As we embarked on our family adventure to Osaka, it wasn’t just about the city itself, it became our central hub for exploring Japan. While we didn’t have an extensive itinerary planned in place, Osaka ended up being the perfect balance of sightseeing, shopping, and family fun. For those of you planning a short getaway or just passing through, this Osaka 2 day itinerary will give you a taste of the city’s rich culture, culinary delights, and modern charm.
Day 1: Exploring Nara Park and Settling into Osaka
Our journey began in Kyoto, where we boarded the train to Osaka early in the morning. The ride itself was smooth and comfortable, and before we knew it, we were in Osaka. However, when we arrived at our hotel, we discovered that we couldn’t check in early. Not wanting to waste time, we left our luggage and headed downstairs to explore the nearby food options.
After grabbing a quick bite and settling in at our hotel around 3 PM, we decided to make the most of our afternoon with a visit to Nara Park. Since it’s just a short train ride away from Osaka, Nara was the perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of the city, especially for families.
Actually, we initially planned to visit Mount Wakakusa for its beautiful sunset views. However, after learning more, we realized the timing wasn’t ideal. From Osaka, it takes around 40-50 minutes by train to Nara, and once there, you need to take a bus or taxi to reach Mount Wakakusa. Unfortunately, the last entry to the mountain is at 5 PM, but in June, the sun doesn’t set until around 7 PM. It wasn’t practical for us, travelling with kids and older family members. Additionally, there’s limited shade at the top, making it less comfortable to stay long.
Nara Park
With those factors in mind, we made our way to visit Nara Park instead. It’s more accessible, flexible, and doesn’t require an entry fee. While the views might not be as breathtaking as those from the mountain, the park’s serenity and the sight of freely roaming deer made it a perfect stop for our family. The kid loved feeding the deer, and we all enjoyed a peaceful stroll through the park’s tranquil grounds.
Starbucks Coffee @ Nara Park Bus Terminal
After spending time at Nara Park feeding the friendly deer and strolling through its serene grounds, we decided to take a coffee break before heading back to Osaka. With the kid happily tired from all the excitement, we made our way to a nearby Starbucks located in Nara Park Bus Terminal.
The Starbucks in Nara was the perfect spot to unwind after a morning of sightseeing. We sat down with our drinks, enjoying the calming atmosphere while reflecting on the beauty of the park. The café had large windows overlooking the streets of Nara, providing a lovely view as we relaxed with our coffee and snacks. It was nice to have a quiet moment with the family before making our way back to the hotel.
Day 2: Brunch and Fun in Umeda
We wanted our second day in Osaka to be all about relaxing and exploring the city at a leisurely pace. After a restful night, we started our day with a delicious brunch at Eggs ‘n Things, a Hawaiian-inspired breakfast spot. Located in Umeda, Eggs ‘n Things is well-known for its fluffy pancakes and generous portions. This was a huge hit with Yuyi!
We all enjoyed a variety of pancakes, eggs, and coffee, which fueled us up for the rest of the day.
HEP Five Ferris Wheel
After brunch, we took a short walk over to the HEP Five Ferris Wheel, one of Osaka’s iconic landmarks. Located on the top of a shopping mall, the red Ferris wheel offers incredible views of the city. The ride itself is a relaxing 15-minute loop, giving you a bird’s-eye view of Osaka’s bustling streets and towering buildings.
At only 600 yen per person, the HEP Five Ferris Wheel is a must-do activity, especially if you’re traveling with children. My little one loved seeing the city from such a high vantage point, and the calm ride was a nice break from the walking we had been doing.
Exploring the Umeda Area
Umeda is one of the busiest districts in Osaka, and after our Ferris wheel ride, we spent some time wandering around the area. If you’re into shopping, Umeda is the place to be. With countless malls and department stores, it’s easy to spend an entire day browsing through the shops.
Here are some highlights from our Umeda shopping adventure:
- Yodobashi Camera: This enormous electronics store has everything from the latest gadgets to toys for kids. We spent a good amount of time on the 5th floor, where the kids could play with toys and enjoy the famous gacha capsule machines.
- Grand Front Osaka: A modern shopping complex with a mix of high-end brands and casual retailers. Even if you’re not in the mood to shop, it’s a great place to window shop and people-watch.
- Daimaru Umeda: If you’re into luxury shopping, this department store offers a wide selection of designer brands like Louis Vuitton and Chanel. It’s also a great spot to pick up some souvenirs or gifts.
