- How to Skip the Line at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: Buy E-Tickets in Advance for a Queue-Free Visit
- Skip the long ticket lines at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan by purchasing e-tickets in advance. Learn how to buy, enter smoothly, and save time.
How to Get Discount Tickets for Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, located in the Tempozan area of Osaka, is one of the largest aquariums in the world and draws visitors from across Japan and abroad. With highlights like the massive tank where whale sharks glide through the water, many visitors come back again and again.
Kaiyukan offers several ways to save on admission, including set tickets and lower-priced visit dates. By reducing your admission costs, you can put the savings toward a meal at the aquarium cafe, a nice lunch, or extra souvenirs — making your Kaiyukan experience even more enjoyable.
This article covers how the ticket pricing system works, along with the discount options that are actually available.
Kaiyukan Uses a Variable Pricing System
Kaiyukan uses a variable pricing system — uncommon among Japanese aquariums — where admission fees change based on the visit date. By setting different prices for busy and quiet days, the system encourages visitors to spread out their visits so everyone can enjoy the aquarium more comfortably.
Prices are divided into four tiers, color-coded on the official website calendar. The cheapest days have no color, while the others are marked in green, yellow, and red.
| Category | No Color (Lowest) | Green | Yellow | Red (Highest) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Adult (High school / Age 16+) | ¥2,700 | ¥2,900 | ¥3,200 | ¥3,500 |
| Child (Elementary / Junior high) | ¥1,400 | ¥1,500 | ¥1,650 | ¥1,800 |
| Infant (Age 3+) | ¥700 | ¥700 | ¥800 | ¥900 |
| Under 3 | Free | Free | Free | Free |
For adults, the difference between the cheapest no-color days and the most expensive red days is ¥800 — a gap that is hard to ignore if you want to save.
Does the Purchase Method Affect the Price?
Kaiyukan tickets can be purchased in two ways, but neither method offers a price discount.
- Ticket counter: Purchase on the day at the Kaiyukan ticket counter
- E-ticket (online): Purchase in advance through the official Kaiyukan website with a date and time reservation
Both methods cost the same. However, buying at the counter on busy days often means long lines, and tickets for your preferred time slot may sell out, leaving you unable to enter right away. With an e-ticket, you can secure your date and time in advance and skip the counter line to go straight to the entrance gate, which is why buying e-tickets in advance is recommended.
Read more about how to buy e-tickets and skip the line
Save with Set Tickets for Nearby Attractions
The Tempozan area has cruise boats and theme parks that pair well with a Kaiyukan visit, and three types of set tickets are available. The best deal saves adults ¥500.
Santa Maria Set Ticket
This set ticket combines Kaiyukan admission with a ride on the Santa Maria, a cruise ship that tours the Tempozan area in about 45 minutes. This is the best deal among the three set tickets.
The discount is the same regardless of the calendar color tier.
| Category | Savings |
|---|---|
| Adult (High school / Age 16+) | Save ¥500 |
| Junior high school | Save ¥500 |
| Elementary school | Save ¥250 |
- Available for online purchase (e-ticket)
- Day cruise only (twilight cruise not included)
- Valid on the day of use only
- No set ticket available for infants
For a family of three — two adults and one elementary school child — the set ticket saves a total of ¥1,250. If you plan to ride the Santa Maria, choosing the set ticket is a no-brainer.
The set ticket covers only the day cruise, but the Santa Maria also offers a twilight cruise that departs in the evening. You can enjoy the magic hour — those moments just before and after sunset when the sky turns orange and deep blue. Although the twilight cruise is not included in the set ticket, it comes highly recommended.
Read more about the Santa Maria twilight cruise
Captain Line Set Ticket
This set ticket pairs Kaiyukan admission with a ride on Captain Line, a shuttle boat that connects Tempozan (Kaiyukan) and Universal Studios Japan (USJ) in about 10 minutes. It is ideal for visitors planning to visit both USJ and Kaiyukan.
The discount is the same for one-way and round-trip tickets, regardless of the calendar color tier.
| Category | Savings |
|---|---|
| Adult (High school / Age 16+) | Save ¥200 |
| Junior high school | Save ¥100 |
| Elementary school | Save ¥100 |
| Infant (Age 3+) | Save ¥100 |
- Available for online purchase (e-ticket)
- One-way or round-trip options available
- Captain Line boarding pass valid for 3 days from the Kaiyukan visit date
- Service may be suspended due to weather or sea conditions
The savings are smaller compared to the Santa Maria set ticket, but if you are visiting both USJ and Kaiyukan, you can secure transportation and a discount at the same time.
There is also another way to travel between Tempozan and USJ by boat. It requires a short walk from USJ or Kaiyukan to the respective piers, but the ride is free.
Read more about the free ferry between Tempozan and USJ
LEGOLAND Set Ticket
This set ticket combines Kaiyukan admission with a visit to LEGOLAND Discovery Center Osaka, located inside Tempozan Marketplace.
Be careful with this set ticket. Unlike the other two set tickets, the set ticket can actually cost more than buying tickets separately.
| Visit Pattern | Set Ticket | Individual | Difference |
|---|---|---|---|
| Off - peak weekend | ¥5,500 | ¥5,600 | Save ¥100 |
| Off - peak weekday | ¥5,500 | ¥4,900 | ¥600 more expensive |
| Peak season (Green calendar) | ¥5,900 | ¥5,800 | ¥100 more expensive |
The set ticket is only cheaper on off-peak weekends, and even then you save just ¥100. On off-peak weekdays, it can cost up to ¥600 more.
