Osaka Trip! A Full Day of Fun in the Kaiyukan Area, Including a Santa Maria Cruise!
Hello! This itinerary is for a jam-packed day exploring Osaka’s popular Kaiyukan area. We’ll visit the world-class aquarium, and even take a cruise on the famous Santa Maria replica! Let’s make some unforgettable memories!
- 【Morning】9:00 AM: Deep Sea Exploration at Kaiyukan!
- 【Lunch】12:00 PM: Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace!
- 【Afternoon】1:30 PM: Ahoy Matey! Santa Maria Cruise!
- 【Afternoon】2:30 PM: Stunning Views from Tempozan Ferris Wheel!
- 【Afternoon】3:30 PM: Explore Osaka Port & Soak in the Retro Vibe!
- 【Dinner】5:00 PM: A Special Dinner!
- 【Evening】6:30 PM: Enjoy Osaka’s Night Lights!
- 【Transportation】
【Morning】9:00 AM: Deep Sea Exploration at Kaiyukan!
First up, the main event! Kaiyukan Aquarium, one of the world’s largest aquariums. Giant whale sharks, adorable sea otters, mesmerizing jellyfish – countless creatures await! Plan at least 3, preferably 4 hours here to fully appreciate the exhibits. Arrive early to avoid crowds and enjoy a leisurely exploration. Checking the aquarium map beforehand and creating a “must-see” list will help maximize your time.
Kaiyukan’s Most Popular Creatures: Who’s Your Favorite?
5th Place: Gomafu Seals
These adorable seals win hearts with their charming faces and comical antics. Watching them gracefully swim or lounging adorably is a joy for all ages, especially children!
4th Place: Ocean Sunfish (Mola mola)
The unique shape and languid swimming style of the ocean sunfish make it a standout. Its unusual appearance is incredibly photogenic and frequently seen on social media. It’s a truly unforgettable creature!
3rd Place: Yellow Tang (Oosebirehagi)
The vibrant yellow of the yellow tang makes it an instant favorite. Its cute appearance makes it an aquarium idol! Seeing them swim in schools is breathtakingly beautiful and calming.。
2nd Place: Tropical Fish Variety
Kaiyukan boasts a dazzling array of tropical fish. Their colorfulness and diversity are like an underwater garden. While pinpointing the single most popular is difficult, their beauty captivates visitors and makes for excellent photo opportunities. The flame angelfish (Kingyo Hanadai) is particularly popular.
1st Place: Whale Shark
The undisputed champion is Kaiyukan’s iconic symbol: the whale shark! Its massive size and serene movements are truly awe-inspiring. Almost every visitor is amazed by its scale and snaps a photo. It’s the face of Kaiyukan!
Honorable Mentions: Other Notable Creatures
Beyond the ranking, numerous other fascinating creatures await discovery. Don’t miss out on seeing the adorable Dumbo octopus (Mendako) and other unique marine life.
Summary：
So, there you have it! Kaiyukan offers many more captivating creatures beyond those listed. Use this ranking as a guide to find your favorites! Did your favorite make the list? Let us know in the comments!
This ranking is based on various review sites, social media posts, and personal experience. It’s subjective and may differ from individual opinions.
※In creating the ranking, we made a comprehensive judgment based on multiple review sites, SNS postings, and personal experience visiting the museum. Please note that this includes only personal opinions.
【Lunch】12:00 PM: Lunch at Tempozan Marketplace!
After Kaiyukan, head to the adjacent Tempozan Marketplace! Its food court offers a wide selection, from Osaka specialties to international cuisines.
Ushi no Fuku Kaiyukan Market Place Branch
- https://g.co/kgs/1GD5Q4T
06-6576-5729
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I stopped by for lunch during a family trip to Kaiyukan. The pictures and displays on the menu were true to life, and the meat was plentiful and very satisfying. The cost performance was also very good. The yuzu flavored dashi chazuke (Japanese soup stock) to finish off the meal was also refreshing and great!
