▲From Adobe Stock「Dotonbori, where numerous giant billboards catch the eye」
2 Nights and 3 Days in Osaka: A Family-Friendly Itinerary Kids and Adults Will Love
We'll introduce recommended spots in Osaka that you can enjoy with your children! Use this 2-night, 3-day model itinerary to plan a fun-filled family trip.
Your kids will be thrilled by the cute animals at Tennoji Zoo, Osaka's symbol Tsutenkaku, Kaiyukan Aquarium, and the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel.
On the final day, you'll visit the nature-filled Expo Commemoration Park, the Tower of the Sun, and NIFREL, where you can see living creatures up close.
For your stay, we recommend the urban resort "Grand Prince Hotel Osaka Bay," which is conveniently located for travel to Kaiyukan and the theme park near Universal City Station. Create plenty of family memories together!
Article Summary
- Enjoy Osaka's classic city-center spots with the family, including Tennoji Zoo and Tsutenkaku
- Experience hands-on leisure activities kids will love at Kaiyukan Aquarium and the Giant Ferris Wheel
- Spend your final day surrounded by nature and art at Expo Commemoration Park and NIFREL
- Stay at the conveniently located Grand Prince Hotel Osaka Bay
Osaka
- Osaka
- Family itinerary
- 2 nights, 3 days
Updated: July 13, 2026
Trip Destinations
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
DAY1
Enjoy Your First Day with Animals and Osaka's Cityscapes
-
START
Meet Polar Bears and Red Pandas at Japan's Second-Oldest Zoo
1 Tennoji Zoo
Tennoji Zoo
- Address
- 1-108 Chausuyama-cho, Tennoji-ku, Osaka 543-0063
- Opening Hours
-
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission 4:00 PM)
*On weekends and holidays in May and September, the zoo is open until 6:00 PM, with last admission at 5:00 PM.
Closed: Mondays (*If a Monday is a holiday, the following Tuesday is a substitute holiday), December 29 - January 1.
*Please check the business calendar for unscheduled opening days. - Admission Fee
-
[General Admission]
Adults: ¥500
Elementary and junior high school students living outside of Osaka City: ¥200
Elementary and junior high school students living in Osaka City: Free
*This applies to elementary and junior high school students residing or attending school in Osaka City, or attending an Osaka Municipal school (including those outside the city). Please bring your student ID or the free pass distributed to elementary schools in and outside of Osaka City, or an original document proving your address and age, such as a health insurance card.
Preschool children (infants): Free
Osaka City residents aged 65 and over: Free
*Please bring an original document proving your address and age, such as a driver's license.
Visitors with a physical disability certificate, mental disability welfare certificate, atomic bomb survivor's health handbook, wounded soldier's certificate, or rehabilitation certificate: Free
*One caregiver for the person holding one of the above certificates is also admitted for free. Please show the original certificate or the registration screen of the Mirairo ID disability certificate app at the gate.
9-minute walk -
Arrived!
Enjoy a Panoramic View of Osaka's Glittering Streets from Osaka's Symbol
2 Tsutenkaku
Tsutenkaku
- Address
- 1-18-6 Ebisuhigashi, Naniwa-ku, Osaka 556-0002
- Opening Hours
-
[General Observatory]
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Last admission 7:30 PM)
[Special Outdoor Observatory]
10:00 AM - 7:50 PM (Last admission 7:30 PM)
[Dive & Walk]
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Last reception 7:00 PM)
[TOWER SLIDER]
10:00 AM - 7:30 PM
[Select Shop (3rd floor shop)]
10:00 AM - 7:30 PM
[Official Shop (2nd floor shop)]
10:00 AM - 7:30 PM
[Wakuwaku Land (basement shop)]
10:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Closed: Open every day - Admission Fee
-
[General Observatory]
Adults (ages 15 and over): ¥1,000
Children (ages 5-14): ¥500
Disabled discount (adults, ages 15 and over): ¥800
Disabled discount (children, ages 5-14): ¥400
*Applicable to those with a physical disability certificate, rehabilitation certificate, mental disability welfare certificate, or atomic bomb survivor's health handbook. Please present your certificate at the ticket counter. This discount also applies to one accompanying caregiver.
[Special Outdoor Observatory]
Adults (ages 15 and over): ¥300
Children (ages 5-14): ¥200
*In addition to the general observatory fee, the above additional set admission fee is required.
[Dive & Walk]
Adults (ages 15-65): ¥3,000
*With the above fee, you can only use the Dive & Walk.
