A place story by Momo
About this place
About 620 species and 30,000 specimens, with tanks arranged to match the Pacific Ocean’s geography!? That’s a whole ocean’s worth of places to trace as you explore 🗺️ The central Pacific Ocean tank is home to a whale shark, and the aquarium’s exhibits recreate environments around the Pacific.
Take the escalator up to the 8th floor, then follow the corridor down to the 4th as you view the exhibits. Japan Forest recreates an environment with a waterfall and greenery, while Commerson’s dolphins live in the Tasman Sea. Look for the Arctic tank and Kurunage Ginga, the jellyfish exhibit, too. Which habitat will draw you in first? 🌿
When Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan opened in 1990, it was the world’s largest aquarium. Its 14 large tanks used acrylic glass equal to 1.5 times the world’s annual production at the time. Kaiyukan is a central attraction in Tempozan Harbor Village, about a 5-minute walk from Osakako Station, Osaka Metro Chuo Line. The building includes an 8-story main aquarium and a 4-story entrance building, and is wheelchair accessible. Follow the route down and see which Pacific habitat you linger over! 😮
Follow the route down
Take the escalator up to the 8th floor, then follow the corridor down to the 4th as you view the exhibits in order. The route leads through tanks representing regions around the Pacific Ocean 🚶
Pacific habitats
The central Pacific Ocean tank is home to a whale shark. Japan Forest features a waterfall and greenery, while Commerson’s dolphins live in the Tasman Sea. Look for the Arctic tank and Kurunage Ginga, too. Across the aquarium, about 620 species and 30,000 specimens are on display 🐋
Getting there
Kaiyukan is about a 5-minute walk from Osakako Station, Osaka Metro Chuo Line, and is a central attraction in Tempozan Harbor Village. The aquarium is wheelchair accessible 🚉
TripNaru photos
Opening hours
- Mon, Tue, Sun 08:00–21:00
- Wed 08:30–20:30
- Thu, Fri, Sat 09:30–20:00
