tripuuu.log
Aquarium · Kansai

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

OsakaMostly indoors · rain-friendlyAdvance tickets recommended
Search by dates and destination
Overview

Overview

Located in Tempozan Harbor Village in Osaka, this is one of the world’s largest aquariums. Tanks recreating the natural environments of the Pacific Rim are arranged along a route that leads from the top floors down. It houses about 30,000 creatures of some 620 species.

Address
1-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato-ku, Osaka
Closed
Open year-round in principle (closed Jan 14–15, 2026 for facility inspection; 2 closure days in total every January)
Time needed
About 2 hours (the typical visit per the official FAQ; no time limit during opening hours)
Official website
https://www.kaiyukan.com/
Official website (English) ↗
Highlights

Highlights

In the central “Pacific Ocean” tank, the aquarium’s signature whale sharks glide by, visible from multiple floors. The “Jellyfish Galaxy” jellyfish exhibit and zones such as the Arctic and the Japan Forest are also popular. With a separately priced Whale Shark Backyard ticket, you can view the Pacific Ocean tank from directly above.

Hours

Opening hours

Opening hours (regular)10:00–20:00

Varies by season and day (some days open at 8:30 or 9:30 over New Year and in peak periods). Check the official opening hours calendar for each day

Last entry1 hour before closing
cafe R.O.F / SEA SAW30 min after opening – 30 min before closing

Last order at cafe R.O.F is 1 hour before closing

Hours vary by day and season. Check the official website before you go.

Tickets

Prices & tickets

Adult (high school students or 16+)Variable (¥2,700–¥3,200)

Tax included. Check the official price calendar for each date. No senior discount (adult rate)

Child (elementary and junior high school students)Variable (¥1,400–¥1,650)

Tax included

Young child (3+)Variable (¥700–¥800)

Tax included

2 and underFree
Disability certificate holdersHalf the above prices

The holder and 1 caregiver. Can also be shown via Mirairo ID or Mynaportal

Whale Shark Backyard¥1,500 (¥2,500 at feeding time)

Admission not included. Elementary school age and up. Sold at the same-day ticket counter or at the venue

Prices include tax and may change. Check the official website before buying.

🎫 How to buy tickets
  • →Buying the official “Kaiyukan e-ticket (date/time-specified)” in advance is recommended. You choose your entry time in 15-minute slots and skip the same-day ticket line
  • →Same-day tickets are sold at the counter, but you may not get your preferred entry time. Buying ahead is especially reassuring on weekends and holidays
  • →Prices vary by day. Pick a cheaper day on the price calendar to save
  • →From Jun 15, 2026, re-entry is not allowed. Once you leave the building, you cannot come back in
  • →Combo tickets are available with the Captain Line (shuttle boat toward USJ) and LEGOLAND Discovery Center Osaka
Tickets & tours for this attractionPR
Tips

Tips for travelers

  • ✓Booking an e-ticket with a set entry time lets you skip the ticket counter line
  • ✓Choosing a cheaper day on the price calendar can save adults a few hundred yen
  • ✓The Pacific Ocean tank is visible from multiple floors, so if you miss the whale sharks upstairs, you can catch them again further down
  • ✓cafe R.O.F on the 4th floor has seats where you can rest while watching a tank. It’s the only place inside where you can eat
  • ✓Whale Shark Backyard tickets are sold at the same-day counter or at the venue; feeding-time sessions run up to twice a day, in the morning (weekends and holidays, etc.) and afternoon
  • ✓If visiting USJ the same day, a combo ticket with the Captain Line (about 10 min) is handy
Access

Getting there

Nearest station
  • Osakako Station (Osaka Metro Chuo Line)About 5 min walkSecondary station name: “Kaiyukan-mae.” Exit 1 is most convenient (Exits 1, 2, and 5 lead toward Kaiyukan)
From major stations & airports
  • JR Osaka Station / Umeda: Osaka Metro, transferring to the Chuo Line, to Osakako Station. Or Osaka City Bus Route 88 toward Tempozan
  • Namba: Osaka City Bus Route 60 bound for Tempozan
  • Kansai International Airport: Kansai Airport Limousine Bus to Tempozan (Kaiyukan), right by the stop
  • Universal Studios Japan: Captain Line shuttle boat from Universal City Port to Kaiyukan West Pier (About 10 min)
Direct buses & boats
Captain Line shuttle boat (Universal City Port–Kaiyukan West Pier, about 10 min; may be canceled depending on weather and sea conditions). The Kansai Airport Limousine Bus also stops at Tempozan (Kaiyukan)
IC cards
Transit IC cards work on Osaka Metro and Osaka City Bus. Inside the aquarium, PiTaPa, iD, and similar can be used for payment
Getting back
  • Re-entry isn’t allowed, so it’s efficient to save dining and shopping at Tempozan Marketplace for after your visit
  • If heading to USJ, check the Captain Line’s operating hours on its official website in advance
Open in Google Maps ↗
Crowds

Crowds & best time to go

Busy
Weekends, long weekends, New Year. With same-day tickets you may not get your preferred time
Quieter
Weekdays, and from late afternoon on (on days open until 20:00)
Time needed
About 2 hours (the typical visit per the official FAQ; no time limit during opening hours)
Weather

Weather & what to wear

Spring

All exhibits are indoors, so you can enjoy them regardless of season or weather.

