Guide to Kaiyukan Aquarium with basic information
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Kaiyukan Aquarium (海遊館) is a large aquarium located in the Tempozan Harbor Village of Osaka’s bay area which is south-west from central Osaka. It is one of the largest public aquariums in the world displaying over 500 kinds of different marine life such as dolphins, penguins, whale sharks and more.
It is one of the most popular tourist attractions of the area alongside Universal Studios Japan and Osaka Castle. Here, I will introduce Kaiyukan Aquarium, including its appeal points, how to get there, and interesting spots around the venue.
*Please note that this article contains affiliate links.
What is Kaiyukan Aquarium
Kaiyukan Aquarium first opened in July of 1990. the concept of this gigantic aquarium is to replicate the habitats from both the “Ring of Fire” and “Ring of Life” of the Pacific rim. When it was first opened, it was the largest aquarium in the world.
The aquarium has 15 large exhibit tanks with a total volume of 10,941 tons of water. 346 tons of acrylic glass is what separates the viewers with aquatic life.
Currently, it is the 3rd largest aquarium in Japan and it is also in the top 5 largest in-land aquariums in the world.
What to do & see at Kaiyukan Aquarium
The 346.36m2 aquarium will take you roughly 2 and a half hours to enjoy.
The permanent exhibition of the aquarium is divided into various sections that represent different areas of the Pacific Rim, such as “Japan Forest”, “Gulf of Panama”, “Antarctica”, “Great Barrier Reef”, and “Cook Strait”. 14 of these permanent exhibitions plus an area for seasonal exhibition surround the main tank of this aquarium that represents the “Pacific Ocean”.
The main attraction is, without a doubt, the 12m long Whale Shark in the “Pacific Ocean” tank.
Other than these, there are also night exhibitions as well as interactive exhibitions.
Also, connecting with Kaiyukan you can find a shopping mall called “Tempozan Harbor Village” where you can find many shops and restaurants.
You can get tickets online by clicking the following link!
<<Book online for Kaiyukan tickets!>>
How to get to Kaiyukan Aquarium
The simplest way to get to Kaiyukan Aquarium is by using the Osaka Metro Chuo Line. The aquarium is located just 5 minutes walking from Osakako Station (大阪港駅).
You can also take a bus from Osaka Station or Namba Station. It takes 45 minutes from Osaka Station using bus route No. 88. And it takes 40 minutes from Namba Station using the bus route No. 60. The bus stop is called “Tempozan”(天保山).
Or if you’re staying near Universal Studios Japan, there’s a shuttle Ship that travels from USJ to Kaiyukan in 15 minutes.
Tourist attractions near Kaiyukan Aquarium
-1st. Universal Studios Japan: One of the 6 Universal Studios in the world. It is one of the most popular amusement parks in Japan along with Tokyo Disneyland and Disneysea.
-2nd. Kuromon Market: One of the largest markets in western Japan, having 180 stores. It is also known as “Osaka’s Kitchen” because you’ll find so many amazing food.
-3rd. Shinsekai: An old downtown district where the nostalgic atmosphere strongly remains. One of Osaka’s landmarks, the Tsutenkaku Tower, can also be found here.
-4th. Shinsaibashi: Popular shopping district with a long history. You will find here all the popular brands, both Japanese and international.
-5th. Namba Yasaka Shrine: Also known as “the Lion Shrine” as it houses the massive lion head-shaped statue. It is one of the most unique and coolest shrines in Japan
Hotels & Restaurants near Kaiyukan Aquarium
Liber Hotel At Universal Studio Japan (リーベルホテル アット ユニバーサルスタジオジャパン) is a hotel located within walking distance from both Kaiyukan and USJ.
This hotel was just opened in November of 2019 and besides providing a spacious western-style room, it offers a spa, a refreshing salon, a restaurant/bar, and a souvenir shop.
You can make reservations from the following link!
<<Book “Liber Hotel At Universal Studio Japan” at the best price!!>>
Here are also some articles you may find helpful for when you’re looking for a place to stay in Osaka!
▶Where to Stay near Universal Studios Japan in Osaka
▶5 Best Cool and Chic Airbnb in Osaka!
When it comes to restaurants, here are some articles you can check out to find good options during your Osaka trip!
 Access |
5-minute walk from Osakako Station (Osaka Metro Chuo Line) |
|---|---|
 Business Hours |
10am ~ 8pm / 9:30am ~ 8pm (July and August) |
 Price |
3~6 y.o.: 600 Yen / 7~15 y.o.: 1,200 Yen / Adult: 2,400 Yen / ~65 y.o.: 2,200 Yen |
 Official Website |
https://www.kaiyukan.com/language/eng/ |
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Written by
Born and raised in Costa Rica, I started living in Tokyo from college. I love traveling within Japan & around the world. Since I wasn’t born in Japan, I know the cultural impact that you can get when visiting Japan for the first time and what you might be worried about before your trip. And I’ve lived long enough to somewhat understand the nuances of the Japanese culture that make this country such an attractive place to visit. Hopefully I can provide to you both the information you’re looking for and the information you didn’t know you needed to know.
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