10 Kid-Friendly Places to Visit in Kansai Region

For those who don't know, Kansai Region lies in the south-central area of Japan's main island Honshu. It is composed of seven prefectures namely Hyogo, Kyoto, Mie, Nara, Osaka, Shiga, and Wakayama. The main entry point of foreign tourists to this region is the Kansai International Airport (KIX) and Kobe Port. 

10 Kid-Friendly Places to Visit in Kansai Region

This region is a great place to immerse oneself in Japan's rich history and culture. Adults would surely find Kansai a fascinating place to visit... However, the big question is, is it kid-friendly? In my opinion, and probably the majority of all those who had visited this region before, the Kansai Region and Japan, in general, is a very child-friendly place. 

Here we go!!!

For today's article, I have compiled 10 child-friendly places to bring your child(ren) when you visit the Kansai Region. Here are my top 10 recommendations of child-friendly places in the Kansai Region:

1. Eiraku Yumenomori Park

Location: 65-110 Daimyo Noda, Kumatori-cho, Sennan-gun, Osaka Prefecture
Perfect for kids who are energetic / nature lovers.

This wide and spacious park has plenty of attractions aimed for kids to use up their energy. There is also a forest trail that you could explore with your kids. The best thing about this park is that it's free of any fees. 
(Read more: https://nicerioadventures.blogspot.com/2019/02/osaka-eiraku-yumenomori-park.html )

2. Wakayama Castle

Location: 3 Ichibancho, Wakayama City, Wakayama Prefecture
Perfect for kids who are history buffs/animal lovers.

This castle might not be as famous with its counterparts in Himeji, Osaka, and Kyoto but it sure is a great place to bring your kids to. Aside from the castle keep with plenty of historical artifacts on display, there is also a mini-zoo in the castle's vicinity which you could visit for free. Also, don't forget to visit the Wakayama Tourist Information Center which is near the castle's parking lot, and dress up like an Edo era warrior for free. 
(Read more:https://nicerioadventures.blogspot.com/2015/05/featured-destination-wakayama-castle.html )

3. Dotonbori 

Location: 10 Dotonbori, Chuo Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Perfect for kids who enjoy food tripping

Dotonbori is a perfect place to go food tripping with your kids. Choose your food from the numerous stalls and restaurants here. Your kids would also surely be amazed at the colorful neon lights and gigantic displays that try to outshine each other to attract customers. However, keep in mind that this district could get very crowded very fast so make sure to attach a safety tether to your kids while enjoying this place.
(Read more: https://nicerioadventures.blogspot.com/2015/06/featured-destination-dotonbori.html )

4. Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Location: 1 Chome -1-10, Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Perfect for kids who love aquatic animals

This place is one of the largest public aquariums in the world. It houses hundreds of different species of fish and other aquatic animals which would surely deepen your child's knowledge and appreciation of these creatures. Also, don't forget to check out the schedule of animal performances.

(Read more:https://nicerioadventures.blogspot.com/2015/06/featured-destination-osaka-aquarium.html )

5. Umekoji Park 

Location: 5 6-3Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture
Perfect for kids who are energetic and loves learning new stuff

This park found at the heart of Kyoto City is not your typical park. Aside from the usual playground, you will also find the Kyoto Aquarium and the Kyoto Railway Museum in the park's vicinity. Your kid would also enjoy hunting for the monuments scattered around the park.

(Read more: https://nicerioadventures.blogspot.com/2018/09/kyoto-umekoji-park.html)

6. Kobe Maritime Museum and Kawasaki Good Times World

Location: 2-2 Hatobacho, Chuo Ward, Kobe City, Hyogo Prefecture
Perfect for kids who love boats, machines, motorbikes, and robots

For just 600 yen per adult and 250 yen per child, you and your child(ren) will be able to visit two museums without leaving the building. The Kobe Maritime Museum houses numerous sea craft-related displays while the Kawasaki Good Times World has exhibits and interactive displays related to the Kawasaki Heavy Industries company.

(Read more:https://nicerioadventures.blogspot.com/2019/06/hyogo-kawasaki-good-times-world.html )
(Read more: https://nicerioadventures.blogspot.com/2019/06/hyogo-kobe-maritime-museum.html)

7. Shirahama Beach

Location: Nishimuro District, Shirahama, Wakayama Prefecture
Perfect for kids who enjoy the sand and the beach

Japan might not be the best destination when it comes to beaches as it rarely has white sand beaches compared to its neighboring Asian countries. However, there are some beaches that stand out like Shirahama Beach. It's one of the few white sand beaches in Japan. If you visit during the month of May, you'd be able to witness the Suna Matsuri (Sand Festival) however, the swimming season starts in the month of June.

(Read more: https://nicerioadventures.blogspot.com/2019/01/wakayama-shirahama-beach.html)

8. Nara Park

Location: Nara City, Nara Prefecture
Perfect for kids who love animals especially deer

If your kids love animals particularly deer, then this place is the perfect place to bring them. Enjoy feeding, petting, and taking photos of the hundreds of free-roaming deer in this park. Be careful though, despite the deer being used to the presence of humans, there are still times that they are aggressive so practice caution when approaching and touching one.

(Read more: https://nicerioadventures.blogspot.com/2015/07/featured-destination-nara-park.html)

9. Cup Noodle Museum

Location: 8-25 Masumi-cho, Ikeda City, Osaka Prefecture
Perfect for kids who are artistic and most especially loves cup noodles.

Cup noodles were invented in Japan sometime in the 20th century. The Cup Noodle Museum showcases the history of everyone's favorite cup noodle. Not only that, you and your children could also create your own cup noodle design. If you have plenty of time in Kansai, you could also reserve a slot for the "make your own noodle" class.

(Read more: https://nicerioadventures.blogspot.com/2018/07/osaka-cup-noodles-museum.html)

10. Universal Studios Japan

Location: Konohana-ku, Osaka City, Osaka Prefecture
Perfect for kids and kids at heart

A visit to the Kansai Region with your child(ren) won't be complete without bringing them to Universal Studios Japan (USJ). You and your kids would surely enjoy the different rides and attractions in this theme park. Don't miss out on buying souvenirs here. Spend a day in USJ for maximum enjoyment!

(Read more: https://nicerioadventures.blogspot.com/2019/02/osaka-universal-studios-japan-revisited.html)

So what are you waiting for? Book your kids along for your next adventure in Japan!