Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan lays claim to being one of the largest aquariums in the world and is regularly ranked as the best in both Japan and Asia. Divided into 15 thematic zones – including the Pacific Ocean, the Gulf of Panama, the Great Barrier Reef, the Tasman Sea, Antarctica along with other marine ecosystems – the central tank is the focal point of the complex. At 9 metres in depth and 34 metres across, the tank is vast and most famously is home to two whale sharks – the largest fish in the world.

Overall, the aquarium supports 30,000 specimens representing more than 600 species. In addition to the main tanks, the aquarium includes interactive displays and special experiences including evening events along with multiple restaurants and shops. Part of the larger ‘Tempozan Harbor Village’, opening hours for the aquarium vary by season but generally it can be accessed from 10:00 to 19:00 with hours extended to 20:00 at certain times of year. Audio guides are available in English, Chinese, Korean and Thai. Available for rent for JPY500. Tickets are available online and at entrance however its worth booking in advance as your ticket will be allocated a specific time window in which you have to enter the aquarium, to avoid overcrowding. If you purchase your ticket at the aquarium itself, you may be waiting sometime until you can enter. See the aquariums website for further details including ticket reservations.