[TOWER SLIDER]
Adults (ages 15-65): ¥1,000
Children (ages 7-14): ¥500
*With the above fee, you can only use the TOWER SLIDER.
20-minute walk -
Arrived!
A Breathtaking View for the Whole Family! Enjoy a 360° View of Osaka from 300m Up
3 Abeno Harukas, Harukas 300 (Observation Deck)
Abeno Harukas, Harukas 300 (Observation Deck)
- Address
- 1-1-43 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka 545-0052
- Opening Hours
-
9:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Last admission 9:30 PM)
*Opening hours may be changed without prior notice.
*There may be temporary closures for renovations or facility inspections; please inquire for details. - Admission Fee
-
[General Admission Ticket]
Adults (18 years and older): ¥2,000
Junior and Senior high school students (12-17 years old): ¥1,200
Elementary school students (6-11 years old): ¥700
Infants (4 years and older): ¥500
Infants (up to 3 years old): Free
*Same-day tickets are sold from 8:50 AM to 9:30 PM.
*Advance admission tickets (e-tickets) are also available.
[For Visitors with a Disability Certificate]
Adults (18 years and older): ¥750
Junior and Senior high school students (12-17 years old): ¥600
Elementary school students (6-11 years old): ¥350
Infants (4 years and older): ¥250
*Visitors with a physical disability certificate are eligible for a discount. Please present your certificate at the ticket counter. The discount also applies to the same number of accompanying persons.
- 2-minute walk
- Osaka Metro Midosuji Line Tennoji Station
- 6 minutes by subway
Osaka Metro Midosuji Line Namba Station4-minute walk -
Arrived!
A Bustling District Perfect for Sampling Osaka Street Food! Don't Forget to Strike the Famous Glico Pose
4 Dotonbori
Dotonbori
- Address
- 1 Dotonbori, Chuo-ku, Osaka 542-0071
2-minute walk -
Arrived!
An Exhilarating Cruise to See the Bustling City from the River
5 Tombori River Cruise
Tombori River Cruise
- Address
- 7-13 Soemoncho, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 542-0084
- Opening Hours
-
[Cruise Schedule]
11:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Departures at 00 and 30 minutes past the hour) - Admission Fee
-
[Boarding Fee]
Adults: ¥1,500
Students (Junior high, high school, university, vocational school): ¥1,000
Children (Elementary school students): ¥500
- 4-minute walk
- Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line Nihonbashi Station
- 3 minutes by subway
- Osaka Metro Sakaisuji Line Sakaisujihonmachi Station
- Transfer to the Chuo Line, 16 minutes by subway
- Osaka Metro Chuo Line Cosmosquare Station
- Transfer to the New Tram, 3 minutes by subway
Osaka Metro New Tram Nakafuto Station (Exit 2)3-minute walk -
Arrived!
Renewed Rooms to Enjoy a Resort Feel
H Grand Prince Hotel Osaka Bay
Grand Prince Hotel Osaka Bay
- Address
- 1-13-11 Nankokita, Suminoe-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 559-0034
DAY2
Experience History and the Ocean's Charm! A Family Adventure of Learning and Fun on Day 2 in Osaka
-
START
Recharge with a Hotel Breakfast
H Grand Prince Hotel Osaka Bay
Grand Prince Hotel Osaka Bay
- Address
- 1-13-11 Nankokita, Suminoe-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 559-0034
- 3-minute walk
- Osaka Metro New Tram Nakafuto Station
- 5 minutes by New Tram
- Osaka Metro Chuo Line Cosmosquare Station
3 minutes by subway10-minute walk -
Arrived!
Be Surprised by the Size of a Whale Shark! Explore the World of the Sea
8 Kaiyukan
Kaiyukan
- Address
- 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato-ku, Osaka 552-0022
- Opening Hours
-
8:00 AM - 9:00 PM (Last entry 8:00 PM)
8:30 AM - 9:00 PM (Last entry 8:00 PM)
8:30 AM - 8:00 PM (Last entry 7:00 PM)
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Last entry 7:00 PM)
9:30 AM - 8:00 PM (Last entry 7:00 PM)
10:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Last entry 7:00 PM)
*There are six different operating hour patterns. Please check the Kaiyukan official website for details on the day you plan to visit.
Closed: January 8 (Wednesday) - January 9 (Thursday), 2025 - Admission Fee
-
Tier A
Adults (high school students and ages 16+): ¥2,700
Children (elementary and junior high school students): ¥1,400
Infants (ages 3+): ¥700
*Please see the official website for details.
