travelwith3bubs

Travel Tips, Family Friendly Holidays and Life in Hong Kong

Author: Shareen

  • How to Survive 3 days in Osaka in the Summer with a 12 year old – To Do List

    How to Survive 3 days in Osaka in the Summer with a 12 year old – To Do List

    With only 3 days in Osaka we managed to hit many of the must do attractions. Here is a quick run down of everywhere we went in the blazing heat of Osaka in the Summer!

    Universal Studios Japan

    Super Nintendo World, Osaka
    Super Nintendo World

    For my 12 year old, this was the highlight and specifically Super Nintendo World. This is a must do for all Mario lovers.

    Just a heads up – the queues are insane. The park opened at 8.30am but the queues were already huge at 7.30am! Check out my detailed blog The Ultimate Guide to Universal Studios Japan (2025).

    Osaka Aquarium

    Osaka Aquarium

    The Aquarium in Osaka is brilliant. Definitely worth visiting. If you are staying in the Universal Studios vicinity you can take the Captain Line ferry. It is quick and easy. Tickets available on Klook or at the ferry booth.

    Osaka Castle

    Osaka Castle

    The Castle is a fairly long walk from the train station with a big hill. Again, queues to enter the Castle are long. In the summer heat it is draining and not a lot of upside for kids. If you want to see some cultural sights then go. But if not then skip!

    Dotonbori

    Dotonbori is a fun evening excursion. Buy street food and watch the sea of humanity. A feast for all the senses and definitely worth a night visit. To avoid the hoards head there just before it gets dark as it gets much busier later in the evening.

    Harukas 300

    Harukas 300

    Easy to get to by train and above a large department store. Abeno Harukas is the tallest building in Osaka. It is exciting to take the elevator to the top floor and the views from the observation deck are terrific. This is one of the attractions included in the Klook combo pass and definitely worth a visit.

    Expo 2025

    Expo 2025 will finish up on 13 October 2025. The three tier lottery allocation system to gain entry into most pavilions is ridiculous and the queues are again insane. Only consider going if you have planned in advance and are super keen. Otherwise I would definitely give this one a miss.

    Final Survival Tips Visiting Osaka in the Summer with a 12 year old

    • Buy an ICOCA card. This saves having to buy individual train tickets and you can also use it at vending machines and convenience stores.
    • Use anything that aids in keeping you cool! Do not be embarrassed to walk around with an umbrella, electric fan, ice band around your neck…anything and everything! It is SO HOT!
    • Be prepared to queue. For everything! Universal Studios and EXPO had the biggest queues but it really can’t be avoided at all tourist spots. Add to that the hot sun and limited shade and it is definitely a challenge.

    Despite facing huge queues and a blazing sun, we had a fantastic time. Osaka is super fun and your children will love it!

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    © 2025. All content and photographs copyright (c) 2025 travelwith3bubs. All rights reserved.

  • The Ultimate Guide to Universal Studios Japan (2025) – Everything you Need to Know

    The Ultimate Guide to Universal Studios Japan (2025) – Everything you Need to Know

    Universal Studios Japan

    Having spent a full day from opening to closing, here are my tips and tricks to survive the day!

    Universal Citywalk

    My first tip is to stay at a hotel around Universal Citywalk. There are several hotels within the complex and there are many upsides to staying near the park. If you fly into Osaka there is an airport bus that will take you directly to Universal Studios. Staying near Universal Studios allows for easy access for an early start and late finish. There are many dining options in Universal Citywalk but try to avoid during peak times. This includes closing time for Universal Studios when the hoards descend. Also note the restaurants close quite early. The Universal City train station also makes it super convenient if you want to travel anywhere within Osaka.

    Getting There

    Universal City Station is the train station for Universal Studios. You can also get to Universal Studios by bus, sea shuttle and taxi. The easiest is by walking from your hotel within the complex!

