The new Pokémon Rooms at MIMARU Osaka Namba North are now ready and waiting to make little Pokémon dreams come true! It’s so so cute!
Click here to book in for the digital art experience in Osaka called “Miracle World.” (Book up to 3 months in advance.)
If you’ve followed me for a while, you’ll know how I’ve been raving about all of the benefits of staying in a APARTMENT HOTEL MIMARU as a family. MIMARU was the first apartment hotel brand that I found who definitely found a gap in the Japanese hotel market – the answer to what families really need when travelling to Japan.
-Actual space to relax and enjoy time together! (a dining table and a sofa! – so nice to not just have to sit on beds when you’re in a hotel room and my kids LOVE MIMARU bunk beds!)
-Space to cook (ideal for jetlagged kids who need meals at unusual times or for family members with specific dietary requirements)!
-An English speaking front desk to assist with directions, reservations, medical assistance (if required) and support for sending and receiving luggage.
Please note that this hotel has Pokémon themed rooms AND beautiful non-themed rooms too!
This blog post contains some affiliate links. This means that I will receive a small commission if you make a purchase using my link – at no additional charge to you.
AND some of the rooms at MIMARU Osaka Namba North now bring something else to a trip to MIMARU- a Pokémon themed room!!!!!!
I recently had the pleasure of staying at MIMARU Osaka Namba North in one of the Pokémon themed rooms and I’ve been itching to tell you all about it!!
The exterior of the room looks just like any other guest room at MIMARU- and I kind of LOVE that! This would make for a BEAUTIFUL surprise for your kids if you didn’t want to tell them ahead of time that you’d arranged for this extra special room. They open the door with the card key and BAM! Pokémon world. I actually can’t imagine more of a oh-so-Japan treat for kids when it comes to Osaka accommodation ! How special !
Kids will freak out over the characters on the walls and even the touches of Pokémon on the floor!
While they are excitedly exploring the room don’t forget to nudge them towards the kitchenette cupboards as even the cups and plates are matching with the theme! How cute is that?!!!
©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
If you decide to cook in the hotel in your own little kitchenette, see my tips here for easy meals to make with convenience store or local supermarket ingredients.
I love having a kitchenette with a decent sized fridge at MIMARU. It means I can stock up on all the goodies that we like!
The Lawson convenience store (just 3 mins away) had these pikachu pino packaging too! How lucky is that?
In case you aren’t familiar with Pino (you need to be! They are so good!) They are little mini icecreams sold as a mini set of 6 all covered in chocolate. It is considered to be extra lucky if one or more of the PINO in the pack are star or heart shaped. Pino are also gluten free ! My favourite way to eat them is while sitting in a deep Japanese bath – stabbing each portion with the little provided toothpick (you need to eat them quickly or they get all melty!)
See here for a full list of our family-favourite convenience store options.
But, of course, the MAIN FEATURE, is the giant Snorlax on the bed !!!
He is massive !!!!!!
©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
On top of the normal luggage forwarding takyubin service – Mimaru offers a separate luggage forwarding service (only for to or from Mimaru properties). It’s a clever business move by the company – 1) because many international visitors think that same-day service is important 2) because it is only available to or from Mimaru properties (so it keeps guests stay at Mimaru.)
It’s a nice option – for me, the more affordable standard takyubin option is more than adequate and is very reliable.
Read here if you are looking for day trip options from Osaka.
THE OTHER AMAZING FEATURES AT MIMARU OSAKA NAMBA NORTH!
Did you know that the lobby is full of games/activities for kids?! Kids can play even while their parents are sorting out the check-in paperwork etc.
It’s such a good idea and really sets the tone for a “this is a family-friendly place to stay” right from the very first moment!
I love all of the Japan inspired decor throughout the hotel too. This mural is in the elevator hall.
STROLLER RENTAL!
MIMARU Osaka Namba North have a stroller rental service for 3000 yen per day or 700 yen per hour (subject to availability, of course.)
IN-HOUSE COIN LAUNDRY
The coin laundry is on the ground floor.
CONVENIENCE STORES NEAR MIMARU OSAKA NAMBA NORTH
Family Mart (2 mins walk)
Lawson (3 mins walk)
100 yen Lawson (3 mins walk)
7-Eleven (6 mins walk)
This is at the Lawson near MIMARU Osaka Namba North .
The tops shelf is the different types of ham.
The bright yellow rectangles are dashimaki tamago (rolled egg omelette with stock and some sweet sauce) and the next shelf down is the cheese sticks (a box with a tub of margarine to the left of the cheesesticks) and to the right of the cheese sticks are little portions of cheese and cheese slices. The package closer to the bottom of the pic with a red 50 – that’s yakisoba noodles and the flavouring is in the pack too. You can use google translate for the instructions on the back.
SUPERMARKETS NEAR MIMARU OSAKA NAMBA NORTH
Central Square Life (10 mins walk) Open 9am-midnight
STARBUCKS NEAR MIMARU OSAKA NAMBA NORTH
Starbucks Yotsubashi branch is just 4 mins walk from Mimaru Osaka Namba North.
Open weekdays 7am-10:30pm and weekends 8am-10:30pm.
