We interviewed Nini, a Taiwanese writer for LIVE JAPAN who has been living in Japan for over eight years. Nini is a new mom with a 2-year-old child. Initially, she came to Japan to study, and after graduating, she married an Osaka native. After living in Osaka for three years, with the addition of her child, she now sees the familiar streets of Osaka from a different perspective. Currently, she is learning how to explore Osaka with her son, uncovering this city's rich and vibrant charm together.

Many shrines and temples in Japan hold summer festivals, like the spectacular Tenjin Matsuri held at Osaka Tenmangu Shrine in July and the Yodogawa Fireworks Festival in August. These festivals are famous and feature parades and fireworks displays on the river. The locals highly anticipate them and attract foreign tourists to join the festivities.

Nini says, “Osaka Tenmangu Shrine holds the Tanabata Festival in early July. Japan’s Tanabata is a festival where families write wishes on colorful paper strips and pray for their fulfillment. It’s quite different from Taiwan’s version of Tanabata, which has a strong commercial aspect similar to Valentine’s Day. I think it’s a great opportunity for foreign tourists and families to experience a traditional Japanese festival!”

In summer, many places have special events; one of the most well-known is Universal Studios Japan. The park hosts a large One Piece-themed event, allowing visitors to cool off and have fun together. Nini highly recommends checking it out when visiting Osaka this summer!

Nini also mentions that in central Osaka, many shopping malls and department stores coordinate with festivals or fireworks displays and offer discounts or special activities for those dressed in yukata (summer kimono).

“For example, in Umeda, there is a yukata festival in July where shops along the shopping streets and department stores offer discounts if you come wearing a yukata. I recommend finding a kimono experience shop in the city and trying on a yukata, then taking advantage of the discounts in the afternoon. The shopping streets in Osaka also sell yukatas and traditional summer clothes for children at special prices, so you can get them at a great deal and take beautiful photos with your kids in kimonos while exploring Osaka!”

(Please note this is Nini’s personal experience. Please refer to the official announcements of each establishment for exact event details.)

Osaka's outskirts are home to several natural parks that boast lush greenery, colorful flowers, and serene landscapes, making them ideal destinations for picnics and family outings.

Examples include Hirakata Park and Nagai Botanical Garden. During the summer, these parks showcase a variety of beautiful flowers, such as hydrangeas, lotus flowers, and roses.

In August, the sunflower fields are trendy, and visiting with children allows for a fun, carefree experience. Both children and adults alike can enjoy the freedom and tranquility of exploring these natural spaces.

The Tenjin Matsuri is an annual festival held by Osaka Tenmangu Shrine, considered one of the three biggest festivals in Japan. The festival lasts for almost a month and features various rituals and ceremonies. The festival’s climax is on July 24th and 25th, with the evening of the 25th being particularly significant when the magnificent fireworks display attracts millions of people each year.

If you plan to visit Osaka at the end of July to attend the Tenjin Matsuri, you can purchase boat tickets in advance to take part in the “Funatogyo” (boat procession) to enjoy the spectacular fireworks from a different perspective.

Nini says, “Because the last two days of the Tenjin Matsuri can be very crowded, I don’t recommend bringing a stroller. It’s better to carry your baby or let them child walk.”

If you happen to miss the fireworks display during the Tenjin Matsuri, then you definitely don't want to miss another major event in the hearts of Osaka locals. The Yodogawa Fireworks Festival (Naniwa Yodagawa Hanabi) takes place on the first Saturday of August each year.

With dazzling fireworks synchronized to music, it illuminates Osaka’s summer night sky, making it one of the most highly anticipated summer festivals in the Kansai region.

There are several locations along the Yodogawa River where you can enjoy the fireworks. These include Jūsō Station and Minamikata Station on the Hankyu Railway, Noda Station and Himejima Station on the Hanshin Railway, as well as Umeda Station. It's advisable to plan your route in advance to avoid getting caught in heavy crowds after the fireworks display.

Universal Studios Japan (USJ) holds an annual “One Piece Summer” event, a themed celebration based on the popular anime series, One Piece. The event features nighttime stage shows, the Sanji Pirate Restaurant, limited-edition-themed meals, and various themed attractions. With many activities and experiences, spending a whole day at USJ is an adventure. It’s a must-visit destination for One Piece fans and the general public, immersing them in the captivating world of the pirate tale.

Nini exclaims, “I absolutely love visiting Universal Studios Japan during summer for the One Piece Summer event! During the day, you can enjoy other attractions, dine at the Sanji Pirate Restaurant, and then catch the live show in the evening. However, spending a whole day can be quite tiring, so I recommend staying at a hotel near Universal Studios the day before or on the day of your visit.”

In addition, Nini has a secret tip for navigating Universal Studios: “Sometimes, the official opening time is stated as 9:00 AM, but due to the large number of people waiting early in the morning, the park often opens earlier than scheduled. I have personally experienced this multiple times, where the park opens earlier than expected. So, if you want to be one of the first to enter the park, I recommend arriving at 8:00 AM or even 7:30 AM."

