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Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

, Osaka, Osaka

Description

The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is home to nearly 30,00 marine animals from over 400 species. It is located at the edge of Osaka Bay and was, when it opened in 1990, the largest aquarium in the world. The building was designed by architect Peter Chermayeff with a 5.4mn litre tank as centrepiece; dubbed the Pacific Ocean tank, it is 9m deep and is inhabited by two whale sharks, bluefin tuna, hammerhead sharks, and manta rays. There is also a top-tier collection of jellyfishes.

Access & Transport

The aquarium is in the western side of the city, 6km from Namba station. It is an easy 10mins walk from the Osakako metro station (Chuo line)

Instructions & Recommendations

We suggest combining this attraction with a ride on the neighbouring Tempozan Ferris Wheel

Meta review

Widely presented as one of the main attractions, although maybe not as prominently as 15-20 years ago, the aquarium mostly gets excellent online reviews. The highlights still are the whale sharks in the main tank and the ability to see several tanks around the surface level as well as underwater. The main issue is without doubt how busy it gets, both to get in (expect some queuing) and inside, even if the layout is helpful in ensuring good visibility.

Environmental & Social

Very involved in breeding endangered species such as sharks. It also has a research center in the southwest of Kyushu. No environmental info about the building but it requires significant amount of electricity to operate

Conclusion

In our opinion, Kaiyukan is still one of the very best aquarium experiences in the world. The coiling descent around the main tank provides a unique sensation of depth and discovery of the underwater habitat. It is a little expensive and very busy, but worth it.

Key positive

Stunning tanks and marine life

Wide range of species

Family-friendly activity

Key negative

Crowded

On the expensive side

Suitability

Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
Last admission is 1h before closing

av. transport time:0h 35m

est. visit time:2h

Regulated hours

Monday10:00 - 20:00

Tuesday10:00 - 20:00

Wednesday10:00 - 20:00

Thursday10:00 - 20:00

Friday10:00 - 20:00

Saturday09:30 - 20:00

Sunday09:30 - 20:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
JP¥2,200
Adult
16 - 64
JP¥2,700
Teen & Young
7 - 15
JP¥1,400
Child
3 - 6
JP¥700
Infant
0 - 2
JP¥0

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