Osaka Aquarium (Kaiyukan)

1-1-10 Kaigan-dori   

Minato-ku, Osaka Bay Area

Transportation Station: Osakako (5 min.) 

06/6576-5501 

Hours Daily 10am-8pm    (Crowded on weekends)

Closed sometimes in June and in winter  

One of the world's largest aquariums, encompassing 286,000 square feet and containing 2.9 million gallons of water, it is  constructed around the theme "Ring of Fire," which refers to the volcanic perimeter encircling the Pacific Ocean.

Tours begin with a video of erupting volcanoes followed by an escalator ride to the eighth floor; followed by entry to 14 different habitats ranging from arctic to tropical as you follow a spiraling corridor back to the ground floor.

The series begins with the daylight world in  a Japanese forest above the ocean's surface, continues to and  past Antarctica, Monterey Bay, the Great Barrier Reef, and other ecosystems on the way to the depths of the ocean floor. At each point visitors view marine life of that region. 

Sega Amusement Theme Park (Umeda Joypolis)

HEP FIVE, Umeda Kita-ku,(8th and 9th floor)  Near Osaka Station 

06/6366-3647        

Station: JR Osaka or Umeda (5 min.) 

Open Daily 11am-11pm (you must enter by 10:15pm)   Under 16 not permitted after 7PM.

Joypolis amusement arcades are popular in Japan.  There are the usual flashing lights, bells and constant electronically produced sound effects, and crowds of enthusiastic participants. In addition to arcade games, virtual rides simulate gliding through the air or shooting the rapids of a wild river. Note: Children under the age of 16 aren't allowed here after 7pm and that some virtuall rides that carry height restrictions.

Universal Studios Japan

2-1-33 Sakurajima 

Konohana, Osaka Bay Area

Station: Universal City (5 min.)   

06/4790-7000

Open daily, generally 9am-7pm (to 9pm in peak season), but hours can vary with the seasons 

Following the format of Universal's Hollywood and Orlando theme parks, The Studio takes guests on a fantasy trip through the world of American blockbuster movies, with thrill rides, live entertainment, back-lot streets, restaurants, shops, and other attractions based on actual movies. Board a boat for a harrowing encounter with a great white straight out of Jaws, escape a T-Rex as you roller-coaster your way through a setting of Jurassic Park, watch a fantastic fire show at a Backdraft theater or a water extravaganza at WaterWorld, Take E.T. home to save his planet, and see, feel, and smell Sesame Street in 4-D.

Most of the attractions have been dubbed into Japanese. Avoid weekends and arrive early, then head straight for the Information booth and an  Express Card, which will get you in at specific times and avoid long lines.

Captain Cook Shuttle Boat

06/6573-8222

The fastest and most scenic way to travel between Suntory Museum/aquarium and Universal Studios is via the Captain Cook shuttle boat which departs every 30 minutes.

It is a  10-minute ride. A bonus: the boat ticket includes a discount for the aquarium