    Accommodation

    Singulari Hotel - Universal Studios Japan
    Singulari Hotel next to Universal City train station

    We stayed at the Singulari Hotel and Skyspa. Very reasonably priced hotel with an amazing location next to Universal City train station. I chose it specifically for its spa which is a typical Japanese bath house located on the top floor. Unfortunately it gets very busy in the evenings so I only used it once. The rooms are nothing fancy and quite small but perfectly adequate. The hotel only does breakfast which is buffet. I found the breakfast average and preferred grabbing a coffee and pastry from one of the nearby convenience stores.

    Tickets for Universal Studios Japan

    You first need to buy a Studio Pass to get entry into Universal Studios. I would also highly recommend buying a Universal Express Pass. Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter also need separate timed entry tickets. These do not cost extra but must be obtained when you enter the park. If you buy an Express Pass you can book your timed entry tickets at the same time. The easiest way to buy Studio Pass, Express Pass and timed entry tickets is through Klook. There are also combo bundles which include the Have Fun in Kansai pass. This gives free entry into several attractions around Osaka. See my To Do List on other things to do in Osaka.

    Entering Universal Studios Japan

    Depending what time the park opens, it is recommended to start queuing an hour before. Yes you read that correctly. An hour before opening time. If the park opens at 8.30am there will already be a large queue by 7.30am. Crowd control is good and everyone waits patiently despite the high temperatures and no cover. Important tip – bring shelter and cooling props! For example, an umbrella, sunscreen, fans – paper or electric, ice neck bands… anything that will help keep you cool.

    Top Tip – go early to hit the rides with no queues. Everything will have a queue as the day goes on. In the morning you can probably enter Super Nintendo World and The Wizarding World of Harry Potter without a booking. You can then get a preview of the World as your child probably can’t wait for their actual timed entry. The queues will already be long so you can return later to do the rides during your assigned time.

    Top Tip – The Express Pass gives you a choice between two rides. Try and do one of each pair in the morning when there is no queue. That way you can use the Express Pass on the other ride later.

    The Rides at Universal Studios Japan

    Must Do’s

    Universal Studios is separated into several areas which each have their own set of rides and attractions. Apart from Universal Wonderland which is for younger children we went on every ride in the park which were :

    • Minion Park – Freeze Ray Sliders, Despicable Me: Minion Mayhem, Illumination’s Villain-Con Minion Blast
    • The Wizarding World of Harry Potter – Flight of the Hippogriff, Harry Potter and the Forbidden Journey
    • Amity Village – JAWS
    • Jurassic Park – Jurassic Park The Ride, The Flying Dinosaur
    • Hollywood – Hollywood Dream: The Ride, Hollywood Dream: The Ride Backdrop, Space Fantasy – The Ride
    • Super Nintendo World – Mine Cart Madness, Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge, Yoshi’s Adventure™

    I would say do them all! The only warning being Hollywood Dream: The Ride and Hollywood Dream: The Ride Backdrop (the same rollercoaster only backwards!) are pretty thrilling and The Flying Dinosaur is the scariest rollercoaster I have ever encountered.

    Super Nintendo World is phenomenal, especially if you have grown up playing Mario. All the rides, although not necessarily exciting are worth doing. Mine Cart Madness is brilliant and the queuing area through Bowser’s Castle for Mario Kart: Koopa’s Challenge is incredible.

    At Super Nintendo World you can buy a Power Up band to have an interactive experience with the power blocks. This is gimmicky but kids love it and it’s a cute souvenir.

    Top Tip – Don’t queue at the carts to buy Power Up bands. Wait until you are inside Super Nintendo World. Go to Mario Motors at the lower level. Head straight to the cashier and they have Power Up bands for purchase.

    We spent the entire day and night at Universal Studios Japan. Literally arriving before it opened and leaving when it closed, clocking up 24,420 steps. Kids and adults alike will have a brilliant time at Universal Studios Japan. Just be prepared for the queues and the heat and you’ll be all good!

