I have been sending my Osaka with Kids suggestions to family and friends so, instead of typing it up again I thought I would put a post up here. Sharing is caring! (and lazier option for me.)
If you are here simply for WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS IN OSAKA recommendations, go straight to my blog post here.
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.
Click here to book in for the digital art experience in Osaka called “Miracle World.” (Book up to 3 months in advance.)
OKAY! HERE ARE ALL OF MY OSAKA WITH KIDS TIPS!
If you’re looking for somewhere great to eat with kids ( with lots of different, smoke free options and high chairs..) see my post on one of my favourite spots to eat in Osaka with kids.
I used to live in Kobe ( for more than 7 years in total) which is only 30 minutes from Osaka on the train.
Osaka used to be where I would do all of my major shopping sprees and nightclubbing.
Boy, have times changed, right?!
I still love this city so much.
It’s gritty and grungy in all the right ways.
If you love street food and really feeling like you’re in amongst it all – you will love this place.
See here if you are looking for just tips for Namba in Osaka (parks, food, fun places for families.)
Read here if you are looking for day trip options from Osaka.
***THIS OSAKA WITH KIDS ARTICLE HAS BEEN GETTING REALLY LONG LATELY SO I’VE RECENTLY MOVED MY BREAKFAST IN OSAKA WITH KIDS RECOMMENDATIONS HERE.***
DAYTIME SUGGESTIONS FOR OSAKA WITH KIDS
The people of Osaka are known for being casual and funny (any Japanese person will tell you that the best comedians are from here!) and they do casual food better than anyone else in this country.
If you are looking to visit the Pokémon Cafe in Osaka, please be aware that reservations are almost impossible to get your hands on – so please please please don’t promise your child that you can go until you are sure. On the other hand though, the Osaka Pokémon Center (large merch store) is bigger than the Tokyo option.
Have you considered staying in a Pokemon room in Osaka? I write in detail about our stay in a Pokémon themed room in Osaka here!
How cool is this?! And there are bunks on the other side of the living room section too! I’ve written all about my stay here in detail. Read here. ©Pokémon. ©Nintendo/Creatures Inc./GAME FREAK inc.
Starting with the newer side of the station, I would first of all recommend checking out Grand Front Osaka. ( I wrote about the Grand Front Osaka in great depth here, actually.)
It is a brand new shopping complex. It’s enormous and it’s so beautiful.
This is definitely the place to come for beautiful breastfeeding and baby change rooms. The whole building is immaculate.
Breastfeeding rooms, change tables, boiling water etc can be found on the basement 1 floor, 4th floor of the South Wing and the 4th floor of the North Wing.
There are coin lockers throughout the complex too.
The whole complex is smoke-free so makes for a really easy place to have dinner with the kids on the top restaurant floors. There is so many different kinds of restaurants to choose from.
On the 6th floor of the North Wing, some sections even have open seating so you can buy food from different restaurants and then eat together food court style – which is fantastic when you have fussy eaters or everyone wants to try something different.
GRAND FRONT OSAKA
大阪市北区大深町4-1
4-1 OFUKACHO, KITA-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 10AM-9PM (RESTAURANTS OPEN: 11AM-11PM)
Extra services for those visiting Grand Front Osaka with children
– Stroller rental ( in-house use only) between 10am -8:30pm from the information desks on 2F of the South Building or 1F of the North Building. Only for children under 4.
– Baby Rooms. Umekita Hirobe in the Basement B1F, 4F of the South Building, 4F of the North Building. ( Breastfeeding spaces, Boiling Water, Change Tables, Juice Vending Machines)
– Places for kids to play or to sit down and have an bento together. South Building Outdoor Water Space. North Building Outdoor Water Space. ” The Garden” outdoor space.
There is also a Kid o Kid large playcentre within the Grand Front Osaka complex. The name of the centre is “Asobi no Sekai Grand Front Osaka “
It is on the 3rd floor. Ive written in detail about it here.
A supermarket in this area with gluten free options near JR Osaka Station
Bio-Ral Supermarket Umekita branch (open 10am-8pm) sell lots of gluten free snacks and meals. For example: gluten free gyoza (freezer section) , whole bean flour Zen B bread, gluten free loaves of bread and rice flour brownies and cakes. *This supermarket stocks a rice flour bread made by a company called “Happy Bakery.” From JR Osaka, take the Umekita underground walkway to get here. There are also lots of delicious vegan soups here. They also sell Oat Milk chocolate.
The Ikari Supermarket at JR Osaka Station
As someone who lived in Kobe for a long time and often took the train to Osaka for work or play this Ikari at JR Osaka Station was the place I always grabbed a drink for the train or a salad or precooked bento for dinner later. It’s open 7:30am-10:30pm daily. It’s just opposite the JR Osaka Station Midosuji Exit ticket gates.
Top shelf: Inari and Minced Tuna Sushi Rolls bento.
Middle shelf: Bamboo Shoots & Rice Bento,
Seafood Mini Chirashizushi Bento,
Choc full of ingredients Shellfish Countryside Chirashizushi Bento .
Bottom Shelf: Chinese Cuisine Bento, Some kind of Chirashizushi bento (can’t quite see the label, soz!)
