Saw many posts recommending more Kyoto over Osaka, but would it make sense to do so with a kid? (I doubt my kid can appreciate repetitive temple visits) We would most likely be bound by a stroller too.
I did consider going Hiroshima but it’s a 4 hour train ride and I’m not sure if it’s worth the while coz I have no idea what to do there.
Visiting this December, and here’s my plan.
Day 1 check in Kyoto hotel in the late afternoon, walkabout
Day 2 Shrines, Todai-ji, Nara
Day 3 Mount Hiei via cable
Days 4-5 leave Kyoto and check into Osaka hotel
Hep 5, Umeda, Osaka castle, Hurakas 300, Shinsekai, noodles museum, dotonbori etc.
Day 6 Legoland, Kaiyukan
Day 7 USJ
Day 8 Leave Osaka and check into Kobe hotel
Nunobiki ropeway, arima onsen, kobe tower
Day 9 Kobe animal kingdom
Day 10 Himeji castle, travel back to Osaka
Day 11 check in Osaka hotel and catch-up on shopping, places we have missed
Day 12 checkout after lunch and fly home
PS: I’ve gotten my flight tickets but not hotels. I’ve also been to Tokyo
Thanks guys!
4 comments
The winter illuminations will be up during the time you’re in Japan too so definitely plan to take in some of these in Osaka in the evenings. Many are free too which is nice and kids love seeing all the lights at night.
– [JapanGuide: 2022/23 Winter Illuminations in Japan](https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e2304.html)
– [2021/22 Winter Illuminations In Osaka (article should be updated in Nov for 2022/23 schedule)](https://jw-webmagazine.com/best-winter-illumination-spots-in-osaka-d19f1d509a4e/)
For other cities you may visit, just Google city name + 2022 + illuminations. Usually Kobe has an awesome one but it’s been cancelled the past couple years due to Covid and I’m not sure about 2022/23.
These sites might also be helpful for ideas on kid-friendly activities. Definitely try to get your must see/do done first thing in the morning each day so if everything goes awry and you need to head back to the hotel midday you’ll at least have checked one thing off your list.
– [Osaka With Children](https://insideosaka.com/osaka-with-children/)
– [Tokyo Chapter: Osaka With Kids](https://www.thetokyochapter.com/other-japanese-cities-osaka-with-kids/)
– [Kyoto Itineraries for Families With Children](https://www.insidekyoto.com/kyoto-itineraries-families-children)
– [If you time it right, you can ride the Hello Kitty Shinkansen from Shin-Osaka to Kobe or Himeiji.](https://japancheapo.com/travel/hello-kitty-shinkansen/)
If it’s not too cold, you could do a day trip to Arashiyama to ride the sightseeing train and take the riverboat back.
– [Trip Report: Arashiyama Sightseeing Train and Riverboat Ride](https://www.reddit.com/r/JapanTravel/comments/mibm8t/kyoto_sagano_scenic_train_hozugawa_riverboat/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=ios_app&utm_name=iossmf)
One other place to consider is Banpaku Memorial Park in Osaka. It’s huge and has really awesome playgrounds and you could easily get a picnic lunch at the convenience store and spend the morning or afternoon letting the kiddo run and play. There’s a huge LaLaPort mall right across from the park and station with lots of family friendly restaurants and shopping.
– [Osaka Expo Park](https://www.osakastation.com/osaka-expo-park/)
– [This article is about the Ramen Festival held in Osaka Expo Park, but has good photos of the treetop boardwalk.](https://www.cubiclethrowdown.com/osaka-ramen-expo/)
Finally, Legoland is in Nagoya, not Osaka, so would be best as a full day trip on its own. I wouldn’t combine it with Kaiyukan. Keep Kaiyukan as a flex in your schedule and go there on a day it’s cold/rainy as it’s a good indoor activity. It’s open a bit later than other places so you can go there in the late afternoon too.
Happy Planning!
The Railway Museum and Studio Park in Kyoto should be fun for your child.
For 12 days it makes sense to spend time in both Kyoto and Osaka. Kyoto with a toddler will be fine. My last trip was with my then 2.5 year old and she was fine with temples – I think as long as kids are outside and able to explore they are pretty happy.
I would suggest making sure that the stroller is compact as there will be many places, especially in Kyoto where you will have to fold it up due to stairs or bumpy paths.
Re Hiroshima – if you don’t know what to see I would skip it. There is a lot to do around Kyoto/Osaka so you will find plenty to do. Uji or Lake Biwa (Omihachiman and Hikone) are nice day trips if you end up having spare time.
I just saw this here by coincidence, and thought of your post: [https://soranews24.com/2022/06/01/osakas-hotel-games-isnt-just-full-of-board-games-it-is-a-game/](https://soranews24.com/2022/06/01/osakas-hotel-games-isnt-just-full-of-board-games-it-is-a-game/)
…maybe something for you and your kid, maybe not. Less the board games and more the other toys, I mean. Thought it couldn’t hurt to post it!