Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan (海遊館) is located in the Minato district of Osaka City. When it first opened its doors, it held the distinction of being the largest public aquarium in the world. Even today, it continues to rank among Osaka’s most popular attractions, drawing visitors with its remarkable size and an extraordinary array of marine life, showcasing 620 different species. The aquarium masterfully replicates the varied natural habitats found along the Pacific Coast, offering an immersive experience that highlights the beauty and diversity of these ecosystems.

Explore Kaiyukan

Visitors start their journey on the 8th floor and gradually make their way down in a spiral, moving floor by floor around the central aquarium. Some of the exhibits span multiple levels, offering the chance to observe marine life from various depths and perspectives, creating a dynamic and engaging experience.

The tour kicks off in the Aqua Gate area, where visitors walk through a tunnel-shaped tank. Here, they can feel as though they’ve been transported underwater, surrounded by a vibrant array of fish swimming all around them.

From there, the tour winds through a series of themed zones, each meticulously designed to replicate the natural habitats of marine and coastal creatures.

The “Japan Forest” zone brings to life a lush Japanese forest, complete with river fish and animals that thrive near freshwater environments.

In the “Aleutian Islands” zone, the focus shifts to the Aleutian Islands, a chain that bridges North America and Asia. This area is teeming with diverse fish species and is also home to the charming Tufted Puffin bird.

The “Monterey Bay” zone recreates the vibrant ecosystem of California’s coastline, a haven for aquatic mammals. Here, visitors can watch coastal sea lions and seals as they lounge on land or glide gracefully through the water.

The “Gulf of Panama” zone showcases the colorful tropical fish and other wildlife native to Panama, offering a glimpse into the rich biodiversity of this Central American nation.

In the “Antarctica” zone, the icy landscape sets the stage for playful penguins, which delight visitors as they waddle on land and dart swiftly through the water.

The “Tasman Sea” zone highlights the unique characteristics of the sea surrounding New Zealand. Despite its relatively small size, this area features a dramatic temperature gradient between warm and cold waters, which significantly influences the coastal marine life. This exhibit tells the story of Pacific white-sided dolphins, which thrive in the warmer regions of the sea.

The “Great Barrier Reef” zone captures the breathtaking beauty of the world’s largest coral reef, located off the northeast coast of Australia. This exhibit showcases the stunning underwater landscapes that corals have built over countless years.

Finally, the “Pacific Ocean” zone is one of the most beloved areas, thanks to its massive 5,400-ton tank. This tank is home to the awe-inspiring whale shark, the largest fish in the world. Visitors can also marvel at the graceful movements of stingrays, jellyfish, octopuses, and a host of other fascinating sea creatures.

Each zone offers a unique and captivating experience, making the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan a must-visit destination for anyone eager to explore the wonders of the ocean.

The Sea at Night

One of the most captivating exhibits at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is the interactive area known as “The Sea at Night”. This unique space immerses visitors in the enchanting ambiance of a mysterious nocturnal ocean, where some of the most extraordinary sea creatures come to life with their natural glow. Every evening, starting at 5:00 pm, the aquarium undergoes a stunning transformation, shedding its daytime appearance to reveal its nocturnal side. The music shifts to a more serene tone, and the fish glide gracefully through the deep blue waters, illuminated by a soft, moon-like light. This exhibit is a masterful blend of cutting-edge light effects technology and real marine animals, creating an otherworldly experience. Here, visitors can witness the ethereal beauty of bioluminescent jellyfish, glowing plankton, and other marine organisms that emit light in the darkness. Their natural luminescence weaves a magical atmosphere, evoking the wonder of fairy tales and fantastical realms. The water shimmers with hues of blue and green, while the gentle glow of the jellyfish appears to dance across the aquarium walls, casting a spellbinding spectacle.

How to Get to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Address: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan

From Osaka Station (Umeda Area):

• Take the Osaka Loop Line to Bentencho Station.
• Transfer to the Chuo Line and get off at Osakako Station.
• The aquarium is about a 5-minute walk from the station.

From Namba Station:

• Take the Yotsubashi Line to Honmachi Station.
• Transfer to the Chuo Line and get off at Osakako Station.

From Shin-Osaka Station (for Shinkansen travelers):

• Take the Midosuji Line to Honmachi Station.
• Transfer to the Chuo Line and get off at Osakako Station.

Opening Hours:

10:00 am – 8:00 pm

Please note that operating hours may vary depending on the season. It’s always a good idea to check the official schedule before planning your visit.