A green space to play with fountains to splash about in
There is a lovely green space just next to JR Osaka Station and close to Umeda Station. It is a big grassy area and kids can play in the fountains here in summer months too. It is calledUmekita Green Place. It is a great place for kids to have a play or just for everyone to sit and have a little picnic.
The fountains are popular for kids to splash in during the hot months.
Here are the rules at the fountains at Umekita Green Place:
-the fountains are just for splashing (kids can’t lie down and “swim”)
-no nudity or kids in diapers/nappies allowed
-the water isn’t for drinking
-Parents are to please remind kids that it can be slippery so no running
-no fingers inside the little fountain pipes
On the other, older part of the station, if you’re looking for a lovely area to walk around and take on of the most fashionable shopping and cafe districts near the station, I recommend a stroll around Chayamachi.
Eggs’n’Things is a Hawaiian restaurant built around the concept of “All Day Breakfast” ( a relatively new idea for Japan.) It is light and bright and there are several of these restaurants around Japan but this is branch my favourite – mainly because of the space and shorter lines. This restaurant is well-known for the mountain of whipped cream on their sweet pancakes. YUM! They also have savoury options and a kids menu (egg and hamburger steak plate or fruit and cream pancakes with a chocolate pen to decorate). They have high chairs and the staff are very welcoming when it comes to families. Some gluten free friends of mine have had luck eating here eating meat dishes but ordering rice instead of bread (and also showing a bilingual card explaining that they are gluten free.) However, please note that there is no official gluten free menu.
This restaurant accepts most major credit cards and the entire restaurant is non-smoking. Free colouring for kids too.
EGGS’N’THINGS UMEDA CHAYAMACHI
大阪市北区茶屋町1-45
1-45 CHAYAMACHI, KITA-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 9AM-8PM
ARE YOU LOOKING TO HAVE LUNCH WITH KIDS IN THE UMEDA / JR OSAKA STATION AREA?
See my extensive list here!
An indoor arcade, sports and amusement centre
Round1 Umeda
Another great activity option with kids is Round1 in Umeda. This is a whole amusement, arcade, karaoke and sports centre in the middle of Umeda. It is 3 mins walk from Umeda Station and 7 mins walk from JR Osaka Station.
SEE HERE FOR STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS ON TAKING KIDS OUT TO KARAOKE IN JAPAN.
ROUND1 UMEDA
4-16 KOMATSUBARACHO, KITA-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 24 HOURS A DAY (ARCADE SECTION CLOSED BETWEEN MIDNIGHT AT 6AM, KIDS CAN ONLY ENTER AFTER 7PM IF WITH A PARENT OR GUARDIAN AND MUST LEAVE BY 10PM)
The Pokemon DX Store for shopping
Just above JR Osaka Station is the Pokemon DX Store (on the 13th floor.)
Crepes
Another suggestion while around Umeda Station. How about a fancy, fancy crepe? This store is called “Yorkys” and is located in the B2 floor of the Umeda Foothill inside the Hankyu Sanbangai Department Store, North Building.
I recommend the Creme Brulee option – oh and the matcha!
YORKYS CREPERIE, UMEDA STORE
大阪市北区芝田1-1-3阪急三番街北館B2F UMEDA FOOD HALL
UMEDA FOOD HALL, B2F, HANKYU SANBANGAI, NORTH BUILDING, 1-1-3 SHIBATA, KITA-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 10AM-9PM
ARE YOU LOOKING TO HAVE LUNCH WITH KIDS IN THE UMEDA / JR OSAKA STATION AREA?
See my extensive list here!
This is the most iconic Osaka sightseeing spot there is. You will need to take the subway or a cab to get here and I highly recommend visiting at night as it all just looks so much more beautiful and the area really comes to life.
The most famous place to take a picture is in front of the Glico Man sign. (Warning: the sign is often switched off at 9pm so make sure you get your Glico running man picture before then.)
Click here to book one of the boat rides on the Dotombori (kids and babies allowed.) Personally, I really only recommend doing this at night as it’s a bit grey and yucky during the day – but the neon lights make it a bit nicer at night. As it is just a boat cruise for sightseeing it’s quite reasonably priced too.
For really yummy fresh fruit (it’s a bit more expensive than the supermarket but the quality is WORTH IT!) I recommend visiting Fruits Collection Kakumi. 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
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
This arcade is 3 mins walk from Namba Station.
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.
Game Centre / Arcade & Karaoke（2 mins walk from Namba Station)
Namco Osaka Nipponbashi is open 10am-midnight. Lots of arcade games and claw machines here on floors 1, 2 and 3. The fourth floor has Rainbow Karaoke. Karaoke is open from midday (11am on Saturdays) until 5am the following day. This is a fabulous rainy day option for when in Namba with kids.
See here for my tips on how to make the most of karaoke time as a family.
A beautiful place to buy a unique Japanese souvenir
Just 5 mins walk from the Dotonbori bridge, within the Ebisubashi shopping arcade (It’s an undercover shopping street) is a jewellery shop called Rin. It is also 2 mins walk from Namba Station. They sell affordably prices jewellery pieces but my eyes are always especially drawn to the Japan specific options. In particular, I love the hiragana character earrings. So beautiful. I’ve linked to them here. They also have kanji characters. I’ve also linked here all of the Japan inspired charms (origami cranes, fans, Mt Fuji, ninja stars, daruma etc. When looking for this store – enter Rin Osaka-Minami into google maps. They can also ship internationally so, if you regret not buying more – you can always do so later online. Rin also have other branches around Japan.
