Things to do in Osaka

Explore the best of marine life at the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

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Nestled in Tempozan Harbor Village, Osaka, you'll find Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (海遊館, Kaiyūkan), a famous destination for aquatic enthusiasts. This facility offers an engaging exploration of Pacific Rim marine life, meticulously showcased in a variety of tanks. Kaiyukan features 15 large tanks, each representing a specific Pacific Rim region. These tanks take visitors on a virtual tour of the Pacific Ocean. Among them are "Japan Forest," a sunlit Japanese forest; "Antarctica," with icy landscapes, and the highlight, "Pacific Ocean." This central tank, 9 meters deep and 34 meters long, holds 5,400 tons of water and is home to the world's largest fish, the whale shark. Your adventure begins on the 8th floor, spiraling down to observe these creatures from various tank levels, giving you different perspectives.

Osaka Aquarium - In a nutshell


Handy information

⏰ Suggested Duration:3 hours
☀️ Best Time to Visit:Weekday evenings
🎟️ Osaka Aquarium TicketsCheck prices
🚇 Closest MetroOsakako Station

Must-see

Encounter whale sharks
Jellyfish
Vibrant coral reefs.

Opening Hours And Address

Typically 10 AM - 8 PM; closed on Thursdays
January 10th and 11th, 2024 are closed days

Address: 1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, Japan.
Get Directions

Why should you visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan?


Osaka Aquarium

  • Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan houses 30,000+ creatures from 630 species, spanning 15 zones and 27 tanks, ranking among the world's largest aquariums.
  • Each section offers a unique experience, from sharks and rays in the Maldives zone to friendly seals in the Arctic zone.
  • Rent an audio guide for insights into aquatic creatures' habitats and fascinating facts about their lives.
  • Witness two awe-inspiring whale sharks in a 30-foot-deep, 5400-cubic-meter tank, stealing the spotlight.
  • Get up close to marine life; rockhopper penguins play mere meters away, thanks to the aquarium's excellent tank design.
  • Tickets remain valid for 180 days from purchase, offering flexible visitation options.
  • Ideal for a half-day trip, the aquarium is surrounded by attractions, including the Tempozan market area and a giant Ferris Wheel right outside.

Recommended Osaka Aquarium tickets


Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan architecture


Osaka Aquarium Architecture


The architecture of Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is a work of art in itself. Its striking design mimics the structure of the ocean, with visitors descending from the surface to the depths, just like a deep-sea explorer. Don't miss the mesmerizing central tank, surrounded by a spiraling ramp that showcases marine life from different depths. The best time to appreciate this architectural wonder is during the late afternoon, as the sun's rays cast enchanting shadows on the building.

Highlights of Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan


1Aqua Gate

A mesmerizing entrance into the aquatic wonders of Kaiyukan, setting the stage for an unforgettable journey.

Aqua Gate at Osaka Aquarium

2Japan Forest

One of the few surface zones in the aquarium, the Japan Forest is an uncanny life-like recreation of an actual Japanese forest. Featuring both creatures that live near rivers and surface waters, including otters, this is a beautiful zone to spend time at.

Asian small-clawed otter at Osaka Aquarium

3Aleutian Islands

The Aleutian Islands is a frigid environment teeming with nutrient-rich waters that support various fish species and serve as the habitat for the Tufted Puffin!

Tufted puffin at Osaka Aquarium

4Monterey Bay

California's coastline cliffs host numerous aquatic mammals. Visitors can witness coastal sea lions and seals on both land and in the sea at this exhibit.

Monterey Bay

5Gulf of Panama

At this exhibit, watch the tropical fish and marine life that once existed in the tropical rainforest of Panama. The present environmental condition of the once thriving nation, makes this zone all the more special.

Panama Island

6Ecuador Rain Forest

Continue your tour of water bodies around the world with a stop at the Ecuador Rainforest which is home to plants and animals located directly on the equator in a South American tropical rainforest.

Panama Island

7Antarctica

Featuring both ice and chilly ocean water, the Antarctica zone is another major highlight of the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Watch in amazement as penguins exhibit their humorous behavior on land and rapid movements in the water.

Antarctica

8Tasman Sea

Discover the extreme water temperature of the sea around New Zealand at the Tasman Sea zone. Visit this exhibit to learn about the ecology of the Pacific white-side dolphins located in New Zealand.

Tasman Sea

9Great Barrier Reef

With over 5,000 connected coral reefs, Australia's Great Barrier Reef is home to a multitude of vibrantly coloured fish. At the Great Barrier Reef zone, enjoy a spectacular recreation of the reef with the same multicolored hues available at the original.

Great Barrier Reef

10Pacific Ocean

Generally considered the most popular attraction of the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the Pacific Ocean zone is home to a whale shark along with a host of other sea creatures including spotted eagle rays, leopard sharks and more.

Pacific Ocean

11Seto Inland Sea

The Seto Inland Sea is renowned as the birthplace of aquaculture fisheries worldwide, where currents transport a wide array of fish from nearby regions. This exhibit showcases a selection of representative fish species from this diverse collection.