Vegan options at Japanese Starbucks include:
(Always need to double check in case they have changed the recipe at all, of course)
-the Sugar Donut
-the Mushroom Keema Curry Hot Tortilla
-the Banana Rice Flour Muffin
-the Blueberry Bagel Sandwich
WHERE TO BUY NAPPIES / DIAPERS NEAR MIMARU OSAKA NAMBA NORTH?
As mentioned below, you can visit Toys R Us for a large selection of diapers. But the closest option is to walk for just 2 mins to Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Minami-Horie branch. Open 9am-10pm.
Pictured: Merries tape type S size for kids 4-8kgs, M size for 6-11kgs, Pampers newborn tape type
Second shelf: Merries pants (pull up) type big and bigger than big (bigger than big size is for kids 145-28kgs, Pampers pants (pull up) type M size for kids who are 6-12 kgs.)
They also have quite a good selection of cereals here too! They also have soy milk and almond milk here. See my guide on buying milk in Japan here.
HOW TO GET TO MIMARU OSAKA NAMBA NORTH?
From Yotsubashi Station, use Exit 5 (3 min walk)
OR from Namba Station, use Exit 26-D (4 min walk)
PLAYGROUNDS NEAR MIMARU OSAKA NAMBA NORTH?
Horie Park (3 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North)
This isn’t exactly a beautiful playground or anything but can be a great option for early risers or kids that just need a wriggle before starting the day.
Please note that there are no public bathrooms here so the closest option is 7-Eleven (the Osaka Minami Horie 1-chome store) which is 5 mins walk away – so you’d be better just to head back to MIMARU to use the facilities.
I love these bucket style swings as they are so good for little babies who can’t hold themselves up yet.
BREAKFAST SPOTS NEAR MIMARU OSAKA NAMBA NORTH:
A bakery/cafe just 3 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
This cafe is called West Wood Bakers. Please note that this is a walk-in only restaurant so there is a line – especially on weekends- as the restaurant only seats 18 people. I recommend budgeting for 2000 yen per adult to dine here.
On the weekend, this bakery also sells donuts. They accept most major credit cards. They have an English menu. They have space for strollers.
WEST WOOD BAKERS
大阪市西区南堀江1-16-9
1-16-9 MINAMI-HORIE, NISHI-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 9AM-4PM
A Coffee Stand and Cafe just 3 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
Tasogare Coffee Stand is 3 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North. They serve various kinds of hot and cold coffee drinks, sandwiches, eggs benedict and fries.
I recommend budgeting for 1000 yen per adult to eat a meal here. They accept most major credit cards. They do take walk-ins and reservations.
TASOGARE COFFEE STAND
大阪市西区南堀江1-16-11
1-16-11 MINAMI-HORIE, NISHI-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 9AM-7PM
A bakery/cafe just 2 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
Goute Cafe sells curry bread, toasted sandwiches, pancakes and cakes. They accept most major credit cards here. I recommend budgeting 2000 yen per adult to dine here.
No space for strollers.
GOUTE CAFE
大阪市西区南堀江1-15-27 好川産業ビル 1F
GROUND FLOOR, 1-15-27 MINAMI-HORIE, NISHI-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 8AM-8PM
Souffle pancakes, coffee or pork katsu sandwiches – 3 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
Hoshino Coffee has a branch in Yotsubashi and they have souffle pancakes on their menu (all day actually!). This cafe welcomes children. They accept most major credit cards. This is a walk-in casual cafe. I would budget just under 1000 yen per person to eat a meal here. The restaurant is non-smoking although there is a sealed off smoking booth for smokers.
HOSHINO COFFEE, YOTSUBASHI
大阪市西区北堀江1-2-19 アステリオ 1F
GROUND FLOOR, ASTERIO BUILDING, 1-2-19 KITA-HORIE, NISHI-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 8AM-10PM
Fluffy pancakes & French Toast – just 3 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
512& welcomes children and little babies – they have space for strollers too (you do need to carry the stroller up a handful of stairs at the entrance) . On weekends and during peak travel times it is best to make a reservation. I recommend budgeting 1600 yen per person to dine here. They accept most major credit cards. Ask to sit indoors as smoking is allowed on the terrace. Breakfast is available from 8am-11am (note that the fluffy jiggly pancakes are not on the breakfast menu – the brekkie pancakes are more simple hot cake style pancakes. For the jiggly kind of pancakes, go after 11am. If you want French Toast? Go before 11am.) French toast flavours in the morning include Matcha Mont Blanc, Plain or Berries & Mascarpone. Pancake flavours after 11am include Fluffy Souffle, Matcha or Eggs Benedict on top of Pancakes.
512&
大阪市中央区西心斎橋2-9-28 ビッグステップサウス B1F・1F
B1 & GROUND FLOOR BIG STEP SOUTH BUILDING, 2-9-28 SHINSAIBASHI, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 8AM-8PM
Fluffy, jiggly pancakes just 4 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
Make reservations 2 weeks ahead if you want to eat those fluffy, jiggly viral Japanese pancakes by visiting A Happy Pancake Shinsaibashi (see here for my full list of things to book in advance when visiting Japan with kids.) It is possible to just turn up but wait times can be up to 45 mins long AND some places only take walk-ins until they are sold out. Reservations for famous restaurant called “A Happy Pancake” (also referred to as Shiawase no Pancake in Japanese -and is sometimes spelled this way on google maps) open exactly 2 weeks ahead of your preferred dining date. Reservations open two weeks in advance at midnight Japan time! They have restaurants in Hokkaido, Tokyo, Nagoya, Osaka, Kyoto, Kobe, Fukuoka and Okinawa.
