Japan Travel Diaries | Little Life in Oz
Osaka was one of the stops on our family trip to Japan in April 2026, and there’s so much to love about this city!
From exploring the busy streets of Dotonbori and shopping in Shinsaibashi to spending a day at Universal Studios Japan and discovering the magical teamLab Botanical Garden, Osaka has something for everyone.
And of course, we ate A LOT! 😂
One of the things we love about travelling in Japan is that there’s always something interesting to discover. Cute little shops, delicious food, gachapon machines and even random restaurants that turn out to be surprisingly good!
Since we were travelling with our little one, we tried to keep our days flexible, with plenty of snack breaks along the way.
If you’re planning a trip to Osaka, here’s our travel diary, including places worth visiting, our favourite food finds and a suggested 5-day itinerary inspired by our trip.
Best Places to Visit in Osaka
1. Dotonbori — Osaka’s Food Paradise 🍜
You can’t visit Osaka without exploring Dotonbori!
One of Osaka’s most famous areas, known for its colourful neon lights, bustling streets, restaurants and endless street food.
It’s also home to the iconic Glico Running Man, one of the city’s most popular photo spots.
We loved wandering around, checking out the different food stalls and trying some of Osaka’s famous dishes.
We actually tried takoyaki from four different places in Dotonbori, and KUKURU was our favourite!
Our tip: Come hungry! There are so many food stalls and restaurants to explore. If possible, visit in the evening to see Dotonbori light up at night.
2. Shinsaibashi — Shopping Paradise 🛍️
If you love shopping, you’ll definitely enjoy Shinsaibashi!
This popular shopping street is filled with Japanese fashion, beauty products, souvenirs, international brands and plenty of little finds.
It’s the kind of place where you plan to spend an hour but end up staying much longer!
We really enjoyed walking around, browsing the stores and discovering things we don’t usually find back home.
Our tip: Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori are close together, so you can easily combine shopping and eating in one day.
3. Den-Den Town, Nipponbashi — Anime & Gachapon Heaven 🎮
If you love anime, gaming or Japanese pop culture, Den-Den Town is worth checking out!
Think of it as Osaka’s version of Tokyo’s Akihabara.
You’ll find electronics, anime merchandise, games, collectables and SO many gachapon machines.
It’s a fun area to explore, especially if your family enjoys Japanese characters and toys.
Our tip: Set a little budget for gachapon because it’s so tempting to keep trying another one! 😂
4. Universal Studios Japan — A Full Day of Fun! 🎢
Of course, Universal Studios Japan had to be part of our Osaka adventure!
This is one of Osaka’s most popular attractions, with so many themed experiences for both kids and adults.
From Super Nintendo World and Minion Park to Universal Wonderland and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter, there’s plenty to explore.
If you’re travelling with little ones, it’s worth checking which attractions are suitable for their height.
Even if they can’t enjoy every ride, there are still themed environments, shows and plenty of fun things to see.
Our tips:
- Dedicate an entire day to Universal Studios Japan.
- Book tickets in advance.
- Check the entry requirements for Super Nintendo World.
- Check ride height restrictions for younger children.
- Consider an Express Pass for selected rides if it suits your budget.
- Bring a stroller if your little one still needs one.
5. teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka — A Magical Night Experience! ✨
Looking for something different to do in Osaka at night?
Add teamLab Botanical Garden to your itinerary!
Located inside Nagai Botanical Garden, this outdoor art exhibition transforms the garden into a magical world of colourful lights and interactive installations.
What makes it special is how the installations blend with nature.
As you walk through the garden, you’ll discover different illuminated artworks and beautiful spots for photos and videos.
Our tips:
- Visit after dark to experience the illuminated installations.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes.
- Some paths can be dark or uneven, so keep little ones close.
- Check the weather and opening hours before visiting.
6. Osaka Castle — One of Osaka’s Most Iconic Landmarks 🏯
You can’t miss Osaka Castle when visiting the city!
Surrounded by a beautiful park and gardens, this historic castle is one of Osaka’s most recognisable landmarks.
It’s a lovely place to walk around, enjoy the scenery and take family photos.
The surrounding Osaka Castle Park is also a great place to slow down and enjoy some outdoor time with kids.
You can admire the castle from outside or visit the museum inside if you’re interested in Japanese history.
Our tip: Allow plenty of time to explore the grounds because the park is quite large. Spring is especially beautiful, with seasonal flowers and cherry blossoms.
7. Umeda Sky Building — Beautiful Views of Osaka 🌇
Want to see Osaka from above?
Add Umeda Sky Building to your list!
This unique skyscraper is famous for its Floating Garden Observatory, which offers panoramic views of Osaka from high above the city.
One of the highlights is the glass-enclosed escalator connecting the upper levels, followed by the open-air rooftop observatory.
It’s a great spot for photography, especially around sunset when the city begins to light up.
Our tip: Visit in the late afternoon or around sunset to enjoy the views during both daylight and evening. Check ticket availability and sunset times before visiting.
