Tennoji with Kids (Including Shinsekai & Abeno)
Last Updated on December 18, 2025 by Kay
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Tennoji (天王寺) is a ward in central Osaka that many travelers overlook, but if you have time to spare, I think you should dedicate a day to exploring this area and the nearby wards with your kids.
Tennoji very child-friendly (actually, I think it’s better than Dotonbori and Shinsaibashi, which are overrated and overcrowded), and my daughter always has a great time whenever we go. In fact, her neighborhood friend even asked to visit Tennoji on her sixth birthday!
In this article, I’ll share everything you need to know about visiting Tennoji and the surrounding areas, Shinsekai and Abeno, with kids so that you can have the perfect day (or even two!) there. Everything is within walking distance of each other so once you’re at Tennoji Station, you won’t need to take any more trains.
Before we start, though, I will say that I do not recommend visiting Tennoji Zoo. Although my daughter liked her visit, I found the facilities were too dated (I suppose this is unsurprising since the zoo is 110 years old) and the animal enclosures were too small. It is undergoing renovations, though, which will hopefully improve conditions for the animals.
What to Do in Tennoji with Kids
Visit Tsutenkaku
Located in Shinsekai, which is minutes on foot from Tennoji, Tsutenkaku is not exactly the tallest observation tower in Osaka, but it has a lot of history and is a beloved landmark in the city. It’s beautiful to look at when it’s dark outside as it lights up.
Although the view of Osaka from Tsutenkaku is perhaps not the most impressive, the entry fee was included in the Osaka Amazing Pass, so I couldn’t complain.
One viewing area looked like a little disco!
My daughter also really loved the Glico and Osaka-themed decor and photo spots.
If your child is taller than 120 cm, they can also ride a massive slide down the tower, which is pretty cool (and also included in the Osaka Amazing Pass). I definitely want to try that when my daughter is older (and taller).
While you’re near Tsutenkaku, I recommend grabbing some kushikatsu at Daruma if you haven’t tried it already. Their kushikatsu is not only affordable, but it’s also very delicious. Even locals love it!
Also, don’t forget to rub the feet of Billiken if you see him! Originally from the US, this figure is beloved in Osaka, and it’s believed that you’ll get good luck if you rub his feet. My daughter loved playing “spot Billiken” when she was in Shinsekai, so I think it would be a fun activity for other kiddos to do as well!
Explore Tennoji Park
Tennoji Park is located about a ten-minute walk from Tsutenkaku Tower. This green space is a popular place for locals to hang out, as there are a ton of things to do here.
For instance, our family’s favorite place in Tennoji Park is Keitakuen Garden. It’s a small Japanese garden that has a history of over 100 years and costs only 300 yen for adults. It’s very peaceful and my daughter always enjoys looking at the seasonal foliage here while hopping on rocks across the pond.
And if you want the perfect Osaka photo spot, head to Tenshiba, which has a huge OSAKA sign. Events are held here throughout the year, and even when there’s nothing going on, you can enjoy a picnic or dine at one of their many restaurants.
Close by to Tenshiba is Playville by Bornelund, which is a paid playground for kids with both indoor and outdoor facilities. Playville is best for babies up until early elementary school.
For older kids, I recommend taking them to PANZA TEN-SHIBA i:na where they can rock climb or cross mini suspension bridges to their heart’s content.
Tennoji Zoo is also located in Tennoji Park, but as I mentioned earlier, it’s not a place I would personally recommend due to the poor conditions for animals, and my daughter has never asked to go back.
Shop and Play at Abeno Q’s Mall
Although it’s located in the Abeno Ward, Abeno Q’s Mall is connected to Tennoji Station and is a great place to explore with the family. They have an entire section on the second floor called TOYLO PARK that’s dedicated to little kids.
This area has a paid area where kids can play with sand (best for toddlers and preschoolers), but I do find it pricey for what it is:
If you go further inside TOYLO Park, you’ll find a HUGE toy store called Circus. What my daughter and I love about this place is that kids can play with toys for free!
In Abeno Q’s Mall, you’ll find a Little Planet, which is a digital interactive playground for kids. I personally think it is overpriced but if you have the cash to spare, your kid might enjoy it because mine certainly does!
The second floor also has an Akachan Honpo store where you can stock up on baby and toddler supplies like clothes, diapers, and more.
There are two free play areas for kids in the mall as well, which is called Q’s Land. The play area on the second floor is for babies and toddlers (up to age two) and doesn’t offer much other than soft mats for them to crawl on:
The play area on the third floor is the better one as it has two sections — one for babies and toddlers, and another for preschoolers and up. My daughter never wants to leave when we come here, but it works out because my husband watches her while I get to shop (yay!).
Note that you have to take off your shoes to enter this area.
If you have a baby or toddler and need to change their diaper or feed them, they have amazing Baby Rooms on both the second and third floors of this mall that I highly recommend checking out.
There’s also a food court here called Q’s Kitchen where you can try lots of different cuisines (and it’s child-friendly, too).
Other noteworthy stores at this mall include Rilakumma, Sumikkogurashi, Disney, Snoopy, CARNIVAL, Sylvanian Families, Mugiwara Store (ONE PIECE), and more.
AND there’s also an arcade here called GiGO where kids can play games and younger kiddos can go on rides.
As you can see, it’s very, very easy to spend hours at this mall!
Enjoy the View from Abeno Harukas 300 Observatory
Although my daughter is more of a fan of the observatory in Umeda, I suggest visiting Abeno Harukas 300 as it offers the highest view of Osaka city.
It’s super easy to access from Tennoji Station, so if you’re in the area, I recommend going, especially right before sunset, so you can see how the city changes from day to night.
Personally, my brother and I thought it was pretty cool being able to spot famous Osaka landmarks such as Tsutenkaku, Osaka Bay, and Osaka Castle, but my daughter started whining that it was “boring”.
You can also eat here while looking at the view, and the food is reasonably priced (although the taste might not be the greatest).
I highly recommend purchasing your tickets online before you go, so you don’t need to wait in line to buy one.