Osaka aquarium

We had genuinely warned our children that adventures feature lots and lots of walking. But like all good children they rolled their eyes, knew better and simply ignored our sagacious wisdom. Then complained that their feet were tired. Why, we had hardly done more than 18,000 steps (mostly uphill) the day previous, and already they were fatigued? 

Our tentative plan had been to visit Miyajima and Iwakuni on Monday, but given the mumbles and grumbles of the assembled persons and their dire lack of footly fortitude, we opted instead to visit Osaka aquarium. It was the thing the kids were most looking forward to on this trip, and it was super close by, so we wouldn't have to activate our rail passes yet. 

I feel like the aquarium had changed somewhat from our first foray here, but it has been 18 years since we last visited. I may simply be misremembering. Regardless, it remains impressive. 

We opted to purchase the audio guides for the children, which purported to provide additional audio details about exhibits. Alas, it was wasted on my children, whose knowledge of marine biology is uncannily deep thanks to our very competitive games of 20 questions. Locke dutifully listened to all the audio guide had to provide, but I think he had more fun playing with the guide itself, as opposed to the superficial information it provided. 

What I found particularly enjoyable about this visit was the maturity level of my kids. When we visited zoos and aquariums while they were younger, they would try to see as much as possible, as quickly as possible. This time, they were content to stop and watch exhibits for considerable time before moving on. It made for a leisurely and enjoyable experience. 

All in all we spent three or four hours at the aquarium, then finished with a visit to the cafe. We all decided to try to 'eel' hot dogs. 

Upon completion, the kids immediately asked if we could go visit again before we head home. And I suspect we will. 

Ice cream tally: 4