Hi,
I am bringing the whole family to Japan in the summer.
We live in Los Angeles so we have access to a pretty good aquarium here in Long Beach and also in Monterey. I am wondering if anyone has gone to both. Can you compare them to me? and if it is worth our 1 1/2 days in Osaka in the aquarium. My youngest one says he would like to go..
But.. he would say he wants to go to McDonald, too.
Thank you!
Alice

I'm a sucker for good aquariums, and for better or worse, was convinced to skip the one in Osaka -- which means I didn't see it and so can't honestly comment.

It might help people to know how this possible visit would fit into the rest of your trip -- how much time do you have in Japan, and what is your current plan?

Thank you for you comment.
So, right now, we have a trip about 14 days. Tokyo-Kyoto-Takamatsu-Osaka.
We will go to Tokyo first with 3 days at Disney and then 3 days of Tokyo roaming.
We head over to Kyoto for another 3 days of roaming there.
Takamatsu for 3 more days.
Last two days at Osaka but one day is arrival from Takamatsu by train. So, in reality, it is 1/2 day plus a whole day of roaming around.
We depart from Osaka on the 15th day.

Ultimately only you can decide if it is worth your time. You can get more info on it though at:
http://www.japan-guide.com/e/e4004.html

There are 3 large aquariums in Tokyo as well - the Shinagawa Aquarium, Sumida Aquarium, and Sunshine City Aquarium.
Frankly though, I'd keep them as an option in case the weather sucks (and sadly sometimes does). See some places that are more uniquely Japanese - there are temples and towers and so many places that offer you things you can't see anything like it in the rest of the world.

Have been to Monterey and Osaka aquariums. The Montery one is larger and more spread out. The Osaka one is in a large building where you start out from the top floor and work your way down. The big attraction is the whale shark. Very little English signage and explanations but the little ones will have a great time. Osaka Universal Studios is in the same section of Osaka as the aquarium.

Your little one is right about McDonalds too lol. English signage and something different like a teri burger for their specials haha

Aloha!

If you get suck weather in Tokyo, go to the Miraikan. If your kid(s) are older than 5, they'll love it.