Luca and Nico explore a full-scale Edo-period street at Osaka Museum of Housing & Living, engaging in a kid-friendly scavenger hunt.

NOT HERE FOR OUR FAMILY ADVENTURES, JUST WANT THE BEST OSAKA FAMILY TRAVEL TIPS?
We get it. If you’re planning your own trip, head over to our Osaka Family Travel Guide for expert advice on where to stay, what to do, and how to make Osaka easy with kids. Or check out the Osaka with Kids Hub, your one-stop launchpad for magical itineraries, practical guides, and all our family-tested favorites.

Sunlight peeked through the hotel curtains, casting golden stripes across the room. I blinked once, then again, yesterday’s early night had left me feeling completely recharged.

“Luca’s awake!” Nico announced like a news reporter, bouncing upright on his bed. “And that means… today is officially Pizza Day!”

I laughed. “Confirmed. Pizza Day is back on the schedule.”

Nico was already halfway into his shirt, putting it on backwards in his excitement. “Do you think we’ll get extra cheese for completing yesterday’s missions?”

Papa chuckled, tying his shoes. “Only if today’s explorers are ready to earn it.”

Mama handed Nico his water bottle and smiled. “There’s still plenty of Osaka left to discover. You two didn’t think the adventures were over, did you?”

I looked at Nico, who was practically vibrating with excitement. After the giant climbing structures, fire trucks, and samurai secrets of yesterday, I had no idea what today would hold, but I had a feeling it was going to be even more epic.

We grabbed our bags and headed out the door, the city buzzing just outside. Pizza might be our reward, but whatever came first was bound to be unforgettable.

Mission 1: Dive into Adventure at Kaiyukan Aquarium

Decorative globe and marine-themed sculpture at the entrance of Osaka’s Kaiyukan Aquarium, welcoming families to an ocean-inspired adventure.

The moment we arrived at Kaiyukan Aquarium, Nico came to a full stop, eyes wide. “Whoa… is this place bigger than Osaka Castle?”

Papa raised an eyebrow. “It might be. Big enough to hide ocean giants, at least.”

Mama pulled out our first mission card of the day and read it aloud with her best sea-captain voice:

Brave the deep and uncover the secrets of the sea’s most mysterious giants.

We stepped inside, and it felt like we had left Osaka completely.

The light was dim, the water was glowing, and right in front of us was a wall of shimmering blue. A whale shark, bigger than our family car, glided silently through the tank, its fins like wings, its eyes calm and ancient.

Nico pressed his face to the glass, totally frozen. “It’s like… like a giant underwater puppy.”

I laughed. “A puppy that could eat your whole backpack in one bite?”

He shrugged. “Still cute.”

We wandered deeper through the aquarium’s winding paths, each turn leading to another strange and beautiful creature. Jellyfish drifted like floating lanterns, penguins waddled with proud bellies across icy rocks, and a giant crab slowly lifted its claws like it was trying to wave hello.

At one tank, Nico started assigning each creature to a family member.

“Papa’s definitely that giant crab. Big, quiet, and secretly wise.”

Papa chuckled. “I’ll take that.”

“Mama,” he said, pointing to a manta ray gliding smoothly through the water, “you’re like that, graceful and calm.”

Mama smiled. “That’s a lovely compliment, Nico.”

He turned to me, thinking hard. “Luca’s… probably a dolphin. Smart, fast… and okay, maybe just a tiny bit bossy.”

“Bossy?” I said, pretending to be shocked.

“Just a little,” he grinned. “But dolphins are awesome. Did you know the word for dolphin in Japanese is iruka? It even has your name in it.”

I blinked. “Wait, seriously? Iruka? Like, I’m in dolphin?”

Nico nodded dramatically. “Exactly. You were born for the sea.”

We both cracked up, and even Mama laughed. “That’s actually true,” she said. “イルカ” (iruka) means dolphin. So maybe today’s mission was made for you.”

We explored until our legs felt wobbly and our minds were full of facts and fish. But the longer we stayed, the quieter everything felt, not just outside, but inside too. It wasn’t like a zoo or a playground. It was slower. Deeper.

At the final tank, we stood quietly watching stingrays dance through the water like shadows.

“I think we did it,” I said softly.

“Did what?” Nico asked.

“We uncovered the secret,” I said. “The ocean isn’t just full of big creatures, it’s full of peace. Like it’s teaching you how to feel something.”

Nico nodded. “Yeah. And also how to find your inner dolphin.”