Pictured here – an earring with the hiragana character “mi” (no meaning – hiragana is one of the Japanese phonetic Alphabet characters.)
AMERICA-MURA WITH KIDS
I also recommend visiting America-Mura
With kids it’s a better visit in the daytime than at night (night it’s a bit more of a bar and clubbing scene – not dangerous but just not as fun with kids.)
During the day this is a fun place to shop for vintage clothing and some touristy knick knacks.
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
Acai Kitagawa is 8 mins walk from Namba Station or 4 mins walk from Shinsaibashi Station. 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
FLUFFY JIGGLY PANCAKES
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. Budget 2000 yen per person to dine here. They accept most major credit cards. The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
Please note that, while this restaurant has a gluten free rice flour pancake option – the restaurant are unable to guarantee zero cross-contamination (and many of the toppings are not.)
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!
MY FAVOURITE KITSCHY SHOP IN AMERICA-MURA
It’s cheesy but I REALLY love American Village Flea Market BB. It’s open 11am-10pm.
SEE MY FULL LIST OF RESTAURANTS AND SHOPS (MY FAVOURITES) FOR FAMILIES IN AMERICA-MURA, OSAKA, HERE.
A playground (8 mins walk from Namba Station and near America-mura)
Horie Park. 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 public toilet option is 7-Eleven (the Osaka Minami Horie 1-chome store) which is 5 mins walk away.
I love these bucket style swings as they are so good for little babies who can’t hold themselves up yet.
Where to eat with kids after visiting Dotonbori:
A fantastic option is Gyozaoh! Dotonbori. It is 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 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
Halal Ramen – 12 mins walk from Namba Station
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 Yakitori Izakaya that welcomes kids!
Torikizoku is a chain of izakaya’s specializing in Yakitori. It’s on the 4th floor here. It’s a cheap and cheerful – yet reliable brand an is great for families. They welcome children here and it is a non-smoking restaurant. I recommend budgeting approx 2500 yen per adult to eat a full meal here. They accept most major credit cards. They accept reservations. See here for pictures of the yakitori full menu at Torikizoku stores. If one person in the family doesn’t love yakitori, there are a couple of other options like sliced cold tomato, edamame, fried chicken, fries, camembert croquettes etc. Lots of gluten free diners like eating here – Yakitori can be a good option when you are gluten free. But be sure to ask for it to be prepared with salt, not tare (sauce/marinade as “tare” is made using soy sauce.) Ask your hotel to phone ahead and see if this is possible. This torikizoku branch is 3 minutes walk from Namba Station (take exit 10)
TORIKIZOKU, DOTONBORI
大阪市中央区道頓堀1-6-15 コムラード・ドウトンビル 3F
3RD FLOOR, COMRADE BUILDING, 1-6-15 DOTONBORI, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
Teppanyaki & Okonomiyaki
7 mins walk from Gyozaoh! is Okonomiyaki chain restaurant branch Chibo’s Dotombori branch. It is also 3 mins walk from Namba Station.
Warning; this restaurant often has a line from around 5pm so it’s best to go for lunch or a super early dinner. In case you’re not aware, okonomiyaki is like a savoury omelette/pancake cooked on the hot plate. It’s a great dish to enjoy with kids as they can watch it being cooked and it’s also easy to ask for certain ingredients to not be added etc.
This restaurant accepts most major credit cards and both floors of the restaurant are non-smoking.
In terms of budget, I would expect to pay between 1000-2000 yen per adult here for lunch or dinner.
This picture is from another Chibo restaurant branch – but the vibe is similar.
Read my tips here on how to order a vegetarian version of okonomiyaki in Japanese.
CHIBO, DOTOMBORI
OPEN EVERYDAY 11AM-11PM (LAST ORDER 10PM)
Kid-friendly Teppanyaki & Okonomiyaki
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 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
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
Pizza by the Slice
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
Vegan Restaurant & Vegan Convenience Store
Try vegan restaurant Paprika Shokudo ( 5 mins walk from exit 3 of Shinsaibashi subway station on the Midosuji line or 2 mins walk from Yotsubashi subway station on the Yotsubashi line via exit 2 OR 20 mins walk or 7 mins in a cab – approx 750 yen from Dotonbori.). They accept most major credit cards.
This restaurant serves meal plates ( one plate will include a few dishes and a salad or grain, for example.) They have a vegan Katsu Donburi that is very popular. For this restaurant I would budget around 2000 yen per person. Ingredients here are organic. This restaurant seats 40 people. The entire restaurant is non-smoking.
PAPRIKA SHOKUDO
大阪市西区新町1-9-9アリビオビル1F
ARIBIO BULIDING, GROUND FLOOR, 1-9-9 SHINMACHI, NISHI-KU, OSAKA
OPEN FOR LUNCH: 11:30-3PM (LAST ORDER 2:30PM)
OPEN FOR DINNER: 5:30PM-9PM (LAST ORDER 10PM)
And, connected to the restaurant – is a little COMPLETELY VEGAN convenience store! You can take home ramen, dessert, sauces etc.
