We explored the Osaka aquarium and took a Ferris wheel ride.
At this point, we are quite tired in our journey. Longing for a “quiet day” we decided that it would be a good idea to check out the Osaka aquarium and take a ride on the Ferris wheel beside it.
Whilst we were waiting for our obligatory coffee before spending several hours at the aquarium, we met a Kiwi who had moved to the Sunshine Coast seven years’ ago. He spotted us because Chris had a New Zealand map on his Macpac backpack. What a small world!
From Arctic to Antarctic
Once we had consumed our oishii (delicious) Maple and Cinnamon Lattes, we walked over to the aquarium.
The Osaka Kaiyukan aquarium boasts about being the world’s largest aquarium – and they’re not kidding! It took us several hours and it was amazing seeing so many ocean species through the acrylic glass. There were several floors, and each time we descended we had a different view of the same tanks of aquatic life.
Highlights included:
- The Whale Sharks
- Japanese Otters
- Sea Lions and Ringed Seals
- Dolphins (the specific kind found in the Cook Strait), and
- Deep sea jelly fish
The main theme of the aquarium was the “ring of fire”. As you tour along the designated route, you are taken on a journey around the Pacific Ocean’s ring of fire. A cute touch is that there are stamping stations for children to stamp their booklets for each major marine species. Naturally, these stamping stations were quite busy.
View From On High
Over the crowds from the aquarium, we decided that the Lego World wasn’t quite for us. The Ferris wheel gave us a great view of Osaka on such a stunning day, however. The Ferris wheel cost about ¥1,600 for both of us and took 15 minutes to do a full rotation. It was also a nice opportunity to sit for a little while.
After the Ferris wheel, it was time to head back to our hotel for a rest and to work out where we wanted to head to for dinner. Next stop, Nara.
Chris and Chantal 