    USJ Osaka
    Universal Studios Japan

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    © 2025. All content and photographs copyright (c) 2025 travelwith3bubs. All rights reserved.

  • 3 Unmissable Restaurants You Need To Try in Nozawa Onsen

    3 Unmissable Restaurants You Need To Try in Nozawa Onsen

    A Top 3 Unmissable Restaurants list is pretty tough for Nozawa Onsen. You will not get a bad meal anywhere but I have narrowed the list down as much as possible. All the tempura, udon and soba restaurants are fabulous so for the most part I have not mentioned them individually. I just recommend you try as many as you can! For other tips on this gorgeous village see Nozawa Onsen – The Best Japanese Ski Resort. I have mentioned if booking in advance is recommended but you cannot reserve tables anywhere for lunch.

    My Top 3 Unmissable Restaurants

    Best restaurants - Buna

    Buna

    A lunch institution.

    Take the Hikage gondola up to Paradise and ski a quarter of the way down the mountain. Pop your name on the board and wait for your group to be called. Comfort food. Spectacular views. Great vibe.

    The only drawback is those who don’t ski or snowboard won’t be able to join you for lunch.

    Tengu Sushi

    Best restaurant - tengu sushi

    One of the more expensive meals in Nozawa Onsen but the dining experience Chef Dan-San creates is wonderful. It is a set omakase dinner. Two seatings at 5.30pm and 8pm. Kids are only allowed at the earlier 5.30pm seating and there is no kids menu.

    This is one of the few restaurants that I would recommend booking well in advance. Bookings open 90 days prior to dining. I also highly recommend the drinks pairing which is great value.

    Wakagiri

    Top 3 restaurants - udon tempura sushi

    One of the few restaurants to serve sushi and sashimi as well as the usual staples. Great variety with something for everyone. Opening times are extremely unreliable for lunch. I prefer it for lunch but recommend booking for dinner purely so you can have a confirmed meal. Dinner reservations open one week in advance from 8am. Phone bookings recommended but you can also send an email.

    So there you have my Top 3 restaurants in Nozawa Onsen. I do hope you can try them all!

    Honorable Mentions Not in the Top 3 Unmissable Restaurants

    Not in the Top 3 but still so many great restaurants it seems rude not to mention a few more. In no particular order –

    Tanuki Teppanyaki

    On the expensive side. Set dinner with a fun atmosphere especially if you have a group and book all 14 seats. Great view looking into the village.

    The Corner Steakhouse

    If you are craving western food or just want a steak or burger. They also have a huge portion of chicken nuggets (15!) if the kids need appeasing which is a good takeaway option.

    Akebitei Okonomiyaki

    Cheap and cheerful okonomiyaki run by two old dears. But you need to start queuing 15 minutes before opening to be guaranteed a seat in the first sitting. Opens at 6pm (sometimes 5.30pm). No reservations, no takeaway and cash only.

    Winterland Taproom & Gyoza Bar

    Specialising in gyoza. Fun vibe and good beers.

    Billiken

    Hearty lunches and very reasonably priced. Can sometimes do takeaway pizza if not super busy. Often full but there is a cheeky single seat at the window if you’re on your own.

    Tsukushinbo

    Cute izakaya, great vibe in the heart of the village. Must book.

    Gochisou Pizza

    Fun vibe. Interesting pizza toppings. Can usually fit big groups without requiring reservation too far in advance.

    Wagyutei

    Sukiyaki and shabu shabu. Yummy and hearty dinner. They’re not very flexible on their sets and insist on ordering a set per person but the meal is good. They can also cater to bigger groups.

    Yoshimi

    The best tempura and soba including a delicious udon soup served in a crock pot. Horse meat for those interested !😶

    Usually can walk in early but best to pop in and book a day or two in advance.

    For more detailed reviews you can also see some of my previous reviews on tripadvisor.

    Thanks for reading and happy eating!

    Shareen

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    © 2025. All content and photographs copyright (c) 2025 travelwith3bubs. All rights reserved.

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