Osaka Kaiyûkan Aquarium 大阪海遊館
The Kaiyûkan aquarium, one of the most beautiful aquariums in Japan
Located at the water's edge, Osaka lives to the rhythm of the ocean. In Japan more generally, the sea is never far and its imprint is anchored in the landscape. The Kaiyukan Aquarium shows a sustained connection to the aquatic world and offers a visit that will appeal to the whole family!
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The brightly colored building may seem somewhat outdated at first, but the charm immediately sets in inside.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.
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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.
A Japan for families, both children, and adults
This family outing entertains young and old alike and everyone will enjoy the variety of species that coexist. The meal times of the inhabitants of this miniature sea are available on the website of the aquarium, which can lead to very entertaining shows for the little ones.
The more curious can also come at the end of the afternoon and visit at night. In the twilight of twilight, observing penguins asleep against each other or otters floating on the surface of the water in their sleep gives the impression of rediscovering the animal kingdom in its intimacy.
At the end of the visit, a special room will not fail to surprise you: a contact space, where it is possible to touch certain specimens without risk . Wash your hands, then dare to immerse them in the water to stroke stingrays, small sharks, and fish ... A unique experience that will please young and old alike.
- Read also: Visit Japan with the family
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.
Visite guidée d'Osaka, journée complète
Address, timetable & access
Address
Phone
+81 (0)66 576 5501Timetable
5 min walk from Osakako station (Chuo metro line); Tempozan bus stop on lines #60 and 88Price
Adult ticket: 2,300 yen ($20/17.50€) Child ticket (4 to 6 years old): 600 yen ($5/4.25€) School and college ticket (7 to 15 years old): 1,200 yen ($10.50/9.25€)Access
From 10 am to 8 am every day, last admission 7 pm (check closing days, see website)Website
http://www.kaiyukan.com/language/eng/index.htm