Mama smiled. “Mission completed?”

Nico gave a small salute. “Completed. Ocean unlocked. Dolphin discovered.

Mission 2: Sky-High Thrills on the Tempozan Ferris Wheel

Luca and Nico riding the Tempozan Ferris Wheel in Osaka, looking out over the city and bay on their spring family travel itinerary.

Just a short walk from the aquarium, we reached the towering Tempozan Ferris Wheel. It stretched high above the city like a giant rainbow of cabins in the sky.

I stopped in my tracks, tilting my head back so far it hurt my neck. “Are we sure this thing is safe?”

Papa pulled out the second mission card, grinning. 

Rise above the rooftops and see the world from a new perspective. What will the view teach you… and can you brave the journey to the top?

Nico didn’t even blink. “Yes. I was born for this.”
Then he looked at me and smirked. “Luca… you okay there, buddy?”

“I’m fine,” I said, but my voice wobbled just a little. “Just… checking the wind conditions.”

We climbed into one of the colorful cabins, the doors clicking shut behind us. As the wheel began to lift, I gripped the seat a little tighter.

Nico pressed his face to the glass, wide-eyed. “Whoa! Look at that! There’s the aquarium!”
He turned back toward me. “Hey, Luca, your dolphin ancestors say hello.”

I tried to smile. “I’m… just staying centered.”

He leaned closer, whispering dramatically, “You’re totally scared, aren’t you?”

“I’m totally concentrating.”

Mama chuckled softly. “You’re doing great. Try looking at something familiar.”

I slowly peeked outside. There was Kaiyukan Aquarium, just like she said, tiny from this high up, but still comforting. Farther out, I saw bridges, buildings, even Osaka Castle in the distance.

“I think I can see where we had lunch yesterday,” I said, my voice a little steadier now.

Nico squinted. “And I can definitely see pizza.”

“You can’t see pizza,” I said.

“I feel it,” he replied. “My pizza senses are strong.”

As we neared the top, the view opened up completely. The entire city sparkled below, stretched out like a map. I took a deep breath, and this time, it didn’t shake.

Papa smiled. “Pretty amazing, right?”

I nodded. “It’s scary… but also kind of beautiful.”

Nico gave me a thumbs-up. “You did it. High score unlocked.”

By the time we stepped off the Ferris wheel, I felt different, like I’d climbed something invisible and left a little fear behind at the top.

I turned to Papa. “I didn’t like the height at first… but I’m kind of glad I did it.”

He smiled. “That’s how we grow.”

Nico jumped beside me, grinning. “You didn’t even scream once. Proud of you, Dolphin Boy.”

I laughed. “Maybe being a dolphin means learning to swim through the scary stuff too.”

Mama nodded gently. “Exactly. Sometimes the only way to see clearly is to go a little higher.”

I looked back up at the giant wheel we’d just conquered. From the ground, it still looked huge, but now, it didn’t feel impossible.

“Okay,” I said, “next time I’ll ride it with my eyes open the whole way.”

Nico gasped. “That means we’ll have to go again!”

“Maybe,” I smirked. “After pizza.”

Mission 3: Walk Around History at Daisen-ryo Kofun

Back on solid ground after the Ferris wheel, I felt my legs relax and my heart settle. Papa held up the third mission card with a knowing smile.

“Ready for something a little older than pizza, explorers?”

Nico groaned dramatically. “Please don’t say museum.”

I took the card and read it aloud:

Step into the shadows of the past. Walk where emperors once ruled, and uncover the secrets hidden beneath a keyhole-shaped hill.

Nico tilted his head. “Wait… it’s just a hill? That’s the mission?”

“It’s not just any hill,” Mama said with a smile. “You’ll see.”

We hopped on a train and soon arrived at Daisen-ryo Kofun. From the outside, it didn’t look like much, just trees, a quiet road, and a long hedge-lined walkway.

“This feels like… a park,” I said.

“A very old park,” Papa added. “Over 1,500 years old.”

As we walked along the shady path that circled the kofun, the noise of the city faded. Birds called softly above us, and sunlight filtered through the leaves. The path curved gently, with glimpses of the forested mound beyond a quiet moat.

Nico slowed down. “Wait… this is actually kind of cool.”

Mama nodded. “It’s the burial place of an emperor. One of the largest tombs in the world.”

“And it’s shaped like a keyhole,” I added, checking the map. “From above, it must look like a giant lock.”

