Kansai Region : families with children

Universal Studios Japan

An interactive dive into the world of movies, anime and games from around the world!

Osaka / Amusement Parks & Theme parks

• 22 Jun 2023

  Your trusty guide to smooth, wallet-friendly transportation in Osaka!

  Osaka is the largest city in Kansai and the second-largest in Japan after Tokyo. With so many means of transportation and railway lines, many people may find themselves lost while moving around Osaka Prefecture. In this article, we will explain some key tips to getting around in Osaka so you can get on and see the sights, all the more smoothly.

• 18 Sep 2022

  17 Best things to do in Osaka, Japan

  The metropolis, Osaka, is full of tourist / gourmet spots, it is hard to choose from. Here is our recommendation for first-time visitors to Osaka, a comprehensive list of appealing sight-seeing spots, gourmet eateries, inns, souvenir shops and events.

• 1 Jan 2020

  Best Travel Spot Add-Ons During a Trip to USJ, Osaka

  Universal Studios Japan, or USJ as it’s known more commonly, is the popular theme park in Osaka where guests can dive into the popular worlds of Harry Potter, Mario from Nintendo and more. In this guide, we’ll show you some more travel spots that work as perfect add-ons to your trip to USJ.

Sagano Bamboo Grove Trail

Green bamboos grow up to create a canopy on this trail. A beloved spot in Kyoto.

Kyoto / Tourist Attractions

An e-BIKE tour around the Funaya houses

Explore the town of Ine, where a large cluster of Funaya houses stand, on a relaxing ride on an electric bicycle

Kyoto / Experiences Facilities

Mt. Rokko (Rokkosan)

Active and romantic. "Rokkosan" is the symbol of Kobe and the pinnacle of fun!

Kobe / Nature Spots

Tempozan Ferris wheel

A 15-minute flight that offers a panoramic view of the city of Osaka.

Osaka / Amusement Parks & Theme parks

Thatch Roof Fuki-kae Experience

Miyama is home to many traditional thatch roof houses.

Kyoto / Experiences Facilities

• 29 Mar 2020

  For staying guests only! Learn about people's lives through the 5000 year history/thatch craftsman experience

  Thatch roof houses are houses with roofs made of "kaya," a plant in the Poaceae grass family. They have been used for Japanese homes since long ago, but are rapidly disappearing in recent years due to lifestyle changes and a decline in materials. There are still many well-preserved thatch roof houses built during the Edo period (1603-1867) remaining in nature-rich Miyama, located in the center of Kyoto Prefecture. Miyama is popular for its scenery that changes through the seasons and is known overseas for it's unspoilt Japanese landscape.

ROKKO Forest Sound Museum

A museum in a forest where various "sounds" and rich nature heal you.

Kobe / Museums

Nishinomiya Noh (Nogaku) Theatre

Noh is the oldest theatrical performance in the world with a history of over 700 years.

Hyogo / Museums

Kaiyukan

One of the world's largest aquariums that will make you want to go back again and again.

Osaka / Zoos & Aquariums

Sumo Wrestling Museum Kehayaza

The historic Katsuragi City, is the birthplace of the Japanese spirit.

Nara / Experiences Facilities

Biwako Hakodateyama Mountain

In the summer, you can enjoy the flowers as part of the green season, and in the winter, you can enjoy the silvery white slopes of the ski resort.

Shiga / Famous Places

Aeon Mall Wakayama

The largest shopping mall in Wakayama with 160 shops.

Wakayama / Commercial Buildings

Kuromon Market

Kuromon Market, located in Minami, the heart of Osaka, has a long history of serving Osaka’s food culture and offers a wide variety of seasonal foods.

Osaka / Shopping Streets

Nagoya Anpanman Children's Museum & Park

A participatory, hands-on museum that expands the world of Anpanman, the hero of love and courage.

Mie / Amusement Parks & Theme parks

Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho

From long-established restaurants to famous stores, Osaka gourmet food is here!

Osaka / Amusement Parks & Theme parks

Tsutenkaku Tower

A 108-meter high, iconic observation tower in Osaka modeled after the Eiffel Tower in Paris. Now includes the new TOWER SLIDER amusement ride, opened in 2022.

Osaka / Observatories

The Old Halls of Toyosato Elementary School

Preserving and Opening to the Public an Elementary School

Shiga / Tourist Attractions

• 29 Mar 2020

  A Special Educational Tour Inside the Old Halls of Toyosato Elementary School, a Tangible Cultural Property Dubbed the "Chalk Education Palace"

  Established in 1937 based on a design by the American architect William Merrell Vories (1880-1964). Follow the Toyosato Travel Guide and venture inside the school buildings, which were awarded the title of Tangible Cultural Property in 2007! The guide will take you on a special tour of rooms and locations that you usually cannot access.

29th Kobe Luminarie

Lights that adorn Kobe in winter, praying for the repose of souls and peace.

Kobe / Winter festivals & Events

Kyoto City Zoo

Celebrating 120 years! This zoo boasts being the second oldest in Japan and a beloved retreat for city residents.

Kyoto / Zoos & Aquariums

Biwako Valley

A nature resort with plenty to try, no matter what the season.

Shiga / Outdoors

• 31 Oct 2023

  All the Thrills of Winter Sports and Jaw-Dropping Views over Lake Biwa here at Biwako Valley!

  Winter sports are one of the big draws of Japan in winter. Glimmering landscapes blanketed with silvery white snow just wait for you to take to the slopes for some ever-popular skiing or even snowboarding. At Biwako Valley, a legendary Kansai ski spot in Otsu City, Shiga Prefecture, you can do just that, all while basking in jaw-dropping views of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in all of Japan, located just steps from the Keihanshin area. Here’s a roundup of all ski related things to do and so much more located nearby! Gear up this winter for a ski trip to Otsu City in Shiga Prefecture!

Festival of the Lights in OSAKA: Midosuji Illumination

A symbol street of light connecting to a shining future.

Osaka / Winter festivals & Events

Naniwa Yodogawa Fireworks Festival

A summer tradition of Naniwa, coloring the Yodogawa, the symbol of the "Water Metropolis Osaka".

Osaka / Summer festivals & Events

• 6 May 2023

  The Hottest, Best Known Firework Festivals in Japan and How to Enjoy Them: a Complete Firework Festival Guide

  A summer visit to Japan isn’t complete without the addition of a fireworks festival. In this guide we’ll cover not only the Top Three Firework Festivals in Japan, but a few other popular fireworks held across the country, as well. There are also some pro tips and important reminders to help you enjoy these events to the fullest, so be sure to read to the end!

Kobe Animal Kingdom

Observe animals living freely and up close!

Kobe / Zoos & Aquariums

Kinosaki Onsen

Seven out-spa baths are scattered throughout the elegant hot spring resort.

Hyogo / Famous Places

Himeji Central Park

One of the few Safari Parks in West Japan, known by many as “Hime-Cen”.

Hyogo / Amusement Parks & Theme parks