Casual Hamburger Steak Restaurant that also serves breakfast
Also in Nishi-Shinsaibashi (3 mins walk from Yotsubashi Station or 8 mins walk from Namba Station ) is Hamburger Steak/ Grill restaurant called “Bikkuri Donkey”. 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.). It’s a casual restaurant and lots of families dine here.
The cuisine is “hamburger steaks served on mini hot plates.” Many adults meals come out on hot grill plates so please watch little toddlers and baby hands here.
Please note that when the menu states “burger” it refers to a ground meat patty.
Bikkuri Donkey have two kids menu options: Kids Regular Burger Plate – comes with a small salad and rice ( 550 yen or 660 yen with a drink) OR Kids Egg Burger Plate – comes with a small salad, fries and a sunny side egg on the burger patty ( 660 yen or 770 yen with a drink .)
They have a cute kids menu .
This restaurant is entirely non-smoking.
There is one gluten free hamburger steak option at this restaurant too. I would budget around 1500 yen per adult to dine here.
In the morning, they also offer a breakfast plate with eggs and toast and bacon for approximately 1000 yen.
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.
Casual Hamburger Steak Restaurant that also serves breakfast
Also in Nishi-Shinsaibashi (3 mins walk from Yotsubashi Station or 8 mins walk from Namba Station ) is Hamburger Steak/ Grill restaurant called “Bikkuri Donkey”. 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.). It’s a casual restaurant and lots of families dine here.
The cuisine is “hamburger steaks served on mini hot plates.” Many adults meals come out on hot grill plates so please watch little toddlers and baby hands here.
Please note that when the menu states “burger” it refers to a ground meat patty.
Bikkuri Donkey have two kids menu options: Kids Regular Burger Plate – comes with a small salad and rice ( 550 yen or 660 yen with a drink) OR Kids Egg Burger Plate – comes with a small salad, fries and a sunny side egg on the burger patty ( 660 yen or 770 yen with a drink .)
They have a cute kids menu .
This restaurant is entirely non-smoking.
There is one gluten free hamburger steak option at this restaurant too. I would budget around 1500 yen per adult to dine here.
In the morning, they also offer a breakfast plate with eggs and toast and bacon for approximately 1000 yen.
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.
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.)
A Family-friendly ramen spot who also serves vegan options
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. As well as ramen- they serve vegan gyoza and miso peanut butter onigiri (rice balls.)
I recommend ordering the Shoyu Tonkatsu Ramen. It contains tofu, seaweed, mushrooms, spring onion and soy meat.
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
Fresh strawberry desserts
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
Gyukatsu restaurant for lunch
If you are looking for a teishoku lunch in Osaka with kids, I recommend visiting Gyukatsu Motomura, Namba branch, for beef “Tonkatsu” (Tonkatsu is usually pork but this place is beef. So that’s why it’s called “GyuKatsu.”)
It is very casual but they are fine with children coming along for lunch. Everyone must order a lunch set though ( approx 1000 yen.)
They do accept most major credit cards and they have an English menu. This restaurant is a non-smoking restaurant.
It’s 1 min from Namba Station.
GYUKATSU MOTOMURA, NAMBA
大阪市中央区難波3丁目3番1号 スガタビル地下一階
BASEMENT FLOOR, SUKADA BUILDING, 3-3-1 NAMBA, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN DAILY 11AM-10PM
Michelin Bib Gourmand award winning Okonomiyaki
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
Shabu-Shabu, Sukiyaki or Yakiniku with kids near Namba Station
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
Yakiniku near Namba Station (with gluten free options)
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
Teppanyaki with kids in Osaka
Teppanyaki restaurant Minami in Osaka welcomes children. This is high end dining so I’d be sure to save it for a special occasion. Please note that lunch is literally half the price of dinner here. Also please read my post here on how teppanyaki in Japan is a bit different to how you may be used to it in your home country. This restaurant is on the 10th floor. Minami accepts most major credit cards.
This restaurant won「The 2023 World Luxury Restaurant Awards for “Best Luxury Farm to Table Restaurant – Global Winner”, “Best Locally Sourced Produce Menu in Asia” and “Best Teappanyaki-style Cuisine in Asia.”
Minami is entirely non-smoking. For lunch here, I would budget 7000-8000 yen per person and more than 14,000 yen at dinnertime.
See here for the kids menu at Minami, Teppanyaki restaurant.
See here for the vegetarian menu.
This restaurant is 6 mins walk from Namba Station.
MINAMI TEPPANYAKI RESTAURANT
大阪市中央区難波5-1-60
10F, SWISSOTELL NANKAI OSAKA, 5-1-60 NAMBA, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN FOR LUNCH 11:30AM-3PM (LAST ORDER 2:30PM)
OPEN FOR DINNER 5:30PM-9PM (LAST ORDER 8:30PM)
Random suggestion: If you are struggling for gluten free options in Shinsaibashi, Osaka, there is a wheat free Pizza rice bowl at Dominos Pizza in Higashi-Shinsaibashi – aka East Shinsaibashi. (Please note that the pizzas are not gluten free but this rice bowl is.) See the rice bowl on the Dominos Japan menu here. Other gluten free options from Dominos Japan include the Dominos Shake Real Strawberry and the Freshly Baked Fondant Chocolat. You can always order these on ubereats too.
