One of the largest aquariums in the world, Osaka’s Kaiyukan is also very well curated. The impressive attraction focuses on the marine ecosystem of the Pacific Ocean, hosting 30,000 creatures across more than 600 species. Make sure you set aside at least two and a half hours to do it all justice.
The aquarium exhibits are designed to be a journey from the surface down to the ocean floor. You start at the Japan Forest on the ground level, where you’ll encounter creatures that live near water, such as otters and salamanders. You then descend slowly into the depths of the sea, where the magnificent Pacific Ocean exhibit takes pride of place. This enormous nine-metre-tall tank, filled with 5,400 tonnes of water, is home to many giants of the sea such as whale sharks, scalloped hammerheads, spotted eagle rays and humphead wrasse, just to name a few.
Around the Pacific Ocean are 14 other exhibits, each a recreation of the natural habitat of an area in the Pacific Rim region. Highlights include the coastal seals and sea lions of Monterey Bay in California, the pirarucu and red piranha of the Ecuador Rainforest, the adorable king penguins of Antarctica, the Pacific white-sided dolphins of the Tasman Sea, the spiny lobster of the Seto Inland Sea, and the alienesque Japanese spider crab of the Japan Deep.
Beware of the Jellyfish area, as it’s so easy to lose track of time here. The dark space is akin to a fine jewellery showroom, with small tanks illuminated only by a sole spotlight each, making the graceful movement of the jellyfish look even more mesmerising and magical. Kids will undoubtedly find the experiential zones fascinating as they get to saddle up close to rockhopper penguins of the Falkland Islands and touch rays and sharks swimming in the Maldives exhibit.
On your way out, ask for a hand stamp so that you can revisit the aquarium on the same day. Chances are you’ll want to return after 5pm for the night aquarium experience, when the tanks take on an otherworldly glow, as if bathed in moonlight.
