Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Aquarium Osaka-shi, Osaka, Japan

What to expect

The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of Japan's most spectacular aquariums, introducing various forms of life inhabiting the Pacific Rim in a well-organized and impressive way. Marine life is displayed in over a dozen tanks, each representing a specific region of the Pacific Rim. The central tank, representing the Pacific Ocean, is nine meters deep and home to a whale shark, the aquarium's main attraction. Visitors start their tour of the aquarium on the 8th floor and slowly spiral down floor by floor around the central tank. Some of the tanks stretch over several floors, making it possible to observe the animals from different depths and perspectives. The aquarium features a variety of exhibits, including the Japan Forest, which recreates a Japanese forest and holds Asian small-clawed otters, Japanese giant salamanders, and many other native freshwater animals. Other exhibits include the Aleutian Islands, Monterey Bay, Gulf of Panama, Ecuador Rain Forest, Antarctica, and the Great Barrier Reef, among others

Plan your family visit to the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan with these blog insights 👇

72 Hours in Osaka with Kids

This family's experience:

Activities: We spent the morning at the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, one of the largest aquariums in the world

Highlights: The aquarium is a must-see for any shark enthusiast in your family ✨

Things to do in Osaka with Kids

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the aquarium and saw a plethora of aquatic animals

Highlights: The family enjoyed seeing the Whale Sharks ✨

Osaka – last days

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the Osaka Aquarium, known to be one of the most beautiful aquariums in Japan. It's centered around a dozen basins each representing an ecosystem of the Pacific waters

Highlights: We appreciated the organization. The main aquarium contains whale sharks, hammerhead sharks and several species of rays. There are places to sit all along the way ✨

The authentic Japanese Kansai family tour

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the touch area where we could put our hand in and touch some of the marine animals up close

Highlights: The kids loved the huge sharks swimming past us, and the jellyfish swimming beautifully ✨

Visiting Kyoto With Kids: 2+ Day Itinerary + Must-Read Travel Tips

This family's experience:

Activities: We visited the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, the world's largest aquarium

Highlights: The kids loved seeing all the different fish and marine life ✨