Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

海游馆

A world-class aquarium themed on the Pacific Ring of Fire, where whale sharks swim in the 9-meter-deep Pacific tank, next to the Tempozan Ferris Wheel.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan sits in Tempozan in Osaka’s port area and opened in 1990. It is one of the largest aquariums in the world. Themed on the “Pacific Ring of Fire,” its 14 large tanks recreate ecosystems from Japanese forests, the Aleutian Islands, Monterey Bay, the Gulf of Panama, the Ecuadorian rainforest and Antarctica to the Great Barrier Reef and the Japan Trench. The route starts on the 8th floor, where you ride the escalator to the top level, “Japanese Forests,” then spiral downward along a ramp. At the center is the 9-meter-deep “Pacific” tank, holding 5,400 tons of water. From different heights and angles you can watch whale sharks, manta rays and schools of fish gliding around it, making it the aquarium’s signature. There are also dolphins, sea lions, penguins, otters and ocean sunfish. The “New Sensory Zone” before the exit lets you touch rays and small sharks. Tickets cost about 2,700 to 3,000 yen, varying by date. Booking online skips the queue. The Osaka Amazing Pass does not cover admission but offers a discount. A visit takes about 2 hours. Outside, Tempozan Harbor Village has the 112.5-meter Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel (about 900 yen; free with the Osaka Amazing Pass), with views of Osaka Bay and the night skyline, plus Tempozan Market Street (Naniwa food alley) and the Santa Maria tall ship. Across the bay is Universal Studios Japan. The Captain Line ferry takes about 10 minutes directly to Universal City Walk, a convenient way to combine USJ and the aquarium. Getting there: 5 minutes on foot from Osaka-Kō Station on the Chuo subway line, about 25 minutes from Namba. An afternoon visit is recommended. After the aquarium, ride the Ferris wheel for the sunset and night views. Note: weekends and holidays bring many families in the morning, the interior is dim so watch your step, and you can check the official website for whale shark feeding times.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Opening hours

Nearby sights

Places to eat nearby