What We Ate in Osaka: Our Honest Food Reviews 🍜
One of our favourite things about travelling in Japan is trying different food.
And Osaka definitely didn’t disappoint!
From popular Japanese restaurants to little cafés and bakeries, here are some of our favourite finds.
🐙 KUKURU — Our Favourite Takoyaki!
We tried takoyaki from four different places in Dotonbori, and KUKURU was our favourite!
Takoyaki is one of Osaka’s most famous street foods, so of course we had to try a few different spots.
If you’re planning a food adventure in Dotonbori, definitely add KUKURU to your list.
🍜 Ichiran Ramen — One of My Favourite Ramens in Japan
Of course, we had to try Ichiran in Japan!
Personally, I find some ramen in Japan a little too rich and thick for my liking, but Ichiran just hits differently.
It’s flavourful, comforting and something I could happily eat again.
Definitely one of my favourite ramen meals in Japan!
🥩 Yakiniku Like — Somehow Better in Japan!
Of course, we had to try Yakiniku Like while we were in Japan!
We’ve eaten it before, but somehow, it just tastes better here! 😂
Such a satisfying meal, especially if you’re craving Japanese grilled meat.
☕ Brooklyn Roasting Company — Our Favourite Coffee Find
If you’re a coffee lover, add Brooklyn Roasting Company to your list!
This was one of our favourite coffee stops in Osaka.
A great place to take a little break from all the walking, enjoy good coffee and recharge before exploring again.
And while you’re there, don’t miss the donuts from WhiskedUp Bake Goods!
🍩 WhiskedUp Bake Goods — Must-Try Donuts!
Located inside Brooklyn Roasting Company, these donuts were SO good!
What made them special was the sprinkle of sugar and salt, creating the perfect balance of sweet and salty.
Such a delicious little find!
🍞 Sakimoto Bakery — For Japanese Bread Lovers
Japan has so many amazing bakeries, and Sakimoto Bakery is another one worth checking out.
They’re known for their premium Japanese bread, especially soft and fluffy shokupan.
A lovely stop if you enjoy discovering local bakeries and baked goods.
🍓 Strawberry Mochi — A Sweet Little Treat
We couldn’t resist trying some strawberry mochi while exploring Osaka!
Such a cute Japanese treat to enjoy between shopping and sightseeing.
🍢 A Random Yakitori Restaurant — Surprisingly Good!
We randomly stumbled upon a little yakitori restaurant, and it turned out to be surprisingly good!
Unfortunately, I completely forgot the name. 😂
But that’s something we love about Japan. Sometimes you discover delicious food without even planning it.
Of course, not everything we tried was amazing. There were a few things that were just average for us too.
That’s part of the fun of exploring new places and discovering what you actually enjoy!
Our Suggested 5-Day Osaka Itinerary With Kids
If you’re planning five days in Osaka, here’s how I’d organise the places into a relaxed family-friendly itinerary.
This isn’t our exact day-by-day travel schedule, but a suggested route inspired by the places from our Osaka trip.
DAY 1 — Shinsaibashi, Dotonbori & Street Food 🛍️🍜
Morning — Explore Shinsaibashi
Start your Osaka adventure with a little shopping!
Explore Shinsaibashi Shopping Street, browse Japanese fashion and beauty stores, and discover plenty of little finds.
Lunch — Ichiran Ramen or Yakiniku Like
Take a break from shopping and enjoy one of our favourite Japanese meals.
Personally, I’d happily go back to Ichiran!
Afternoon — Dotonbori Food Adventure
Head towards Dotonbori and explore the bustling streets.
Try Osaka’s famous street food, especially takoyaki from KUKURU!
Don’t forget to stop for some Japanese sweets and snacks along the way.
Evening — Dotonbori at Night
Stay around until the neon signs light up.
Take a photo with the iconic Glico Running Man and enjoy dinner before heading back to your hotel.
Our tip: Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori are perfect to combine into one day because they’re close together.
DAY 2 — Universal Studios Japan 🎢🍄
Dedicate your entire second day to Universal Studios Japan!
Morning — Arrive Early
Start the day early and head towards your must-visit attractions.
If Super Nintendo World is on your list, check the entry arrangements beforehand.
Lunch — Enjoy a Themed Meal
Take a break and enjoy lunch inside the park.
Afternoon — Explore More Attractions
Visit other themed areas, such as Minion Park, Universal Wonderland or The Wizarding World of Harry Potter.
Choose rides and attractions that suit your family’s interests.
Evening — Souvenirs & Final Rides
Enjoy a few more attractions, take some family photos and browse the souvenir shops before heading back.
Our tip: Don’t plan anything else for this day. You’ll probably be exhausted after spending a whole day at the theme park!
DAY 3 — Coffee, Bakeries & teamLab Botanical Garden ☕✨
After a busy theme park day, we’d recommend taking things a little slower.
