We’ve made it to Japan! But not without a travel saga that pushed us to our limits. What should have been a long but straightforward journey turned into an exhausting 15 hour longer than expected ordeal, thanks to last minute cancellations and reroutes that completely derailed our plans.

Originally, we’d planned a two day layover in Madrid to break up the journey before heading to Japan. That would have given us time to rest, reset, and enjoy the city. But after an unexpected cancellation, the airline initially wanted to delay us indefinitely meaning we would have missed our onward flight to Japan. That wasn’t an option. Those tickets from Madrid to Japan would have cost us another £2,400 to rebook, so we had to fight to get rerouted. In the end, the only option they gave us involved flying all the way to Chile before turning around and heading back to Madrid. Completely absurd, but it was the only way to avoid being stranded.

By the time we finally arrived in Osaka, we were completely wrecked. We’d had just one night in Madrid before a brutally early start, so exhaustion was unavoidable. The one silver lining? We’ve been told we’ll be getting £900 each in compensation, which helps soften the blow but honestly, I’d much rather have just had a smooth journey in the first place.

After a much needed full night’s sleep, we’re settling into Osaka. Dotty isn’t feeling 100% today, so Ali is staying back with her while Georgia and I head out to explore. First impressions? Osaka is every bit as exciting and fast-paced as we expected, and despite the nightmare getting here, we’re excited for the weeks ahead.

Lesson learned: if an airline messes up, push back, fight for your reroute, and don’t just accept the first option (which in our case would have made us miss our connection at our cost) but then it would be nice if you could avoid situations where you need to negotiate flights across continents just to get where you’re going!

Give me a few days I’ll post some updates till then I’m just gonna try and get over the confusion of the last three days travelling from one side of the world to the other!

See you later!

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I just want to pause and celebrate the giant steps Dotty has taken both literally and figuratively.

Most five year olds are just getting the hang of riding a bike. Dotty? She’s already explored 16 or 17 countries I lose count, across three continents all while managing life with KCNB1, Global Developmental Delay (GDD), and epilepsy. With roughly 200 known cases of KCNB1 worldwide, she’s undoubtedly one of the most well travelled kids facing this condition, and she does it all with a courage and joy that constantly amazes us.

KCNB1 often associated with drug resistant epilepsy, we are lucky Dotty has remained seizure free just on Keppra twice a day. We recognise how rare and special this is and never take it for granted, we know it could all change but for now we are embracing this good fortune and making the most of it!

Dotty has walked the historic walls of Dubrovnik, climbed the iconic Eiffel Tower in Paris, seen Pompeii, climbed mount Vesuvius, and stood at 5,000 meters high in the Andes, watching condors soar gracefully overhead, been to the Mostar bridge (Bosnia) taken the children’s railway in hungry and seen Macu Picchu to name a just few things that we have done over the last few months, and this is only the beginning.

Each new country shapes Dotty in unexpected ways. Contrary to assumptions that kids with her condition require strict routines and familiarity, Dotty thrives in the face of new experiences. In Peru, she adapted to high altitudes and long bus journeys with astonishing ease. In Germany, she braved snowy, icy trails despite her balance challenges, mastering the art of walking through winter’s landscape. In Hungary, she explored bustling Christmas markets, delighting in vibrant lights and festive sounds rather than being overwhelmed.

With every adventure, Dotty builds resilience, confidence, and a fearless determination to embrace life and the world around her.

And we’re not stopping here. We have just landed inJapan, where she’ll dive into the neon lit streets of Osaka, explore Hiroshima’s profound history, and experience the electric energy of Tokyo. Bullet trains, serene temples, and countless new discoveries that await her including Disney land in Tokyo that I know she will love!

Dotty continues to inspires us daily, not just through the way she travels, but in the way she meets every challenge head on with curiosity and determination. She reminds us all that true growth comes from stepping boldly into the unknown, whether that’s in travel, business, or everyday life.

Today we join a world school hub in Japan, it will be a great opportunity to connect with other travelling parents and learn new skills. For us and the kids.

Until next time!