Tier B
Adults (high school students and ages 16+): ¥2,900
Children (elementary and junior high school students): ¥1,500
Infants (ages 3+): ¥700
*Please see the official website for details.
Tier C
Adults (high school students and ages 16+): ¥3,200
Children (elementary and junior high school students): ¥1,650
Infants (ages 3+): ¥800
*Please see the official website for details.
Tier D
Adults (high school students and ages 16+): ¥3,500
Children (elementary and junior high school students): ¥1,800
Infants (ages 3+): ¥900
*Please see the official website for details.
For Visitors with a Disability Certificate, etc.
The admission fee (A-D tiers) will be half price according to age for the person holding a physical disability certificate, rehabilitation certificate, atomic bomb survivor's health handbook, or mental disability welfare certificate, plus one caregiver. Please present the original certificate or the registration screen of the Mirairo ID disability certificate app.
*Time-specific tickets can also be purchased online.
*We recommend purchasing e-tickets in advance, which allow you to specify the date and time.
1-minute walk -
Arrived!
Santa Maria Cruise: Exploring the Highlights of Osaka Port
9 Santa Maria
Santa Maria
- Address
- 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 552-0022
- Opening Hours
-
[Cruise Schedule]
Weekdays: 11:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Departing every hour on the hour)
Weekends & Holidays: 11:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Departing every hour on the hour)
*Schedule varies by month, so please check the website for details.
*Chartered night cruises are available for booking on all days except for specific winter holidays. Please inquire for details. - Admission Fee
-
[Boarding Fee]
Adults: ¥1,800
Children (elementary school students): ¥900
*Infants are free of charge, with one infant per adult.
5-minute walk -
Arrived!
Take an Aerial Stroll on a Giant Ferris Wheel Overlooking Osaka Bay
10 Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel
Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel
- Address
- 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato-ku, Osaka 552-0022
- Opening Hours
-
[Weekdays]
10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
[Weekends & Holidays]
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM
*Please check the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel official website for details on the day you plan to visit.
Closed: Irregular holidays - Admission Fee
-
General Ticket (ages 3 and up): ¥900
Ages under 3: Free
*Ticket sales end 15 minutes before closing time. The sales closing time may be subject to change without notice due to weather or other reasons.
*Web advance tickets are also available.
Disabled Discount Ticket: ¥450
*Applicable to the person holding a physical disability certificate, etc., and one accompanying person. Please present your certificate.
- 8-minute walk
- Osaka Metro Chuo Line Osakako Station
15 minutes by subway4-minute walk -
Arrived!
Experience the History of the City of Osaka Through Models, Videos, and Real Artifacts!
11 Osaka Museum of History
Osaka Museum of History
- Address
- 4-1-32 Otemae, Chuo-ku, Osaka 540-0008
- Opening Hours
-
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission is at 4:30 PM)
Closed: Tuesdays (*If Tuesday is a holiday, the following Wednesday is a substitute holiday, December 28 - January 4) - Admission Fee
-
[Permanent Exhibition Admission Fee]
Adults: ¥600
High school and university students: ¥400
*High school and university students, please bring your identification.
Junior high school students and younger: Free
Osaka City residents aged 65 and over: Free
*Please present identification such as the Tsuru no Mark Health Handbook, a senior citizen pass, or a driver's license.
Visitors with a disability certificate, etc.: Free
*Please present a physical disability certificate or other certificate, or the Mirairo ID disability certificate app. One accompanying person is also free.
[Special Exhibition Admission Fee]
Please check the details of each exhibition.
16-minute walk -
Arrived!
Step Back in Time to the Sengoku Period! Learn About History While Enjoying a Superb View
12 Osaka Castle Main Tower
Osaka Castle Main Tower
- Address
- 1-1 Osakajo, Chuo-ku, Osaka 540-0002
- Opening Hours
-
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission 4:30 PM)
*Extended hours during cherry blossom season: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last admission 5:30 PM)
*Extended hours during Golden Week: 9:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last admission 5:30 PM)
*Extended hours in summer: 9:00 AM - 7:00 PM (Last admission 6:30 PM)
Closed: December 28 - January 1 - Admission Fee
-
[Standard Fees]
Adults: ¥600
Junior high school students and younger: Free
*Junior high school students, please present your student ID.
Osaka City residents aged 65 and over: Free
*Please present your Tsuru no Mark Health Handbook or other ID upon admission.
