My visit to the Osaka Aquarium and Osaka Castle turned into an unforgettable double excursion that we squeezed into a single day while in Japan. Initially, I hadn’t planned on stopping in Osaka, but as soon as my daughter discovered that the aquarium had whale sharks, it became a must-visit for our family.
The YouTube video I made about this trip doesn’t fully capture how amazing the aquarium is. The graphic design work was top-notch, with detailed information about all the animals and marine life, and the visuals were stunningly beautiful.
Osaka Aquarium houses not one, but two whale sharks.
The aquarium itself was a masterpiece of design, with beautifully illustrated maps and signage guiding us through the exhibits. The experience kicked off with an immersive underwater tunnel, making us feel as though we were walking on the ocean floor among colorful fish and rays.
As we ascended through the aquarium, we encountered playful otters, seals, penguins, and, of course, the whale sharks. The Pacific Ocean Tank, where these gentle giants swim, was awe-inspiring. Standing before the enormous cylindrical tank, we were captivated by the graceful movements of the whale sharks and the variety of other marine life. The experience felt truly immersive, as if we were right there in the ocean with them.
After enjoying some blue whale ice cream—a fitting treat given our surroundings—we continued through the aquarium, exploring jellyfish exhibits and Arctic marine life. Even the aquarium’s restrooms were noteworthy, with creative designs that kept the immersive experience going. The gift shop was our final stop, where my kids eagerly picked out whale shark plushies as souvenirs.
In the afternoon, after a brief rest at our hotel, my husband and I decided to visit Osaka Castle. This was our only outing without the kids, who needed some downtime since this was definitely a go-go-go trip to Japan.
The walk there was a delightful mix of modern cityscape and historical architecture. We couldn’t resist stopping for a quick snack, which made me feel like Chihiro from "Spirited Away." There is a huge contrast between the traditional stone walls and moats of the castle against the backdrop of modern Osaka.
Exploring the castle was a journey through time, with each level offering insights into its rich history. Artifacts like letters, armor, and swords brought the past to life, and the intricate design and craftsmanship of the castle were awe-inspiring. The panoramic view from the top was the perfect end to our visit, offering a serene moment of reflection as we looked out over the lush greenery and urban landscape of Osaka.
Before heading back to our hotel, we explored a nearby building filled with shops and eateries, where I tried an adventurous dish: beef and mashed potatoes i
n an ice cream cone. While it wasn’t quite what I expected, it was a fun experiment to cap off an unforgettable day.
Our day in Osaka was a whirlwind of discovery, blending the beauty of marine life with the rich history of Japan. It’s a city that left a lasting impression, and I highly recommend making time to explore it if you ever find yourself in Japan.
Also if you want to see me eating a mashed potato ice cream cone, that at the end of the youtube video!
Of course, if you want to see more, there is nothing like video! Watch my Design Around the World adventure here
XOXO,
Carina