(However, please note that this is based on her personal experience, and the actual situation may vary.)

Recommended hotels near USJ

Nagai Park is a sprawling 66.3-hectare complex that can be reached by taking the JR Hanwa Line or Osaka Metro Midosuji Line to Nagai Station. The park offers a variety of facilities, including outdoor plazas, a swimming pool, sports venues, museums, cafes, and restaurants, making it a popular leisure spot for locals on weekends.

One of the main attractions within the park is the renowned Nagai Botanical Garden, which has a history spanning nearly half a century. Throughout the year, different flowers bloom, including roses, hydrangeas, peonies, and more. From late July to August, the sunflower season attracts numerous visitors who brave the summer heat to witness the vibrant beauty of the flowers.

In addition, the internationally acclaimed art collective teamLab opened a permanent night exhibition called "teamLab Botanical Garden Osaka" in Nagai Botanical Garden in July 2022. This immersive, dreamy art installation, combines neon lights and plants, and offers stunning photo opportunities and attracts those with an artistic spirit.

Nini notes, “Inside and around Nagai Park, you'll find many cafes and educational facilities such as nature centers that provide ecological information. You can visit the sunflowers in the afternoon, take a break from the heat in an air-conditioned cafe, explore the nature center or the natural history museum with your children, and then enjoy the teamLab exhibition in the evening. It's a perfect way for families to have a leisurely day of exploration.”

Sakai Green Museum - Harvest Hill is an experiential agricultural park that showcases different blooming flowers throughout the year. One of its most popular summer attractions is the vast sunflower field that blooms every August.

With thousands of sunflowers in full bloom, it creates a magnificent picturesque sight, making it a well-known destination for sunflower lovers in the Kansai region.

To get there, you can take a train to Izumiotsu Station on the Semboku Rapid Railway and then transfer to a bus, which will take approximately 20 minutes to reach the museum.

Nini points out, “During the summer, you can walk into the sunflower field to take photos and enjoy the water play area with fountains to cool off. It’s a great place to bring extra clothes for kids to have fun and beat the heat. In addition, the park has other attractions such as interactive animal areas, the ‘Forest Family’ themed zone, a carousel, children’s go-karts, and a forest adventure park. If you’re into crafts, workshops are available for making shaped bread and floral art. You can easily spend a whole day here with your kids!”

Hirakata Park is a large amusement park located in the suburbs of Osaka. You can easily reach the park by taking the Keihan Main Line to Hirakata Koen Station, which is approximately a 30-40 minute journey from central areas like Osaka, Namba, and Umeda.

The park offers a variety of attractions, including rides, a zoo, beautiful gardens, and even a nighttime illumination show.

There are plenty of facilities for young children to enjoy, and the park offers affordable ticket prices without long queues. If you're looking for a fantastic family-friendly destination for a day of fun and entertainment, Hirakata Park is a highly recommended choice with excellent value for your money.

“Hirakata Park is conveniently located between Osaka and Kyoto, making it easily accessible whether you’re exploring Osaka or Kyoto,” reports Nini. “It’s also less crowded than Universal Studios Japan and attracts mostly local visitors. During the summer, they have a seasonal swimming pool that opens for a limited time. After enjoying the water, you can go directly to the other attractions in the park while still in your swimsuit, which is great for families with kids! The night illumination show is also beautiful, and I have friends who specifically went there to take photos at night.”

(*Please note that the light show is only available on specific dates during limited periods. For more details, please visit the official website.)

The Pokémon Café, an official themed café, is located on the 9th floor of the Daimaru Shinsaibashi Department Store in Osaka. It is conveniently connected to Exit 4 of Shinsaibashi Station on the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line via an underground passage.

This is the second official Pokémon Café in Japan and offers a delightful dining experience with menu items inspired by popular Pokémon including Pikachu, Eevee, Snorlax, and more.

The menu is updated regularly with limited-time items and visitors can also purchase exclusive merchandise at the café. If you're looking for a cool place to escape the summer heat, why not visit the Pokémon Café and enjoy a meal with Chef Pikachu?

Nini says, “The dishes look amazing and taste great. You won’t feel like you wasted your money at all! Pikachu also comes out to meet the guests, and it’s totally okay to take pictures. It feels like stepping into a theme park full of dreams. The whole experience puts you in a great mood from the moment you enter until you leave. You can also buy souvenirs while you’re there. Personally, I think better than many other themed restaurants!”

One thing to note is that Pokémon Café operates on a reservation-based system. They only accept walk-ins if there are same-day cancellations by reserved customers.

The official website provides language options in Japanese, English, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Korean, and the reservation page is available in Japanese and English, so you don’t have to worry about difficulties in making a reservation.

