Osaka Aquarium, Osaka

The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, located in the Minato ward of Osaka, near Osaka Bay, is one of the most impressive public aquariums in the world. It was the largest public aquarium globally when it first opened. The aquarium offers visitors an opportunity to explore the diverse marine life of the Pacific Rim. Home to 30,000 creatures representing 620 species, its colossal viewing tanks meticulously recreate the Pacific Ocean's diverse habitats and ecosystems, from the Great Barrier Reef to the Arctic.

The aquarium's history dates back to 1988 when plans for its construction were initiated to redevelop the Osaka Bay Area. Following the success of similar overseas projects, the Kaiyukan and the Tempozan Marketplace were built. Named "Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan" through a public naming contest, the aquarium opened its doors in 1990. Its popularity was immediate, attracting 1 million visitors within 40 days and 2 million within 101 days. By the end of its first year, it had welcomed 5.6 million visitors, surpassing the national record held by Tokyo Sea Life Park at that time.

Located in the Tempozan Harbor Village of Osaka's bay area, the Kaiyukan stands out for its impressive and well-organized display of Pacific Rim marine life. The aquarium features over a dozen tanks, each representing a specific region of the Pacific Rim. The central tank, representing the Pacific Ocean, is nine meters deep and houses a whale shark, the aquarium's main attraction. Visitors begin their tour on the 8th floor and spiral down floor by floor around the central tank, with some tanks spanning multiple floors, offering various perspectives and depths for observing marine life.