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We touched down in Japan and crikey, what a start. Between the jet lag and the colds caught in the plane (yep, all of us), it wasn’t the dream start we’d hoped for. But even half snoozing and slightly snotty, Japan is absolutely wild….

We’re staying near the Five Dragon Gods Barrier It’s a pretty historic part of Osaka with some real spiritual weight to it the “barrier” was built as a protective force for the city, tied to ancient beliefs about feng shui and sacred geography. Not far from here, you’ll find Imamiya Ebisu Shrine, dedicated to the god of business and prosperity. And if you take a wrong turn well you might stumble into Tobita Shinchi, Osaka’s not so secret red light district. It’s a strange place looks like a traditional neighbourhood at first glance, but don’t be fooled. It’s legal grey zone territory, and it’s full of history and controversy. Not somewhere to take the kids, mind you, but fascinating all the same.

Despite feeling rubbish, we didn’t want to waste time. We wandered around our local area and were instantly blown away by the sheer number of food shops and not just restaurants. We’re talking noodle stands, street side sushi, wagyu spots, vending machines full of ramen, and convenience stores that feel like mini department stores. You honestly can’t walk more than ten paces without seeing something tasty, unless you’re vegetarian like Ali then it’s hard everything has chicken pork or Fish stocks!

We even saw a bakery that had croissants with noodles inside. Not sure if that’s genius or chaos.

What’s even stranger is the silence….. Osaka’s one of Japan’s biggest cities, yet you can walk down a busy street and barely hear a thing no car horns, no shouting, just the occasional bike bell and after the total off the scale chaos of Peru It feels a bit like stepping into a dystopian sci-fi future where everyone’s polite, orderly, and whispering into the void. Slightly unnerving, but also kinda peaceful.

To shake off the jet lag, we headed over to Tennoji Park and found an absolute gem a massive indoor soft play area. The kids ran wild while we collapsed into bean bags and tried not to fall asleep sitting up. Turns out it was a bank holiday, and the place was buzzing with families. Outside, there was a festival style setup with artisan food stalls, live music, and traditional crafts.

That afternoon, we met up with some other travelling families from the worldschooling community and Somehow, we ended up doing karaoke, which is massive in Japan. You rent a private room (so no stage fright), get free drinks to your booth, and go wild on the mic. Let’s just say our rendition of dont stop believing probably won’t win any awards, but it was a cracking laugh.

We attended a free walking tour and abandoned that idea about half way through, it was the most useless thing we have ever attended he spoke little about history and more about good places to eat, honestly not interested in that, so he was probably annoyed we didn’t give a donation, imo do better and next time we will donate and that is my tip!

The next day, still running on very little sleep, we made our way to the famous Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. One of the biggest aquariums in the world, this place is next level. It’s designed around the concept of the “Ring of Fire” (the tectonic one, not the spicy curry aftermath), with huge tanks representing different areas of the Pacific Rim. We saw manta rays, whale sharks, jellyfish, penguins, and more fish than you can shake a chopstick at. The layout spirals down around the central tank, so you get loads of perspectives as you go.

Right next door is the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel, which at 112.5 metres gives you epic views over Osaka Bay. A bit nerve wracking if you don’t like heights, but worth it for the snaps.

And that’s about where we’re at so far. It’s been a bit of a whirlwind, but Japan’s already blown our minds. Tomorrow we’re off to Nara to see the famous bowing deer and we’ve been told they’ll snatch food right out of your hands, so we’re bracing for full deer chaos.

Stay tuned or as they say (matane)!

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We had an absolute blast of a day exploring Nara, Japan’s first permanent capital, and it turned out to be one of those memory making kind of days you will look back on with a grin. The sun was shining, the temperature was sitting at a lovely 21 degrees, and we were off to meet up with our worldschooling group for a little adventure in Nara Park and the famous Todai ji Temple.

First stop: Nara Park, where the deer roam free (and hungry!)

