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Our family trip to Hyogo and Osaka in Aug was filled with fun, relaxation, and adventure! Traveling with young children can be a challenge, but this trip was the perfect mix of sightseeing, great food, and comfortable accommodations. Here’s a breakdown of our exciting 3-day trip, including stays at two amazing hotels, unique attractions, and a visit to the beautiful island of Awaji.
Day 1: Arriving at Awaji Island and Staying at Grand Nikko Awaji
We started our trip by heading to Awaji Island, just a short drive from Kobe, where we checked into Grand Nikko Awaji. This hotel is an absolute gem! Located right by the coast, it offers stunning views of the sea, and the surrounding gardens are perfect for a morning or evening stroll.
After checking in, we headed to the beach. The weather was perfect, and it was the first time visiting the beach for my 3 year-old son and 10 month-old daughter. In Japan, there is a common superstition that advises people not to go to the beach after Obon (a Buddhist festival that usually takes place in mid-August). This belief is rooted in cultural and spiritual traditions. According to the superstition, during Obon, the spirits of ancestors return to visit the living. After the festival, these spirits are said to return to the afterlife, and it’s believed that some restless spirits (or “yūrei”) may linger around bodies of water.
Awaji Island has a more relaxed vibe compared to the hustle and bustle of the cities, which made it a great place to start our journey.
Day 2: Exploring Kobe – Kobe Animal Kingdom and IKEA
The next morning, we left Awaji Island and made our way to Kobe. Our first stop was IKEA to meet up my friends and have some food. It might sound strange to visit IKEA while on vacation, but it was a fun stop for our family. The kids loved the play area, and we picked up some cute household items and stuffed animals.
After quick stop at IKEA, we went to Kobe Animal Kingdom, which turned out to be a highlight of the trip. This unique zoo is a mix of outdoor and indoor spaces, and it’s very interactive. The kids were thrilled to be able to feed and pet many of the animals, including kangaroos and capybaras. Even if it is hot outside, because it is a half indoor, you don’t get sweaty from the heat! We are so grateful for that:)
At night, we headed to Osaka for our last night, we stayed at OMO7 Osaka by Hoshino Resorts, which is a stylish and family-friendly hotel in the city. The rooms were modern and comfortable, and the hotel had a really cool vibe with its trendy design and friendly staff. They even offered some great local tips and recommendations on places to visit and eat nearby. They have complimentary “Takoyaki” which is Osaka is famous for and beer and pineapple juice.
Day 3: Tsutenkaku and Itami Airport (Osaka International Airport)
Our first stop was the iconic Tsutenkaku Tower, located in the Shinsekai district. The tower is a symbol of Osaka, and going up to the observation deck gave us a panoramic view of the city. Shinsekai itself is a vibrant and quirky area, with lots of street food and interesting shops. We got some Takoyaki and onigiri on the way and brought back to the hotel.
This time, we headed home from Itami Airport. Here is what I had for (our) souvenir:) There are lots of souvenir and food selections to choose from, but here is my favourite if you like mochi!
Our family trip to Hyogo and Osaka was a wonderful experience. From the relaxing start at Grand Nikko Awaji, enjoying the beach and serene island atmosphere, to the exciting city life of Osaka, every moment was memorable. We highly recommend this itinerary for families looking for a mix of nature, fun, and culture.
If you’re planning a trip to this area, don’t miss the Kobe Animal Kingdom for an unforgettable animal experience and make sure to check out the lively Shinsekai district in Osaka for a taste of local food and culture. We could not make it this time, but you don’t want to miss to go to Universal Studio Japan especially when you are with kids.
We can’t wait for our next adventure!