Such a lovely sushi and Japanese cuisine spot- just 8 mins walk from Shinsaibashi Station
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)
A kid-friendly Hamburger Steak restaurant – just 3 mins walk from Shinsaibashi Station
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
Sukiyaki & Shabu-Shabu
This hot-pot style of eating is so much fun for families and just interactive with kids. This restaurant Syabu-yo is a chain restaurant. Diners choose the amount of time they would like to have unlimited meat brought to their table (usually 60 or 90 mins) and that price also includes access to a salad and vegetable buffet and ice-cream. The instructions on how to make your meal at the table are here on the Syabu-Yo website but the staff will also help you. My kids prefer sukiyaki to shabu-shabu as it is so sweet and more-ish.
This style of restaurant is tricky if everyone has different dietary requirements (for example if one family member is vegetarian etc) as all the food is cooked in one pot. I guess you could get around this by getting two tables with two separate pots. Sometimes they have pots like the one pictured below that has two sections. This is mostly so you can cook two different flavours but it could also work for a meat side and a veg side too, I guess
To eat here I would budget for around 3000 yen per adult. The entire restaurant is non-smoking. Syabu-Yo accept most major credit cards.
If you like this restaurant – I’m pretty sure you will! Then you are in luck as you can always google your closest Syabu-Yo branch as they are all over Japan.
They have free wifi. It is best to make a reservation here but if you’re eating outside of traditional meal times you could also just try for a walk-in.
The Shinsaibashi branch is 130 metres from Shinsaibashi Station.
SYABU-YO, Q PLAZA SHINSAIBASHI STORE
大阪市中央区心斎橋筋1-1-10 キュープラザ心斎橋 6F
6TH FLOOR, KYU PLAZA SHINSAIBASHI BUILDING, 1-1-10 SHINSAIBASHISUJI, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 11AM-11PM
While in Shinsaibashi, how about visiting the department store Shinsaibashi Parco. Inside Parco is the Godzilla Store – 6th floor.
Lots of Godzilla themed souvenirs.
Where to buy kitchenwares in Osaka?
Tokyo has Kappabashi Kitchentown for knives, kitchenwares and other trinkets to take home from Japan and Osaka’s version is Donguyasuji Arcade. This is also a great place to try some street food and also buy treasures such a cute chopsticks. It is 7 mins walk from Dotonbori or 2 mins walk from exit E9 of Namba Station.
The Kids Plaza Osaka is the BEST rainy day option with kids we’ve found yet. This place calls itself a children’s museum but I’d call it more of a children’s museum / play centre.
My kids had such a good time at this place. We spent almost 3 hours here.
My little boy loved all the climbing and my little girl could not get enough of the pretend play supermarket, post office and the pretend tv reporter station.
The staff speak enough English to help with almost every single part of the museum so language isn’t an issue at all.
They will also store your stroller while you are in the museum – free of charge.
I’ve written lots more about this kid-centered museum / playcentre in Osaka here ( including access details and open times.)
A department store with a ferris wheel on top!
Another suggestion for an easy meal with kids, near the station, is to go into the HEP FIVE Department Store. On the top floor, next to the entrance to the Ferris Wheel are a whole selection of kids friendly cafes and restaurants.
The Ferris Wheel will also give you a great view of the city at night. *Please check on the Hep Five site if the ferris wheel is in operation on the day you are visiting (there have been some renovations going on lately.)
This department store rents out strollers at no charge for in-store use.
There are breastfeeding and baby changing rooms on floors 2, 4 and 6.
They have a colourful waffle restaurant, a giant whale statue that kids love in the middle of the department store and a Disney store too.
HEP FIVE
大阪府大阪市北区角田町5-15
5-15 KAKUDACHO, KITA-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 11AM-11PM (ALTHOUGH MOST SHOPS CLOSE AT 9PM, RESTAURANTS REMAIN OPEN)
*Random recommendation for while you’re in this Hep Five complex, on the B1 floor is a shoe store called “Oriental Traffic.” If you have big feet like me (I have size EU40-41 feet) this might help if you need some women’s footwear as this is one of the few shops that stock the LL sizes.
This sign in the picture was for during a sale where you could buy two pairs of shoes for 11,000 yen. This is the Oriental Traffic Ueno Store pictured here.
Also on the B1 floor of Hep 5 is a squishy toy store that my kids love called Mooosh Squishy. These also make for fun Japan souvenirs for children – especially as many of them are shaped like Japanese foods etc. When you spend a certain amount (I think it was 2000 yen?) kids get a coin for the squishy gatchapon machine too.
MOOOSH SQUISHY, HEPFIVE OSAKA
大阪府大阪市北区角田町5-15
5-15 KAKUDACHO, KITA-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 11AM-9PM
One restaurant suggestion in this immediate area – across the road from Hep 5 is another department store called Hep Navio.
On the 7th floor of Hep Navio is Botejyu.
Botejyu is an okonomiyaki restaurant chain in Japan that has been around since 1946.
In Japan, okonomiyaki is seen as a comfort food. It is often referred to as a thick Japanese omelette made with cabbage and then diners choose their own fillings such as additional vegetables, meats or seafood. It is then decorated with sauces, mayonnaise and/or seaweed flakes. It is cooked on a hot plate in front of you so it is really good if you are fussy or just really need to be able to veto ingredients as they are added.
Another option for food in Okonomiyaki restaurants is yakisoba – noodles cooked on the hot grill. It’s really popular and is often considered to be one of Japan’s most popular street food options.