If you’ve never heard of Nara Park before, picture a huge, leafy space right in the heart of the city, filled with over 1,000 freely roaming sika deer. These deer are considered sacred, once believed to be messengers of the gods in Shinto belief. These days, they’re protected as national treasures and they know it. They wander the park like they own the place, politely bowing for treats (yep, really) before cheekily chasing you if you take too long handing over the deer biscuits (shika senbei) sold by local vendors.

Georgia was in her element giggling away, feeding the deer and even copying their little bows for extra effect. It was a proper wholesome moment. Dotty took a little while to warm up to the idea. She stayed close to us, clutching her snacks like they were gold, giving the deer a cautious wave from a safe distance. Can’t blame her, really some of those deer can get a bit cheeky when they know you’ve got food.

We wandered through the park with the group, sharing stories, snacks, and dodging the occasional nibbly deer nose one bit Ali on the bum looked like a juicy snack I think. atmosphere was relaxed and friendly families and travellers from all over the world coming together in one of the most serene spots in Japan. It felt like we were part of something bigger, and that’s a nice feeling when you’re living life on the road.

Next up Todai ji Temple the home to the Great Buddha, and by gosh it’s massive!

After the park, we walked over to Todai ji Temple, one of Japan’s most famous landmarks and an absolute must see when you’re in Nara. The main hall, Daibutsuden (Great Buddha Hall), is one of the largest wooden buildings in the world and it’s only a reconstruction at two-thirds of the original size!

Inside sits the Daibutsu a colossal 15 metre tall bronze Buddha statue that honestly takes your breath away when you see it. The scale, the detail, and the peaceful energy in that space… it’s something special. few moments, silence was created we were just staring up in awe.

Georgia asked questions about the temple and the statue when it was built, why it was made, what it all meant. (Fun fact, The original statue was completed in 752 AD, and over 2.6 million people helped fund and build it!) We chatted about Buddhism in a kid friendly way, and it turned into a bit of an unexpected history lesson on the move.

After wandering back through the temple grounds and grabbing a few drinks and snacks, we said goodbye to the worldschooling crew. G and D were pretty knackered, and to be fair, so were we but in that good, contented kind of way that comes from a day well spent.

All in all, it was a top day, beautiful weather, great company, a bit of wildlife, some culture, and a few giggles along the way. Georgia went to bed still talking about the deer, and Dotty? I’m not sure she was convinced, but she did gave one a wave from the safety of the pushchair on the way out so we will call that progress!

Oh and to finish off an amazing day we had an Indian for dinner and they served amazing veggy food for Ali too, so all in all a great day!!!

Next up, Osakas 1970s world expo site but that’s tomorrow, for now it’s sleep time

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Today was one of those lovely, meandering kind of days where you don’t really have a load to do, but somehow you pack in loads.

We kicked things off at the Expo ’70 Commemorative Park in Osaka, Japan. This expansive park, once the site of the 1970 World’s Fair, is now a vibrant space filled with gardens, museums, and recreational areas. First stop: the food market. You know us we can’t resist a tasty local bite. We grabbed a few nibbles (no idea what some of it was, but it was delicious) and wandered through the park, soaking in the sunshine.

The kids made a beeline for the play area Georgia and dotty loved the climbing ropes, and Dotty was happily pottering about until she spotted something even more exciting the Tower of the Sun. This iconic structure, originally created for the Expo, now houses an interactive museum. We had tickets for 2 so had to check it out. Up we went step after step (and a fair bit of “are we nearly there yet?”) but the view on the way up the top was worth it. Crazy exhibits from the 70s a total throw back in full technicolour! We snapped a family photo and cracked on.

On the way back down, we treated ourselves to an ice cream from a nearby vendor (because walking up a tower definitely earns you one). Then we strolled through the Japanese Garden, which was stunning all peaceful paths, still ponds, and little wooden bridges. Of course, right in the middle of all that serenity, we realised Dotty had somehow lost one of her shoes. One minute it was on, the next… gone.

After a bit of a hopeless search mission, we admitted defeat and crossed the road to a nearby store. Dotty picked out some shiny new shoes (with velcro and sparkles big win), and we grabbed some dinner while we were there too.