Summer

Air-conditioned indoors, it’s a great choice for a hot day in Osaka.

Autumn

A pleasant season. Easy to combine with the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel and a stroll around the harbor.

Winter

Open throughout New Year, with earlier opening on some days. Closed for inspection in January.

☂ Rainy days
All exhibits are indoors, so rain is no problem. The roughly 5-minute walk from Osakako Station to the entrance is outdoors. The Captain Line may be canceled depending on weather and sea conditions
Heat
Fully air-conditioned and comfortable. Just watch out on the walk from the station and in outdoor lines
Cold
Warm inside. It faces the harbor, so sea winds can be strong outdoors on some days
What to wear & bring
The route is mostly ramps and involves a lot of walking, so wear comfortable shoes. Suitcases aren’t allowed inside, so store them beforehand. Bring drinks in lidded containers such as PET bottles
☁ Kansai weather by month
JanuaryFebruaryMarchAprilMayJuneJulyAugustSeptemberOctoberNovemberDecember
Rules

Rules & what you can bring

  • !No re-entry (from Jun 15, 2026)
  • !Eating is allowed only at cafe R.O.F on the 4th floor. Drinks in containers that spill if tipped over (tumblers, open cups, etc.) and alcohol are not allowed
  • !Photography is allowed, but flash (banned all day at special exhibit tanks and the ringed seal tank), tripods (monopods OK), selfie sticks, photography lights, and live streaming that obstructs viewing are prohibited
  • !No smoking anywhere inside, including e-cigarettes. Pets (other than assistance dogs) only in closed carriers (within 50×30×30 cm)
Facilities

Facilities & services

Lockers & luggage
Coin lockers near the Kaiyukan entrance, in Kaiyukan Hall, and near the museum shop (5 sizes, ¥200–700, per the 2023 English FAQ). Suitcases and bags over 120 cm in total dimensions (L+W+H) are not allowed inside
Payment
Ticket counters accept credit cards, PayPay, iD, PiTaPa, and Rakuten Pay. Cafés and shops also accept non-cash payments
Strollers & wheelchairs
No stroller rental. Stroller parking to the left of the ticket counter (only strollers of designated types may be brought inside). Wheelchairs lent at the information desk (next to the ticket counter) and the service counter (Entrance Building 3F) (limited numbers)
Accessibility
Almost all of the aquarium is ramped and wheelchair accessible. Staff can guide you to elevators as needed. Accessible restrooms (Entrance Building 2F and 6F inside), first-aid room (nurse on duty), baby care room and nursing room. Guide dogs, hearing dogs, and service dogs are welcome
Language support
Official website available in English, Korean, Simplified Chinese, Traditional Chinese, and Thai
Food

Food

Must-try
Jinbei soft-serve (cafe R.O.F, SEA SAW)Garden eel hot dog (cafe R.O.F)Jinbei latte (cafe R.O.F)Wrapped pizza and potato karaage (SEA SAW)
Dietary needs
Guests are advised to check allergens with staff
Where to Stay · Agoda

Places to Stay near Osaka Aquarium KaiyukanPR

PRSee more places to stay near Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan on Agoda →

Prices and availability are shown on Agoda.

Events

Events & festivals in Osaka

July

Tenjin Matsuri

Kansai ・ Osaka

Every year on July 24 (Yoimiya) and 25 (Hongu). Related events from late June

2027: Jul 24 (Yoimiya) & Jul 25 (Hongu) (held on the same dates every year)

September–October

Kishiwada Danjiri Festival

Kansai ・ Osaka

The September festival is usually on a weekend in mid- to late September, and the October festival on a weekend in early to mid-October (2 days each)

Next: 2026 October festival (Higashi-Kishiwada district and others), Oct 10 – Oct 11. The 2026 September festival was held Sep 19 – Sep 20

See all events →
Attractions

Attractions in Kansai

Theme park

Universal Studios Japan

Kansai ・ Osaka

This large theme park in Osaka’s Bay Area lets you step into the worlds of Hollywood movies and popular characters. Ride attractions, shows, and seasonal events can easily fill a full day.

Photo coming soonAquarium

NIFREL

Kansai ・ Suita

A "living museum" inside EXPOCITY, the large entertainment complex next to Expo '70 Commemorative Park in Osaka. Blending elements of an aquarium, zoo, and art museum, it's built around the theme of "touching" the individuality of living creatures. It's run by the same company as Kaiyukan.

☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendly
Zoo

Tennoji Zoo

Kansai ・ Osaka

Opened in 1915, this urban zoo run by the City of Osaka has more than 100 years of history. It sits in Tennoji Park right next to Shinsekai and Tsutenkaku Tower, and keeps about 1,000 animals of some 170 species across roughly 11 hectares. Admission prices were revised in July 2026.

Aquarium

Kyoto Aquarium

Kansai ・ Kyoto City

An inland aquarium in Umekoji Park, within walking distance of Kyoto Station. Its exhibits explore Kyoto's waterside nature and how it connects, from the "Kyoto River" to the "Kyoto Sea." With a dolphin stadium and jellyfish displays, it's an easy stop between Kyoto sightseeing spots.

Zoo

Kyoto City Zoo

Kansai ・ Okazaki, Kyoto

A city-run zoo inside Okazaki Park, home to Heian Shrine and several art museums. In its compact grounds you can see elephants, gorillas, and wild animals from Kyoto's forests. Admission is free for junior high students and younger, and just ¥750 for adults.

Aquarium

Kobe Suma Sea World

Kansai ・ Suma, Kobe

An aquarium with orcas that opened in Suma Beach Park in 2024. Along with orca and dolphin performances, you can enjoy exhibits of all kinds of marine life. It faces the Suma seaside and has an adjoining hotel.

Zoo

Safari Resort Himeji Central Park

Kansai ・ Himeji, Hyogo

The only safari park in the Kansai region, combining a safari park and an amusement park in one. You can enjoy both a drive-through safari, cruising among big predators in your own car or a safari bus, and a walking safari on foot. Seasonal facilities include a pool in summer and an ice rink in winter.

Zoo

Adventure World

Kansai ・ Shirahama, Wakayama

A theme park in Nanki-Shirahama that combines a zoo, an aquarium, and an amusement park. With Safari World for land animals, Marine World for sea creatures, a petting area, and the "Play Zone" amusement park, it easily fills a full day. All four giant pandas left for China in June 2025, so the highlights now center on penguins, the safari, and marine shows.

Amusement park

Hirakata Park

Kansai ・ Hirakata

Opened at its current location in 1912 (Taisho 1), it's the oldest continuously operating amusement park in Japan. It has about 40 kinds of attractions and is just a short walk from Hirakatakoen Station on the Keihan Main Line. It's about 30 minutes by train from both Osaka and Kyoto.

Photo coming soonExperience

Nintendo Museum

Kansai ・ Uji

A museum in Uji, Kyoto, that displays Nintendo's products through the years and lets you play hands-on exhibits. Tickets are date- and time-specific and must be reserved in advance, through a monthly lottery or first-come, first-served sales of slots that open up. If you want to include it in your itinerary, applying from the lottery 3 months before your visit is the surest way.

☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendlyAdvance, date-specific tickets required
Aquarium

Toba Aquarium

Kansai ・ Ise & Shima

An aquarium facing Toba Bay that claims the largest number of species kept in Japan (about 1,200). It's the only aquarium in Japan where you can see a dugong, and its sea otters and walruses are also popular. The building is all-weather, and it's within walking distance of JR/Kintetsu Toba Station.

☂ Mostly indoors · rain-friendly
Theme park

Shima Spain Village PARQUE ESPAÑA

Kansai ・ Ise & Shima

A Spain-themed park in Ise-Shima. From thrilling roller coasters to rides for kids, parades, and flamenco shows, it offers a full day of fun. A hotel and the Himawari no Yu hot spring are also on site.

Photo coming soonTheme park

UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE

Kansai ・ Uzumasa

Toei Kyoto Studio Park, a samurai-drama theme park that opened in 1975, reopened on March 28, 2026 as UZUMASA KYOTO VILLAGE after the first phase of its renewal. It is now an immersive park for adults built around the concept of wandering into Kyoto in the Edo period, with the second phase scheduled to open in spring 2027. It stays open until 21:00.

Zoo

Kobe Animal Kingdom

Kansai ・ Port Island, Kobe

A zoo on Kobe's Port Island where you can interact with flowers and animals. Its exhibits bring you close to the animals, including shoebills, capybaras, and alpacas. It has extensive indoor areas and is easy to reach, about 14 minutes from Sannomiya on the Port Liner.

See all attractions →

Hours, prices and access are based on official and other primary sources. They may change, so check the official website before you go.

Last checked: 2026-10-01

PRKlookOsaka Aquarium Kaiyukan Admission TicketKaiyukan admission e-ticketView