Okonomiyaki restaurants are pretty much always really casual and a great way to share a cheap meal with friends or colleagues.
This restaurant accepts credit cards.
Please note that this is not a non-smoking restaurant so you may need to venture in in between normal mealtimes or suss it out first.
Unlike many other in this chain of restaurants, however, smokers and non-smokers can be seated in separate sections before 3pm.
I would budget around 1000 yen for an adult meal for lunch and 2000 yen for dinner.
BOTEJYU, HEP NAVIO
大阪市北区角田町7-10 HEPナビオ 7F
7F HEP NAVIO
OPEN: 11AM – 10PM ( LAST ORDER AT 9:30PM)
Affordable yet delicious sushi restaurant in Namba
New Sushi Center Harukiya Uranamba is casual, good quality and fantastic value for money.
A sushi moriawase (a chef’s choice platter) is just 1000 yen- which is incredible value. Individual sushi plates of two pieces of sushi are 110 yen.
For adults at lunch I would budget around 3000 yen each for a full meal – but you could also pop in to just sample some dishes.
This restaurant does not accept reservations. They accept most major credit cards. They also welcome families with small children and babies. The restaurant is entirely non-smoking.
To get to New Sushi Center Harukiya Uranamba, take the train to Nankai Namba Station. It is 157 metres from the station exit.
NEW SUSHI CENTER HARUKIYA URANAMBA
大阪市中央区難波千日前14-2
OPEN WEEKDAYS 4PM-11PM
OPEN WEEKENDS 12PM-11PM
CLOSED OVER THE NEW YEAR’S PERIOD
Burritos (2 mins walk from the South Exit of the Nankai Namba Station)
Baby Burrito Brothers is 2 mins walk from the South Exit of Nankai Namba Station. This is a fast food restaurant so they don’t take reservations. There are only 13 seats here anyway as most people buy these “to-go.” They accept most major credit cards. Most options are under 2000 yen. See pictures of the Baby Burrito Brothers food options on their instagram account here.
It’s on the 2nd floor. They have an English menu. Order options include chicken, beef, pork and veggie burritos (in three different sizes) and you can also choose a spicy version or a burrito bowl option.
BABY BURRITO BROTHERS
大阪市中央区難波千日前13-13 2F
SECOND FLOOR, 13-13 NAMBA SENNICHIMAE, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN MON, WED, THURS, FRI & SAT 11:30AM-9PM (LAST ORDERS 8:30PM)
OPEN SUNDAYS & NATIONAL HOLIDAYS 11:30AM-6PM (LAST ORDERS 5:30PM)
CLOSED TUESDAYS
A beautiful macrobiotic, organic cafe -7 mins walk from Namba Station, 8 mins walk from Shinsaibashi Station, 5 mins walk from Yotsubashi Station, 8 mins from Nishiobashi Station
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
OPEN 11AM-7PM
A vegan cake shop -8 mins walk from Namba Station, 5 mins walk from Yotsubashi Station, 10 mins walk from Shinsaibashi Station
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
Namba CIty also houses my favourite brand of 100 yen store, Seria.
Seria (my favourite brand of 100 yen shops!) It’s within the Namba City shopping mall complex and is open 11am-9pm.
Anime Merch
If you are looking for floors and floors of anime merch for kids (and adults) go to Sofmap in Namba! Open 11am-8pm.
A soba and tempura restaurant in Namba with vegan, vegetarian and gluten-free options
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
A family-friendly Gyukatsu restaurant in Namba
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
Spys Oasis is family friendly and prides themselves on having gluten free options. It is 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
In Namba there is one of the Zauo chain of restaurants where you fish for your dinner. Details here.
If you’re in the Namba area walking around and need somewhere to feed or change baby, I recommend visiting the 7th floor of Edion 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.
en on weekends (you can also opt for an hourly rate instead.) You cannot eat and drink in here. The busiest times of day here are between 1pm-4pm (go first thing!)
See my tips on visiting Osaka Castle with kids here.
Tennoji Station area with kids
If you end up near Tennoji Station in Osaka, there is an amazing Rooftop Playground Playcentre called Sweden Trimpark ( 3 mins walk from the station. )
It is pretty much all outdoors although may close when the weather turns bad.
Open from 10am until sunset.
Price for 60 mins: Adults 500 yen, Children 1000 yen
There are places here to sit and eat a packed lunch and there are vending machines.
And if a 20 minute train trip doesn’t phase you, I highly recommend a trip to the Cup Noodle Museum Osaka ( you’ll need at least a half day.) The whole family can learn how to make instant noodles from scratch in a 1.5 hour class and/or decorate your own cup noodle cup to take home.
Don’t forget to pre-book the chicken ramen workshop here (please note that it is only for children aged 6 and older.)
*Please note that all of the cup noodle options here (chicken ramen or make your own options) include some kind of animal products in the stock or flavourings. If you are vegetarian you can choose your own vegetarian toppings but please note that it is not completely meat or fish free.
If you’re interested in the Osaka Aquarium see my guest post blog here.
It’s a matter of personal taste but I do not recommend visiting Tennoji Zoo.
I find that the animals are not in big enclosures and I find it to be too depressing. I don’t recommend.
Also, did you know that there is a playcentre within Kansai International Airport in Osaka?
