The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (海遊館) is one of the largest and most impressive public aquariums in the world, located in Osaka, Japan. It opened in 1990 and is home to over 620 species of marine life, including dolphins, whales, sharks, rays, and numerous species of fish. It is designed around the theme of the Pacific Ocean’s Ring of Fire and Ring of Life, showcasing diverse habitats and ecosystems in 14 large tanks.
The aquarium’s main attraction is the Pacific Ocean tank, which holds over 5,400 cubic meters of water and is one of the largest in the world. It houses a variety of marine animals from the Pacific Rim, including whale sharks, manta rays, and schools of smaller fish. Visitors can walk through an underwater tunnel that runs through the center of the tank, providing an immersive and up-close view of the marine life.
In addition to the Pacific Ocean tank, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan offers several other exhibits, including a tropical rainforest exhibit, a jellyfish exhibit, and a deep-sea exhibit. The aquarium also features a variety of interactive exhibits and displays that allow visitors to learn about marine life and conservation efforts. Some of the popular interactive experiences include feeding demonstrations by the aquarium staff and a paid dolphin encounter program. For those seeking a more exclusive experience, the aquarium offers a paid backstage tour where visitors can swim with whale sharks.
The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is located in the Tempozan Harbor Village, a waterfront entertainment complex that also features a Ferris wheel, a shopping mall, and various restaurants and cafes. The aquarium is easily accessible by public transportation, with Osakako Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line being the closest station.
With its diverse exhibits, interactive experiences, and educational programs, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan provides a fascinating and informative journey through the wonders of the underwater world.
Getting there
From Osaka Station to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan:
| Train | Osaka Station ↓ Osaka Loop Line ↓ 7 minutes (3 stops) Bentencho Station ↓ Chuo Line ↓ 4 minutes (2 stops) Osakako Station ↓ Walk about 9 minutes ↓ Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (Cost 410 yen) |
Details
| Hours | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM |
| Admission | Adults: 2,700 yen Elementary school and junior high school students: 1,400 yen Age 3 and above: 700 yen |
| Phone | +81 6-6576-5501 |
| Address | 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022 |