Finally, we hopped on the train back towards Dōbutsuen mae Station (just near the Tennoji Zoo handy little spot). A big day with a bit of everything food, parks, unexpected shopping, and a whole lot of walking.

And the best part? Dotty didn’t even seem to mind about the lost shoe. She was too busy showing off her new ones.

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We kicked off our day at the Ōsaka Science Museum with high hopes, big energy, and two very excited kids. Nestled right on the river and easy to reach, it’s a top spot in Osaka for families and we were ready for some hands on, mind blowing science. Spoiler alert: it delivered… eventually.

We strolled right in without pre booking general admission tickets were cheap and easy to grab at the door. No fuss, no drama, just how we like it.

The museum’s split across four interactive floors, and we had just enough time to dive into a few exhibits on the forth floor before heading to what we thought was going to be the highlight of the day…

Planetarium, 1 PM – or, as we now call it, Nap Time Under the Stars

So here’s the thing: we were expecting an engaging kids’ show, filled with twinkling stars, zooming planets, and dramatic cosmic storytelling. Instead, we joined a public science lecture in full Japanese with a very softly spoken astronomer.

The visuals? Nice enough. The vibe? About as lively as a snail on a rainy Tuesday. Even the local kids were slouching and yawning halfway through. Our two were squirming in their seats before the first star finished being counted. It might’ve been educational… if we could understand more than the occasional “Mercury,” “Mars,” and “san, shi, go.” With the man pointing lasers at dots in the sky and saying mars, it really wasn’t the immersion we expected!

Anyhow live and learn, moving on!

Now Here’s Where excels: The forth Floor Down

The moment we emerged from the sleepy planetarium haze and hit the next exhibit level, it was like someone hit the ON switch for family fun.

We found ourselves surrounded by giant mechanical gears, plasma balls, magnet walls, and a pedal powered light show that Dotty was absolutely thrilled with the colourful spinning wheels and levers mirrors and more. We even got zapped by a Van de Graaff generator (on purpose!) and watched our hair stand on end well, those of us who have hair.

Everything is super interactive. No dusty signs or glass cases here just hands on science that kids can poke, spin, launch, and laugh through. There’s even a space where you can create your own mini tornado (yep, really) and use air cannons to test flight physics.

The lower floors cover electricity, energy, light, and sound, and every corner had something that made you want to shout “look at this!” or Georgia cry “Dad, try this one!” It was the kind of place where you go in thinking you’ll spend an hour… and suddenly it’s three o’clock and nobody wants to leave.

Final Verdict?

Science Museum: 10/10. Planetarium: 2/10 (but it’s a generous 2).

If you’re in Osaka with kids, this place is an absolute win, just maybe double check the planetarium show before you commit. The rest of the museum? Genuinely some of the most fun we’ve had indoors in Japan.

We walked out with buzzing minds, tired feet, and about a thousand “did you see that?” moments. And that’s a pretty solid day in our books.

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We’d arranged to meet up with our World School crew today, we met them at the Osaka Museum of History, where we kicked things off. The museum walks you through Osaka’s evolution from ancient times through to the bustling city it is today with loads of well done models, panorama , and reconstructions. Georgia was into it despite saying I hate museums, she was asking questions about the city and tying everything back to what had seem previously she really loved the interaction section where you could rebuild pottery or do puzzles.. Dotty, on the other hand was in to everything or stropping then waving at mannequins like they were long lost mates she was having one of those up down days today.

After the museum, we wandered over to a quiet grassy spot that overlooks the lake and the castle walls absolutely stunning setting and we set up a casual picnic. Egg sandwiches and crisps, nothing fancy, just the kind of thing that hits the spot when you’re outside with the sun shining. The kids ran around, the grownups relaxed for five minutes.

Then came Osaka Castle. From the outside, it’s something else I mean it’s epic, the stone walls, the gleaming rooftop, that towering keep they look stunning!. We were all excited heading in. But to be honest, once I got inside the main tower, it felt like a bit of a letdown. It’s a full concrete reconstruction, and while it looks beautiful from the outside, the interior lacked soul. It was more like a standard museum in a shell no atmosphere, no creaky floorboards, no sense of stepping back in time. It just felt a bit, sterile.

