[Kansai] Recommended for free research during summer vacation! 5 Family Spots for Hands on Learning

For those planning a family trip for the summer vacation of 2025, the Kansai area is a hot option. In particular, the Osaka-Kansai Expo is being held in Yumeshima, Osaka until October 13th, making it even more attractive to visit. Furthermore, Kansai is home to a wide range of facilities where you can experience science, history, and nature, so there are plenty of spots that parents and children can enjoy together.

There are plenty of activities to stimulate children's curiosity, such as hands-on workshops and hands-on classes using local specialties. If you summarize the knowledge and impressions you gain from these experiences as independent research, you will be able to make the most of your summer vacation homework.

In this article, we will introduce you to a selection of hands-on spots in the Kansai area that are perfect for a family trip and can also be useful for your children's independent research. Why not spend a memorable summer vacation learning together with your children?

[Shiga] Hikone Castle
Hikone Castle, familiar to the local mascot "Hikonyan", is a modern castle whose construction began in 1604 and took about 20 years to complete.
Modern castles refer to castles built from the Azuchi-Momoyama period to the Edo period. With stone walls, moats, and turrets arranged around the castle tower, they not only serve as fortresses but also serve as important symbols of political authority.

[Recommended themes for independent research]
You can gain a deeper understanding by digging into the historical background, such as the history of castle construction, the characteristics of architectural styles, cultural assets, and anecdotes related to castles. It is recommended to express it visually using pictures and photographs.

Address: 1-1 Konkicho, Hikone, Shiga
Access: A 15 minutes on foot from JR Hikone Station

[SOTETSU HOTELS in Hikone City]
HOTEL SUNROUTE HIKONE


[Kyoto] Diorama Kyoto JAPAN
Diorama Kyoto JAPAN, which displays one of the largest railway dioramas in Western Japan, is located inside the Sagano Sagano Torocco Train's Torocco Station.

The models of Kyoto's famous places, temples, and shrines are made with great detail, which is one of the features of Diorama Kyoto JAPAN. You can get a good overall picture of the temples, shrines, and famous places, and enjoy various types of model trains running on the extensive tracks. In addition, the thrill of operating a model train using the same master controller as a real train driver's seat is a wonderful experience that parents and children can enjoy together. (Paid)

[Recommended themes for independent research]
We recommend summarizing the mechanism and history of dioramas, as well as the experience of operating them. You can learn from a variety of angles while fully experiencing the charm of dioramas.

Address: Saga-tenryujikurumamichi-cho, Ukyo-ku, Kyoto, Inside Torokko Saga Station
Access: Immediately after getting off at JR Sagano Line "Saga-Arashiyama" Station

[SOTETSU HOTELS in Kyoto Prefecture]
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Hachijoguchi
THE POCKET HOTEL KYOTO-KARASUMAGOJO
HOTEL SUNROUTE FUKUCHIYAMA


[Osaka] Osaka Science Museum
The Osaka Science Museum is a facility that can be enjoyed by both children and adults, with a wide range of hands-on exhibits based on themes such as physics, chemistry, biology, and space. The museum also has a state-of-the-art planetarium where visitors can view images related to the starry sky and the universe. The museum also offers a wide variety of educational programs, including regularly scheduled experiment classes and workshops where participants can learn through hands-on experience and experience the joy of science. In addition, there are also a variety of programs for families, creating an environment where parents and children can enjoy themselves together, making it an attractive spot where visitors can have a fun time while learning about science.

[Recommended themes for free research]
There is a wealth of themes available, and we recommend recording scientific experiments, observing constellations and celestial bodies, thinking about environmental issues, or researching a particular scientist or invention. These themes will surely help you deepen your interest in science.

Address: 4-2-1 Nakanoshima, Kita-ku, Osaka
Access: 7-minute walk from Exit 3 of Higobashi Station on the Osaka Metro Yotsubashi Line, 15-minute walk from Fukushima Station on the JR Osaka Loop Line, 6-minute walk from Exit 2 of Watanabe-bashi Station on the Keihan Nakanoshima Line, 7-minute walk from Exit 5 (elevator), 7-minute walk from Exit 6 (escalator) Approximately 7 minutes on foot from Exit 6 (escalator)


[Osaka] Abeno Disaster Prevention Center "Abeno TASUKARU"in Osaka City
Abeno Disaster Prevention Center "Abeno TASUKARU" in Osaka City is an experiential learning facility to raise "disaster prevention awareness" for adults and children alike. Here, you can experience the shaking of an earthquake and learn how to escape from smoke. Although there is an age limit, the content is easy to understand even for small children, and you can learn how to respond in a disaster while experiencing it.*There is a height limit for the earthquake experience of magnitude 7, so please be careful if you wish to participate.