If you are looking for a fantastic airbnb suggestion for Osaka, you may like to take a look at Guest blogger Carla Middleton’s recent post where she stayed mostly at Airbnb in Japan ( Osaka, Hiroshima, Kyoto and Tokyo) and wrote in great detail about their fabulous trip staying in an airbnb in Japan ( including Osaka) here.
DINNER RECOMMENDATION IN OSAKA
Izakaya (specializes in seafood, sushi and tempura)
This izakaya Sugidama is completely non-smoking (if you’ve been in Japan for a hot minute, you will know that this is not an easy things to find.). They also are fine for kids to come along.
This is NOT a touristy spot and I mean that in the best way. This is where you will find people dining after work or catching up with a friend. They do have an English menu but don’t be afraid to copy what someone next to you has ordered if it looks amazing (it might be a special not on the ready-made English menu.) If you’d like to say “Please give me the same” (while pointing) say 同じものください onaji mono kudasai.
Remember that at izakayas at dinner time you order lots of small dishes that are designed to be shared (it would be quite weird to order one dish per person.)
While at lunchtime you choose a “lunch set” (there are several to choose from here) per person and it comes out kind of in a big bento style way. At lunch, I recommend getting the sushi & tempura set – it also comes with a soup.For lunch here, I would budget 2000 yen per adult and approximately 3000 yen per adult at dinner time.
Firstly, there are 3 types of seating here : counter seating, table seating and horigotatsu seating (horigotatsu is where it looks like you’re sitting on the floor but actually the part where your legs go is dug out so you are still in a seated position. Horigotatsu will mean you shoes will need to come off.)
I recommend getting the sashimi of the day and the seasonal vegetable tempura (it comes with two types of salt for dipping and I love this so much more than a tempura sauce). For those with kids who aren’t in a “new food” type of mood – they also have fries.
Sugidama is 2 mins walk from Honmachi Station and 12 mins walk from Shinsaibashi Station.
This restaurant accepts most major credit cards. It is possible to make reservations here – ask your hotel to call for you.
SUGIDAMA, HONMACHI
大阪市中央区南本町3-6-1竹宏本町ビル 1F
GROUND FLOOR, 3-6-1 MINAMI-HONMACHI, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN EVERYDAY FOR LUNCH 11:30AM-2:30PM (LAST ORDER AT 2PM)
OPEN WEEKENDS FOR DINNER 5PM-11PM (LAST ORDER AT 10:30PM)
OPEN SATURDAYS FOR DINNER: 4PM-11PM (LAST ORDER AT 10:30PM)
OPEN SUNDAYS FOR DINNER 4PM-10PM (LAST ORDER AT 9;3oPM)
If you are struggling for gluten free options in Honmachi, Osaka, there is a wheat free Pizza rice bowl at Dominos Pizza in Honmachi (please note that the pizzas are not gluten free but this rice bowl is.) See therice bowl on the Dominos Japan menu here.
WHERE TO EAT WITH KIDS NEAR HONMACHI?
Osaka Engine is a lovely family friendly option (opened after Kyoto Engine had wonderful reception!) Osaka Engine has gluten free AND vegan options. Many of my gluten free readers say that this was their favourite meal in Japan. The black miso ramen here is excellent.
Gluten free diners are given a special bowl that indicates they are gluten free and a special coaster for their drink too. It is 3 mins walk from Sakaisuji Honmachi Station. I recommend ordering the gluten free and vegan gyoza and the vegan ice-cream. Make a reservation online here. They accept most major credit cards. 8 mins walk from Honmachi Station.
OSAKA ENGINE
大阪市中央区安土町2-2-15
2-2-15 AZUCHI-MACHI, OSAKA-SHI, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 1PM-10PM
A PARK AND PLAYGROUND NEAR SHIN OSAKA STATION
If you take the bullet train to Shin-Osaka and the kids need a wriggle around before doing anything else there is a small (and not beautiful but very handy to have up your sleeve) park called Yamaguchihoncho Park.
There are swings, a small climbing frame with 2 slides, a sandpit and one larger climbing frame.
This playground is 5 minutes walk from the South or South East Exit of Shin-Osaka Station.
*Shin-Osaka is actually a bit outside the centre of Osaka so if you’re visiting as a day trip from Kobe or Kyoto – I recommend taking a local express train to Umeda instead*
YAMAGUCHIHONCHO PARK
大阪市東淀川区東中島1-1-14
1-1-14 HIGASHINAKAJIMA, HIGASHI-YODOGAWA-KU, OSAKA
Since I lived in this area, there have been lots of renovations/construction on the …. side of Osaka Station. So much so that my hubby and I now call the north – the posh side and the south – the rough side ( although, in all honesty, not rough as much as just kept as it always has been – amazing alleyways filled with delicious eateries and local shops.)
These children’s bentos in the bullet train shape are sold inside the gates at Shin-Osaka Station
DID YOU KNOW THAT THERE IS A LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTRE IN OSAKA?
Not to be confused with the outdoor amusement park that is Legoland Japan in Nagoya, there is an indoor playcentre called Legoland Discovery Centre. It’s a little on the expensive side but it is a great indoor spot for children aged 0-6 years old (older than that and I don’t think it is that much fun for kids.). The centre is approximately 30 mins from the middle of Osaka or 15 mins / approx 5000 yen in a cab.)