“Maybe it locks in secrets,” Nico said. “Like… ancient treasure or a samurai ghost.”

“Or ancient snacks,” I offered.

Nico grinned. “Definitely ancient snacks.”

We kept walking, not talking as much now. Something about the quiet made us all move slower, think more.

I paused halfway around the path. “I thought this was going to be boring.”

“Me too,” Nico admitted.

“But it’s not,” I said. “It’s… different. Big, but quiet. Like it’s trying to tell you something without speaking.”

Papa stopped beside us. “Sometimes the most powerful places don’t need to say much at all.”

As we finished the loop, Nico turned to me with a crooked smile. “Okay. Not boring.”

I nodded. “Not even close.”

He looked over his shoulder at the trees. “Still think we should build our own kofun someday.”

“And fill it with snacks?” I asked.

“Obviously.”

Mission 4: Fun and Discovery at ’70 Expo Park & Museum

After our peaceful journey around the kofun, Nico tugged at Mama’s sleeve like he’d been holding it in for hours.

“Is it playtime yet?”

Mama smiled. “Absolutely. Let’s head to Expo ’70 Park.”

We hopped on another train, and by the time we arrived, Nico was practically vibrating. The park stretched out in every direction, with wide lawns, cherry blossom trees just beginning to bloom, and, most importantly, a massive playground filled with slides, climbing nets, tunnels, and bridges.

“This place looks AMAZING!” Nico yelled, racing toward a tower.

I chased after him, laughing. “Last one to the top has to carry the backpacks!”

We climbed and crawled, crossed wobbly rope bridges, and took turns inventing “lava zones” on the playground where you could only step on certain colors. Nico made it halfway across a tunnel slide, then popped out backwards like he’d been launched by a futuristic hamster wheel.

After what felt like a full workout, Mama waved us over. “Come on, explorers. There’s a museum here you’re going to love.”

Papa pulled out a card and handed it to me with a grin. “Your next challenge awaits.”

I read it: 

Step into the future of the past. Explore a world imagined by dreamers and discover what they thought life would look like today.

Luca studies a colorful display of international posters from the 1970 World Expo at Expo ’70 Park in Osaka, Japan.

Inside, we found the Expo ’70 Pavilion, filled with artifacts and models from Japan’s 1970 World’s Fair, like a time capsule from a future that never quite happened.

Nico stared at a shiny silver machine with blinking lights. “Look! Ancient technology!”

I squinted. “That’s a rice cooker from 1970.”

“Exactly,” he said, poking the buttons dramatically. “Behold! The earliest pizza machine prototype.”

Mama raised an eyebrow. “I’m pretty sure that’s not what it was used for.”

Nico wandered through the exhibits, pointing out strange architecture and science-fiction displays. “These people really thought we’d be living in space by now,” he said.

“Instead, we’re just climbing playgrounds and dreaming of pizza,” I added.

“Hey,” Nico said, “maybe we’re doing it better.”

We finished up in a room showing videos from the Expo, crowds of people marveling at robots and moon landers. As we stepped outside, Nico stretched and let out a contented sigh.

“I liked that one,” he said. “We got to see the future and play in it.”

Nico observes a retro light beacon installation and vintage site map inside the Expo ’70 Museum in Osaka, learning about Japan’s futuristic visions from the past.

I nodded. “It was weird, but in a good way. Like being in someone else’s dream for a while.”

Papa smiled, holding up the next card. “And now, explorers, it’s time for one last mission.”

Nico’s eyes lit up. “More time travel?”

“Something like that,” Papa said with a wink.

I exchanged a look with Nico. He raised his eyebrows like we were about to uncover a hidden treasure chest from the past.

With Osaka’s missions, we never quite knew where we were headed next, but we knew it was going to be memorable.

Mission 5: Time Travel Scavenger Hunt at Osaka Museum of Housing & Living

As we stepped off the train, the energy shifted. The lights got softer. The buildings got shorter. And suddenly, it felt like we weren’t in modern Osaka anymore.

Papa handed us the final mission card of the day. I read it slowly.

Step through time and explore the streets of old Osaka. Can you uncover forgotten clues and find your way through the past together?

The moment we walked through the Osaka Museum of Housing & Living doors, the air changed. Wooden buildings lined narrow alleyways, lanterns flickered overhead, and signs hung from storefronts in old-fashioned script. We weren’t looking at history, we were in it.

Nico took one big breath and whispered, “We’ve definitely time traveled.”