Visitors with a physical disability certificate, rehabilitation certificate, atomic bomb survivor's health handbook, wounded soldier's certificate, or mental disability welfare certificate, etc.: Free
*Please present your certificate or the Mirairo ID disability certificate app upon admission. One accompanying caregiver is also free.
*You can also purchase web tickets in advance.
[Set Tickets]
Osaka Museum of History (Permanent Exhibition) + Osaka Castle Main Tower: ¥1,000
*This does not include special exhibitions at the Osaka Museum of History.
*Please note that considering the last admission time, ticket sales may be restricted earlier than the last admission time depending on the situation.
- 15-minute walk
- Bus stop: Osaka Castle Otemae
- Approximately 22 minutes by bus under normal conditions
JR Osaka Station / Bus stop: Osaka EkimaeApproximately 25 minutes by shuttle bus under normal conditions -
Arrived!
Stay at a Hotel That Offers a Resort-Like Feel While in Osaka
H Grand Prince Hotel Osaka Bay
Grand Prince Hotel Osaka Bay
- Address
- 1-13-11 Nankokita, Suminoe-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 559-0034
DAY3
Feel Nature and the Future on Your Final Day at Expo Commemoration Park
-
START
Convenient In-Hotel Facilities and a Welcome Free Shuttle Bus
H Grand Prince Hotel Osaka Bay
Grand Prince Hotel Osaka Bay
- Address
- 1-13-11 Nankokita, Suminoe-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka 559-0034
- Approximately 25 minutes by shuttle bus under normal conditions
- JR Osaka Station
- 3-minute walk
- Osaka Metro Midosuji Line Umeda Station
- 11 minutes by subway
- Osaka Metro Midosuji Line Senri-Chuo Station
- Transfer to the Osaka Monorail, 5 minutes
Osaka Monorail Banpaku-kinen-koen Station5-minute walk -
Arrived!
Ascend the Tower and Feel Humanity's Progress and Harmony
15 The Tower of the Sun
The Tower of the Sun
- Address
- Senri Expo Park, Suita-shi, Osaka 565-0826
- Opening Hours
-
[Expo Commemoration Park]
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission 4:30 PM)
Closed: Wednesdays
*Open daily from April 1 to Golden Week, and throughout October and November.
[Other: Tower of the Sun]
10:00 AM - 5:00 PM (excluding extended evening hours)
*Please exit 5 minutes before closing time.
*Opening hours may change. Please check the official Tower of the Sun website for details on the day you plan to visit.
- Admission Fee
-
[Common fee for Natural and Cultural Garden / Japanese Garden]
Adults: ¥260
Elementary and junior high school students: ¥80
[Other: Tower of the Sun]
Adults: ¥720
Elementary and junior high school students: ¥310
*As a general rule, a separate common admission fee for the Natural and Cultural Garden / Japanese Garden is required to enter the Tower of the Sun.
*Admission is reservation-prioritized, so advance booking is recommended. You can make reservations through the official Tower of the Sun website. - Inquiries
-
Expo Commemoration Park Call Center
0120-1970-89 or 06-6877-7387
15-minute walk -
Arrived!
Observe Nature on a Beautiful Hill Abloom with Flowers of the Four Seasons
16 Hill of Flowers
Hill of Flowers (within the Natural and Cultural Garden)
- Address
- Senri Expo Park, Suita-shi, Osaka 565-0826
- Opening Hours
-
[Expo Commemoration Park]
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission 4:30 PM)
Closed: Wednesdays
*Open daily from April 1 to Golden Week, and throughout October and November.
- Admission Fee
-
[Common fee for Natural and Cultural Garden / Japanese Garden]
Adults: ¥260
Elementary and junior high school students: ¥80 - Inquiries
-
Expo Commemoration Park Call Center
0120-1970-89 or 06-6877-7387
11-minute walk -
Arrived!
Gently Cruise Across the Water in a Cute Swan Boat
17 Yume no Ike Cycle Boats
Yume no Ike Cycle Boats
- Address
- Senri Expo Park, Suita-shi, Osaka 565-0826
- Opening Hours
-
[Expo Commemoration Park]
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Last admission is at 4:30 PM)
Closed: Wednesdays
*Open daily from April 1 to Golden Week, and throughout October and November.