Morning — Brooklyn Roasting Company
Start your morning with a good cup of coffee!
Brooklyn Roasting Company was one of our favourite coffee spots in Osaka.
And don’t forget to try the delicious donuts from WhiskedUp Bake Goods!
Late Morning — Sakimoto Bakery
If you enjoy Japanese bread and bakeries, add Sakimoto Bakery to your list.
Lunch — Explore Local Restaurants
Enjoy a relaxed lunch at a nearby restaurant.
Sometimes the little places you discover along the way turn out to be the best!
Afternoon — Rest & Recharge
Head back to the hotel for some downtime.
You’ll want everyone to have enough energy for the evening activity.
Evening — teamLab Botanical Garden
Finish your day with a magical nighttime experience at teamLab Botanical Garden.
Walk through the illuminated garden and enjoy the beautiful interactive art installations.
Our tip: Wear comfortable shoes and check the weather beforehand. Some walking paths can be dark or uneven.
DAY 4 — Osaka Castle, Umeda & City Views 🏯🌇
Morning — Osaka Castle
Start your day exploring one of Osaka’s most iconic landmarks.
Walk around Osaka Castle Park, admire the beautiful architecture and take some family photos.
If you’re interested in Japanese history, you can also explore the museum inside the castle.
Lunch — Explore Osaka’s Local Food
Head towards the Umeda area for lunch.
You’ll find plenty of restaurants and shopping centres around Osaka Station.
Afternoon — Shopping Around Umeda
Spend some time exploring the shopping centres and department stores around Umeda.
It’s another great area for shopping, cafés and discovering Japanese brands.
Late Afternoon — Umeda Sky Building
Head to Umeda Sky Building for beautiful panoramic views of Osaka.
If possible, time your visit around sunset so you can enjoy the city during daylight and as the lights begin to come on.
Evening — Dinner in Umeda
Finish your day with dinner around Osaka Station before heading back to your hotel.
Our tip: Osaka Castle Park is quite large, so allow enough time for walking and exploring. Umeda Sky Building is a lovely way to finish the day.
DAY 5 — Den-Den Town, Gachapon & Last-Minute Finds 🎮🛍️
Morning — Den-Den Town, Nipponbashi
Start your final day exploring Den-Den Town.
Browse anime shops, Japanese collectables, electronics and plenty of gachapon machines!
Lunch — Japanese Food Adventure
Take a break and enjoy another delicious Japanese meal.
You could revisit one of your favourite restaurants or try something new.
Afternoon — Last-Minute Shopping
Spend your afternoon exploring shops around Namba, looking for souvenirs or revisiting any places you missed earlier.
This is also a great chance to pick up Japanese snacks and little gifts to bring home.
Evening — One Last Osaka Dinner
Finish your Osaka adventure with another delicious meal.
Whether it’s ramen, yakitori or yakiniku, there’s definitely no shortage of good food in Osaka!
Our tip: Keep your final day flexible. Sometimes the best travel moments are the little discoveries you didn’t plan.
Tips for Travelling Around Osaka With Kids
1. Don’t overpack your itinerary
Osaka has so much to explore, but trying to fit too many places into one day can be exhausting.
We prefer having a list of places we’d like to visit while keeping our schedule flexible.
2. Combine attractions in the same area
Shinsaibashi and Dotonbori are close together, making them easy to explore in one day.
Osaka Castle and Umeda are also a good combination for a sightseeing day.
3. Plan Universal Studios Japan in advance
Check park tickets, timed-entry requirements and ride height restrictions before visiting.
A little planning makes the day much easier, especially when travelling with kids.
4. Plan evening attractions carefully
If you’re visiting teamLab Botanical Garden or Umeda Sky Building in the evening, try not to fill the entire day with too many activities.
A little downtime in the afternoon can make a big difference.
5. Bring comfortable shoes and a lightweight stroller
There’s plenty of walking involved in Osaka.
If your little one still uses a stroller, bringing a lightweight one can be really helpful during long sightseeing days.
6. Leave room for spontaneous food discoveries
Some of the best food we had in Japan came from places we randomly discovered!
Don’t feel like you have to visit every viral restaurant. Sometimes the little local spots are just as good.
Is Osaka Worth Visiting With Kids?
Absolutely!
What we loved most about Osaka was the variety of things to do.
You can spend one day shopping and eating around Dotonbori, another having fun at Universal Studios Japan, and another enjoying beautiful city views from Umeda Sky Building.
There’s also so much to discover between the main attractions, from gachapon machines and local bakeries to delicious food and cute little shops.
For our family, travelling isn’t just about ticking famous attractions off a list.
It’s about trying new things, discovering places we wouldn’t normally visit and making memories together.
And Osaka definitely gave us plenty of those!
If you’re planning your own Japan adventure, I hope our Osaka travel diary helps you discover a few places worth adding to your itinerary.
Next stop on our Japan Travel Diaries: Nara! 🦌🇯🇵
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