[Flavor: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Restaurant Space 5/4 ]
Kuma Kafe
- https://g.co/kgs/zjnzZi7
06-6572-2450
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Family-friendly with a charming bear-themed atmosphere. Pizza and burgers are the main options, offering large portions.
[Flavor: 4/5 | Service: 5/5 |Restaurant Space: 5/5]
Dashi Chazuke Konpei Tempozan Branch
https://g.co/kgs/MYYNxFh
06-6576-5650
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Delicious Jinbee Chazuke (tea-infused rice bowl with fish).
[ Flavor: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Restaurant Space: 5/5 ]
【Afternoon】1:30 PM: Ahoy Matey! Santa Maria Cruise!
Time for the adventure! Embark on a cruise aboard a replica of Columbus’s Santa Maria and explore Osaka Bay! Enjoy the sea breeze and unique perspectives of the city skyline and Kaiyukan. The cruise lasts about 30 minutes; soak in the views and atmosphere! Check the schedule beforehand.
Sunset and the Santa Maria 〜 Instagram 〜
Concert on the Santa Maria 〜 Instagram 〜
【Afternoon】2:30 PM: Stunning Views from Tempozan Ferris Wheel!
After the Santa Maria cruise, visit Japan’s largest Ferris wheel, Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel! The panoramic view from 112.5 meters is breathtaking! You’ll see Kaiyukan, Osaka Port, and even the Akashi Kaikyō Bridge on a clear day. Enjoy a different perspective of Osaka!
https://g.co/kgs/cgn2Q47
06-6576-6222
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A highlight for us! It met all expectations for a ferris wheel, even with AC in the cabins. The view is good, but not outstanding, yet it’s the view of the city and nothing to do with the attraction itself. At night it lights up and looks really cool.
Ferris wheel at Tempozan〜 Instagram 〜
【Afternoon】3:30 PM: Explore Osaka Port & Soak in the Retro Vibe!
観覧車を楽しんだ後は、大阪港周辺を散策してみましょう。 レトロな倉庫や建物が立ち並び、どこか懐かしい雰囲気を感じられます。 フォトジェニックなスポットも多いので、記念写真も忘れずに！
Stylish cafes in a port town 〜 Instagram 〜
Retro Cafe in Osaka Port 〜 Instagram 〜
CAFE with a view of the sea 〜 Instagram 〜
【Dinner】5:00 PM: A Special Dinner!
Enjoy a special dinner at a carefully chosen restaurant!
Wain in Ya Kokon -cocon-
- https://g.co/kgs/rKxQKNr
06-7174-0939
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This restaurant is a MUST visit in Tenpozan. It offers delicious tapas-style fare plus some of the most delicious pizza I’ve ever eaten (and I’ve been to Italy). The owner and his staff are SO friendly and they speak English. This is a perfect place for gaijin to experience Osaka hospitality at its finest.
[ Flavor: 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Restaurant Space: 5/5 ]
Bonne Chance
- https://g.co/kgs/iAgZe9g
06-6576-0285
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We visited this restaurant for dinner not knowing it was highly rated. Pasta, ajillo, pizza, everything was very good! Next door was a family of tourists from a European country, and they too said they would come back. It was a small and cozy restaurant and the staff was very nice. I would like to go back!
[ Flavor : 5/5 | Service : 4/5 | Restaurant Space : 5/5]
LA VIE1923
- https://g.co/kgs/BcUGNGK
06-6573-3110
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The main restaurant is located at The Ritz Carlton Residences Waikiki Beach in Hawaii. Quiche Lorraine Gruyère cheese, tuna and scallop cru couscous, garland chrysanthemum sauce, wagyu beef consommé soup, hamo tempura, grilled lobster and seafood, one seared squid, and caviar with lamb. Core steak blancmange mango pineapple passion fruit tea dishes are more voluptuous than expected. I was surprised by the impact of the hamo tempura in the wagyu beef consommé soup. All the dishes were delicious, but the main meat was tender and went well with the wine. A restaurant where you can enjoy your meal in a pleasant atmosphere.