Click here to make A Happy Pancake reservation for you and your family. You will need to make an account and log in to do so (so this before midnight to ensure your reservation is as quick as possible.)
The Happy Pancake Shinsaibashi store is just 3 mins walk from Shinsaibashi Station via Exit 7 or 3 mins walk from Namba Station. Budget 2000 yen per person to dine here. They accept most major credit cards. The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
A HAPPY PANCAKE, SHINSAIBASHI
名古屋市中区栄3-15-33 栄ガスビル B1F
B1F SAKAE GAS BUILDING, 3-15-33 SAKAE, NAKA-KU, NAGOYA-SHI
OPEN WEEKDAYS 11AM-8PM (LAST ORDERS 7:15PM)
OPEN WEEKENDS & NATIONAL HOLIDAYS 10AM-8:30PM (LAST ORDERS 7:40PM)
*Please note! Pancakes are only sold until 2:30pm on Weekends!
Toast, bacon and eggs for under 1000 yen 11 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
Bikkuri Donkey Dotonbori opens at 7am and they serve a breakfast plate with toast, eggs and bacon for a little under 1000 yen. This is not a fancy restaurant at all. Like a very casual diner (during the day it is a hamburger steak place.) The name always makes me laugh as it literally translates to “Surprise Donkey” but the interior is quirky ( kind of like dining inside “Western River Railroad” at Disneyland.).
This restaurant is entirely non-smoking.
This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. They also take reservations and walk-ins.
This branch has lots of stairs down to the restaurant. However, if you have a stroller, the staff will help you bring it down the stairs and can store if for you while you dine.
There is a robot waiter here– always so cute and fun for kids.
Some Bikkuri Donkey branches have also introduced a vegan soy hamburger steak (served with rice.) It’s usually on the menu down near the kids menu section.
The yellow font in the bottom right of this picture is the logo for Bikkuri Donkey. This is Bikkuri Donkey Dotonbori store as seen from the Dotonbori river.
BIKKURI DONKEY, DOTONBORI
大阪市中央区道頓堀1-6-15 コムラードドートン内
1-6-15 DOTONBORI, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 7AM-5AM THE NEXT DAY
There is another Bikkuri Donkey in Amemura but they don’t open for breakfast and it’s a little too seedy for dining with kids (especially at night.)
McDonalds in Nishi-Shinsaibashi (1-5-12 Nishi-Shinsaibashi) also has a McDonald’s breakfast and it is open 24 hours a day. See the Japanese breakfast McDonalds menu here. This Nishi-Shinsaibashi 24 hour McDonalds store is 6 mins walk from MIMARU OSAKA NAMBA NORTH
A Gluten free breakfast option in Osaka (11 mins in a cab from MIMARU OSAKA NAMBA NORTH – or 21mins on foot)
The cafe is called Chocolatta. This cafe does an amazing array of colourful, over-filled Japanese sandwiches – using gluten free rice flour bread. I recommend the vegetable sandwich or the egg sandwich. They also have sugar-free gluten free rice flour bread french toast. If you want to take the train to the closest station, get off at Matsuyamachi Station and walk for 6 mins from Exit 3. The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
This cafe is open for breakfast and lunch (and I guess and early dinner on weekends as they stay open until 6pm.) All meals here are under 2000 yen. They accept most major credit cards.
CHOCOLATTA
中央区瓦屋町2-12-15 松屋町グランドハイツ 1F
GROUND FLOOR, MATSUYAMACHI GRAND HEIGHTS BUILDING, 2-12-15 KAWARAYAMACHI, CHUO-KU
OPEN WEEKDAYS (EXCEPT FOR WEDNESDAYS) 6:30AM-2PM (LAST ORDERS 3:30PM)
OPEN WEEKENDS & NATIONAL HOLIDAYS 6:30AM-6PM (LAST ORDERS 5:30PM)
CLOSED WEDNESDAYS
A FABULOUS ARCADE FOR FAMILIES -11 MINS WALK FROM MIMARU OSAKA NAMBA NORTH
If you’re looking for a really fun family-friendly activity (fun for teens too) I recommend visiting Round One Sennichimae (just 4 mins walk from Dotombori.)
Here they have bowling, karaoke booths, darts, arcade games and indoor ball pits, indoor football and VR games. This place is truly incredible.
Children under 16 must be with a legal guardian and aren’t allowed to visit after 10pm
ROUND ONE SENNICHIMAE
大阪市中央区難波1-3-1
1-3-1 NAMBA, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 6AM-MIDNIGHT (SOME FACILITIES OPEN LATER)
*If you miss out on Round One in Osaka, don’t worry as I speak about the Round One option in Kyoto in my Kyoto with kids post.
A SHOPPING MALL WITH A FOOD HALL DEDICATED TO RAMEN- 15 MINS WALK FROM MIMARU OSAKA NAMBA NORTH
If you’re in the Namba area walking around and need somewhere to feed or change baby, I recommend visiting the 7th floor ofEdion Shopping Mall Namba. This shopping mall is mostly electronics but the 7th floor has games and toys (figurines, lego, plarail, tomica, sylvanian families etc) and also an area to feed and change babies- there are also toddler toilets on this floor.
