Preparing for the Trip and Planning the Itinerary
One day, my company suddenly announced that December 29 would be a group holiday for the end of the year. My husband, seeing an opportunity we couldn’t miss, suggested we take a trip.
As always, the planning and execution fell on me, so despite the year-end busyness, I quickly started preparing.
Using Skyscanner’s “anywhere” search, I found that both Taiwan and Osaka matched our schedule and had affordable airfare. I briefly considered venturing outside Japan, but with such short notice, hotel prices were sky-high, and I couldn’t find a destination that felt suitable for traveling with a toddler. In the end, we decided on Osaka.
This trip was planned entirely around our baby’s needs and pace.
14:05 – 16:00 Boarding Jin Air
Surprisingly, Terminal 2 at Incheon Airport was quite calm.
After enjoying a meal and some drinks at the lounge, we spent a little time at the kids’ zone to let our toddler burn off some energy.
Since flights are free only until 24 months of age, we had to purchase a separate seat for the first time. Still, because our baby is used to falling asleep only when held, the extra seat felt somewhat underused.
Proudly representing Korea: Baby Shark!
Travel Tip: Incheon Airport Kids’ Zone
Incheon International Airport offers various kids’ zones to make travel easier for families.
Both Terminal 1 and Terminal 2 have dedicated play areas where children can enjoy themselves.
** Kids Zones at Terminal 1
There are a total of 6 kids zones in Terminal 1:
- Near Gate 10
- Near Gate 15
- Near Gate 41
- Near Gate 45
- Boarding Concourse, near Gate 110 (Motherboard Zone)
- Boarding Concourse, near Gate 121 (Motherboard Zone)
** Kids Zones at Terminal 2
There are a total of 6 kids zones in Terminal 2:
- Near Gate 231
- Near Gate 242
- Near Gate 246
- Near Gate 254
- Near Gate 257
- Near Gate 268
17:00 – Boarding the Haruka Express
It took quite a while for the luggage to come out.
We needed to exchange our tickets at the JR Ticket Office on the 2nd floor of Kansai Airport Terminal 1. The line was long, and it took about 15 minutes.
We barely caught the 17:13 train with only 3 minutes to spare!
The long travel time, from the flight to the train ride, started to wear on our toddler, who began to fuss, but thankfully, we arrived safely at Osaka Station.
18:00 – Hotel Check-In
Since we planned to explore areas around Osaka, we booked a hotel near Osaka Station: Hearton Hotel Nishiumeda.
Although its ratings weren’t exceptionally high, we found it very convenient — about a 10-minute walk from JR Osaka Station. While the facilities weren’t luxurious, the bed was generously sized for a Japanese business hotel, with enough space for a toddler to roll around comfortably. It turned out to be a great value for money.
19:00 – Dinner and Shopping
The crowd around Osaka Station was overwhelming!
Finding a place to eat without waiting in long lines was a challenge. After wandering around, we finally found a restaurant with no wait and had a simple meal of ochazuke, udon, croquettes, and karaage.
Our toddler, who had developed a love for salmon roe during our previous trip to Hokkaido, happily devoured a bowl of rice topped with ikura.
Japanese beer is always a delight!
After dinner, we headed to Yodobashi Camera to buy some baby supplies.
A blogger’s tip proved helpful: since tourist areas tend to be expensive, it’s better to shop at Yodobashi Camera first for toys and other baby items.
We bought an Anpanman plush, a puzzle, and a backpack, and our little one was so excited that she wandered around the store happily even late into the night.
Baby items are located on the 5th floor!
Returning to the Hotel and Rest
After a quick stop at a convenience store, we returned to the hotel, soaked in a hot bath, and finally went to sleep past midnight.
Our toddler, perhaps trying to match our schedule, stayed up just as late.
My first impression of Osaka was that it’s a vibrant, dynamic city where charm and challenges coexist.
Traveling with a toddler required extra preparation and patience, but it was incredibly rewarding to create such precious family memories.
The story of our Osaka trip continues in Part 2.
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