[ Flavor : 5/5 | Service: 5/5 | Restaurant Space : 5/5]
【Evening】6:30 PM: Enjoy Osaka’s Night Lights!
After dinner, relax and enjoy the beautiful night views of Osaka. The Tempozan Ferris wheel offers a spectacular viewpoint, or enjoy a coffee at a cafe near Osaka Port.
Night view from Tempozan Ferris wheel〜 Instagram 〜
Night view of Osaka Port and Ferris wheel〜 Instagram 〜
【Transportation】
The following is an explanation of how to get to Kaiyukan from each starting point.
1. From Kansai Airport
https://maps.app.goo.gl/5VHNjXe6x8BkzmKt8?g_st=ic
- Using Nankai Railway Airport Line (fastest): Take the Nankai Railway Airport Line from Kansai Airport Station to Namba Station, then take the subway Chuo Line or Midosuji Line to Osaka Port Station. It is about a 5-minute walk from Osaka Port Station. The trip takes less than one hour.
- Using JR Kanku Kaisoku Kaisoku Rapid: Take the JR Kanku Kaisoku Rapid to Benten-cho Station, then transfer to the Subway Chuo Line to Osaka Port Station. It is about a 5-minute walk from Osaka Port Station. It takes a little longer than the Nankai Line.
2. From Shin-Osaka Station
https://maps.app.goo.gl/2Qur6oQSf4gWNoCy6?g_st=ic
- JR Line: From JR Shin-Osaka Station, transfer to the JR Loop Line and transfer to the subway Chuo Line at Benten-cho Station to get to Osaka Port Station. It is about a 5-minute walk from Osaka Port Station.
- Shinkansen + Subway: There is also a route to transfer to a conventional train at the Shinkansen station from Shin-Osaka Station, but it is easier to take the JR Loop Line.
3. From Osaka Station
https://maps.app.goo.gl/hpkoCGHxiueMD1xm9?g_st=ic
- JR Line: From Osaka Station, transfer to the JR Loop Line and transfer to the subway Chuo Line at Benten-cho Station to get to Osaka Port Station. It is about a 5-minute walk from Osaka Port Station.
- By subway: From Osaka Station, take the Midosuji Subway Line to Namba Station, then transfer to the Chuo Subway Line to Osaka Port Station. It is about a 5-minute walk from Osaka Port Station. (The time required is almost the same as using the JR line.)
4. From Namba Station
https://maps.app.goo.gl/LgD2axy5PuRznZNT9?g_st=ic
- By subway (fastest way): Take the Chuo Subway Line from Namba Station to Osaka Port Station. It is about a 5-minute walk from Osaka Port Station. This is the easiest and fastest way.
How to choose a route：
- Time Priority: Nankai Railway from Kansai Airport, and direct subway service in other cases are relatively quick.
- Transit priority: Each route requires approximately two transfers.
- Fare Priority: Fares for each route do not vary greatly, so using ICOCA or other IC cards is convenient.
All routes will eventually take you to Osaka Port Station, where you will get off and walk to Kaiyukan. You will see a large sign for Kaiyukan from the station, so you will not get lost. Please check the timetables on each railway company’s website. For smooth travel, we recommend using a route-finding application in advance.
【Other Notes】
- This is a suggestion; feel free to customize it to your preferences and time constraints.
- Pre-purchasing tickets for Kaiyukan and the Santa Maria cruise is recommended for smoother access.
https://suijo-bus.osaka/intro/santamariaprice/reservation/ - Dress for the weather and wear comfortable shoes for lots of walking.
Summary
This itinerary packs a lot into a single day: Kaiyukan, a Santa Maria cruise, and stunning Osaka views! Use this plan as inspiration for your perfect Osaka adventure! Have a wonderful trip! ^_^