“Don’t get lost in the Edo period,” I warned.

“No promises,” he said, already ducking into the nearest shopfront like a detective on a case.

Our scavenger hunt card listed seven clues: a small lizard, beetle, cat, dog, bird’s nest, dragonfly, and a bird. Each was hidden somewhere among the shopfronts, sliding doors, and quiet corners of the village.

Luca and Nico study their scavenger hunt maps on the floor of the Osaka Museum of Housing & Living, surrounded by traditional wooden interiors.

“I think I spotted the lizard on that rooftop,” I said, pointing.

Nico darted over to a display of crates and spotted the beetle nestled in the corner. “One creepy crawly down!”

We walked through a narrow alley and found the cat perched in the windowsill of a tailor’s shop, and the dog sitting loyally outside an old wooden doorway. The dragonfly was carved into a lantern’s post, barely noticeable unless you were really looking.

“This is more fun than I thought,” I admitted, peeking behind a noren curtain.

Nico gasped suddenly, eyes wide. “LUCA! I’m lost in the past!”

I spun around. “Wait, what? Where are you?”

“I said I’m lost in the past!”

My heart jumped as I stepped toward the intersection.

Then he emerged from behind a shop with a wide grin on his face and both hands in the air.

“Just kidding. I found the bird!”

I blinked. “What?”

He pointed to a tiny carving of a sparrow tucked into the eaves above a door.

“I found our last item,” he said proudly. “Also, I was never really lost. Just dramatically building tension.”

I groaned. “That’s not how time travel works.”

He bowed with flourish. “Mission accomplished.”

We returned to Mama and Papa with our completed card.

Papa grinned. “You two really made it through history together.”

“Exactly,” Nico said. “Explorers. Time travelers. And expert bird-spotters.”

I laughed. “And now, let’s go earn our final title of the day, Pizza Champions.”

Nico’s eyes lit up like festival lanterns. “Then history has definitely been conquered.”

Finally, Pizza! A Promise Kept

After a full day of ocean adventures, sky-high thrills, ancient tomb walks, wild playground races, and time-traveling scavenger hunts, we finally made our way to dinner.

The moment we walked through the doors of the cozy little pizza place, Nico’s eyes lit up brighter than I’d seen them all day.

“We made it!” he cheered, practically sprinting toward the table. “Pizza mission officially accomplished!”

Papa laughed, gently placing a hand on Nico’s shoulder. “It took an extra day, but we got here.”

We quickly ordered our pizzas, Nico dramatically announcing his choice like he was making a royal proclamation. “One Four Cheese pizza for me, please. The ultimate pizza!”

I grinned. “And Margherita for me.”

As we waited, we recapped all the day’s missions, seeing whale sharks, surviving the Ferris wheel, spotting birds at the kofun, testing ancient pizza machines at the Expo Museum, and completing our final mission through the lantern-lit streets of old Osaka.

Mama leaned in. “What was your favorite part of today?”

Nico didn’t even pause. “Right now, pizza. But before pizza? Watching Luca panic at the top of the Ferris wheel.”

“Thanks,” I said, rolling my eyes. “Mine was probably the aquarium. Or maybe watching you get lost in the past.”

“I wasn’t lost,” Nico insisted. “I was building drama.”

Papa smiled as the pizzas arrived, hot and bubbling. “Well, whatever your favorite part was, you both earned this.”

Nico took a huge bite and leaned back with a happy sigh. “Best. Pizza. Ever.”

Mama laughed. “Pizza always tastes better after a full day of missions.”

We nodded in agreement, chewing quietly as the sounds of the city buzzed softly outside the window. It had been a long day, but one of the best kinds. The kind that fills you up in more ways than one.

Until Next Time…

Back at the hotel, Nico and I collapsed onto our beds, exhausted but smiling after such a full day.

“Today was amazing,” I said, staring at the ceiling and replaying everything in my mind. “We went underwater, rode above the city, walked through ancient tombs, raced across playgrounds, explored old Osaka… and finally got our pizza.”

Nico stretched out like a sleepy cat. “Pizza was definitely the best part. But the whale shark was cool too. And watching you panic on the Ferris wheel was extra fun.”

“Thanks for the reminder,” I said, rolling my eyes, but smiling anyway.

Mama sat beside me and gently patted my hand. “You both did so much today. Sometimes, the best adventures push us just a little outside our comfort zones.”

“Exactly,” Papa added. “That’s where the memories are.”