The entire 8th Floor of Edion Namba isa food hall dedicated just to ramen.
A KID-FRIENDLY HAMBURGER STEAK RESTURANT- 16mins walk from MIMARU OSAKA NAMBA NORTH or 4 mins in a cab
Yamamoto no Hamburg Shinsaibashi
This restaurant welcomes kids and has the cutest kid’s plate. They also have space for strollers. It is 3 mins walk from Shinsaibashi Station or 13 mins walk from the Dotonbori Glico sign. Budget 1100 yen per adult for a meal here. See the full menu for Yamamoto no Hamburg Steak here. They accept most major credit cards. The entire venue is non-smoking. They have different types of hamburg steaks and then you choose your own toppings such as fried egg, bacon, melted cheese etc. Side dishes include fried chicken, sausages, a few small salads etc. They have lots of soft drinks and alcoholic drinks and they also do their own blended vegetable juice.
Top row: The Yamamoto (Classic) Hamburger Steak, The Homemade Hamburger Steak, Grated Daikon Radish in Ponzu Sauce Hamburger Steak.
Second Row; Avocado Cheese Hamburger Steak, Garlic Hamburger Steak, Cheese Hamburger Steak.
Third Row: Sunny Side Up Fried Egg Hamburger Steak, Kimchi Cheese Hamburger Steak, The Double Hamburger Steak.
Bottom Row: Sesame Yuzu Ponzu Hamburger Steak, The Kids Plate.
YAMAMOTO NO HAMBURG STEAK, SHINSAIBASHI
大阪市中央区南船場3-6-4
3-6-4 MINAMI-SENBA, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 11AM-10PM
A GIANT SHOPPING COMPLEX WITH KIDS FRIENDLY RESTAURANTS, TOYS R US AND CLOTHES SHOPPING, A TODDLER PLAYCENTRE ETC -16 MINS WALK FROM MIMARU OSAKA NAMBA NORTH
If, while in Osaka you need to buy baby related items such as nappies / diapers I recommend going to the large shopping mall called Namba Parks Shopping Mall.
Within Namba Parks are also lots of lovely places to change baby and there is a big Toys R Us and Babies R Us (selling lots of nappies and baby food etc.)
Uber Eats: Some of my readers have recently told me that they have been able to order diapers on Uber Eats while in smaller towns! Use the search word “diapers” or オムツ when searching.
Visit the Rooftop playspace on the 9th floor of the Namba Parks complex
It’s a free space. See pictures of the free play space here.
Then, on the 6th floor go to Namco for Print Clubs
Print clubs are the photobooths that print your pictures as stickers. You will need to take some cash
While in the Namba Parks Shopping Mall, we like to eat at casual Italian restaurant “To the Herbs.” They serve pasta and pizza and desserts. They also have high chairs. There are wax replicas of all meals outside the restaurant (makes it really easy for kids to choose what they would like to eat.)
I recommend budgeting for 2000 yen per adult for lunch to eat here and budget for more like 3500 yen per adult at dinner time. They accept most major credit cards. They have an English menu.
TO THE HERBS, NAMBA PARKS OSAKA
難波中2-10-70 なんばパークス 6F
6TH FLOOR, NAMBA PARKS, 2-10-70, NAMBA
OPEN 11AM-9PM
Pancakes & Books Bibliotheque is an excellent pancake restaurant option – so kid-friendly and they also have gluten free options! Please note that it is not open until 11am (in case you were thinking of pancakes for breakfast – plz take note. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. Budget 2000 yen per person to dine here. The restaurant seats 57 people but I recommend only visiting as a family if you have a reservation. Children 6 and older must order at least one item each (just a drink is fine.) See the kids menu here. Here is the lunch menu at Pancakes & Books. Here is the full pancake menu. All pancakes here can be made gluten free (same pans but they do clean them in between.)
PANCAKES & BOOKS BIBLIOTHEQUE
大阪市浪速区難波中2-10-70 なんばパークス 4F
4TH FLOOR, NAMBA PARKS SHOPPING COMPLEX
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-9PM
A HEDGEHOG CAFE -17 MINS WALK FROM MIMARU OSAKA NAMBA NORTH
6 mins walk from Namba Station, you will find the Hedgehog Themed Cafe called “Harry Wood.” You can try walk ins or make a reservation on the Harry Wood Hedgehog Cafe website here. Visitors can hold, take pictures with and feed the hedgehogs. This hedgehog cafe is open from 11am-8pm.
VINTAGE & SECOND HAND CLOTHING SHOPPING NEAR MIMARU OSAKA NAMBA NORTH
Mimaru Osaka Namba North is walking distance from America-mura (translates to America Village). This area is well known for lots of vintage and second hand clothing stores.
Please note that they are not always the cheapest way to shop (lots of vintage treasures) but I like shopping for band tees etc here. Most of these stores don’t open until 11am or midday and close around 8pm.
Some of my favourite stores here are:
Loweco (there are two stores very close together so you can check out both)
Merry-Go-Round
Kaka Vaka Osaka
Some photos I’ve taken around Americamura.
