Namba with Kids (Babies and Toddlers, Too!)
Last Updated on November 18, 2024 by Kay
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Namba is an area in the Chuo and Naniwa wards of Osaka that’s known for shopping, entertainment, and food. There is no shortage of things to do here, including with kids, which is why I thought I would share child-friendly things to do in the area.
Namba is also minutes on foot from Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, so it’s worth visiting if you’re already nearby and have time.
Is visiting Namba a must on an Osaka itinerary? Not necessarily. In this article, I will share two unique places that are absolutely worth visiting, as well as others that you can include if you like.
Note that there’s a shopping street in Namba called Sennichi Mae, which I don’t consider a very family-friendly area. Although there are lots of affordable restaurants, it’s dirty and there isn’t much for kids. You’ll also see lots of pachinko parlors and people lining up for them early in the morning.
Table of Contents
What to Do with Kids in Namba
Namba Parks
This is a beautiful and massive 9-floor shopping mall in the heart of Namba.
Outside the mall next to Namba City, there’s a great photo spot featuring vending machines inside an imitation of the Nankai Railway’s Limited Express train.
There’s also a little shrine with red torii gates, almost like a very mini Fushimi Inari! This is a real shrine, so make sure you stop by and give your respects to the Shinto gods. (Drop a coin into the box, bow twice, clap twice, pray and bow once more.)
Namba Parks is a great place to stock up on supplies, snacks, and toys for babies, toddlers, and kids, since there’s a Babies R Us/ Toys R Us on the first floor.
On the 5th floor, there’s a DADWAY indoor playground that parents can use, so one parent can go shopping while the other watches the kid(s). This is a great place for younger children, especially babies and toddlers.
Note that they only accept children up to age six. When reading the Google reviews, it seems like they won’t allow children who are in elementary school (that is, will turn 7 within the Japanese school year, which starts in April). So if your child is six and will turn seven years old from April onwards that year, they will not be able to use this playground.
It’s confusing, so I wrote an article about the Japanese school year and how that affects age in Japan. I recommend reading it so you know what to expect when visiting Japan with a child.
Namba Parks has a large outdoor area on the rooftop where kids can play amongst the greenery. There’s a small rock climbing wall and some artificial grass, making it perfect for picnics.
I recommend getting a cake from HARBS and enjoying it on the roof while your child plays (and share the cake with them, too, of course!).
Other notable stores are LOFT, which sells all sorts of awesome lifestyle goods, and Village Vanguard, which carries not only manga but also tons of character and anime goods.
Yamada Denki LAB1
Yamada Denki is a popular home, electronics, and appliance store in Japan. This particular branch is located right across from Namba Parks and the basement floor (B1) is absolute heaven for kids of all ages.
There are free play areas and kids can play with displayed toys throughout the store. (Wondering what kind of toys to get for your kids? Here are my recommendations.)
Kids can enjoy small rides as well as play crane games and arcade games here, too.
There is also a small indoor playground called Yu Kids Island. You need to pay for this one but I think it’s worth the cost since kids will have a blast here.
On weekdays, kids can play for as low as 500 yen, which I think is a great deal.
If you have a toddler, try using one of the adorable character-themed buggies! You can rent one for 100 yen and you’ll get your money back after you return it.
Namba Yasaka Jinja
Located a short walk from Namba Parks, this unique shrine is unlike any other in Japan because it’s shaped like a lion’s head!
Make sure you also get the goshuin from here. Sometimes they have stunning limited edition versions, such as the one for autumn! It comes in a special folder with an image of the shrine on it as well.
Don’t expect to spend much time at this shrine since there isn’t much else to do. If your kids are like mine, they might enjoy the birds perched on the lion’s nose more than the shrine itself.
Bic Camera
This is another electronics store that has a floor (7th) with toys and games for kids. Unlike Namba’s Yamada Denki, it doesn’t have a play area unfortunately but there are some spots where younger kids can play with toys.