Pacific Ocean

12Seasonal Exhibits

These aquariums are periodically showcased throughout the year to spotlight specific creatures for special attention.

Pacific Ocean

13Coast Of Chile

The coastal waters of Chile experience an influx of cool, nutrient-rich waters from the south, fostering substantial populations of plant and animal plankton. This exhibit features sardine species gathering around rocks in search of this planktonic food source.

Japanese anchovy swimming underwater

14Cook Strait

At the Cook Strait exhibit, you'll get to witness sea turtles and other indigenous species of fish pertaining to the divide between New Zealand's North and South Islands.

Cook Strait

15Japan Deep

This exhibit focuses on life in the ocean depths, specifically on a sloping section of the Sea of Japan's floor, found at depths of approximately 200 to 400 meters. Notably, the region hosts the world's largest variety of Japanese spider crabs.

Japanese spider crab

16Jellyfish

This new section offers the experience of observing a galaxy of floating jellyfish, resembling a celestial scene. Visitors will be captivated by the graceful movements of the jellyfish, evoking sensations of beauty, transparency, serenity, and a profound connection to life.

Jellyfishes in an aquarium
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Kaiyukan Night Aquarium - Why it’s worth a visit


Every day after 5:00 PM, the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan transforms into the Kaiyukan Night Aquarium and reveals an unexpectedly beautiful side. If you choose to visit the aquarium post 5:00 PM, you'll be greeted by an aquarium resembling the ocean in moonlight. The music playing inside changes as the fish swim under the deep blue lights Illuminating the aquarium. Making for a deeply mystical and enchanting experience, the Kaiyukan Night Aquarium is definitely worth visiting for its innovative concept alone. There's nothing quite as mystical and enchanting as the Kaiyukan Night Aquarium.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan opening hours


The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is open from 10:00 AM to 8:00 PM every day. However, the last entry time is 7:00 PM.

Directions to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan


  • Via Plane: From Kansai International Airport: Approx. 65 min. by train (changing railway lines) or approx. 60 min. by nonstop limousine bus From Osaka International Airport (Osaka-Itami): Approx. 60 min. by train (changing railway lines)
  • Via Train: Approx. 35 min. from Shinkansen bullet train Shin-Osaka Station (changing railway lines)
    Approx. 30 min. from Osaka (Umeda) Station
    Approx. 30 min. from Namba (Shinsaibashi) Station
    Approx. 5 min. on foot from Osakako Station of Osaka Metro Chuo Line
  • Via Bus: Approx. 45 min. from Osaka Station (bus route No. 88) or approx. 40 min. from Namba Station (bus route No. 60) to Tempozan Stop, adjacent to the KAIYUKAN
    From Universal Studios Japan: Approx. 10 min. from Universal City Port by Captain Line fast shuttle ferry

Restaurants near Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan


Tempozan Marketplace

Try local specialties with a view.

Legoland Café

Family-friendly dining with a play area.

Sushiro Osaka Bay

Enjoy fresh sushi at reasonable prices.

Cafe Minato

Relish European-inspired dishes by the waterfront.

Teppanyaki Motoyama

Savor grilled delights in an elegant setting.

Best hotels & accommodation near Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan


Other tourist attractions to visit near Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan


Frequently Asked Questions


How long do you spend at Osaka aquarium?

You can either spend 3-4 hours here if you have enough time or you can take a short trip around, spending as little as one hour if you’re short on time.

Are lockers available at the aquarium?

Five coin lockers are installed in the aquarium, the entrance building and Tempozan Marketplace.

Can tickets for the aquarium be purchased at the entrance?

Yes, you can purchase tickets at the entrance but it’s recommended to purchase tickets online to avoid waiting in line.

Can wheelchairs be rented at the aquarium?

Yes, wheelchairs are lent out to visitors free of charge at the Kaiyukan Information Counter and the Information Center.

Is re-entry into the aquarium allowed?

Yes, visitors are allowed to re-enter the museum without any additional cost but only on the date of their original visit.

What is the nearest train station to the Osaka Aquarium?

Osakako station on Chuo line, which is about a 15 minutes walk away is the nearest train station.

What is the nearest train station to the Osaka Aquarium?

Osakako station on Chuo line, which is about a 15 minutes walk away is the nearest train station.

Does the aquarium provide information in English?

Yes, all the exhibits are written in both Japanese and English.

Is onsite parking available at the aquarium?

Yes, parking is available at the museum for an additional cost which is calculated on a per hour basis.

Are guide dogs allowed inside the aquarium?

Yes, assistance dogs, hearing dogs, and service dogs are allowed inside the aquarium.

Is there a nursing room facility at the aquarium?

Yes, nursing rooms for babies and mothers are located on the 6F of the aquarium and the 2F of the entrance building.

Are audio guides available at the aquarium?

Yes, audio guides are available in four different languages, namely English, Japanese, Chinese, and Korean. The rental cost for each guide is 800 yen.

Osaka Aquarium Guide