Japan with little kids: A slow & simple 12-day introduction

Start at LEGOLAND Discovery Centre Osaka (an indoor play centre), which is particularly ideal for younger kids. It's also a great indoor option for when the weather isn't ideal.

For lunch, head downstairs to the Tempozan Marketplace food court, where you’ll also have time for a little shopping. Don’t miss the Shokuhin Sampuru shop called Morino, where you can pick up incredibly realistic miniature Japanese food samples as fun and unique souvenirs.

After lunch, head next door to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. The two attractions are right beside each other, making them an easy combination without much walking or complicated transport.

End the day with views over Osaka Bay

Start at Osaka Castle and take your time exploring the grounds. There’s no need to go inside or climb to the top unless you really want to. There are quite a lot of stairs, and we’ve found that simply seeing the castle from the outside and wandering through the surrounding grounds is more than enough, especially with younger kids. That's why this bike tour might be a great way to explore.

A fun and unique way to experience Japan

Explore the plum grove when it’s in season, then make your way towards the Morinomiya exit, where there’s a playground nearby for the kids to burn off some energy.

For lunch, head to Morinomiya Q’s Mall BASE, which has plenty of easy family-friendly food options and is a convenient place to take a break. There's also high chairs and a small toddler playground near the foodcourt.

Finish the day with some history.

Start at Fushimi Inari before the crowds arrive. Family tip: Don’t follow the crowds! For a stroller or wheelchair-friendly option, take the accessible route to the left past Inari Saryo Café and follow the path through to the end of the red torii gates.

Grab a sweet treat and explore the quaint streets around Fushimi Inari.

Then head to Kyoto Station for lunch at the basement food floor, which has endless kid-friendly options. We like Dotombori Kamakura in Kyoto Porta for noodles and kids meals

Spend the afternoon exploring Higashiyama and Gion, including Yasaka Pagoda, % Arabica, Ninenzaka, Tatami Starbucks, the Ghibli Store, Ryozen Kannon and Kodaiji Temple & Garden.

Start your walk around here.

Walk through all the streets of Gion and Ninenzaka to this temple.

Start your morning with a wander around the Ogimachi district and small laneways. Make a coffee stop here and take them to the playground.

One of our favourite playgrounds in Osaka.

Then head into Osaka Kids Plaza, one of the best kid-focused attractions in Osaka. It’s interactive, educational and perfect for burning off some energy.

An easy kid friendly option with kids meals and high chairs

Spend the afternoon exploring Umeda, including the kids’ toy floor at Yodobashi Camera

Then head to the Umeda Sky Building for sunset or even night views over Osaka

Start in Shinsekai, where you can wander the colourful streets around Tsutenkaku Tower, check out the retro shopfronts and signs, browse the gachapon machines and soak up the old-school Osaka atmosphere. You can also head up Tsutenkaku Tower if you want the views, or simply enjoy seeing it from the streets below. This is a great area to stop for lunch and try some of Osaka’s famous street food.

The bigger kids will love this one!

A great option to try different street food.

Then make your way to Dotonbori, where the bright neon signs and giant restaurant displays really come alive. See the famous Glico Man sign, wander along the canal, explore the shops and arcades, and let the kids choose a few gachapon or character souvenirs along the way. There are endless food options here, so it’s a great place to graze your way through the afternoon and evening rather than planning a formal meal.

A great way to see the sights of Dotonbori