The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of the largest aquariums in the world, with exhibits themed around the Pacific Rim of volcanoes and recreations of the Pacific Ocean and surrounding regions. Home to approximately 620 species and 30,000 marine creatures, the aquarium features everything from the world’s largest fish, the whale shark, to dolphins, penguins, otters, and more.
In this article, we take a deep dive into this iconic Kansai destination, which celebrated its 35th anniversary in 2025!

*Information as of July 2025. Please check the official website for the latest updates.

One of Kaiyukan’s most iconic features is its massive tank made with acrylic glass. Upon entering the aquarium, visitors first take an elevator up to the 8th floor, then gradually descend a spiraling path while viewing marine life from various regions-giving the impression of a stroll through the ocean depths.

Located within the Tempozan Harbor Village, the aquarium can easily be enjoyed along with nearby attractions, making it a great spot to spend the entire day.

○ Opening Hours: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (subject to change; last admission is one hour before closing)

○ Closed: Irregular

▶ Click here for the operating hours calendar

Kaiyukan is about a 5-minute walk from Osaka Metro Chuo Line’s Osakako Station. The surrounding roads are wide, with hotels and other facilities nearby, making it a conveniently located destination. Below are the main access routes:

a.From Osaka Station to Kaiyukan

Take the Osaka Loop Line from Osaka Station and get off at Bentencho Station. Transfer to the Osaka Metro Chuo Line and get off at Osakako Station. Walk about 5 minutes. Total travel time: approx. 35 minutes.

b.From Namba Station to Kaiyukan

Take the Osaka Metro Midosuji Line from Namba Station and get off at Hommachi Station. Transfer to the Chuo Line and get off at Osakako Station. Walk about 5 minutes. Total travel time: approx. 30 minutes.

c.From Kansai International Airport to Kaiyukan

Take the Kansai Airport Limousine Bus bound for the Kaiyukan area from Kansai Airport Terminal 1, get off at Tempozan Kaiyukan stop. Walk about 2 minutes. Travel time: approx. 1 hour.

Alternatively, take the Nankai Airport Line from Kansai Airport Station and get off at Namba Station. Transfer to the Nankai Main Line and get off at Shin-Imamiya Station. Transfer to the Osaka Loop Line, get off at Bentencho Station, then transfer to the Chuo Line and get off at Osakako Station. Walk about 5 minutes. Travel time: approx. 1 hour 20 minutes.

d.From the Osaka-Kansai Expo site to Kaiyukan

Take the Osaka Metro Chuo Line from Yumeshima Station and get off at Osakako Station. Walk about 5 minutes. Travel time: approx. 15 minutes.

To make the aquarium more accessible to a wider range of visitors, Kaiyukan uses a dynamic pricing system, with ticket prices that vary depending on the day.

a. Ticket Prices
Adults (High school students / Age 16 and over): From ￥2,700
Children (Elementary and junior high school students): From ￥1,400
Toddlers (Age 3 and over): From ￥700
Children under 2: Free

Payment is accepted via various credit cards (at the ticket counter and online), as well as electronic payments like iD and PiTaPa (in-person only).
▶ Click here for ticket price

b. Advance Reservations Available
There are two types of tickets: advance e-tickets and same-day tickets.
Advance e-tickets can be purchased from 30 days before your visit up to the aquarium’s opening time on the day of your visit.
Same-day tickets are available online and at the ticket counter from opening time until the last admission time.
Note: Queues for same-day tickets at the counter may be long, so we recommend buying tickets in advance!
▶ Purchase your Kaiyukan e-tickets here
*Please note that a member registration is required to buy Kaiyukan e-tickets.

c. Re-Entry Is Allowed!
Same-day re-entry is permitted until one hour before closing.
You can enjoy the aquarium in the morning, have a relaxing lunch or explore Tempozan Marketplace, and return to Kaiyukan in the evening for a different atmosphere.

a. How Long Does It Take to Tour the Entire Aquarium?
Kaiyukan is a one-way route, so there’s no need to worry about getting lost. Starting from the 8th floor and gradually making your way down, it takes about 90 to 120 minutes to complete a full tour of the aquarium.

If you’re doing a quick visit focusing on the main exhibits: approximately 1 hour 30 minutes
If you want to take your time enjoying the exhibits, shopping, and dining: approximately 2.5 to 3 hours

These estimates are based on a leisurely pace for adults. If you’re visiting with small children, it may take a bit longer. There are benches throughout the facility, but they may be crowded. Since the tour starts from the 8th floor and requires walking down, a stroller is recommended for families with young children.

▶ Click here for the facility map

b. The Nighttime Kaiyukan Is Also Highly Recommended!

Starting at 5:00 PM, Kaiyukan transforms into the “Nighttime Kaiyukan.” The lighting and background music change, creating a beautifully fantastical atmosphere throughout the aquarium. You’ll see the animals behave differently than they do during the day – a must-see experience!

There is no need to exit and re-enter for the nighttime session. We recommend entering around 4:00 PM so you can enjoy both the daytime and nighttime versions of the aquarium in a single visit.

To help you enjoy your visit smoothly, Kaiyukan offers a variety of convenient services.

a. Luggage Storage & Coin Lockers
Coin lockers are available at multiple locations: Inside Kaiyukan (paid zone), Kaiyukan Entrance Building, or Tempozan Marketplace
▶ Click here for locker sizes and fees

b. Baby Care Room
The baby care room is equipped with:Kids’ toilets, nursing booths and diaper-changing tables. Perfect for families with infants or toddlers to visit comfortably.

c. Wheelchair Rental

Wheelchairs are available for free at the Information Desk next to the ticket counter.

To use one, advance contact is required. Please call Kaiyukan Information Center at 06-6576-5501.

