Highlights of Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

• Central Tank: The highlight of the aquarium is a huge central tank with a diameter of 34 meters and a depth of 9 meters. Home to hammerheads, stingrays, and schools of fish, it offers breathtaking views of marine life.
• Jellyfish Exhibition: A fascinating display of bioluminescent jellyfish that captivates visitors of all ages.
• Interactive Zone: An area where visitors can touch stingrays and learn about marine conservation.
• Pacific Rim Journey: Explore habitats from Japan’s oceans to Antarctica, featuring penguins, otters, and dolphins.
• Accessibility: The design of the building ensures easy navigation for wheelchair users, with designated viewing areas and elevators.

Important Exhibits to Note

• Whale Sharks: The stars of the aquarium, these gentle giants are a rare sight in captivity.
• Sea Otters: Playful and charming, they are a favorite among children.
• Penguin Feeding: Check the schedule to witness this adorable activity.
• Dolphins: Known for their antics during feeding time.

When to Visit

• Best Time: Arrive early in the morning or after 5 PM to enjoy smaller crowds and leisurely access to exhibits.
• Avoid Weekends and Holidays: These are peak times, often resulting in long queues and crowded exhibits.
• Night Viewing: Special nighttime tickets allow for a unique experience with illuminated tanks and a quiet environment.

Things to Avoid

• Weekend Congestion: Avoid weekends and public holidays to skip long queues and busy exhibits.
• Late Arrival: Arriving late may limit your time inside and lead to longer waiting times.
• Overpacking: Leave strollers and large bags in lockers to ensure smooth navigation.

Tips for Visiting

• Buy Tickets in Advance: Book tickets online to skip the queue. Timed entry ensures a better experience and helps manage crowd flow.
• Plan Your Time: Allocate at least 2-3 hours to fully explore the aquarium.
• Bring Essentials: Pack water and snacks, especially if visiting with children.
• Seating: Use a bench near the central tank to rest while enjoying the view.
• Audio Guide: Rent an audio guide for 800 yen, available in six languages, to enhance your visit.

Nearby Attractions

• Tempozan Ferris Wheel: Enjoy a wonderful view of Osaka Bay.
• Tempozan Marketplace: Shop for souvenirs or dine at local restaurants.
• Legoland Discovery Center Osaka: A great spot for families with children.

How to Get There

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is located at 1-1-10 Kaishin-dori, Minato-ku, Osaka. It is easily accessible by public transport:

• Train: Take the Osaka Metro Chuo Line to Osaka Port Station. Exit 1 leads directly to the aquarium within 5-10 minutes on foot.
• Bus: Several city bus routes stop near the aquarium.
• Taxi: Ask your driver to drop you off at Legoland Discovery Center Osaka or near Tempozan Marketplace.

Business Hours: Daily: 10:30 AM – 8:00 PM

Ticket Prices

• Adult: 2,700 yen
• Children: 1,400 yen
• Infant: 700 yen
• Infants Under 3: Free