Osaka Aquarium luggage storage

About Osaka Aquarium

One of Osaka’s best attractions is situated right on the harbourfront, and fittingly, it’s the impressive Osaka Aquarium. Known locally as the 'Kaiyukan,' this is widely regarded as one of Japan’s best aquariums. It’s one of the top attractions in the stylish Tempozan Harbor Village district, which provides great views of the Osaka skyline along with the harbor.  

It’s a massive aquarium with state-of-the-art facilities, holding 5,400 tons of water. The iconic spiral walkway allows visitors to stroll through the massive tank, creating surreal views. The aquarium houses thousands of different species of marine life, specifically Japanese sea creatures from the Pacific Ocean and Seto Inland Sea (most notable are the Japanese spider crabs).

You’ll also find impressive specimens like manta rays, whale sharks, and, of course, a troop of playful penguins to entertain visitors. There are specific areas the aquarium has made to showcase certain There's the Japan forest, the Arctic Zone, and the South Islands enclosure. As soon as you walk through the entrance building, you'll be barraged with magnificent wildlife.

Despite being on the waterfront further out from central Osaka, it’s an easy place to reach via public transportation. Osaka Aquarium is also notable for its accessibility efforts. For example, wheelchairs can be lent out to visitors free of charge, and service dogs and guide dogs are allowed. Any visitors with special needs should visit the Kaiyukan information counter.

Here’s everything you need to know about Osaka Aquarium: 

Osaka Aquarium bag policy 

For security purposes, there is a strict bag policy, prohibiting all items larger than a handbag. This includes basically every form of luggage, backpacks, duffel bags, and other large items. The precise dimensions of the size limit are 9.8 inches x 14.2 inches x 6.7 inches, and these are enforced at the main gate. This may seem strict, but it’s really for the best as you’ll be walking around for a few hours and the bags will only get in the way of your enjoyment. 

Does Osaka Aquarium have luggage lockers?

There are coin lockers situated near the entrance of the aquarium. There are six different sizes on offer, ranging from small cubbies for purses and smaller items to full luggage. The largest locker size is 45" x 18”, which can accommodate plenty of luggage types, but not specialty items or large duffel bags. Prices range from $2 to $10 per day. You can pay with cash or a credit card, and there will be an attendant at the help desk. Locker operating hours are limited to when the aquarium is open. 

How much time do you need for Osaka Aquarium?

It really depends on how into the aquarium you are. Access to the aquarium starts at the time of your ticket purchase and ends when the aquarium closes that day. Typically, most visitors take about two to three hours to go through the whole aquarium. 

Can you reenter Osaka Aquarium?

The Osaka Aquarium’s re-entry policy is surprisingly flexible, as all visitors are allowed to purchase a ticket, explore the aquarium, leave, and then re-enter the aquarium as long as it's before closing time. This is extremely useful if you're looking to enjoy one of the shows or demonstrations. The nearby Tempozan Harbor Village has plenty of good restaurants and cafés to take a break, as well. All you'll have to do is provide your ticket to the service counter at the exit to get your ticket hand-stamped. Upon re-entry, simply show your hand-stamped ticket at the ticket gate. 

Where can I store luggage in Osaka? 

All your usual options for storing luggage are available in Osaka. You can always head directly to your hotel to drop your bags off at the concierge desk even if check-in is later in the day. The only downside of this is that your hotel might be out of the way from your sightseeing angles and you'll be wasting precious vacation time dropping your bags off.

Certain museums and attractions might have a cloakroom, but this isn't always the case, and the same goes for public transportation facilities. Your best bet is a proper luggage storage service. The best one operating in Osaka is Bounce, and we have dozens of luggage storage facilities throughout the city, including ones near the aquarium and other sightseeing destinations. You can use the handy Bounce mobile app to search for the best locations and even book ahead of time or on the go. 

How to get to Osaka Aquarium

Situated on the harbor, the Osaka Aquarium is technically outside the downtown Osaka area, although what constitutes Osaka downtown is up for debate among locals. It's pretty easy to get to the aquarium from most hotels and other attractions via public transportation. There's also a giant Ferris wheel next to the aquarium, so it's hard to miss!