Dotonbori is a waterfront shopping street located between Namba and Shinsaibashi. It is famous for its iconic Glico running man sign, the Ferris wheel at Don Quijote, and popular establishments like Ichiran Ramen.

With the adjacent Shinsaibashi Shopping Street and Namba area, Dotonbori is a must-visit district. One of the highlights is the river cruise which allows visitors to enjoy the neon signs from a different perspective, which are especially stunning at night.

However, due to the large crowds in Dotonbori, Nini suggests that navigating with a stroller may not be convenient. Instead, she recommends visiting department stores like Daimaru and Shinsaibashi PARCO in Shinsaibashi, or NAMBA CITY, NAMBA PARKS, and Namba SkyO in Namba, where you can enjoy air-conditioning and shopping. When you need a place to rest, you can hop on the river cruise and take a break while enjoying the ride.

Nini also recommends a cafe called Junkissa American that has been in operation since 1946.

From the intersection where Kinryu Ramen and Isomaru Suisan are located in Dotonbori, walk towards the Sennichimae Shopping Street, and in about 2 minutes, you will see Junkissa American across from Ichiran Ramen.

Nini says, “This cafe has a completely retro atmosphere from the Showa era. It’s perfect for enjoying a cup of coffee and dessert in a relaxed manner. It’s been one of Japan's most popular retro cafes recently. However, photography is not allowed inside the cafe, so you can only take photos outside and of your own food. You have to visit in person to truly understand the unique charm of this retro cafe.”

Tennoji is a bustling district in the center of Osaka. It only takes about 12-18 minutes by JR train from Osaka Station to reach Tennoji Station. The area around the station is filled with various department stores such as Abeno Q's Mall and Abeno HARUKAS.

It's also close to Tennoji Zoo, the children's adventure park "PANZA TEN-SHIBA i:na," and the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower, making it a perfect destination to spend a day.

“I would like to recommend Tennoji Zoo for another reason. On specific dates in August, they offer ‘Night Zoo (ナイトZOO)’ where the zoo stays open until 8 or 9 pm. With an admission ticket for the day, visitors can enjoy unlimited entry to the zoo. It's a great opportunity to explore the zoo, grab a bite to eat nearby, and return for more animal encounters. Alternatively, if you prefer to avoid the daytime heat, you can start by visiting indoor facilities like Abeno HARUKAS and Q's Mall to enjoy the air conditioning. Then, in the evening, you can head to Tsutenkaku and the zoo,” says Nini.

Nini advises, “Parents who enjoy shopping can have a great time here too! Near the Tsutenkaku Tower, there’s a large Don Quijote store, and inside Q’s Mall, there’s a fantastic shopping experience at Akachan Honpo. Especially in Q’s Mall, there are many free children’s facilities, as well as nursing rooms and children’s play areas. The elevators are also accommodating, making it very convenient for strollers. You can even leave your child with your partner and go shopping on your own (laughs).”

Tempozan, located near Osaka, is a popular day trip destination for families. The nearest station is Osaka Port Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line, and it takes around 15-30 minutes to reach from central Osaka areas like Namba or Umeda.

Nini says, “It’s a great place for families with children to visit! The LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Tempozan Marketplace is specifically designed for families; adults can only enter if accompanied by a child. There’s also a large Ferris wheel and the nearby Kaiyukan Aquarium, making it perfect for a full day of family fun.”

Inside Tempozan Marketplace, you’ll find the famous Legoland Discovery Center, Seria 100-yen store, and Hokkyokusei Omurice, among other well-known shops.

You can also take a ride on the Tempozan Ferris wheel and enjoy the bustling sea view of Osaka Bay and the nearby Kaiyukan Aquarium is just a 2-minute walk away.

If the weather is too hot or rainy and you don’t want to spend the whole day outdoors, you can still have a great time exploring this area.

In addition, Tempozan is located near Osaka Port, and offers a scenic waterfront view of Osaka Bay. Visitors can also enjoy a sightseeing boat called the “Santa Maria” that operates in the area.

On the opposite side lies Universal Studios Japan, and there is a shuttle boat called the “Captain Line” that provides transportation between Universal Studios and Tempozan.

Nini suggests that if visitors plan to visit both Universal Studios and Tempozan on separate days, they can take advantage of the shuttle boat for convenient transportation. The boat ride takes only 10 minutes, making it very convenient!

Namba, Umeda, and Shinsaibashi are popular destinations for many tourists due to their shopping and attractions.

However, they may not always be suitable for parents who want to let their children run around and have fun. But Nini’s list of family-friendly facilities and tourist spots makes it easier to spend a whole day out.

If parents have the energy, they can also take their children to festivals, wear yukata to enjoy fireworks displays, and create unforgettable family travel memories!

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Please note that the information in this article is based on interviews conducted in March 2023 and may differ from the actual situation.

For detailed information on operating hours and closures of each facility, please visit the official website to confirm.