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Breathtaking Aquarium

Hey there! I'm super excited to take you on a quick trip to one of Osaka's most exciting attractions: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan!

How to get there: From JR Osaka Station, catch the JR Osaka Loop Line to Bentencho Station. Then, switch to the Chuo Subway Line and travel two stops to Osakako Station.

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Since our little one came along, we've been on a quest to check out aquariums and sea life parks wherever we go. It's become our go-to family activity during trips. And let me tell you, when we got to Osaka, we just had to swing by Osaka Aquarium—it's seriously one of the biggest ones out there!

We got there around 10:30 AM, and after a quick stop at the ticket counter (there was a bit of a line, but it moved pretty fast), we were good to go. Tickets cost $19 per adult, but hey, our kiddo got in free, which was a sweet deal. And pro tip: you can stash your stuff and stroller on the 2nd floor before you start your adventure. Then, we hopped on the escalator and went all the way up to the top to kick off our exploration. It can get a bit warm and dim inside, so it's smart to keep hydrated and keep an eye on the little ones :)

We had an amazing time visiting Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan! he big main tank was impressive! Seeing a whale shark up close for the first time was truly incredible. They were the highlight and star of the show.

As we made our way through the aquarium, we encountered all kinds of sea creatures not just fish —dolphins, stingrays, otter, and cute penguins, and more… and the jellyfish displays were mesmerizing.

Cutest penguin - not a camera shy :)

More photos…

The layout of the aquarium is like a guided tour, with arrows pointing you in the right direction. It's easy to navigate, unlike some places where you're just wandering around. With eight floors to explore, there's always something cool to discover. Plus, there are interactive exhibits and stuff to learn about marine life. Check out their website for more info. Be sure to add Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan to the top of your must-visit list!

Official website: Osaka Aquarium Kaikuyakan

Pro Tip: If you're into collecting stamps, you're in luck at Osaka Aquarium! You'll find them in every corner, making it a fun way to gather memories of your visit. Plus, it's a great activity to keep the kids entertained and engaged throughout your aquarium adventure!

Tempozan Market Place

After checking out the Osaka Aquarium, swing by Tempozan Market Place for some food and shopping. It's conveniently located near the aquarium ticket booths, a two-story mall packed with dining spots and shops. We enjoyed our lunch there and walked around. Don't miss out on the fun at the Legoland Discovery Center - even if you only visit the Legoland store, like we did, it's still fun for the kids. With plenty of shops like Sanrio catering to Hello Kitty fans and offering cute items like my daughter loves - she’s into it now, this place is ideal souvenir shopping. And after a busy day, it's the perfect place to unwind and enjoy a meal.

Where We Stayed in Osaka

We stayed at Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station for 3 days and 2 nights — and I can’t recommend it enough, especially if you’re planning to explore beyond Osaka.

The hotel is literally steps away from Shin-Osaka Station, one of the major transportation hubs in Japan. This made our arrival super easy, as we came in via the Shinkansen (bullet train) from Tokyo. The convenience of being right next to the station was a game changer — not only for arriving and departing but also for planning day trips to nearby cities like Kyoto, Nara, Kobe, and Himeji. You just hop on the Shinkansen or local trains and you’re there in under an hour.

Despite not being in the heart of downtown Osaka, getting to popular areas like Umeda, Namba, or Dotonbori was straightforward — about a 10-15 minute train ride. The hotel’s location allowed us to enjoy a more relaxed atmosphere while still being well-connected to everything.

Our room was spacious and modern, with plenty of room to spread out — a big plus when you’re carrying large suitcases or shopping bags. One of our favorite things about the hotel was the view. From our window, we could see the trains coming and going — a fun and uniquely Japanese experience, especially if you’re into trains or traveling with kids.

The staff were outstanding — always polite, professional, and ready to help. They helped us with sending our luggage ahead to our next hotel.

If you’re traveling through Japan by train and looking for a clean, modern, and conveniently located hotel in Osaka, Courtyard by Marriott Shin-Osaka Station is an excellent choice.

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