Winter in Osaka with Kids: Family-Friendly Spots
Last Updated on October 8, 2025 by Kay
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Wondering what to do in Osaka with children during winter?
As a Canadian, the need to have fun during this season is probably embedded in my DNA, which is why I knew I had to find the best places to take my daughter during winter in Osaka.
So if you’re looking for recommendations from a mom living in Osaka, you’ve come to the right place.
The Best Things to Do in Osaka in Winter with Kids
Ice Skating Near Osaka Station
From the end of November to the end of February, a large outdoor ice rink is set up in Umeda, right next to Osaka Station (head towards Grand Front Osaka).
They have cute animal-shaped skating walkers that help beginner skaters, and my daughter loved gliding on it (with my assistance, of course).
Make sure to bring gloves; otherwise, you’ll need to pay for some! (If you don’t have any, go to the DAISO near the station where you can purchase a pair.) Thankfully, you can rent skates from here, and they have sizes for young children as well.
Note that there are beginner (adult) skaters here who might knock into you, so be prepared.
I have an article about things to do around Osaka Station with kids so make sure to give it a read!
Feel Festive at Umeda SKY BUILDING’s Christmas Market
I enjoy bringing my daughter every year to Umeda’s Christmas Market next to SKY BUILDING, if only to look at their massive Christmas tree. It’s truly impressive, especially since the patterns and projections on it change. (I will admit, though, that it absolutely pales in comparison to the Christmas tree I saw in New York’s Rockefeller Center years ago!)
We like getting a hot chocolate to drink and listening to live music while taking in the festive scenery.
Best of all, entry is free!
You can also visit the Kuchu Teien Observatory, located on the 39th and 40th floors of Sky Building, which transforms into a pastel pink winter wonderland.
It’s great for photos, but I would only recommend going to see this if you have never been to the observatory before, since, unlike the Christmas Market, there’s an entry fee.
Enjoy a Winter Carnival at Hirakata Park
In winter, Hirakata Park not only offers amusement park rides but also transforms into a winter wonderland!
There is space with artificial snow where kids can make snowballs or snowmen, go sledding, and enjoy a large skating rink. There is a separate fee to get into the snow park, so it can be pricey.
If I’m going to be completely honest, I didn’t think the snow quality, nor the size, was great here. (Then again, I am Canadian, so I have high standards… not to mention it’s free to play in the snow in Canada!)
But if you’re itching for your child to have some snow play and you’re nearby, this is a decent option.
You can buy winter boots from here, but as far as I know, they don’t offer rental wear. They only rent out skates.
The park also has beautiful illuminations during this time, which is absolutely worth seeing.
More information can be found here
Universal Studios Japan
Although there is no snow here, Universal Studios Japan (USJ) does a great job making a festive atmosphere, including a huge Christmas tree!
My daughter and I enjoy snacking on their winter delicacies while taking in the beautiful Christmas decorations and music.
If you want to know more, read my in-depth guide about USJ in winter.
Snow Fun at Rokko
Did you know that Rokko Mountain, which is located in Kobe, transforms into a small snow resort in winter? I’ve been taking my daughter there since she was two years old, and she always has fun sledding or making snowballs.
They also have these fun sleds that look like kotatsu!
For those whose kids can ski or snowboard, they have a small area where visitors of all ages can enjoy these snow sports.
Is the powder here good? Not really…
Some of the snow is artificial, as it really depends on how many flurries the mountain gets. I will say that the snow last year (pictured below) was really disappointing because there were too many visitors who used up the snow to make snowmen and snowballs, leaving lots of patches of grass.
I would only recommend visiting Rokko if you’re already nearby.
You can rent winter wear (snowpants, etc) from here if you don’t have any.
Indoor Activities
If you find that it’s too cold to be outside, there are lots of indoor activities that children can enjoy. I’ve written an article about all of my personal recommendations that my daughter liked, so make sure to give it a read!
Winter Wear for Kids in Osaka
Osaka isn’t too cold in winter (at least compared to Canada). Expect temperatures of around 10 degrees Celsius, although in recent years I have experienced some strange 20-degree Celsius days in December.
It doesn’t snow often in Osaka. If it does, the typically thin layer of snow will usually melt within a few hours. This is why you don’t need heavy winter gear like you would in Canada (highly insulated jacket, snowpants, snow boots, waterproof gloves, etc) unless you’re planning on going to one of the aforementioned places where kids can play with snow. Rokko offers rental snowwear, but I don’t believe Hirakata Park does.
If you need to buy snowwear for your child, check out Nishimatsuya. They have the best selection for young kids.