[Other: Yume no Ike Cycle Boats]
9:30 AM - 5:00 PM (Last reception is at 4:30 PM)
Closed: Follows the Expo Commemoration Park's schedule. - Admission Fee
-
[Common fee for Natural and Cultural Garden / Japanese Garden]
Adults: ¥260
Elementary and junior high school students: ¥80
*An admission fee for the Natural and Cultural Garden is required to use the cycle boats.
[Other: Cycle Boat Usage Fee]
Standard
2-person boat, 20 minutes: ¥1,000
4-person boat, 20 minutes: ¥1,500
Disabled Discount
2-person boat, 20 minutes: ¥700
4-person boat, 20 minutes: ¥1,200
*A ¥300 discount is applied per boat for individuals with a physical disability certificate or rehabilitation certificate (the discount is ¥300 even if there are two or more people with a certificate). Please present your certificate before boarding.
Additional 10 minutes (for standard and discounted users)
2-person boat: ¥500
4-person boat: ¥750
*An admission fee for the Natural and Cultural Garden is required to use the cycle boats. - Inquiries
-
Expo Commemoration Park Call Center
0120-1970-89 or 06-6877-7387
14-minute walk -
Arrived!
An Experiential Museum Where You Can See White Tigers and Stimulate Your Five Senses
18 NIFREL
NIFREL
- Address
- 2-1 Senri Expo Park, Suita-shi, Osaka 565-0826
- Opening Hours
-
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM (Last admission 5:00 PM)
9:30 AM - 7:00 PM (Last admission 6:00 PM)
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM (Last admission 7:00 PM)
*There are three different operating hour patterns. Please check the official website for details on the day you plan to visit.
Closed: Open all year round
*There is an annual temporary closure for facility maintenance. - Admission Fee
-
[General Admission Ticket]
Adults (high school students / ages 16+): ¥2,200
Children (elementary and junior high school students): ¥1,100
Infants (ages 3+): ¥650
Ages up to 2: Free
[Admission Ticket for Visitors with a Disability Certificate, etc.]
Adults (high school students / ages 16+): ¥1,100
Children (elementary and junior high school students): ¥550
Infants (ages 3+): ¥325
Ages up to 2: Free
*The person holding a physical disability certificate, rehabilitation certificate, atomic bomb survivor's health handbook, or mental disability welfare certificate, plus one accompanying person, will receive 50% off the admission fee. Please present the eligible certificate or the registration screen of the Mirairo ID disability certificate app at the ticket counter.
*You can purchase web tickets up to 30 days before your scheduled visit.
NIFREL Enjoy Pass
Adults (high school students / ages 16+): ¥2,700
Junior high school students: ¥1,600
Elementary school students: ¥1,300
*This is a great value set ticket that includes a one-day pass for the Osaka Monorail and a NIFREL admission ticket. It also comes with discount coupons for use at facilities around Expo Commemoration Park.
*It is not sold at the NIFREL ticket counter. Please purchase it via the Jorudan transit app.
*The value of the discount varies depending on your travel distance, so please check your own transportation and fees.
Summary
If You're Taking a Family Trip to Osaka, Grand Prince Hotel Osaka Bay Is the Perfect Base for Your Sightseeing
This time, we introduced a 2-night, 3-day family trip itinerary for Osaka.
We know that after a tour of the bustling city, you'll want to escape the noise and relax in the evening. At the same time, you'll want convenient access to Osaka's leisure spots like Kaiyukan Aquarium and the popular theme parks.
Grand Prince Hotel Osaka Bay meets all of those ambitious demands. It is convenient for touring seaside tourist spots, and you'll have no trouble accessing the city center by using the subway or shuttle bus.
On weekends and holidays, a shuttle bus also operates between the hotel and the nearest station to a popular theme park in the Osaka Bay Area, with a travel time of approximately 20 minutes under normal conditions. The ease of access to one of Osaka's representative theme parks is a welcome feature for a family trip.
You can also purchase Kaiyukan admission tickets in advance at the hotel's bell desk, which is convenient. For your trip to Osaka, a city overflowing with gourmet food, entertainment, and nature, we recommend Grand Prince Hotel Osaka Bay as your travel partner.
Grand Prince Hotel Osaka Bay
- Day 1
- Day 2
- Day 3
- *All images shown are for illustrative purposes only. They may differ from the actual content.
- *The contents are subject to change.
Experience Spectacular Views with All Five Senses at Prince Hotels
Guest rooms with panoramic views of nature.
Enjoying a starry sky from the hot springs.
Dinner with a fantastic nightscape.
Superb views that can only be enjoyed here will make your trip special.
Come and get close to wonderful scenery you will never forget.