In this article, we will introduce recommended aquariums in Japan. These are aquariums that both adults and children can enjoy, so please refer to this article when traveling to Japan.
*If you purchase or reserve products introduced in the article, a portion of the sales may be returned to FUN! JAPAN.
Recommended aquariums in Japan? 10 carefully selected facilities!
Aquariums across the country have various features depending on the region. It's also nice that you can enjoy them in different ways depending on the season. In this article, we will introduce the highlights of recommended aquariums along with enjoyable ways to save money.
1. Otaru Aquarium【Hokkaido】
Otaru Aquarium is a representative aquarium in Hokkaido, visited by 380,000 people annually. It is about an hour's drive from Sapporo, surrounded by the great nature facing the Sea of Japan, and the location is also excellent.
About 5,000 creatures of 250 species are displayed in approximately 70 large and small tanks. In addition to the fun dolphin show, the seal feeding time is also a very popular event. The finless porpoise, which is rare worldwide and only displayed at Otaru Aquarium in Japan, is a must-see.
2. YAMA NO Aquarium【Hokkaido】
The YAMA NO Aquarium, home to the world's first freezing tank, Japan's first waterfall tank, and Japan's largest freshwater fish, the Ito, with 40 of them swimming around in a large tank.
Among the Ito, which is the largest freshwater fish in Japan, 20 of them have grown to the largest size of 1 meter. This is the largest number of Ito being bred in Japan. In addition, the town of Rubeshibe in Kitami City, where the YAMA NO Aquarium is located, is one of the coldest towns in Japan. Using this cold, you can see the state of fish swimming under a frozen river that no one has ever seen before.
3. Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa【Tokyo】
Aqua Park Shinagawa is an aquarium located in the city center, just a 5-minute walk from JR Shinagawa Station. It continually attracts fans with its inventive and appealing exhibits and seasonal events.
The aquarium is characterized by its use of light and sound in ways that you wouldn't expect. Inside, you can enjoy exhibits with different concepts in each area, such as the Jellyfish Ramble, a vibrant jellyfish tank that is perfect for photos, and the Wonder Tube, which offers views as if you were walking underwater. The charm of this place lies in its use of light, sound, and visuals that go beyond the typical aquarium.
The aquarium is also equipped with amusement facilities such as a merry-go-round and thrill rides for small children. There are plenty of unique exhibits that can only be seen here, such as dynamic shows using water and light, and the beautiful and fantastical Jellyfish Rumble. This aquarium is enjoyable for all occasions, from couples' outings to family trips with small children, and even solo sightseeing.
4. New Enoshima Aquarium【Kanagawa】
The "New Enoshima Aquarium", located along the Katase Nishihama Beach in Fujisawa City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Known as "Enosui", it is a beloved aquarium among the local community.
It offers a variety of attractions, including dynamic shows featuring whales and dolphins, exhibits of diverse marine life, and interactive programs, providing a full day of enjoyment for both children and adults.
Also, its location along the coast makes it a romantic spot, with the breathtaking beauty of Sagami Bay illuminated by the orange sunset being one of its popular features. On clear days, you can even see Mount Fuji! Be sure to visit when you go sightseeing in Enoshima or Kamakura.
5. Hakkeijima Sea Paradise【Kanagawa】
Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is a comprehensive leisure facility located in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama. With its aquarium, amusement park, and hotels, it's a popular spot where you can enjoy a full day of fun. Particularly, the aquarium near the entrance exhibits over 70 types of marine creatures. The area is divided into four themes, and various ideas are incorporated into the display methods, making it enjoyable for everyone from children to adults.
On the man-made island of Hakkeijima, there are amusement parks, aquariums, restaurants, and hotels. Especially in the aquarium, which is divided into four areas, you can have experiences that can only be done at Sea Paradise, such as interacting with animals including dolphins.
If you purchase tickets according to your purpose, you can enjoy the amusement park only, or the aquarium only, as you like. With fireworks in the summer, Halloween in the fall, and illuminations in the winter, it's a facility where you can enjoy various ways depending on the season.
6. Shimoda Aquarium【Shizuoka】
About 3 hours from Tokyo. Izu Shimoda, with its clear sea and white sandy beaches, has an atmosphere like an overseas resort. The Shimoda Aquarium is a historic facility that opened in 1967, located in a natural inlet using the beautiful sea.
The highlight of this facility is the dolphins. You can participate in unique interactive experiences such as swimming with dolphins, touching them, and feeding them. The dolphin show, where they swim around the wide inlet, is also popular, and the high-level shows of sea lions and seals are also a must-see.
7. Toba Aquarium【Mie】
Toba Aquarium boasts the largest number of species in Japan, with about 1200 species and 30,000 specimens. It is the only place in Asia where you can see dugongs, said to be the model for the "Mermaid Legend".
The otters, popular for their cute gestures, are a hot topic on social media in Japan. Don't miss their mealtime, which happens three times a day!
Another highlight is that there is no set route inside the aquarium, allowing you to view the exhibits freely. The aquarium is divided into 12 themed zones, and you can move around as you please. This is a great place for families with children and animal lovers, as you can enjoy it without being rushed.
8. Kinosaki Marine World Aquarium【Hyogo】
Kinosaki Marine World is a theme park-style aquarium located in Toyooka City, Hyogo Prefecture. This aquarium is not just about watching fish, but it's packed with attractions where you can interact with sea creatures with your whole body.
Enjoy beyond the usual aquarium experience with activities like penguin walks, feeding experiences, and new live performances with 360° visuals. By actually interacting with the creatures, you can learn about the biology of creatures you didn't know before, and you might make new discoveries.
9. Marine World Uminonakamichi【Fukuoka】
Located in Higashi Ward, Fukuoka City, "Marine World Uminonakamichi" showcases about 350 species and 30,000 creatures, themed around the "Seas of Kyushu".
The aquarium is filled with tanks that recreate the seas of Japan, such as the "Genkai Sea Tank" that replicates rough waves, and the "Amami Coral Reef" where colorful fish swim freely among vibrant coral reefs.
Don't miss the "Bone Sound" skeletal exhibition zone, centered around the skull of a sperm whale and the full skeleton of a minke whale. The aquarium also offers a variety of programs, including shows featuring adorable dolphins and sea lions. You'll also be healed by the sight of rare sea creatures like otters and penguins playing energetically.
10. Churaumi Aquarium【Okinawa】
When you come to Okinawa, you can't miss the Churaumi Aquarium. You can fully enjoy the Okinawan sea, which is teeming with various creatures. The aquarium is divided into several sections, each packed with plenty of charm, so you can enjoy it without getting bored.
The "Kuroshio Sea" is a gigantic aquarium boasting one of the largest in the world, with a width of 35m, a depth of 10m, and a depth of 27m. The sight of the whale shark swimming leisurely in this grand scale is truly breathtaking. About 70 species and 16,000 creatures, including manta rays and tuna, are bred. If you take the elevator up, you can also peek at this huge aquarium from the water surface. It's very attractive to be able to tour the behind-the-scenes of the aquarium that is not well known.
- Rado Churaumi One-day Bus Tour | Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium & Manzamo & Nago Pineapple Park | Okinawa, Japan
- Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium Admission Ticket | Japan
- Okinawa GoGo! 3 Sightseeing Pass (Churaumi Aquarium + Choose 2 Destinations)
Enjoy the aquarium in Japan!
We have introduced aquariums in Japan, from the classics to the hidden gems. There are still many unique aquariums in Japan. You can choose by the fish you want to see or the area, or you can choose by a good deal. When you go to an aquarium in Japan, please refer to this article.
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