Review: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

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Under the sea is a safe space for feelings

On a day when the cold wind gently brushes the face,
I traveled to the Tempozan area, Osaka, with no high expectations,
Just feeling the desire to be near water, to watch fish swim, to quietly be with something that moves steadily.

And then I found Kaiyukan – a large aquarium that is not just a place to see fish,
But a “different world” that made me quietly reflective without realizing it.

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🌀 Starting with the clownfish tunnel

The entrance to Kaiyukan doesn’t plunge us into the water immediately,
But gradually “sinks” us into the underwater world,
Starting with a glass tunnel filled with small clownfish,
With light reflecting off the water on the walls, it feels like walking in a dream.

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🐋 The large central tank: the majestic whale shark

I stayed a long time at the 8-story tall central tank,
Because there, the whale shark swam by peacefully,
So big, yet so gentle,
Other fish swam around respectfully sharing the space,
I watched quietly through the glass,
As if listening to a silent conversation between different species.

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🐧 Polar zone – penguins and cold air

Moving a bit further, I met penguins in the Antarctic zone,
They stood confused and ran around cutely without reason,
Some swam up to the glass near me, as if to say,

“How are you today?”
I smiled secretly in my heart.

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🌌 The zone I fell in love with: waves of light and jellyfish

This zone is soft and gentle, like a world without gravity,
Jellyfish float in glowing tanks,
Soft music plays quietly in the background,
I sat there for a long time, not speaking to anyone,
Just feeling that… my heart was “light” like those jellyfish.

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📸 What I kept in my camera and heart:
• The shadow of the whale shark swimming overhead
• A small child smiling at the penguins through the glass
• Light reflections on the walkway floor
• Transparent jellyfish that look like they’re floating in a dream

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💬 Feeling when walking out:

I didn’t just go to see sea creatures,
But felt like resting my heart in a world without noise,
No need to be good, no need to show off,
Just free swimming and a quiet answer that
“Gentleness has enough strength to support our whole day.”

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💡 Tips for those who want to follow:
• Go in the morning or evening for fewer crowds and a peaceful atmosphere
• Don’t forget to look up at the tanks from bottom to top → it’s very dreamy
• Bring a camera or phone that shoots well in low light to capture the beautiful underwater light