This facility, where you can learn comprehensive knowledge and skills related to disaster prevention, is free to use and is highly recommended. Why not take a disaster prevention training here in preparation for the big earthquake that will come someday?

[Recommended themes for independent research]
Let's think again about the importance of disaster prevention. We recommend that you summarize the disaster prevention measures and evacuation shelters in your area and how they are prepared for disasters. It is also a good idea to create a disaster prevention map for your area.

Address: 3-13-23 Abenosuji, Abeno-ku, Osaka
Access: Osaka Metro Tanimachi Line "Abeno" Station (approximately 300m west from exits 2 and 7), Osaka Metro Midosuji Line "Tennoji" Station (approximately 600m south from exit 12), JR "Tennoji" Station (approximately 700m south from the central ticket gate),
Kintetsu Minami Osaka Line "Osaka Abenobashi" Station (approximately 600m south from the west ticket gate), Hankai Kamimachi Line "Abeno" Station (approximately 200m west)

[SOTETSU HOTELS in Osaka City]
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kitahama
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Osaka-Shinsaibashi
SOTETSU GRAND FRESA OSAKA-NAMBA
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Yodoyabashi
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Osaka-Namba



[Kobe] AQUARIUM×ART atoa
"átoa" located inside the Kobe Port Museum is a new type of "theatrical" spot that combines an aquarium and an art museum. You don't just look at the aquarium, but also incorporates light, sound, and even scents into the performance, making you feel as if you've been lost in a story.

One of the great attractions is that parents and children can have fun learning about marine life and the workings of nature while touring eight themed zones. It is also a great subject for summarizing what you see and feel in your independent research. The observation experience in a fantastic space will naturally broaden your interest not only in science, but also in art and sensibility.

[Recommended themes for independent research]
We recommend observing the eating behavior and ecology of animals through the experience of feeding penguins and otters. You will notice that there are big differences between animals, such as the shape of their mouths, the type of food they eat, and the speed at which they eat. Why not take notes and sketches as you observe and create your own "research notebook"?

Address: 2F-4F Kobe Port Museum, 7-2 Shinkocho, Chuo-ku, Kobe, Hyogo
Access: 18 minutes walk from Sannomiya Station, 8 minutes on Shinki Bus Port Loop or local bus (towards Port Island) and get off at Shinkocho, 15 minutes walk from Motomachi Station

[SOTETSU HOTELS in Kobe]
Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kobe-Sannomiya
HOTEL SUNROUTE SOPRA KOBE
HOTEL SUNROUTE SPORA KOBE ANNESSO

Summer vacation independent research is not just homework, but also a chance to create fun memories. Parents and children can gain a deeper understanding by summarizing what they have learned, experienced, and felt together as an independent research project. Why not spend a special summer vacation while enjoying the charms of Kansai to the fullest? Use this article as a reference to plan a wonderful family trip and enjoy a memorable experience!

*Information current as of July 2025.

Recommended hotels for this article

• HOTEL SUNROUTE HIKONE
• Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Shijokarasuma
• Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Kiyomizu Gojo
• Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kyoto-Hachijoguchi
• THE POCKET HOTEL KYOTO-KARASUMAGOJO
• HOTEL SUNROUTE FUKUCHIYAMA
• Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kitahama
• Sotetsu Fresa Inn Osaka-Shinsaibashi
• SOTETSU GRAND FRESA OSAKA-NAMBA
• Sotetsu Fresa Inn Yodoyabashi
• Sotetsu Fresa Inn Osaka-Namba
• Sotetsu Fresa Inn Kobe-Sannomiya
• HOTEL SUNROUTE SOPRA KOBE
• HOTEL SUNROUTE SPORA KOBE ANNESSO

See a list of hotels