Visiting the Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan was an overall enjoyable experience. As a budget traveler I found the ticket relatively expensive compared to other attractions. Tickets are available for online purchase or at the door, with no price difference.
Notably, even though the ticket had specified a time range, the staff said I could enter at anytime – which was convenient.
The aquarium features all sorts of sea creatures, although I found most of the smaller exhibits quite minimal. The main attraction is this massive central tank that you keep circling as you walk through. It houses a whale shark along with all kinds of marine life swimming together, which is really impressive to see. However, because the route revolves around this central exhibit, it can get crowded and feel a bit repetitive after a while.
There are also different time sessions available, I believe that after 5pm, you will get to see a night version of the ocean, although I did not experience it myself.
Do note that because of the dim lighting and crowd, taking photos was not always easy and is easily dark or blurry.
Right next to the aquarium is Legoland Discovery Center Osaka. Below Legoland, there’s a lively area with a food court offering various cuisines, thrift shops with some unique finds, gacha stores full of fun capsule toys, and even an arcade if you’re up for some games. So even if you’re not big on aquariums, the area around Osaka Aquarium has plenty of food, shopping, and activities to keep you entertained.
