2026年7月28日（火） 第153号

ニュースそのものより、ニュースを見た人のこと。

Travel / Osaka Prefecture

Kaiyukan

One of the world's largest aquariums, located at Tempozan in Osaka. Themed around the 'Ring of Fire and Pacific Rim,' it houses approximately 3,000 creatures across 620 species, with the highlight being the massive Pacific Ocean tank where whale sharks swim.

Exterior view of Kaiyukan aquarium

Photo: 663highland / CC BY 2.5

Key Facts July 13, 2026 · confirmed on official site
Access
Approx. 5-minute walk from Exit 1 of Osaka Metro Chuo Line 'Osakako Station (Kaiyukan-mae)'
Duration
Approx. 120 minutes (allow 3 hours if you want to explore at a leisurely pace)
Price
Adults (16 and over) ¥2,700–¥3,500; Children (ages 7–15) ¥1,400–¥1,800; Toddlers (ages 3–6) ¥700–¥900; Ages 2 and under free (all prices tax-included; dynamic pricing applies by date)
Hours
10:00 AM–8:00 PM (last entry 1 hour before closing) *Hours may vary by season
Closed
Irregular closures (check the official website calendar before visiting: https://www.kaiyukan.com/info/hours/)
Visit official site ↗

Prices and hours may change. Please check the official site before you go.

An Aquarium That Immerses You in a Journey Around the Pacific Rim

Kaiyukan is one of the world's largest aquariums, located at Tempozan in Osaka. It is about a 5-minute walk from Exit 1 of Osaka Metro Chuo Line's Osakako Station (Kaiyukan-mae), situated within the Tempozan Harbor Village complex. The theme of the aquarium is the 'Pacific Rim.' Diverse ecosystems surrounding the Pacific Ocean are recreated zone by zone, home to approximately 3,000 creatures spanning 620 species. The journey begins in Japan's forests and coastal areas, then moves through the Tasman Sea, the Aleutian Islands, the Arctic, and finally into the vast Pacific Ocean — a lavish design that lets you experience the many faces of the Earth's oceans all at once. The building features a spiral circulation route: visitors ride escalators to the upper floors and then wind their way down through each zone in a one-way flow, making it easy to navigate and stress-free even for families with young children. Plan for about 2 hours, but if you want to take your time in each zone, allow 3 hours or more.

The Star Is the Whale Shark — The Overwhelming Scale of the Main 'Pacific Ocean' Tank

The greatest highlight of Kaiyukan is the enormous 'Pacific Ocean' tank that runs through the heart of the building. The whale sharks that live here are the largest fish in the world, and watching their massive bodies drift slowly through the water completely recalibrates your sense of scale. The tank spans multiple floors in an open atrium structure, allowing visitors to observe the same creatures from different depths on each level. Look up and you see light filtering through the surface; at eye level, whale sharks glide past with effortless grace; descend toward the lower floors and shadowy fish loom near the bottom — the same tank delivers an entirely different experience depending on where you stand. Alongside the whale sharks, large rays, tuna, bonito, and other open-ocean fish share the space, giving you the sensation of actually standing in the middle of the open sea. The quietest, most unhurried viewing is right at opening time, before the crowds arrive.

Dolphins, Seals, Jellyfish — How to Enjoy the Many Zones

Beyond the 'Pacific Ocean' tank, the other zones are equally rewarding. The 'Tasman Sea' zone is popular for its dynamic dolphin exhibit, where you can watch the animals move both underwater and above the surface. In the 'Arctic' zone, seals dart nimbly through the water, while the 'Forests of Japan' zone recreates a freshwater environment complete with waterfalls and aquatic plants, showcasing Japan's native wildlife. The area known as 'Jellyfish Galaxy' creates a uniquely tranquil atmosphere, with diverse jellyfish drifting through ethereal lighting that tends to stop visitors of all ages in their tracks. Many zones feature display glass that extends low to the ground, so young children can look creatures in the eye without being held up by a parent. The aquarium shop stocks the classic whale shark merchandise alongside plush toys and goods themed to each zone.

The Key Is Checking Prices, Tickets, and Access in Advance

Kaiyukan uses dynamic pricing, meaning admission fees vary by date. Adults (16 and over) ¥2,700–¥3,500; children (ages 7–15) ¥1,400–¥1,800; toddlers (ages 3–6) ¥700–¥900; ages 2 and under free (all prices tax-included). On quieter weekdays, adults can enter for ¥2,700, helping families keep costs down. Purchasing tickets in advance through the official website is recommended, and it's wise to secure them early for weekends, public holidays, and school vacation periods when the aquarium gets very busy. Visitors holding a disability certificate and one accompanying caregiver are admitted at half the regular admission price. Access: approx. 5-minute walk from Exit 1 of Osaka Metro Chuo Line's Osakako Station (Kaiyukan-mae). Tempozan Harbor Village offers plenty of restaurants and souvenir shops, and combining a visit with the adjacent Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel makes for a full day out in the area. General hours are 10:00 AM–8:00 PM (last entry 1 hour before closing), with seasonal variations. It is strongly recommended to check the official website's calendar for any closures before you head out.

Kenta Sasaki

How this character would spend the day

Kenta's Recommended Route (Weekend Visit with Kids)

  1. 10:00Enter right at opening. Head straight for the 'Pacific Ocean' tank before it gets crowded. Position the kids in front of the whale shark and wait for the inevitable 'IT'S HUGE!' moment.
  2. 10:50Start working through the zones from the upper floors downward. The dolphins in 'Tasman Sea' and the seals in 'Arctic' move fast — kids love it. The one-way route means no backtracking or getting lost.
  3. 11:30Reach the 'Jellyfish Galaxy' zone. Take your time in the calm, low-lit space. Kids often surprise you by becoming unexpectedly captivated here. You're near the end of the route now, so the exit isn't far.
  4. 12:00Pick up a whale shark plushie at the shop on the way out. You can already see the negotiation for 'what's next' coming from a mile away.
  5. 12:15Grab lunch at Tempozan Marketplace. Secure a table before the crowd hits (skip this step and you will regret it). After eating, brace yourself for Round 2 of negotiations: the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel — yes or no?