Kaiyukan is home to approximately 620 species and 30,000 individual creatures. Here, we highlight some of the must-see popular animals you won’t want to miss.

a. Whale shark

The whale shark, which inhabits warm seas around the world, is the largest fish species (a type of shark), growing to over 12 meters in length. Watching them swim gracefully through the massive tank is a must-see experience. As of July 2025, two whale sharks are on display.

b. Ringed seal

The ringed seal, named for the ring-like spots on its body, is a beloved favorite at the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan thanks to its adorable appearance. At the aquarium, the Arctic environment is recreated across two levels – above and below the ice – allowing visitors to observe the seals’ diverse behaviors and expressions.

Feeding times: 10:20 a.m. and 3:05 p.m.

c. Otter

The Asian small-clawed otter is the smallest species among otters, and you can meet them in the “Japan Forest” exhibit. Watch as they dart around swiftly both on land and underwater, showcasing their playful and energetic nature.

Feeding times: 11:30 a.m., 1:30 p.m., and 3:30 p.m.

d. Jellyfish

Moon jellyfish, commonly seen along the coast of Japan, are known for their translucent bodies. Alongside them, you’ll also find species like the lion’s mane jellyfish and flower hat jellyfish. You can view these mesmerizing creatures in the “Jellyfish Galaxy” area, where they appear to float in a space-like setting, reminiscent of a galaxy.

Note: Exhibited species may change periodically.

e. Penguin

The king penguin is the second-largest species of penguin. Rather than building nests, they incubate their eggs by placing them on top of their feet and covering them with a flap of abdominal skin. At the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, you can find king penguins sharing a tank with Adélie and gentoo penguins.

Feeding times: 10:20 AM and 2:30 PM.

Get up close and personal with marine life – an experience only possible at one of the largest aquariums in the world!

During “Feeding Time,” you can witness the animals being fed and even see training sessions that are essential for their health management. Don’t miss the chance to catch these powerful and up-close scenes as the animals come right up to the acrylic panels!
▶Feeding time for the creatures

If you want to take a break during your underwater stroll, we recommend the café inside the aquarium. You can enjoy soft serve ice cream, drinks, and light snacks.

「cafe R.O.F」

This café is located at the back of the “Japan Trench” exhibit. From the windows, you can enjoy scenic views of Osaka Port, and some seats even offer a view of the aquarium tanks while you relax.

a. Whale Shark Soft Serve – 440 yen

A popular treat at the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, this soft-serve ice cream combines ramune (Japanese soda) and vanilla flavors, inspired by the whale shark’s distinctive coloration and patterns.

b. Garden Eel Hot Dog – 800 yen

This hefty hot dog measures around 40 cm in length and is inspired by the slender shape of a garden eel (chin anago). It’s a fun and filling treat perfect for a break during your aquarium visit!

c. Whale Shark Latte – 530 yen

A creamy café latte topped with an adorable whale shark design made with cocoa powder. It’s as photogenic as it is delicious – perfect for sharing on social media!

The official shop is accessible once you enter the Kaiyukan. Be sure to check out the exclusive items created in collaboration with popular stationery and tenugui (Japanese hand towel) brands-perfect souvenirs you won’t find anywhere else!

a. Plush Whale Shark with Gills

b. 35th Anniversary Original Merchandise

There are plenty of other must-see spots in Osaka! Let us introduce some exciting attractions, including the facilities around Tempozan Harbor Village – where the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is located – as well as a sumo-themed event space and the much-anticipated Osaka-Kansai Expo, which draws huge crowds and creates a lively atmosphere.

a. Tempozan Area

Tempozan Harbor Village, where the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is located, is a large amusement complex offering shopping, dining, and entertainment. You can enjoy attractions such as a giant Ferris wheel and sightseeing cruises. Since same-day re-entry is allowed at the aquarium, it’s a great opportunity to explore various facilities in the area together!

Tempozan Marketplace

Tempozan Marketplace is a large commercial complex where visitors can enjoy gourmet food and shopping. Highlights include “Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho”, where you can try Osaka specialties like takoyaki and kushikatsu, a variety of souvenir shops, and amusement facilities that children will love.

Santa Maria Sightseeing Cruise

Inspired by the ship Columbus sailed across the Atlantic, this sailing-style cruise ship takes you on a relaxing tour around Osaka Bay.

Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel

One of the world’s largest Ferris wheels, standing 112.5 meters tall. The panoramic view is spectacular, especially when it’s beautifully illuminated at night.

Tempozan Anipa

Located inside Tempozan Marketplace, this all-weather animal facility allows visitors to interact with and feed various animals-a perfect spot for animal lovers and families.

Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho

A retro-style food alley inside Tempozan Marketplace that recreates the nostalgic streets of Osaka. Here, you can savor all the classic Kansai delicacies in one spot.

b. THE SUMO HALL HIRAKUZA OSAKA
THE SUMO HALL HIRAKUZA OSAKA is an all-new, interactive entertainment hall where visitors can experience the fusion of sumo wrestling, live performances, and Japanese food culture. With over 1,500 years of history, sumo is not just a sport but a deeply rooted tradition-and this venue brings its intensity and cultural significance to life in an exciting, modern way.
▼For more details▼

THE SUMO HALL HIRAKUZA OSAKA｜Sumo Entertainment Show in Namba, Osaka

c. Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai
Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai is currently being held on Yumeshima Island in Osaka until Monday, October 13. With the theme “Designing Future Society for Our Lives,” the expo brings together 159 countries and regions from around the world. Each pavilion is full of creative ideas and innovations, attracting countless visitors every day for this once-in-a-lifetime global event.
▼For more details▼

A Complete Guide to EXPO 2025 Osaka, Kansai: Must-See Pavilions, What to Bring, and How to Get There