Karaoke Manneki Neko
I think this karaoke venue is great for all ages, especially since it’s so cheap (especially on weekdays). It also has one kids’ room that is perfect for babies and toddlers.
I’ll warn you, though, the last time I went they were short-staffed (only one person was working) so the room wasn’t as clean as I would have liked. Hopefully, this will be different for you if you decide to go.
Note that Google Maps might say that this place is open 24/7 but that’s wrong! They recently updated their hours and don’t open until 10 AM.
Round 1
Round 1 is an amazing place to visit with the entire family! The Sennichimae location is about a 5-minute walk from Dotonbori. This place has it all — games, an indoor playground for younger kids, karaoke, sports, and more!
Personally, I think the indoor playground for kids is a little dirty and old so I don’t think I will let my daughter play there again unless they renovate it. But I was happy with the other areas she could use. There’s so much to do here that I wrote an entire article about it!
If you (or your kids) are interested in crane games, arcade games, karaoke, or sports, this is a good place to visit.
EDION
This is yet another electronics store that also carries toys for kids. In fact, it has a massive section for Licca-chan dolls, Sylvanian Families, Plarail, and LEGO. Kids of all ages can spend a lot of time playing here!
Takashimaya
Connected to Namba Station, Takashimaya is a department store that is probably going to be more interesting for parents than children. However, the 6th floor is dedicated to high-end children’s clothes, including Anna Sui and Japanese brands such as Mezzo Piano (my favorite) and MIKI HOUSE.
The 6th floor also has toy shops including one where kids can play with wooden toys. There isn’t a lot, though.
For those who like Hello Kitty, you can find a small Sanrio store here, too.
There’s an area on this floor to change diapers and nurse as well if you need it.
The 7th to 9th floors have restaurants where you can eat while the basement (B1) is a depachika that has lots of different food. If you like, you can get a fancy bento from here and eat it on the rooftop of Namba Parks.
0101
Pronounced marui, 0101 is another department store located right across from Takashimaya. It has a whopping 8 floors of shops dedicated to makeup, clothes, shoes, and more.
For kids, I recommend going to the 4th floor, which has a Seria (100 yen store that carries a great selection for kids) and a cute kid-oriented stationary store called COMPASS.
There’s an official gacha (capsule toy) shop on the 6th floor as well as a GU, which is one of my favorite places to shop for kids’ clothes.
There is a chano-ma here as well on the 7th floor but unlike the Shinjuku location, they don’t have food for kids.
Don Quijote
If you need to pick up souvenirs or just feel like looking at a massive variety store in Japan, definitely check out Don Quijote.
They also carry toys as well as baby and toddler products.
Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi
Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi are mere minutes away from Namba, so don’t forget to visit these areas too!
I’ve written articles on Dotonbori with kids and Shinsaibashi with kids so make sure to read these so you know where to go.
Where to Eat in Namba with Kids
I really love Kitatake Udon, which is a Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurant. Note that they don’t have high chairs or utensils for kids, but I saw someone bring their baby and they were fine (the baby sat in their father’s lap).
Try to arrive before the restaurant opens because the line will get considerably longer after that. My family arrived about five minutes before they opened and had to wait about 25 minutes before we were seated, but since they took our order beforehand, the food came out right away.
I’ve written an article about kid-friendly Michelin Bib Gourmand restaurants in Osaka so please check it out for other options!
Another personal favorite is Kushikatsu Shirotaya. The cheese pull from their mozzarella cheese kushikatsu is crazy and one of my daughter’s favorites. This restaurant also doesn’t have high chairs or utensils for kids, although you don’t need cutlery to eat kushikatsu.
Where to Stay in Namba with Kids
If you’re looking for family-friendly accommodation in Namba, here are my recommendations.
Looking for More Articles on Osaka with Kids?
To get the latest information about exploring Osaka with children from a local mom, check out these articles: