certain places. We did alot of walking compared to taking a tour. Hope it helps.
DeleteCan I pls check where did you stay in Osaka and Tokyo? Thanks.
ReplyDeleteWe stayed in universal port hotel and cross hotel in Osaka https://www.thewackyduo.com/2018/02/hotel-universal-port-osaka-blog-review.html?m=1
Deletehttps://www.thewackyduo.com/2018/10/cross-hotel-osaka-review.html?m=1
For Tokyo we stayed in Grand Nikki Odaiba
Hi, other than the Osaka Amazing Pass, do you use other passes to travel around Osaka or just buy tickets direct at the stations for every trip?
ReplyDeleteWe paid for single trips. Due to our location, it was quite easy to travel around so transport passes was not necessary for us.
DeleteHi,
ReplyDeleteGreat itinerary! Can I ask did you visit Osaka in December?
Yes , we visited in Dec :)
DeleteHi, I am travelling to Osaka this Dec with tweens. Never been to such a cold place and I am frankly kinda worried. Can you share some ideas how do you dress the kids or what material or type of coats do u use?
ReplyDeletesd
ReplyDelete