One of the nicest places my wife and I like to spend a sunny afternoon is at Tempozan, a 10-minute walk north of Osaka-ko Station on the Chuo subway line. Between the interesting Tempozan shopping mall, the replica of a 15th Century ship that plies the waters of Osaka Bay, the largest ferris wheel in northern Asia, and the (now closed sadly) Suntory Museum with its IMAX theater, there is more than enough to keep a happy couple amused for a few hours.
The real highlight of the visit there, though is the world-class indoor aquarium facility, The Osaka Kaiyukan. It’s an engineering marvel as well as a display of considerable scientific value. A ‘Ring of Fire’ theme walks us through the building in a way that represents the various marine ecosystems throughout the Pacific Rim. Particular emphasis is on the northern hemisphere.
Many of the english conversation students at the Smith’s School of English in Kotoen スミス英会話 甲東園 love to talk about science and such topics often come up.
When plans for the Kyoto aquarium were first discussed, many were dumb-founded about why Kyoto could possibly need an aquarium. Now two years after its completion and on-schedule opening the debate has certainly quieted down and a visit is in order. The facility makes an excellent day trip, being both entertaining and educational. In fact, going to both is highly recommended, especially if you have little ones!
Martin Werner Zander
マーティン・ワーナー・ザンダー
Smith’s School of English in Kotoen 月謝制 Monthly Tuition English Conversation School
Derek says
Thanks for recommendation. My family enjoys going to Osaka Kaiyukan. It’s great!