One of the world's great aquariums, built around a giant central tank holding whale sharks. You spiral downward past 15 habitats of the Pacific Rim. Open 10:00-20:00 (last entry 19:00); dynamic pricing roughly 2,300-2,700 yen adults. Book online to skip lines.
Key facts
| Hours | Mon-Sun: 10:00-20:00 (last admission 19:00; hours vary seasonally) |
|---|---|
| Price | $$ |
| Phone | — |
| Website | — |
| Nearest transit | Osakako Station (Chuo subway line), 5-minute walk |
| Time needed | 2-2.5 hours |
| Best time to go | Weekday mornings or after 4pm to dodge school groups |
| Last verified | July 15, 2026 |
Friend Score
8.0/10- Value7.5
- iconic8.5
- Freshness9.3
- excellence8.5
- Crowd level5.0
- Authenticity8.0
- Accessibility8.0
Frequently asked questions
- What are the opening hours?
- Generally 10:00 to 20:00 with last admission at 19:00, though hours shift by season. Evenings are quieter and the jellyfish and deep-sea areas look especially good under low light.
- Is it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs?
- Yes, the spiral route uses gentle ramps and elevators, so strollers and wheelchairs manage well. It's one of the more accessible major attractions in Osaka.
- How long does it take to walk through?
- Plan on about two to two and a half hours. The route is a one-way spiral from the top down, so you can't easily backtrack, but you can linger at the big tank at the bottom.
- What else is at Tempozan?
- The aquarium sits in Tempozan Harbor Village with a giant Ferris wheel, the Legoland Discovery Center, and a market hall. It's an easy half-day combined with a ride on the wheel.
- How do I get there?
- Take the Chuo subway line to Osakako Station and walk about five minutes. From central Osaka it's roughly 30 minutes total, and signs point the way from the station exit.
- Is it worth it with the crowds?
- Yes, but time it well. Midday and weekends bring school groups and families that clog the ramps. Go right at opening on a weekday or after 4pm for a calmer visit.
- How much are tickets and why do prices vary?
- The aquarium uses dynamic pricing, so adults pay roughly 2,300 to 2,700 yen depending on the day and demand. Booking online in advance usually locks in a lower price and lets you skip the ticket line.
- Are the whale sharks always there?
- Kaiyukan keeps whale sharks in its enormous central Pacific Ocean tank, and they're the headline attraction. On rare occasions an animal may be off-exhibit for care, but they are the aquarium's signature and almost always on view.
Nearby in Ask Osaka
- Tempozan Marketplace and Giant Ferris WheelAttraction0.2 km · 2 min walk
- Universal Studios JapanAttraction1.28 km · 16 min walk
- Maishima Sports Island ParkPark3.38 km · 42 min walk
- Endo Sushi (Osaka Central Fish Market)Restaurant5.34 km · 67 min walk
- HorieNeighborhood6.22 km · 78 min walk
Where to stay near Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
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