ACAI BOWLS NEAR MIMARU OSAKA NAMBA NORTH
Acai Kitagawa is 4 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North. It is open from 11am-10pm.
They are also on ubereats. See the colourful Acai Kitagawa menu options here.
ACAI KITAGAWA
大阪市中央区西心斎橋2-1-16
2-1-16 NISHI-SHINSAIBASHI, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 11AM-10PM
KID-FRIENDLY LUNCH & DINNER OPTIONS NEAR MIMARU OSAKA NAMBA NORTH
A family-friendly Italian Fusion restaurant right on the river!- just 2 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
This is a great family-friendly restaurant called Moulin.
The cuisine is Italian fusion and, when the weather is right, you can sit on the terrace right by the river.
They have space to store strollers while you dine. They welcome children here.
I recommend budgeting for approx 1000 yen per adult at lunchtime and more like 3500 yen at dinner. Ask your MIMARU front desk to make a reservation for you or you can try for a walk-in.
This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. See pictures of the breakfast menu at Moulin here. See the full dinner menu at Moulin here.
MOULIN, NAMBA
大阪市西区南堀江1-5-26 キャナルテラス １Ｆ
GROUND FLOOR, CANAL TERRACE, 1-5-26 MINAMI-HORIE, NAMBA, NISHI-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 9AM-10PM (UNTIL 11PM ON FRI, SAT & SUN)
Loaded fries and toasted sandwich takeout shop -just 3 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
This is a takeout shop (well they have 3-4 seats out front/bar style but, with kids it’s easier to just takeaway) called Wi Cheese. Please note that this store is cash only. Menu items include loaded fries, bacon lettuce and tomato toasted sandwiches, tandoori chicken toasted sandwiches, roast beef sandwiches.
A beautiful macrobiotic, organic cafe -3 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
Horie Hakkoudo is a small cafe that uses only organic produce. Please note that this is not the type of place where you can customise the menu. The meals are served as a ready made set. It’s not possible to switch the meal to vegetarian or vegan. The meals are light and are beautifully presented. I recommend budgeting 2000 yen for a meal here. They do take reservations. The whole cafe is non-smoking. They do accept most major credit cards. They have space for strollers here. They can also sell takeout bentos. It’s also 7 mins walk from Namba Station.
HORIE HAKKOUDO
大阪市西区南堀江1-15-17
1-15-17 MINAMI-HORIE, NISHI-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 11AM-7PM
Italian restaurant – 3 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
Pizzeria Cuorerudino welcomes children and babies – they can make space for strollers too if you let them know when you’re making a reservation. They serve pasta and wood-fired pizza here. Budget 3000 yen per adult at lunch and 5000 yen at dinner. See the full Pizzeria Cuorerudino menu here. See the lunchtime only menu here. See the Pizzeria Cuorerudino dinner menu here. They accept most major credit cards. This restaurant is also 5 mins walk from Exit 6 of Yotsubashi Station. It’s just across the road from the Horie Park playground. The restaurant sleeps 70 people and is entirely non-smoking.
PIZZERIA CUORERUDINO
大阪市西区南堀江1-14-26
1-14-26 MINAMI-HORIE, NISHI-KU, OSAKA
OPEN WEEKDAYS 11:30AM-3:30PM & 5PM-9:30PM
OPEN WEEKENDS & NATIONAL HOLIDAYS 11:30AM-9:30PM
A vegan cake shop -4 mins walk from MIMARU Namba North
Canelita Sweets sells cakes and donuts. Please note that this shop is cash only.
CANELITA SWEETS
大阪市西区南堀江1-14-22
1-14-22 MINAMI-HORIE, NISHI-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 11AM-7PM
CLOSED MONDAYS
Halal Ramen – 5 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
Naniwaya Halal Ramen accept most major credit cards. They also serve wagyu ramen and a wagyu ramen bowl. The side menu includes fried chicken, spring rolls, fried gyoza, wagyu yakiniku.
NANIWAYA HALAL RAMEN
大阪市中央区西心斎橋2-7-22
2-7-22 NISHI-SHINSAIBASHI, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN WEEKDAYS 11AM-3PM & 6PM-10PM
OPEN WEEKENDS & NATIONAL HOLIDAYS MIDDAY-10PM
A great gyoza spot for lunch or dinner -6 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
A fantastic option is Gyozaoh! Dotonbori. It is also 6 mins walk from the Dotonbori bridge (it takes the same amount of time in a cab so, sorry, no shortcuts for this one.) The gyoza here are delicious and also there are vegan menu options.
This restaurant sometimes accepts reservations but most diners walk in. On weekends – there can be a 20-30 min wait so- with kids, I recommend going there right at 5pm. There are counter seats and table seats. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
This restaurant also serves wine, sake and cocktails.
This restaurant is also 8 mins walk from Namba Station.
GYOZAOH! DOTONBORI STORE
大阪市中央区道頓堀2-4-14
2-4-14 DOTONBORI, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 5PM-11PM
A Family-friendly ramen spot who also serves vegan options -6 mins from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
Playpen Friends Osaka welcomes families with small children. They also have room to store a stroller. The restaurant is 3 mins walk from Exit 6 of Yotsubashi Station. It’s also 11 mins walk from Namba Station. They accept most major credit cards. The restaurant is non-smoking except for on the verandah on the second floor. Depending on the day there can be as many as 6 different vegan ramen options. You can make reservations (ask your hotel to call them after 1pm in order to make a reservation.) Please note; all dishes here contain scallions, onions, chives, shallots and garlic.