LEGOLAND DISCOVERY CENTRE OSAKA
OPEN 10AM-6PM (OPEN LATER SOME EVENINGS SO CHECK THE WEBSITE BEFOREHAND)
Hedgehog Cafe in Namba, Osaka
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.
Where to buy nappies in Osaka?
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.
Please see here for more general Osaka with kids tips for before or after visiting this playcentre (including places to eat with kids nearby.)
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
Another place to buy nappies in Namba North
If you are in the north of Namba, visit drugstore Matsumoto Kiyoshi, Minami-Horie branch. Open 9am-10pm. 7 mins walk from Namba Station. 5 mins walk from Yotsubashi Station. They also have a good range of baby food AND they sell almond milk and soy milk. See here for my full guide on buying milk in Japan.
Pictureed: 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.)
Side note: this drugstore also sells a decent range of breakfast cereals! See here for my guide on buying cereals in Japan.
If you’d like an onsen experience (or just a swimming pool experience) in Osaka, I recommend spending the day at Spa World Osaka.
There are onsen sections (nudity required) and a co-ed swimsuit friendly pool section with water slides etc. There is a food court on the third floor inside Spa World too.
Please note that, if your children like waterslides -the day can get very expensive very quickly. Slides are 500 yen per person per slide! OR 1500 yen for a day pass for all you can slide. To ride most of the slides you will also need to be taller than 115cms.
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If you are interested in trying a kid-friendly Omakase sushi experience in Osaka, I recommend Misuji.
Please note : OMAKASE IS NOT FOR FUSSY / PICKY EATERS.
OMAKASE SUSHI IS FINE DINING AND THE CHEF CHOOSES THE MENU. THAT MEANS YOU WILL LIKELY GET SUSHI ITEMS LIKE FISH EGGS, SQUID, FISH SPERM, SEA URCHIN ETC. YOU CANNOT CHOOSE WHAT YOU DO AND DON’T LIKE. THAT IS OMAKASE. IT MEANS THE CHEF CHOOSES.
You don’t have to eat everything on your plate*. You don’t even have to try everything. You are the customer. But you don’t get to choose the menu.
*Japanese people do dislike food wastage (don’t we all?!) and so I recommend at least trying each dish OR if you are not the type to want to try lots of new and wonderful delicacies – then I don’t think omakase style is the best choice for you. Go for a restaurant where you order the dishes you want to eat (a la carte or tanpin as it’s called in Japan.)
Here are a whole lot of my personal tips on dining etiquette in Japan.
Children must be 6 years old or older to dine here. This is a high end experience so I recommend only visiting with kids who enjoy sushi and sashimi (and not just the egg and vegetable kind) AND are big enough to stay seated for the whole experience. They do sell a small number of tempura ingredients on their a la carte menu. If you have kids who are too small to take along – I recommend buying their takeout chirashi sushi bento for 5000 yen. It’s incredible. They accept most major credit cards. Customers are asked to not wear any perfume or cologne. They have an English menu – see the full Misuji menu here. The view from this restaurant at night is also lovely. This restaurant is 10 mins by cab from Osaka Station but it’s probably easiest to take the train from Nishi-Umeda to Higobashi Station instead as it’s just one stop. You could also walk from Osaka Station – takes approx 14 mins. See pictures of the restaurant and the dishes on the Misuji instagram account here. Make a reservation for Misuji here. At lunch, I recommend budgeting for 8000 yen per person. At dinner time? 15,000.
MISUJI
大阪市北区中之島3-2-4 中之島フェスティバルタワー・ウエスト 2F
2ND FLOOR, NAKANOSHIMA FESTIVAL TOWER WEST, 3-2-4 NAKANOSHIMA, KITA-KU, OSAKA
OPEN FOR LUNCH 11AM-3PM (LAST ORDERS 2PM)
OPEN FOR DINNER 5PM-10PM *10% service charge added to the bill at dinner time.
Not so kid-friendly sushi place but GREAT for one parent who wants to step out alone for a quick sushi meal.
Sakae Sushi is 8 mins walk from Nipponbashi Station. It is open from 5pm – 7am. It’s not kid-friendly as it’s a hole in the wall type spot and smoking is allowed. It’s cheap and grungy but the fish is fresh and very reasonably priced. I think, if you really wanted to, you could go with a bigger child but still… it’s more of an eat alone sitting at a counter type place. If you were to eat a sit down meal here I would budget around 2500 yen per person. They do accept most major credit cards. Pull out google translate as there is no English menu but there are lots of pictures.
SAKAE SUSHI
大阪市中央区宗右衛門町2-27
2-27 SOUEMONCHO, CHUO-KU, OSAKA
OPEN 5PM-7AM
CLOSED FOR THE NEW YEARS PERIOD
Also near Nipponbashi Station is the DenDen Town (electrical good area) and this is a great place to also look for Pokemon cards. See here for my full list on places to buy Pokemon cards in Japan.
Here are my tips for visiting Universal Studios with Kids while in Osaka.
THE NEW DONKEY KONG COUNTRY SECTION: Opened Dec 11, 2024.
I’ve written more about Donkey Kong Country here.
Photo courtesy of @teamhewittx4
Also, here are my tips for places to eat just outside of Universal Studios with kids.
