KAIYUKAN Aquarium in Osaka

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Facts & Figures

The KAIYUKAN Aquarium in Osaka is one of the most spectacular and largest aquariums in the world. It is located next to the impressive Tempozan Ferris Wheel. The over 15 large tanks, which contain approximately 30000 creatures with 620 types of species, are made out of 346 tons of acrylic glass and contain 10941 tons of water. The different themes of the KAIYUKAN Aquarium are related to the Ring of Fire zone (Pacific Rim) in the Pacific Ocean and cover an area from Japanese forests to the Great Barrier Reef and Antarctica. Each tank displays a different part of the Pacific Rim. The absolute highlights there are the huge whale sharks, stingrays, and hammerhead sharks, which can be found in a giant central tank with 9 meters in depth and 34 meters in length. First, you have to go up to the 8th floor and from there walk slowly down to the 4th floor around this huge tank filled with 5400 tons of water. Many visitors sit there quietly for hours to watch these wonders of nature. It is an otherworldly experience. The main tank is surrounded by smaller tanks where for example rockhopper penguins, seals, white-sided dolphins, sea lions, and crocodiles can be observed. The popularity of the KAIYUKAN Aquarium can be shown by its total visitor numbers since its opening of 85 million in 2024, easily surpassing the record held by the Toba Aquarium (Mie Prefecture). Brochures are available in 6 languages, which makes it easy to understand everything as a foreign tourist. Experience the Ultimate Japanese Hospitality at a Osaka Ryokan.
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• KAIYUKAN Aquarium:
• Opening Hours: - 10:00 am to 8:00 pm (last entry 7:00 pm)
• Opening Hours: - 9:30 am to 8:00 pm (last entry 7:00 pm) in May, October, mid of July till August
• Admission Fee - 2700 yen (Adults), 1400 yen (Child 7 - 15), 700 yen (3 - 6), free (2 and under)

My tips for local activities

How about exploring the highlights and hidden gems of the fascinating metropolis Osaka with a local guide? The personalized tour by our partner GetYourGuide can take between 3 - 4 hours. For more details check out this page >

History

The KAIYUKAN Aquarium opened to the public in 1990. At that time it was the largest in the world and now the aquarium is the largest in Japan. It has also a membership with the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums. In March 2013 the aquarium was extended to make room for more exhibition space.

Sightseeing spots

Top:

15 tanks - Each tank represents a different part of the Pacific Rim. They are full of marine life and terrestrial animals.

Pacific Ocean tank - The largest tank of the KAIYUKAN Aquarium contains the popular Whale Sharks, the with 12 meters largest fish species in the world. The female is named Yu and the male is named Kai.

Arctic habitat - On the 4th floor can be seen the popular ringed seals enjoying the snow and ice. This kind of tank is the largest in the world.

Maldives area - Here visitors have the opportunity to touch the skin of some species of sharks and rays.

Night Aquarium - To be able to observe the behavior of animals at night the light is dimmed every day at 5 pm. Watch them fall asleep and enjoy the calm mysterious environment for visitors and animals alike.

Tasman Sea tank - Here you can find species, like the white-sided dolphins, living in the waters between southeastern Australia and New Zealand in the southwestern Pacific.

KAIYUKAN Museum Shop - Many products (related to the ocean and nature) are sold at this place.

Tempozan Marketplace - It was the first food theme park in Japan full of delicious Kansai cuisine.

Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel - The Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel located near the aquarium offers great views from 112.5m above ground. Read more >

Festival & Events (dates can change without notice)

July

Tenjin Matsuri Festival (24th till 25th)
Osaka’s greatest traditional festival (over 1000 years old) and ranked as one of the top 3 festivals in Japan. Enjoy spectacular processions on land and in the water, great fireworks, and a unique atmosphere created by the traditional costumes and music. My must-see recommendation for you.

September

Osaka World Performance Festival (mid Sep)
Great performances are displayed at the Tempozan Marketplace which attracts thousands of visitors every year.