A Casual Afternoon Walk
After indulging in some shopping, we took a leisurely walk around the Umeda area. There are plenty of small streets and hidden corners to explore, filled with quirky cafes, local shops, and street vendors. Osaka is such a vibrant city that you never know what you’ll stumble upon!
Where We Stayed: Osaka Hankyu Respire
We stayed at Osaka Hankyu Respire, which turned out to be an excellent choice for a short stay in Osaka. The hotel is located right next to the Umeda subway station and Yodobashi Camera, making it incredibly convenient for exploring the city. Although the rooms were small (which is standard for Japan), they were clean, modern, and had all the amenities we needed.
The self check-in process was efficient and streamlined, and we were impressed with the Japanese culture of hospitality. Despite the limited space, the hotel room had a cozy atmosphere, and the soaking bathtub was perfect for relaxing after a long day of sightseeing.
If you’re looking for a comfortable, family-friendly hotel, and well-located in Osaka, I highly recommend Hankyu Respire. The convenience of its location made our trip that much more enjoyable.
Final Thoughts
While our trip to Osaka was short, it was filled with wonderful moments. From the peaceful experience of feeding deer in Nara Park to the fun of riding the HEP Five Ferris Wheel, this 2-day itinerary gave us a glimpse of both the modern and traditional sides of Japan.
Osaka has so much to offer, whether you’re into shopping, food, or simply exploring its lively streets. If you’re traveling with family, it’s a city that is easy to navigate, with plenty of activities to keep both kids and adults entertained.
I hope this itinerary gives you some inspiration for your own trip to Osaka. Even with limited time, you can experience the best of what this wonderful city has to offer. Safe travels!
FAQs for Osaka
Is Nara Park kid-friendly?
Yes! Nara Park is extremely kid-friendly. Children love interacting with the deer that roam freely in the park. There’s plenty of open space for kids to run around, and you can easily spend a few hours enjoying the natural scenery. Just be cautious when feeding the deer, as some may become enthusiastic for snacks!
How do I get to Nara from Osaka?
You can take the Kintetsu Nara Line from Osaka Namba Station to Kintetsu Nara Station, which takes about 40 minutes. Alternatively, you can take the JR Yamatoji Line from Osaka Station to JR Nara Station, which takes around 50 minutes. Both stations are within walking distance to Nara Park.
Is the HEP Five Ferris Wheel worth visiting?
Yes! The HEP Five Ferris Wheel offers fantastic views of Osaka, and it’s a fun activity, especially if you’re traveling with kids or as a couple. The ride is smooth and relaxing, and the location in Umeda makes it easy to add to your itinerary. At 600 yen per person, it’s also an affordable experience.
What’s the best area to stay in Osaka for a short trip?
Staying near Umeda or Namba is ideal for a short trip. Both areas are central, well-connected by public transportation, and packed with shopping, dining, and entertainment options. For families, Umeda offers easy access to major attractions like Osaka Castle and the HEP Five Ferris Wheel, while Namba is closer to Dotonbori for nightlife and street food.
Is Osaka easy to navigate with kids?
Absolutely! Osaka’s public transportation system is very efficient and easy to use, even with kids. There are plenty of family-friendly attractions, from parks to shopping centers with dedicated play areas. Many locations, including Nara Park and Umeda, are accessible by train, making it simple to move around the city
Can I use a JR Pass in Osaka?
Yes, if you have a JR Pass, you can use it on JR trains within Osaka, including the Osaka Loop Line and the train from Osaka to Nara. However, it cannot be used on private rail lines like the Kintetsu or subway systems. If you’re staying for a short time and plan to explore beyond Osaka, the JR Pass can be a great value.
Where is the best place to shop in Osaka?
Umeda and Shinsaibashi are two of the best shopping districts in Osaka. Umeda has large department stores like Daimaru and Yodobashi Camera, while Shinsaibashi offers a mix of high-end and budget-friendly shopping along Shinsaibashi-suji Shopping Street. For unique, local finds, visit Tenjinbashisuji Shopping Street, Japan’s longest shopping arcade.
What’s the best time to visit Osaka?
The best time to visit Osaka is during the spring (March-May) or fall (September-November). The weather is mild, and you’ll get to see cherry blossoms in spring or beautiful autumn foliage. Summer can be hot and humid, while winter, though cold, can still be enjoyable for sightseeing and shopping.
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