Osaka Port: Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Tempozan, and the Evening View from Sakishima Cosmo Tower Observatory

This course takes you through Tempozan Harbor Village at Osaka Port—visiting Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, Tempozan Marketplace, and the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel—before crossing over to Sakishima by subway in the evening to take in the sunset and night view from the Sakishima Cosmo Tower Observatory.

History and Local Charm

Tempozan Harbor Village is a multi-purpose amusement complex offering shopping and dining, created as part of the Osaka Port waterfront redevelopment. On July 20, 1990, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan and Tempozan Marketplace opened on the very same day. In 1997, the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel was added, becoming a central attraction of the area alongside Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. Across the water to the southwest on Sakishima, the Osaka World Trade Center Building was completed in 1995 as part of the "Technoport Osaka" project. Since being acquired by Osaka Prefecture in 2010, it has been used as the Osaka Prefectural Government Sakishima Building, with the Sakishima Cosmo Tower Observatory located on its top floor, the 55th floor.

Major Highlights

• ​Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan​​: The themes are the "Pacific Rim Volcanic Belt" (Ring of Fire) and the "Pacific Rim Life Zone" (Ring of Life). The building is designed so that visitors follow a spiral path downward from the upper floors, feeling as if they are diving down into the ocean. The "Pacific Ocean" tank running through the center of the facility is 9 meters deep, holds 5,400 tons of water, and is home to whale sharks and other marine life.
• ​Tempozan Marketplace​​: A commercial facility located right next to Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. On the second floor, "Naniwa Kuishinbo Yokocho" features a retro streetscape inspired by around 1965 (Showa 40) and gathers signature Osaka Naniwa gourmet dishes. Inside the facility, you will also find LEGOLAND Discovery Center Osaka.
• ​Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel​​: A large Ferris wheel with a diameter of 100 meters and a height of 112.5 meters from the ground, taking about 15 minutes per rotation. On clear days, you can see as far as the Ikoma Mountains, Akashi Kaikyo Bridge, Kansai International Airport, and the Rokko Mountains. At night, LED lights paint diverse works of art across this massive canvas measuring about 100 meters across.
• ​Sakishima Cosmo Tower Observatory​​: A 360-degree all-glass panoramic observatory located 252 meters above ground. A see-through elevator takes visitors from the 1st floor to the 52nd floor, followed by a 42-meter-long escalator leading up to the observatory. On the west side, box seats are available where you can gaze at the sunset.

Recommended Route and Time Required

The estimated time required is about 6 hours. Tempozan Harbor Village is about a 5-minute walk from Osakako Station on the Osaka Metro Chuo Line. Start by visiting Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan. As the "Pacific Ocean" tank can be viewed multiple times further along the route, it is recommended not to linger at the first corner where it comes into view, but to advance a bit further before viewing. After exiting Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, have a meal at Tempozan Marketplace about 120 meters to the northeast, then look down upon the port from the Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel about 70 meters to the east. As evening approaches, take the Chuo Line from Osakako Station to Cosmosquare Station. A walk of about 600 meters to the southeast brings you to the Osaka Prefectural Government Sakishima Building. From Trade Center-mae Station on the Nanko Port Town Line, it is about a 3-minute walk. The observatory is also popular as a night-view spot, allowing you to enjoy the city lights after the sunset. Since there are scheduled closing days, be sure to check official information before heading out. For the return trip, take the Chuo Line from Cosmosquare Station.

Summary of the Experience

Trace the marine world from top to bottom, dine amidst the vibrant port atmosphere, and look down at Osaka Port from the Ferris wheel. Finally, ascend the observatory on Sakishima to finish the day watching the sun dip into the western sky and the emergence of the night view. It is a full day spent by the sea at Osaka Port.