The reason is a mismatch in pricing systems. The set ticket price follows only the Kaiyukan calendar color tier, but LEGOLAND also has its own variable pricing (¥2,200 to ¥2,900). Since these two pricing systems are not synchronized, the set ticket can be a good deal on some days and a bad deal on others.
This was confirmed by contacting Kaiyukan directly — the set ticket price is not adjusted to match LEGOLAND pricing changes.
In other words, if you plan to visit both Kaiyukan and LEGOLAND, you need to compare the set ticket price with individual ticket prices each time.
Also, unlike the other two set tickets, the LEGOLAND set ticket is sold only at the Kaiyukan ticket counter (not available online, sales until 15:00).
If you plan to visit LEGOLAND as well, be sure to check the day’s price on the LEGOLAND official website and compare it with the set ticket before deciding.
Other Discount Programs
In addition to set tickets, the following discount programs are available.
Disability Discount
Visitors with a Japanese disability certificate (shogaisha techo) — including physical, intellectual, mental health, or atomic bomb survivor certificates — receive a 50% discount for the holder and one caregiver. The Mirairo ID app (a digital disability certificate) is also accepted. Available at the ticket counter only.
NIFREL Annual Pass Discount
Presenting a NIFREL annual pass at the Kaiyukan ticket counter gives 10% off admission for the passholder. Available at the ticket counter only.
School Group Discount
A discount program for school groups is available, with reservations accepted up to one year before the visit month (deadline is one month before the visit). Pricing is not publicly listed, so schools need to contact Kaiyukan directly. Note that no general group discount is available.
Coupon Perks at Tempozan Marketplace with Your Admission Ticket
Show your Kaiyukan admission ticket at participating stores in Tempozan Marketplace, a shopping complex next to the aquarium, to receive special deals — no separate coupon needed. Perks include a free shrimp tempura topping, a free claw machine game play, and more.
| Store | Genre | Perk |
|---|---|---|
| Jikaseimen Kinuya | Udon | Free shrimp tempura topping |
| Momotani Ikayakiya | Grilled squid | ¥50 off Momoika Special |
| Ringo no Omoi | Candy apple shop | Free original paper bag |
| Samurai Market | Replica swords, samurai & ninja goods | 5% off |
| Aizuya | Takoyaki (octopus balls) | Free soft drink with ¥800+ takoyaki purchase |
| MECHA Tempozan | Amusement | One free claw machine game play |
| Kuragin | Conveyor belt sushi & seafood bowls | 10% off orders of ¥1,500 or more |
| Menya Kuramasa | Ramen | ¥50 off each ramen or fried rice per order |
| Ganko | Sushi & Japanese cuisine | Free sushi - shaped candy |
| Abenoya | Korean - style savory pancake | 8% off all savory pancakes |
| Botejyu | Okonomiyaki (savory pancake) | 10% off Tontama |
| Konpei | Dashi chazuke (rice with broth) & sweets | ¥50 off all items on purchases of ¥500 or more |
For the latest information, check the Tempozan Marketplace official website under the coupon tab.
If you plan to have lunch or do some shopping after visiting Kaiyukan, hold onto your admission ticket.
Discount Methods That Do Not Work at Kaiyukan
Searching online for Kaiyukan discounts or coupons turns up a variety of results. However, most of these methods are no longer available at Kaiyukan.
| Method | Status |
|---|---|
| JAF (Japan Automobile Federation) member discount | Not available |
| OSAKA AMAZING PASS | Not eligible |
| OTAs such as Asoview, Klook, KKday, Jalan | Not available |
| Convenience store advance tickets | Discontinued |
| Employee benefit services (Benefit Station, etc.) | Not available |
| OSAKA Kaiyu Ticket (train + admission set) | No longer available |
| Kaiyukan annual pass | No longer available |
| Senior discount (age 65+) | Discontinued |
Kaiyukan has consolidated its ticket sales to the official e-ticket system and the ticket counter, and does not offer discounted tickets through external services. Outdated information may still appear online, but these options are currently unavailable.
However, while Kaiyukan is not included in the OSAKA AMAZING PASS, the pass is still a great deal for sightseeing around Osaka and is worth considering if you plan to explore the city.
Choosing the Right Visit Day Is the Biggest Money Saver
After reviewing set tickets and discount programs, the most effective way to save is actually paying attention to the calendar color tier of your visit day.
Let us compare for one adult.
- Maximum set ticket savings: ¥500 with the Santa Maria
- Maximum difference by calendar color: ¥800 between no-color and red days
Rather than hunting for set ticket discounts, choosing a no-color day (such as a weekday during off-peak season) offers greater savings. As a bonus, the aquarium is less crowded on those days, so you can enjoy the exhibits at a relaxed pace.
Once you have decided on a visit date, start by checking the price on the official website calendar.
Discounts Are Limited — So Choose Your Visit Day and Set Ticket Wisely
Here is a summary of how to save on Kaiyukan tickets.
- The Santa Maria set ticket offers the best savings (¥500 off for adults). If you plan to ride the Santa Maria, get the set ticket without hesitation
- The Captain Line set ticket is convenient when visiting both USJ and Kaiyukan (¥200 off for adults)
- Be cautious with the LEGOLAND set ticket. It can cost more than buying separately, so always compare prices beforehand
- Show your admission ticket at participating stores in Tempozan Marketplace to receive coupon perks
- JAF, OTAs, convenience store advance tickets, and other external discount methods are mostly unavailable
- The biggest savings come from choosing a no-color calendar day. The difference can be up to ¥800 for adults
Since external discount channels are limited, the key to saving on Kaiyukan tickets is choosing when to visit and which set ticket to combine. Check the official calendar and aim for the best-priced days.