PLAYPEN FRIENDS RAMEN, OSAKA
大阪市西区北堀江1-14-20
1-14-20 KITAHORIE, NISHI-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 11:30AM-8PM (FROM MIDDAY ON MONDAYS)
CLOSED THURSDAYS
*This restaurant is also 2 mins walk from Horie Park (details and pics above.)
Pizza by the Slice -6 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
How about grabbing a slice of pizza at Slices in Nishishinsaibashi ( 6 mins walk from Dotombori.). There are also many vegan pizza options. It is also 6 minutes from Namba Station.
If you book ahead, they also sometimes offer pizza making experiences for kids on Sundays- in English.
They accept cash and cards. There is a small amount of seating – all counter seating. They also serve wine and cocktails. Takeout allowed.
This is a fabulous and easy dinner with kids in Osaka.
SLICES
2-3-21 NISHISHINSAIBASHI, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN: TUESDAY-SUNDAY 12PM-12AM
CLOSED: MONDAYS
Fresh strawberry desserts -6 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
A dessert or snack option while near Dotonbori, is Strawberry Mania Dotonbori. This stall sells mochi with the fresh strawberry in the middle, They also serve soft-serve ice-cream with a fresh strawberry on top. 7 mins walk from Namba Station.
STRAWBERRY MANIA,DOTONBORI
1-3-17 DOTONBORI, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-10PM
Shabu-Shabu, Sukiyaki or Yakiniku with kids- 10 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
If you are looking to eat Shabu Shabu or Sukiyaki in the Namba area with kids then I recommend dining at Kuroge-Wagyu Yakiniku, Shabu Shabu, Sukiyaki Zen Shinsaibashi. It is 3 mins walk from Namba Station. This restaurant will require a reservation. They welcome children and little babies. They accept most major credit cards. Please note that there is a service charge of 330 yen per person to dine here ( you are given an otoshi as a thank you and you don’t have to eat it if you don’t want to- just keep it on the table.)
They have an English menu here. There is space to store your stroller while you dine.
I recommend budgeting for 4000 yen per adult here – but this amount includes all you can eat meat so it is definitely a great price. A great place to try Wagyu Beef too (*little tip : it’s pronounced WA-GYUUU not WA-GOO.)
KUROGE-WAGYU YAKINIKU, SHABU SHABU, SUKIYAKI ZEN SHINSAIBASHI
大阪市中央区心斎橋筋2-3-15 戎橋Northビル 3F
OPEN WEEKDAYS 5PM-1AM
OPEN WEEKENDS AND NATIONAL HOLIDAYS 11:30AM-1AM
Casual restaurant with really yummy Udon & Tempura bowls – 4 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
Tsurumaru is casual but always popular for a reason. It is SOOOO good.
Read about Tsurumaru Yotsubashi on TripAdvisor here. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. Please note that this restaurant only accepts cash. The way to eat here – pick up a tray and use the tongs to choose any tempura you may like. Then order your main dish while paying at the register. This is a walk-in restaurant only. Warning: it is most popular with the office crowd between midday – 1:30pm. This restaurant is also 1 min walk from Yotsubashi Station or 8 mins walk from Namba Station.
The chairs here are mostly stool-type chairs so please be careful with toddlers perched on the top.
All meals here are under 1000 yen.
TSUMARU YOTSUBASHI
大阪市西区北堀江1-1-24 四ツ橋近商ビル １F
GROUND FLOOR, YOTSUBASHIKINSHO BUILDING, 1-1-24 KITA-HORIE, NISHI-KU, OSAKA
OPEN WEEKDAYS 7:30AM-10PM
OPEN WEEKENDS 10AM-10PM
Incredible Indian food – just 7 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
If you know me or have been following me for a while, you know that I lived in Kobe for 7 years. And one of the best Indian restaurants I’ve ever eaten at is called Aarti in Kobe. Aarti also have a branch in Osaka!
Highly highly recommend! I recommend budgeting 1000 yen for lunch and more like 3000 yen per adult at dinner time. They do accept reservations but you can also just try for a walk-in (the restaurant does seat 46 people.) It is within the Big Step Complex so take the elevator or escalators up to the 3rd floor. They accept most major credit cards. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. They have a vegetarian menu. They also have a kids menu ( a small sweet/not spicy butter chicken curry, a small naan, rice, salad and a juice.) See menu options at Aarti here. If you are coming here from Shinsaibashi Station, take Exit 7 and walk for 3 mins. If coming from Yotsubashi Station, take Exit 5 and walk for 3 mins.
KOBE AARTI AMERICA-MURA AT BIG STEP
大阪市中央区西心斎橋1-6-14 3F
3F 1-6-14 NISHI-SHINSAIBASHI, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 11AM-10PM
And in the same building on the same floor is family restaurant diner chain Saizeriya. Famous for super cheap and quick pizza and pasta. Budget for 800-1000 yen per person to eat a few dishes each here. See the full Saizeriya menu here.
