Aquariums are some of the most fascinating living museums in the world. It could be due to the fact that we're able to experience marine life that wouldn't otherwise be seen outside of scuba diving, or it could simply be the pure fascination with water-dwelling animals. Whatever the case might be, there's certainly no denying that a trip to any aquarium is a thrilling experience.
One of the largest aquariums in the world can be found in Osaka, Japan. The Osaka Aquarium is home to a unique list of marine species, many of which are not found in any other aquariums in the world. Here's why it's such a unique experience.
What It's Like To Visit Osaka Aquarium
Visiting one of the world's largest and most comprehensive aquariums is truly unlike any other marine experience. It all starts before visitors even enter the aquarium with an art installation that can be found just outside of the entrance. The building itself is part of this unique design, featuring two distinct bands of colors: blue, which symbolizes the Pacific Ocean, and red, which symbolizes the Pacific's Ring of Fire. Directly outside of the aquarium, visitors will find a life-sized model of a whale shark, giving only the slightest hint of the marine life that awaits them once inside.
- Fact: Osaka Aquarium has been open since 1990
To the right of the blue and red aquarium sits a smaller orange building, which is home to ticket sales and the official gift shop. Visitors can purchase tickets here but have the option to peruse the shop before or after their trip to the neighboring aquarium. Visitors also now have the option to purchase their tickets online through the Osaka Aquarium website.
Ticket Details
- Adults: 2,400 yen
- Children (Aged 7-15): 1,200 yen
- Infants (Aged 3-6): 600 yen
The Exhibits At Osaka Aquarium
Osaka Aquarium offers the most impressive display of Pacific marine life in all of Japan, featuring more than 15 large tanks. Each of these tanks is home to a unique 'environment' that represents the biomes within the Pacific. The largest of them all holds 5,400 tons of water and is home to the elusive whale shark. In order to experience the best of Osaka Aquarium, it's suggested that visitors make their way to the 8th floor before working their way down to the 4th, or 'ocean floor.' This is the most realistic experience and one that will showcase the Pacific's most unique marine life in order of top feeders all the way to bottom-feeding species.
Osaka Aquarium has a number of permanent exhibits, which are as follows.
Tunnel-Style Fish Underpass - Aqua Gate
A transparent tunnel that allows visitors to literally walk through an underwater world. Through shades of blue, watch as fish and other species swim overhead.
- Cownose ray
- Cherry porgy
- Square-spot fairy basslet
Japan Forest
This exhibit takes visitors through a rainforest setting, showcasing animals that live both in rivers as well as on its banks. The rainforests of the world are a vital part of our ecosystem, and many are at home in the Pacific.
- Asian small clawed otter
- River crab
- Japanese Giant Salamander
Aleutian Islands
The Aleutian Islands are home to species that are hardy enough to endure its often unrelenting weather conditions. One of these such species is the tufted puffin, which nests in its windy seaside cliffs.
- Tufted puffin
Monterey Bay
The Monterey Bay is absolutely teeming with life and is home to multiple species of sea lions, many of which make their homes on land as well as in the sea.
- California seal lion
- Largha seal
Gulf of Panama
Panama was once home to many rainforests and while those ecosystems have become much less throughout the centuries, it's still full of local marine life that calls it home.
- Ringtailed coati
- Long-spine porcupine fish
- Bigeyed solderfish
Ecuador Rain Forest
This rain forest, located directly on the equator, is said to be home to more diverse animal species than anywhere else in the world. Its hot temperatures combined with a unique landscape make it one of the most fascinating environments.
- Pirarucu
- Red Piranha
- Capibara
Antarctica
As one of the most frigid and harsh climates in the world, Antarctica is home to a surprising number of marine species. Of these, the penguins reign supreme.
- King penguin
- Gentoo penguin
- Adelie penguin
Tasman Sea
This is a marine environment that features no middle-ground in regard to hot and cold temperatures. Its extreme polar ends mean it's home to a unique species that can adapt easily.
- Pacific white-sided dolphin
Great Barrier Reef
It's more important than ever to understand underwater environments such as the Great Barrier Reef, which has been crucial to our marine ecosystems. Its unique array of life is what makes it so intriguing.
- Pennant coralfish
- Palette surgeonfish
- Threadfin butterflyfish
Pacific Ocean
The Pacific Ocean, as a whole, is home to both predators and gentle giants. Many of them are showcased in this part of the Osaka Aquarium.
- Whale shark
- Spotted eagle ray
- Indian mackerel
Seto Inland Sea
This unique island sea features marine species that are often carried in from other parts of the Pacific. Because of this, it has become a haven for a diverse range of wildlife and fisheries.
- Common octopus
- Spiny lobster
- Red seabream