What Is NIFREL?
A New Kind of Aquarium Created by Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Its official name is NIFREL, the Living Museum.
It’s not an aquarium—it’s a museum!
That’s the key point! It’s part of a large shopping complex at Bampaku-kinen-koen Station, right in front of the Tower of the Sun.
Since it’s produced by Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan, I was excited even before I got there.
Admission Prices and Crowds
Admission is 1900 yen for adults, which feels a little pricey. Since there can be a wait to buy tickets, it’s a good idea to purchase a timed advance ticket online.
Can You Touch the Animals?
The name NIFREL comes from the phrase ni fureru, meaning “to come into contact with.” You can connect with and experience the many fascinating sides of these animals, but
touching them is prohibited
—so be careful!
NIFREL’s Exhibition Style Is Fascinating!
Exhibits Organized Around Different Themes
Instead of the usual habitat-based layout, NIFREL’s exhibits are organized around the animals’ distinctive traits. For example, there are sections for “fish with unusual appearances” and “fish with distinctive behaviors,” and so on.
You can even see how garden eels bury themselves in the sand thanks to the transparent substrate. Each tank is small, but the trait-focused displays are incredibly fun to look at.
The explanations of each animal’s “skills” are catchy. There are even mammals! NIFREL has not only fish, but mammals too. The most popular one is the
white tiger
！！
It’s intimidating, but also incredibly cute.
In the white tiger area, there are also crocodiles and other animals.
The Biggest Highlight: An Area with No Cages!
I think NIFREL’s biggest highlight is its “no-cage area.” Amazingly,
capybaras
and
white-handed gibbons
and others are allowed to roam freely around the room.
White-handed gibbons
could be seen up close.
Even birds that feel unmistakably tropical were right in front of me!
This one belongs to the pigeon family. Huge!
There was even an owl on the restroom sign! A real one, of course.
There are penguins too.
Summary: NIFREL Was So Much Fun!
My Overall Impression
With its themed exhibits and freely roaming animals, NIFREL is a new kind of aquarium unlike anything I’d seen before,
a wonderfully fun place that expands the possibilities of what an aquarium can be
It really was. If you’re visiting Osaka, I definitely recommend it! The monorail looks incredibly cool too, so don’t miss it!
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