By now Dotty wasn’t really feeling it and she had a meltdown inside, over tired, overwhelmed by the crowds and noise and give that she was already having a off day it didn’t take a lot, so Ali took her out for a bit of fresh air while Georgia and I explored the upper floors. Even Georgia said it didn’t quite live up to what she was expecting, but she might have just been copying me, she didn’t like the top, was too far down to the ground I was told so we made a quick exit!

After a full on day, we headed back to our Airbnb and I finally got around to downloading the HappyCow app, it seems it’s absolute game changer for vegetarians and vegans. We found a lovely little vegan Thai place nearby, and the best part?

…. Ali finally had a whole menu to choose from. This is the first time since we got to Japan she wasn’t stuck with the one token veggie option. Watching her try to choose between dishes (instead of settling for whatever was available) was honestly great. It might seem small, but it meant a lot to her and to us, even Georgia was happy munching on mushrooms and not moaning!

So all in all, not a perfect day, but a real one. Full of history, honest moments, friendship, and those little unexpected moments.

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Today was one of those days that started with swimsuits and belly laughs… and ended with lanterns and raised eyebrows.

We kicked things off at Spa World in Osaka this mega indoor water park and bathhouse mash-up that absolutely was enough to satay out expectations, however, before we even hit the water, we had our first cultural curveball…

Shoes off at the door and not like the usual Japanese homes, no, we mean full on shoe lockdown on the ground floor. You pop them into a little locker, barefoot it to the lift, then get sent to either the men’s or women’s floors.

From there?

No changing cubicles, no awkward curtains just strip off at your locker. That’s it. Everyone’s cool with it. And it’s wild, considering how reserved Japanese culture can seem on the surface.

Once we were changed we entered the water park and that’s when things got really bonkers.

Everyone was covered up. I’m talking rash vests, full hoodies and leggings in the pool you name it. Even little kids were rocking long sleeves. Turns out, Japanese pool culture leans pretty heavy on modesty and sun protection. So there I am, just in my trusty orange shorts, feeling like an absolute rebel. No regrets though I came to swim, not sweat and boy was the water hot!!!.

The slides? Not bad, there was a lazy river and enough water play zones to keep the kids grinning all afternoon.

After drying off and suiting back up, we headed out into the Osaka night put the kids to bed and then I fancied a can of coke from one of the local vending machines, a 2 minute walk… and that’s where things took a turn.

I found myself in this atmospheric little street, two blocks from our place. Lanterns glowed softly, the buildings had that old school wooden charm, and it felt like a scene from a film. I took a quick snap on my phone, just soaking in the vibe. That’s when a pair of private security guys approached me, asking no, telling me to delete the photo.

Bit taken aback, I laughed (I was twice their size and clearly not doing anything dodgy), but I was surprised. Turns out, i had wandered right into Tobita Shinchi, one of Osaka’s “grey area” red light districts. What I thought were shopfronts with traditionally dressed women turned out to be… well, not quite bakeries.

Apparently, this place is famous for operating in a legal grey zone, and photography is very frowned upon to keep things discreet. Lesson learned. Still, a cracking photo of some lanterns and a surreal end to a brilliant day.

From slides to scandalous streets, Osaka never stops surprising.

Have you ever accidentally wandered somewhere you weren’t meant to be? Let us know in the comments and keep following for more wild wanderings from our family’s big adventure

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When you think of Osaka, what comes to mind is probably a bustling, modern city filled with neon lights and delicious street food. But one of the most unexpected and delightful experiences we found was stepping back into the Edo period right in the heart of the Tenjinbashi shopping arcade.