I nodded slowly. “I was really scared on the Ferris wheel. But I did it. And now… I kind of want to do it again.”

Nico grinned. “That’s because you’ve officially leveled up. Next stop, skydiving!”

“Let’s not get ahead of ourselves,” Papa said, laughing.

The room grew quiet for a moment as we stared out at the glowing city lights outside our window.

“We’re leaving Osaka tomorrow,” I said softly. “I’m going to miss it.”

“Me too,” Nico whispered. “Osaka had so many surprises.”

“We climbed, slid, explored, and ate,” I said. “It felt like… everything happened here.”

Mama smiled. “And now it’s time to see what comes next.”

I looked over at Nico. “Do you know where we’re going?”

He yawned. “Not yet. But I have a feeling it’s going to be amazing.”

“Maybe even bigger than pizza?” I asked.

“Let’s not go that far,” he said, already drifting off.

As the lights dimmed and the city faded into the quiet of night, I felt a mix of sadness and excitement. Goodbye, Osaka. You were unforgettable.

And tomorrow? A brand-new chapter was waiting to be written.

Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~

You’re definitely one of us, the kind of explorer who knows that every Ferris wheel wobble, ancient keyhole tomb, and snack delay might just be part of the mission. Ready to plan your own Osaka adventure with kids in Japan?

Did You Know? Hidden Stories & Surprising Facts About Osaka

  • Kaiyukan Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the world, and its central tank holds over 5,400 tons of water, housing a gentle whale shark as its star. The aquarium’s unique design lets visitors circle the tank from top to bottom, giving kids a rare look at life in different ocean zones.
  • The Tempozan Ferris Wheel reaches a height of 112.5 meters, making it one of Japan’s tallest Ferris wheels. On clear days, you can see all the way to Akashi Kaikyō Bridge and Mount Rokko. At night, it even lights up in changing colors to reflect the next day’s weather forecast!
  • The Daisen-ryo Kofun is part of Japan’s largest burial mound complex, built for Emperor Nintoku in the 5th century. It’s shaped like a keyhole, and although visitors can’t enter the tomb itself, the perimeter walking trail offers a quiet and reflective way to step through ancient history.
  • Expo ’70 Park was the site of Asia’s first world expo and now features Japan’s most eclectic mix of retro-futuristic architecture, family-friendly playgrounds, and public art. The Tower of the Sun, a surreal monument by artist Taro Okamoto, still stands as a symbol of Japan’s postwar creativity.
  • At the Osaka Museum of Housing & Living, kids can time travel through a life-sized recreation of Osaka during the Edo period. The indoor streets change their lighting throughout the day to mimic morning, afternoon, and evening in historical Osaka, a detail many visitors don’t even notice!

How to Turn Your Trip to Osaka into an Adventure!

Want to make your family’s trip to Osaka as exciting and memorable as Luca & Nico’s Spring Adventure? Here are a few fun and interactive ideas to help your kids explore, learn, and have fun along the way!

1. Create Your Own City Explorer Missions!

Before your visit, prepare mission cards inspired by Luca & Nico’s Osaka adventures.

  • Mission 1: Spot the biggest sea creature at Kaiyukan Aquarium and name it something silly.
  • Mission 2: Count how many Osaka landmarks you can find from the top of the Tempozan Ferris Wheel.
  • Mission 3: Discover at least two animals or bugs during your walk around Daisen-ryo Kofun.
  • Mission 4: Find three futuristic inventions inside the Expo ’70 Pavilion.
  • Mission 5: Complete a scavenger hunt through the streets of old Osaka at the Museum of Housing & Living.

2. Pizza as a Power-Up!

Choose a fun pizza spot as your “mission reward” at the end of your day. Let your kids vote on toppings and earn “power-ups” throughout the day to unlock dessert!

3. Spot the Real & the Replica!

In places like the housing museum or Expo ’70 Park, challenge your kids to guess which items are replicas and which ones are real or from the past. Encourage them to ask staff questions or make up funny backstories.

4. History Detective Notebooks!

Bring along a mini notebook for each child. Let them take notes, draw artifacts, or even write their own museum captions as you explore Daisen-ryo Kofun and other historical stops.

5. Sky-High Landmark Hunt!

On the Ferris wheel, give each kid a mini map or sketch pad and challenge them to draw or label at least five things they can spot from above. Offer a prize for the most observant explorer!

Keep Exploring with Luca & Nico...

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *