Osaka Kaiyûkan Aquarium 大阪海遊館

Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium: A 180 Degree Tour

Aquariums are numerous in Japan, a country resolutely turned towards the sea. The Japanese indeed appreciate fish and other sea creatures, whether they are on their plates or in aquariums! Weekend trips to the aquarium are thus one of the favorite leisure activities of the Japanese.

Far from the bustle of the Namba district, the Osaka Kaiyukan aquarium is located on a median that juts out into the bay. Opened in July 1990, it houses a huge reservoir of 5,400 m3 and more than 620 different species. In all, 30,000 specimens share the premises.

The brightly colored building may seem somewhat outdated at first, but the charm immediately sets in inside. The entrance is via an underwater tunnel called "Aqua Gate". Propelled through a long air corridor in the middle of the sea, the first contact with aquatic life is 180 degrees.

The visit is accomplished from top to bottom, starting at the eighth level and then following the path, in the form of a downward spiral. Each space takes up a geographical area of the Pacific Ocean and presents animal and plant life. Certain pools of the Osaka Aquarium are visible from several floors, which allows a "vertical" glimpse of the fauna that inhabits the reproduced environment.

There is also a "greenhouse" area, where there are various furry animals, such as otters playing in the waterfalls. Finally, the aquarium has recently set up a new area: the interactive exhibition where the visitor benefits from the sounds, the smells, and the temperature of an area of the globe. Three regions are currently represented: the Maldives, the Arctic, and the Falkland Islands.

• Read also: The 5 most beautiful aquariums in Japan

Admire the maritime flora and fauna of Japan

Numerous in Japan, aquariums present a glimpse of the fauna, but also of the marine flora and the creatures that live on the coasts or fly over the waves. There are many mammals with or without hair (dolphins, otters, beavers, seals ...), as well as birds , swimmers or not (penguins, ibis, ducks ...).

In the center of the building is the largest basin (9 meters high!), In which several whale sharks evolve, including one twelve meters long . The whale shark is considered the largest fish in the oceans. The incessant ballet of the immense manta rays is also breathtaking!

In addition to the "regional" pools, an entire part of the aquarium has jellyfish , whose ghostly shapes plunge the visitor into the abyssal depths. Each species is installed in round tanks, sometimes immersed in darkness, for an impressive effect.

Do not miss the fixed hours when the keepers feed certain species such as penguins, dolphins, otters or even capybaras.

The price of admission may be a cold shoulder for a budget, but the Osaka Aquarium offers a very relaxing excursion and shows a panel of unusual aquatic fauna.

To get there, simply take the Chuo line and exit at the Osakako station very close to the aquarium. After visiting the aquarium, there are other attractions and places nearby that may be of interest to families: the Tempozan Ferris Wheel (part of the Tempozan Harbor Village complex), or the Legoland Center, where little ones can discover beautiful models and reproductions in Lego.

Finally, be sure to go to the end of the artificial island to enjoy the view of Osaka Bay.

For further :

• Osaka's Top 10 by our Travel Angel, Yoann
• Churaumi, Okinawa's great aquarium
• Kyoto Aquarium
• Tokyo Sea Life Park Aquarium