The Osaka Museum of Housing and Living is a treasure trove of Japanese history and culture. This hidden gem offers a meticulously recreated Edo-era townscape, complete with wooden buildings, narrow lanes, and hanging lanterns. What makes it truly special, though, is the ability to interact with the past. Georgia and Ali wasted no time dressing up in traditional kimonos, and it was a treat to watch them light up with excitement as they wandered through the streets, posing for pictures, and fully embracing the moment. I couldn’t resist joining in too there’s something magical about donning samurai-inspired attire and feeling, even if briefly, like you’re part of another time.

The museum provides a vivid sense of what life was like centuries ago. From the shopfronts to the simulated daylight and evening transitions, it’s an immersive experience that goes far beyond just looking at exhibits behind glass. Georgia absolutely loved it, laughing and marveling at every detail. For a place so affordable to visit, it delivered a day’s worth of joy and countless photo ops.

After soaking in all that historical charm, we were ready to bring things back to the present but not without a touch of fun. Osaka is known for its karaoke culture, so we found a cozy spot nearby to end the day. Karaoke here isn’t just a pastime it’s practically an art form, and the best part? It’s cheap as chips and unlimited coffee and slushes! We sang our hearts out, alternating between old favorites and surprising new hits, with Georgia stealing the show a few times. By the time we finished, we were all smiling ear to ear, our voices hoarse but our spirits high.

In the end, this day was everything we love about Osaka, a mix of history and modern day fun, a chance to dress up and step into another world, followed by singing and laughing together as a family. If you’re ever in the city, this combination of cultural exploration and karaoke is well worth a visit.

In the end it’s a reminder that joy is found in both the past and the present.

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Travelling with kids means you’re always on the lookout for that sweet spot between fun and educational and Kids Plaza Osaka nails it. We spent a full day exploring this multi level activity centre, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of our time in Osaka, least Georgia thought so – and it didn’t cost a lot given how much value it gives!

If you’ve got kids in tow, this place is ideal. Spread across the 6th, 7th, and 8th floors of a shiny modern building right near Ogimachi Station, it’s packed with science exhibits, hands on experiments, pretend play spaces, and an indoor play town that looks like something out of a fantasy movie.

We kicked things off on the 8th floor a space filled with role play areas, including a fully kitted out TV studio where kids can play news anchors, meteorologists, and cameramen. Georgia, who usually loves being centre stage, was a bit shy this time and honestly, fair enough. The setup’s proper pro, with lights, green screens, and microphones not just a basic corner with dress ups. She preferred watching others have their go, which was still fun in itself.

Dotty, meanwhile, was straight in. Buttons? Levers? Lights? Say no more. She was in her element, flicking switches and investigating everything she could get her hands on, she loved the ball runs too!

Giant bubble wands, spinning machines, mirrors that warp your face, interactive water play you name it. Georgia and Dotty was obsessed with the water section and Georgia loved the puzzles and building skeletons xray and other games.

We also found a sensory area with light boards perfect for younger kids or kids who just want a bit of calm amid the chaos, and a full subway train and ticket system if you fancy a bit of role play!

Heading down to the 7th floor, we entered Kids Town a colourful indoor climbing structure that wraps around the walls like a vertical village. It was designed by Friedensreich Hundertwasser, so the whole space looks like an artwork not a straight line in sight.

The girls could’ve stayed there for hours. There are climbing walls, rope bridges, little nooks and cubbies, and a big winding slide that drops you from one level to another. It was safe, and gave them loads of freedom to explore Georgia loved the shop where the till scanned barcodes and printed receipts and dotty was loving the dress up and small shop area there..

We brought snacks and grabbed a spot in the lunch area to recharge it’s clean, quiet, and pushchair friendly.

What really stood out to us was how thoughtfully the place is designed for families.

There’s a baby room with feeding chairs and hot water Lockers to stash your bags Friendly staff who genuinely love kids no grumpy museum vibes here!

And the best part? Both kids had their own space and time to enjoy the day their way.

For us as parents, it was gold. Indoors, engaging, educational, and super safe.

Not every travel day with kids goes smoothly, but this one was a cracker. Kids Plaza Osaka gave us a bit of everything: excitement, exploration, and even some chill time. It’s a must-do if you’re in Osaka with children under 12 – and especially if the weather’s not playing nice.

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