Here are the best ways to get to Osaka Aquarium: 

Train

The Japanese public transportation system is a marvel, and Osaka is no exception. You can reach Osaka Aquarium from the more central JR Osaka Station in less than half an hour via the Osaka Loop Line. You'll have to transfer to the Chuo subway line at Bentencho Station, but that's very quick and there will be ample signage pointing towards the aquarium. The aquarium is just a five-minute walk from Osakako Station. A one-way ride only costs a few dollars and the whole trip should take about half an hour.

Bus

The bus network is an option, but with traffic, it's hardly the most efficient one. The #88 bus route takes about 45 minutes to reach the aquarium from Osaka Station. The #69 from Namba Station Takes about the same amount of time. A single bus ride also costs the exact same amount of money ($2) as a subway ride. 

Taxi and rideshare

Taxis, and rideshare services like Uber are available basically everywhere in Osaka, and are a solid option for getting to the aquarium. From a central location like Namba, a cab ride will cost between $30 and $40, and take 20 minutes or so with traffic. 

Driving yourself is not recommended due to parking. Because of its location on the waterfront, there isn't a parking lot dedicated to the aquarium. 

Ferry

From Universal Studios Japan, you can actually take the Universal City Port ferry from across the harbor for an action-packed afternoon with the kids. The boat ride even provides stellar views of the Osaka skyline and waterfront.

Things to do near Osaka Aquarium

Universal Studios Japan

If you're bringing the kids to Osaka, you'll need a few kid-friendly activities to break up the monotony (from their perspective) of shrines, temples, and museums. To keep the kids engaged, look no further than the harbor. The Osaka waterfront is lined with world-class travel, destinations, and attractions. The aquarium obviously is the perfect idea for this, but if you really want to get them excited, head to Japan’s Universal Studios theme park. It offers rides and attractions featuring brands like Shrek, Minions, and even domestic delights like Hello Kitty and Nintendo. Even parents will get into the themed zones like Jurassic Park, Harry Potter, and Snoopy. Pair that with a trip to the aquarium, and that's a solid outing for the young ones.

Universal Studios Japan bag policy 

There's no bag policy in place prohibiting items of certain sizes, but each bag will be subject to a security screening. There are no lockers or luggage storage facilities on site.

Sumiyoshi Taisha

One of Japan's oldest shrines, Osaka’s Sumiyoshi Shrine (there are many throughout the country) is the most important of its kind. It was founded in the 3rd century before Buddhism became a spiritual and architectural force in Japan. It’s a centerpiece of Sumiyoshi-zukuri design, which is the most purely Japanese aesthetic because it predates cultural influences from China and other cultures. This Shinto shrine was built to honor the kami deities and protect sailors and fishermen, which explains the shrine’s proximity to the harbor. 

Nakanoshima National Museum of Art

This distinctive building was originally built for the 1970s World Exposition, but since the festivities have ceased, it's been repurposed into one of the best art museums in all of Japan. In fact, it's been designated as one of Japan's national museums. You'll find a perfectly serviceable collection of 20th-century works by a wide variety of international artists and some of the most renowned Japanese painters and sculptures. The main reason, in actuality, that people visit is for the stellar architecture and design of the building. Architect Cesar Pelli designed this building in a way that natural light filters through skylights above the lobby to a surreal effect. The unique layout is accentuated by numerous art installations and sculptures. 

Luggage storage near Osaka Aquarium

If you’re going to visit Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, you won't want to mess with the bag policy or luggage storage options onsite. Sightseeing in a new country like Japan can be intimidating for even veteran globetrotters. Make it easy on yourself and plan ahead by using the Bounce mobile app to find the closest luggage storage spot to where you're heading and book ahead. Heading to Tokyo after Osaka? Bounce has luggage storage facilities in essentially every major Japanese travel destination. With unparalleled reliability and BounceShield Protection, you know who you can trust with your belongings!