Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium - visitation tips

Wanted to see some fish?  The Kaiyukan Aquarium in Osaka is the largest in the world!  It features a super impressive jumbo main tank and lots of other different environments for sea life.  Plan of spending at least two hours here or more time if you really enjoy observing the gracefulness of giant sea creatures. 

After taking an escalator up a few stories you finally make it to the tunnel full of fish.  Fish!  This is why you came to the aquarium.  But keep in mind this is just the beginning of your fantastic journey so keep moving - don't get stuck here.  Besides, it's it a bit rude to just stop in your tracks when there is a line of people behind you?  Around the corner are plenty of exhibits for you to enjoy.

A cool intro to the aquarium, but keep moving, there is so much more to see.

First tip - The aquarium is several stories high, so keep in mind that if you're looking at an exhibit there is probably another level to it.  So if you see penguins hanging out on rocks diving into the water, rest assured there will be another opportunity (another level down) where you will be able to see their swimming skills.  I just don't want you to think this is your only chance to see this well-dressed bird.

Penguins and crowds above

Swimming penguins and less crowds a floor below

There will be lot of exhibits with different kinds of marine life.

You might even make a best friend.  This seal (and the man viewing him) seemed to have a special relationship.

Finally reaching the main aquarium for the first time will be an awe-inspiring experience.  You'll probably quickly see the giant whale sharks, hammerhead sharks, and manta rays graceful float by and you'll squirm your way to the best position possible in the few windows available.

Whale Shark.  Notice in the background that this exhibit is at least three stories high.

Second tip - There will be lots of crowds, but it's best to be aware that your initial introduce to the main tank is just the first part of the giant fish-bowl.  Keep traveling and a few turns later you're guaranteed to find yourself a spot away from all the people, with just as good (or better) views of all the magical fishes and mammals.

A must not-to-miss section is the area with the giant crabs.  There you'll see huge crabs chilling while fish swim around them - decent-sized fish which are good for size perspective in the shots.  This definitely seems like an other-world part of the aquarium.

The one exhibit I found rather disappointing was the squarish ocean sunfish exhibit, where the ocean sunfish keep banging into the walls of their aquarium and continue swimming until they somehow managed to gain enough of an angle to move away from the glass wall, only to end up doing the same thing at the next wall.  I can only imagine this is exhausting and frustrating for this poor beautiful animal.

The ocean sunfish just before he hit the side of his tank.  Notice the nets to soften the blow.

At the end of your aquarium journey there will be an opportunity to pet some gentle sharks and rays.

Third tip - when it's time to leave the aquarium there will be a tiny souvenir shop at the exit.  It will probably be crowded and has limited merchandise.  Once you get outside the shop and go downstairs that's where the huge gift shop is!  So don't think that first gift shop is your only shot at souvenirs!

Final tip - there are lockers at the entrance/exit of the aquarium, so don't worry about buying things at the neighboring shopping area before your visit.  You won't have to carry all your goodies, jackets, or umbrella throughout this enormous space.

Osaka Aquarium Website

Captain Line from Universal Studios