A Short Stay in Osaka: 5 Unforgettable Highlights for a Magical Family Trip
An Introduction to Japanese Cheesecake
Traveling to Japan is a dream for many, and for us, it was a dream deferred. In March 2020, our planned two week trip was cancelled due to global lockdowns. Fast forward three years to May 2023, and we finally made it. This time, we were a party of three, accompanied by our 1.5 year old daughter.
As our first long vacation with a toddler, we were naturally a bit nervous. After exploring Tokyo and the scenic Mt. Fuji region, we headed to Osaka. Because of a tight schedule, we only had one day to spend there. While it was short, Osaka completely captured our hearts. If you want to read our top tips for visiting Japan, visit the link here.
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Arriving in Osaka
- Via Train & Bus: Osaka is the pulse of Western Japan, serving as the premier gateway to Kyoto, Nara, and Kobe. Whether you want to zip between cities on the Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka Station or prefer the budget-friendly convenience of a highway bus, you can easily compare schedules and secure your seats through 12Go Asia here.
- Via Flight: Travelers typically touch down at Kansai International Airport (KIX), the region’s massive offshore hub for international and long-haul flights, or Itami Airport (ITM), which is located much closer to the city center and focuses on domestic connections. To find the best airfare across both major hubs, search and book here.
Planning Your Osaka Trip
- Where to Stay: Finding the right base is key for families. Book a hotel here.
- Connectivity: Stay connected as soon as you land with a local eSIM. We recommend:
- Airalo for budget-friendly and basic plans. Get your Airalo eSIM here.
- Yesim for unlimited data needs. Get your Yesim eSIM here.
- Getting Around:
- Taxis & Private Transfers Secure a reliable, fixed-price ride with professional drivers. Avoid the airport queues by booking in advance. Book your taxi/transfer here.
- Car Rentals Enjoy the freedom of the open road. Compare the best rates from top brands to find your perfect vehicle here.
- Public Transport Travel like a local and save money. Skip the station lines by securing your train and bus tickets here.
Day 1: Arriving in the Heart of Osaka
Traveling to Osaka from Mt. Fuji
We arrived in Osaka from the Mt. Fuji area after nearly six hours of travel. Since there is no direct route between the two, we had to return to Tokyo before heading toward Osaka. It was a long, exhausting journey, so we spent the rest of the day focusing solely on food and rest.
Dinner at Halal Restaurant Naritaya Osaka Minami
- 🥘Cuisine: Halal Ramen & Wagyu
- ⭐ Our Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
- 🌙 Halal Status: 100% Halal (Certified)
- 🌐 Website: naniwaya-osaka.com
- 📸 Socials: Instagram
- 💰 Budget: ¥1,200–¥3,500 per person
Halal Restaurant Naritaya Osaka Minami is a 100% Halal Restaurant in Osaka that serves Japanese food. The restaurant was jampacked when we visited and we were happy that we had made a reservation. We ordered their Wagyu Beef Rice Bowl, Spicy Miso Ramen and Spicy Fried Chicken. The food was extremely delicious and we had a really nice dining experience.
Indulging in Rikuro’s Famous Japanese Cheesecake
After dinner, we made a beeline for the nearby Rikuro’s to buy the famous Japanese cheesecake. I had the opportunity to bake a Japanese cheesecake perfectly before our visit to Japan, and after tasting the cloud like version I made at home, I knew I had to try the original. We fell in love with the softness and creaminess of the cake. It was so delicious that we almost finished the entire cake in a single sitting.
A Quick Stop at the Pokémon Center
We came across a Pokémon Center inside the same mall where Rikuro’s was located. As a family of huge Pokémon fans, we had to stop and have a look for 15 minutes. We did not feel bad about not exploring this one properly because we had already scheduled a detailed visit to the Pokémon Center in Tokyo later in our trip. After our short exploration, we checked into our hotel and rested for the night.
Day 2: Exploring the Soul of the City
The Grandeur of Osaka Castle
We began our extremely short exploration of Osaka at the iconic Osaka Castle. The complex is stunningly beautiful with a lot of attractions to explore. Because we had to travel to Hiroshima that same afternoon, the queue at the castle was far too long for our schedule. We did not go inside but spent our time admiring the elegant and stunning exterior. We will definitely find the time to explore the interior during our next visit to Japan.
The Vibrant Energy of Dotonbori
Next, we headed to Dotonbori, the popular downtown district well known for its nighttime vibrancy. Although we visited during the daytime, we still had a lot of fun. The area was filled with tourists and the atmosphere was extremely lively. We were glad we had sufficient time to explore this gem and bought some souvenirs to mark our stay.
For lunch, we found a Halal restaurant that served delicious hand pulled Chinese beef noodles. While exploring, we also tried some fresh Takoyaki from a street stall which is a must-try in Osaka.
Journey to Hiroshima
The amount of time we spent in Osaka did not do justice to everything it has to offer. We were sad to leave so early with such little exploration. From Dotonbori, we walked to the nearby JR Station and rode the Sakura Shinkansen to arrive in Hiroshima.
Final Remarks on Osaka
Osaka was great. We loved Dotonbori and the unique hustle that it had. The Japanese cheesecake was easily the best dessert we had in Japan. We will definitely be returning to Osaka someday with our kids to explore Osaka Castle and the rest of the city.
Enjoyed reading about our exploration of Osaka? We’d be happy to build a personalized itinerary just for you! Head over to our Custom-Plans page to get started.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do you get from Fujikawaguchiko to Osaka?
There is no direct way of arriving in Osaka from Fujikawaguchiko. You must take a bus or train back to Tokyo and then transfer to the Shinkansen (bullet train) to reach Osaka.
What is the best way to travel between Osaka and Hiroshima?
The Sakura Shinkansen is an excellent and fast option for traveling between these two cities, especially if you are using a JR Pass.
Is one day enough for Osaka?
While you can see highlights like Osaka Castle and Dotonbori in one day, we recommend at least two or three days to truly experience the food and culture.