SAIZERIYA BIG STEP SHINSAIBASHI
大阪市中央区西心斎橋1-6-14 3F
3F 1-6-14 NISHI-SHINSAIBASHI, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 11AM-11PM
Although it’s not a food recommendation, on the bottom floor of the Big Step building is a 390 yen store that we love to frequent called Thank you Mart (It’s called “Thank you Mart” as “Thank” sounds like “san” which means 3 in Japanese. And Kyu in Japanese is 9. So “Thank – Kyu” Mart = 390 Mart )
As you can imagine, all items are 390 yen. Open 11am-8pm. They sell some stationery, toys and little items like face towels and keys rings and socks etc. Lots of pop culture merch here.
There is also a large arcade on the ground floor of the Big Step complex with crane machines etc.
There are nappy changing facilities at Big Step in the women’s restrooms on floors B1, 2, 3 & 4 and in the men’s restrooms on the B2 floor. Go to the B1 option if you can though as there is a breastfeeding room and boiling water to make up bottles etc. There is also a slide out of the restroom for little kids to travel back out into the centre! Pretty cool!
See here for all of the information on the coin lockers at Big Step (they are open outside of Big Step operational hours too!)
Read about more family-friendly options in America-Mura here.
Pork-free Ramen -8 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
Ichiran’s only Osaka branch that does not use any pork at all. The soup for the ramen is tokotsu style, not shoyu. Instead of pork -the protein used here is mostly chicken. This restaurant is 3 mins walk from Namba Station (use Exit 14 if coming from the Midosuji line.) Budget 2000 yen per person for a meal here – oh and warning – there will be a long queue. They accept most major credit cards and the entire venue is non-smoking. Children and babies are welcome here (it’s only counter seating though so please please please be careful with little hands that may grab at hot pots of broth.)
ICHIRAN, NAMBA MIDOSUJI
心斎橋筋2-4-2 グルカスシティビル 2F
2F GOUR CUSS CITY BUILDING, 2-4-2 SHINSAIBASHI
OPEN 9:30AM-10PM (LAST ORDERS 9:45PM)
Such a lovely sushi and Japanese cuisine spot- just 10 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
Hello Sushi welcome families with small children. They have an English menu. You can choose counter seating or horigotatsu (the low tables with the dug out floors so you’re sitting like in a chair.) I recommend budgeting 4000 yen per adult to dine here. See pictures of menu items here on the Hello Sushi instagram account. You can order sushi piece by piece as platters of the day. They also have tempura (and yes, you can also order just vegetable tempura if you like) and grilled fish. They accept most major credit cards. Hello Sushi is 8 mins walk from Shinsaibashi Station or 7 mins from Namba Station.
HELLO SUSHI
大阪市中央区東心斎橋2-7-11 NEXAS HIGASHI SHINSAIBASHI 1F
GROUND FLOOR, NEXAS HIGASHI SHINSAIBASHI BUILDING, 2-7-11 HIGASHI-SHINSAIBASHI, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 5PM-4AM (10% SURCHARGE FOR DINING AFTER 10PM)
Kid-friendly Teppanyaki & Okonomiyaki -12 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
Another option that is loved by the locals is Teppanyaki Dohtonbori Okonomiyaki. The staff will show you how to cook your own teppan (hot plate) at your own table. This restaurant is vibey and casual and is popular with high school and university students. Just a heads up that teppanyaki in Japan may be different to teppanyaki back at home and I explain why in my blog post here. This restaurant does accept reservations. Budget wise – I would expect to pay around 2000 yen per adult at dinner time and 1000 yen at lunch. Most major credit cards are accepted here. The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
This restaurant is also 2 mins walk from Namba Station.
TEPPANYAKI DOHTONBORI OKONOMIYAKI, OSAKA MAIN BRANCH
大阪市中央区難波1-6-20
1-6-20 NAMBA, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN MIDDAY-11PM (LAST ORDER 10PM)
Wagyu Takoyaki & Hamburger Steaks -12 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
2 mins walk from Dotonbori is Gyu-kaku Dotombori Ebisubashi. They are a restaurant and out the front they have a stand that sells gluten-free wagyu takoyaki. It’s also 3 mins walk from Namba Station. The restaurant accept most major credit cards. For a sit-down meal inside the restaurant, I recommend budgeting for 4000 yen per adult. The kids meal is a small hamburger steak with rice and some fries.
GYU-KAKU DOTOMBORI EBISUBASHI
大阪区中央区道頓堀 1−6−10 ふるさとビル
FURUSATO BUILDING, 1-6-10 DOTONBORI, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN WEEKDAYS 11:30AM-3PM & 5PM-MIDNIGHT
OPEN WEEKENDS 11:30AM-MIDNIGHT
A soba and tempura restaurant in Namba with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options– 12 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
Genji-soba is just 200 metres from JR Namba Station. This restaurant does accept reservations (although most days walk-ins are fine) and accepts most major credit cards. Budget wise I would expect to pay around 4000 yen per adult for dinner and around 2000 yen at lunchtime. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. Children are welcome (will need to remain seated so bring some stickers or colouring) and there is space for strollers. Please note that even though this restaurant sells soba that doesn’t mean that they sell yakisoba. See here for the Genji Soba website menu – with pictures. At the actual restaurant is a more detailed English menu. I recommend trying the vegetable soy milk soup soba. So good. For those who are celiac and are sensitive to cross contamination, there isa celiac package of soba where everything is cooked separately. The food at this restaurant is really delicious.
