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Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: A Window to the Pacific Rim

Explore the Pacific Rim's marine wonders at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, home to whale sharks and diverse ocean life in a captivating setting.

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The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of Japan's most impressive aquariums, is located in Osaka's Tempozan Harbor Village. It showcases marine life from the Pacific Rim in a well-organized and captivating manner, featuring diverse habitats and ecosystems.

A brief summary to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

  • Monday 10:30 am-8 pm
  • Tuesday 10:30 am-8 pm
  • Wednesday 10:30 am-8 pm
  • Thursday 10:30 am-8 pm
  • Friday 10:30 am-8 pm
  • Saturday 9:30 am-8 pm
  • Sunday 9:30 am-8 pm

Local tips

  • Purchase tickets online in advance to avoid long queues, especially during peak seasons.
  • Visit early in the morning or after 3 PM to avoid crowds.
  • Allocate at least 4-6 hours to fully explore all the exhibits.
  • Check the feeding schedule to witness the animals' feeding times and learn more from the guides.
  • Take a stroll through Tempozan Harbor Village and ride the Tempozan Ferris Wheel for panoramic views.
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Getting There

  • Public Transport

    From Osaka Station, take the JR Osaka Loop Line to Bentencho Station, then transfer to the Chuo Subway Line and ride two stops to Osakako Station. From there, it's a 5-minute walk to the aquarium, following signs to Tempozan Marketplace. The total fare is approximately ¥400.

  • Bus

    Take Osaka City Bus route 88 from Osaka Station or route 60 from Namba Station to the Tempozan Harbor Village bus stop, which is a short walk from the aquarium. Check local bus schedules for current fares.

  • Car

    The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is located near the Tempozan Exit on the Hanshin Expressway Bayshore Line and Osaka Port Line. Follow the route to avoid inconveniencing local residents. Parking is available at the Tempozan Parking Lot. Parking fees are approximately ¥200 for 30 minutes on weekdays and ¥250 for 30 minutes on weekends and holidays. The maximum charge is ¥1,200 on weekdays and ¥2,000 on weekends and holidays.

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Discover more about Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, which opened in 1990, is not only one of Japan's largest aquariums but also ranks among the world's most spectacular. Located in the Tempozan Harbor Village near Osaka Bay, it offers visitors an immersive journey through the diverse marine ecosystems of the Pacific Rim. The aquarium's design reflects the "Gaia Hypothesis," presenting the Pacific Ocean region as a single, interconnected ecosystem. The aquarium houses approximately 30,000 creatures representing 620 species. The exhibits comprise 27 tanks in 16 main exhibits. The tour begins at the Aqua Gate, a tunnel-shaped aquarium, leading to an escalator that ascends to the eighth floor. From there, the visitor path spirals downwards around the central tank. Exhibits recreate various habitats, including the Japanese Forest, Aleutian Islands, Monterey Bay, Gulf of Panama, Ecuador Rain Forest, Antarctica, and the Great Barrier Reef. The highlight is the massive Pacific Ocean tank, spanning several floors and home to whale sharks, manta rays, hammerhead sharks, and schools of fish. Kaiyukan is dedicated to research and conservation, focusing on sharks and rays. The aquarium has successfully housed and bred numerous species and collaborates with universities on marine research. It also actively promotes marine conservation through various initiatives.

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