Osaka's Kaiyukan Aquarium is one of the most popular attractions in Japan and the largest of its kind in the world.

At the time of its opening in 1990, the Osaka Aquarium was even the 1st largest in the world.

What will you see at the aquarium?

The striking blue and red building is divided into 11 main permanent exhibitions and 5 temporary ones on many floors, and a visit to the aquarium will take you about 2-3 hours.

Aqua Gate - A large tank with a popular pedestrian tunnel running along the bottom, here you will see mainly smaller colourful species of exotic fish.
Japan Forest - This part is more like a greenhouse with many trees and small water tanks with otters and fish, mainly representing Japanese freshwater animals.
Aleutian Islands - Tanks and aquariums with animals of the cold waters of the Aleutian Islands between Japan and Canada. The main attraction is the puffins.
Monterey Bay - A section inspired by the reefs of the Californian coast with many sea lions.
Gulf of Panama - the exhibition shows tropical fish and land animals of the rainforests of Panama
Ecuador Rainforest - aquariums with freshwater fish from South American Amzanoia
Antarctica - one of the most popular attractions with penguins and ice crabs
Tasman Sea - an exhibition of animals from the waters between New Zealand and Australia with the popular dolphins
Great Barrier Reef - the most colourful aquarium showcasing the thousands of colourful reef fish of north-eastern Australia
Pacific Ocean - The aquarium's largest tank, 34 metres long and 9 metres deep, showcases large animals such as sharks and rays
Seto Inland Sea - Exposure to the unique sea between the Japanese islands of Honshu and Shikoku

In addition to these exhibitions, there are 5 other tanks where various temporary exhibitions alternate.

A detailed list of permanent and temporary exhibits can be found on the aquarium's website: kaiyukan.com/explore.

Admission and opening hours

The aquarium is open every day until 20:00. Opening hours vary by day and range from 8:30am to 10:00am, see the official website: kaiyukan.com//hours.

The prices vary according to the different days of the year.

They are highest on holidays and major holidays, and usually lowest on weekdays and winter weekends.

Adults over 16 - 2 700 jpy to 3 500 jpy
Children 7 to 15 years - 1 400 jpy to 1 800 jpy
Children 3 to 6 years - 700 jpy to 900 jpy

For a detailed price schedule, including online purchase options, visit kaiyukan.com/ticket.

Tempozan Harbor Village

Directly across the street is Tempozan, a small amusement park operated by the same company that runs the aquarium.

What can you find here?

Tempozan Ferris Wheel - a huge observation wheel with a height of 100 metres
- Open 10 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Admission 900 jpy / free with Osaka Amazing Pass
- Official website: tempozan-kanransya.com/
Legoland Discovery Center - An amusement park with rides and lego shops aimed mostly at young children
- Open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Admission 3 200 jpy / 500 yen discount with Osaka Amazing Pass (some days in October, November and December admission is free with Osaka Amazing Pass)
- Official website: tempozan-kanransya.com/

Tempozan Ferris Wheel

How to get there

Kaiyukan Aquarium is located on the coast in the western part of the city.

Chuo Metro Line (dark green) - Osakako station about 450 meters from the aquarium
- Direction Awaza (change to pink line towards Namba, Dotonbori), Hommachi (change to red line towards Shinsaibashi, Shin-Osaka station, Shinsekai), Osaka Castle, Tsurumi Ryokuchi Park
- All-day subway ticket or Kansai Railway Pass valid here, JR Pass not valid
Buses - stop directly at the aquarium
- Line 88 towards Umeda Station (travel time is longer than the subway, but no transfer required)
- Line 60 direction Namba (journey time is longer than by subway, but no transfer is necessary)
- Line 72 in the direction Tsuruhama
- All lines have all-day subway pass / no JR Pass or Kansai Railway Pass
Shuttle Boat - stops directly at the aquarium
- Direction Universal Studios Japan
- No all-day subway pass, JR Pass or Kansai Railway Pass applies
- Free with Osaka Amazing Pass
- Timetable and current ticket prices: mmjp.or.jp