FX Excursions

FX Excursions offers the chance for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in destinations around the world.
United

Location, Location, Location in Osaka: Sheraton Miyako Hotel

by Angelique Platas

Oct 20, 2019

Chayakorn Lotongkum | Dreamstime.com

Age Specific / Adult Children

Visiting Japan soon with the family? For any travelers heading to the country’s western regions,  get ready for vast rural towns and quaint accommodations.

 

Of course, the back-to-basics western region is a welcome getaway for any traveling family, but if you find yourselves on a high-speed train to Osaka, expect the oddly comforting sight of familiar hotel chains. Enter Sheraton Miyako Hotel.

Photo: Robert Van ‘t Hoenderdaal | Dreamstime.com

 

At check-in, guests are graciously greeted by the friendly staff and whisked through the line. I was finished with the whole process in a matter of minutes and was offered assistance with my bag — a nice option for weary travelers or guests eager to get out and about in the city.

 

I opted to lug my own suitcase as I needed to grab a light jacket and I was pleasantly surprised to find my room was the most spacious I’d had thus far on my trip. It offered a plush, cozy, queen-sized bed and a great view of Osaka from the wide windows — reminding me I couldn’t wait to get back downstairs and out into the city.

 

One aspect of my stay I was quickly seeing as a great benefit to families, this hotel is well-equipped for tourists with a fitness center, a money exchange in the lobby and attendant staff. As I walked out, a Sheraton staff member asked if I needed a cab and gave me a heads up about fare pricing. He quickly hailed a taxi and told the driver where I was going.

 

Shopping at the Osaka night market. Photo: Natthapon Ngamnithiporn | Dreamstime.com

 

Just 10 minutes down the road and I was in a high-end shopping area, filled with lights, sounds and fun attractions. The short ride made me realize the Sheraton was closer to all the action downtown than I realized.

 

After walking around, exploring the shops and quirky attractions, I stumbled upon the Americura neighborhood and the famous Dōtombori canal. Reminiscent of New York’s Times Square, this bustling neighborhood is a must for all ages. So much great food, fun shops and characters popping up around every corner —  the kids will be in awe for hours.

 

Walking back to the Sheraton to get some sleep, the street traffic and pedestrians began to thin out. The couple blocks surrounding the hotel were deceivingly quiet; you would never know there was so much activity a short walk away from the hotel.

#WhereverFamily

Insta Feed
Dining/Entertainment
Jun 12, 2025

New Restaurants to Try in Washington, D.C.

Washington, D.C., is an evergreen family travel favorite, with plenty of ways to learn about America’s history in the heart of its political center. But you can’t get through a vacation without feeding the family, and one of the best ways to get to know a city is through its food. Luckily, there are some great new restaurants in town you’ll want to put on our radar for your next trip to the country’s capital.

Hotels
Jun 12, 2025

Summer Adventure Awaits Family Travelers at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole

Family travelers can experience a taste of cowboy life at Four Seasons Resort and Residences Jackson Hole, offering adventure, amenities and access to all the destination has to offer.

Slideshow
Jun 12, 2025

7 Iconic Bells Around the World to Visit

It’s time to start dreaming of your next family trip. Here’s some destination inspiration for you. Take a visual journey through these iconic bells around the world with us.

Awards
Jun 12, 2025

Join Us at the 2025 The Trazees & Wherever Awards

This August, celebrate the winners of The Trazees, the awards voted on by the readers of trazeetravel.com, and the Wherever Awards, the awards voted on by the readers of whereverfamily.com.

Destinations / North America
Jun 11, 2025

Where to See an Idaho Rodeo This Summer

To experience some of the spirit of the Wild West, take your family to a rodeo. These iconic contests of horsemanship and showmanship personify the cowboy culture, and family travelers in Idaho have several opportunities to join in the spectators’ excitement.

Cruises
Jun 11, 2025

HX Expeditions Partners with Inuit Communities on New Excursions in Arctic Canada

Expedition cruise line HX Expeditions recently launched a first-of-its-kind excursion in Arctic Canada in partnership with local Inuit communities. The community-led excursions launch this summer on HX’s 26-day Northwest Passage sailings.