GENJI-SOBA, OSAKA
大阪市中央区難波4-5-8
4-5-8 NAMBA, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN FOR LUNCH 11AM-3PM
OPEN FOR DINNER 5PM-9:30PM
CLOSED THURSDAYS
Michelin Bib Gourmand award winning Okonomiyaki -13 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
Or how about an okonomiyaki restaurant that has been awarded a Michelin Bib Gourmand award for great quality and value for money?
Mizuno Okonomiyaki is 5 mins walk from Namba Station on the Midosuji line and 5 mins walk from Nipponbashi Station. For those looking for gluten free okonomiyaki in Osaka, I recommend ordering the Yamaimo-yaki ( yamaimo is a Japanese mountain yam)。Yamaimoyaki uses the yamaimo instead of flour to make the okonomiyaki which then makes it a gluten free okonomiyaki option.
This restaurant accepts most major credit cards but only for purchases of over 3000 yen.
Children are welcome here. The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
MIZUNO OKONOMIYAKI
大阪市中央区道頓堀1-4-15
1-4-15 DOTOMOBORI, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-10PM
Yakiniku near Namba Station (with gluten free options) – 13 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
If you wanted a special higher end meal with kids I recommend Matsuzakagyu Yakiniku. It is 5 mins walk from Namba Station.
This restaurant is fabulous if you are gluten free as they go out of their way to make sure that there is no cross contamination – even when it comes to the sauces. I would budget 12,000 yen per adult to dine here. Kids and babies welcome. Please make a reservation and tell them you are gluten free as early as possible. This restaurant has an English menu. This restaurant accepts most major credit cards.
MATSUZAKAGYU YAKINIKU
大阪市中央区難波1-1-19
1-1-19 NAMBA, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN EVERYDAY 5PM-11PM
This fruit and juice shop is 13 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
If you are looking for fresh fruit while in the area (or while sightseeing around Dotonbori) I recommend heading to Fruits Collection Kakumi. It is more expensive than fruit at the supermarket but IT IS SO WORTH IT! The quality is just so amazing. Out the front they sell cups of (depending on the season of course) chopped watermelon, platters of fresh fruit, mango, grapes, cherries, figs, melons, pineapple. You can also show kids how expensive the whole melons and canteloupes are for gifting (I speak more about that here if you are interested in why some Japanese fruit is gift wrapped and is so expensive.)
They also sell fresh fruit juice.
FRUITS COLLECTION KAKUMI
大阪区中央区宗右衛門町4-12春帆ビル１F
GROUND FLOOR, SHUNPAN BUILDING, 4-12 SOEMONCHO, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN TUES-SAT 2PM-MIDNIGHT
OPEN ON SUN & MON WHEN THESE DAYS FALL ON A NATIONAL HOLIDAY
Organic Supermarket Bio-Ral, Central Square Namba – 10 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
This supermarket has lots of vegan and gluten free options. *This supermarket stocks a rice flour bread made by a company called “Happy Bakery.”
A family-friendly Gyukatsu restaurant in Namba- 16 mins walk from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
And if you’re looking for a bit of a lush dinner or lunch with a reasonable price tag at a restaurant that also allows children in Namba, I recommend Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu Namba Sennichimae for Kobe Beef and Wagyu. It’s a Beef Cutlet restaurant. It is high quality beef, crumbed and fried so that the outside is crunchy and served with a range of sauces (dipping sauces) and rice. The restaurant is entirely non-smoking. They have an English menu. They also accept most major credit cards.
Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu is 3 mins walk from Namba Station (Take Exit Namba Walk B21.)
This restaurant welcomes children and babies. They also have a kids menu (750 yen) and space to store strollers while you dine.
Each meal is 1000-2000 yen. You can see the full Gyukatsu Kyoto Katsugyu menu here. This restaurant is walk-in only.
GYUKATSU KYOTO KATSUGYU NAMBA SENNICHIMAE
大阪市中央区千日前1-8-17 TKビル1F
GROUND FLOOR, TK BUILDING, 1-8-17 SENNICHIMAE, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN EVERYDAY 11:30AM-10PM
Gluten free Indian Restaurant in Namba with many Vegan Options – 13 mins from MIMARU Osaka Namba North
Spys Oasis is family friendly and prides themselves on having gluten free options. It is also 2 mins walk from Exit B14 of Namba Station.
This restaurant accepts most major credit cards and I would budget approximately 2000 yen per adult to eat here. Spys Oasis have a kids’ menu and have space to store a stroller while you dine. You can see pictures of their menu on the Spys Oasis website here. Please note that the Naan bread is not gluten free.
Please note that this restaurant is small – so if you are a larger group – you may need to eat in shifts.
SPYS OASIS, GLUTEN FREE BAR & RESTAURANT
大阪市中央区難波1-5-8
1-5-8 NAMBA, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN WEEKDAYS 11:30AM-3PM & 6PM-MIDNIGHT (CLOSED THURSDAYS)
OPEN WEEKENDS 11:30AM-10PM
See here if you are looking to buy POKÉMON cards in Japan.
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