A perfect spot for a family trip in Fukuoka is the 'Marine World Uminonakamichi', where colorful fish, dolphins, penguins, otters, and about 30,000 other marine creatures of approximately 350 species are on display. This aquarium, including dolphin and sea lion shows, is packed with must-see points. We will introduce the highlights of this aquarium that you can fully enjoy.
※All the information appearing in this article is as of May 2024. Please check the official website etc. for the latest information.
※If you purchase or reserve the products introduced in the article, a portion of the sales may be returned to FUN! JAPAN.
👉Reserve your tickets for "Marine World Uminonakamichi" here
👉Marine World Uminonakamichi Aquarium Ticket | Fukuoka
Fukuoka's "Marine World Uminonakamichi" is one of the largest aquariums in Kyushu!
"Marine World Uminonakamichi" is one of the largest aquariums in Kyushu, located in "Uminonakamichi Seaside Park" in Fukuoka City. Opened in 1989, it exhibits about 350 species and 30,000 marine creatures across three floors, with the theme of "Seas of Kyushu". You can meet a variety of creatures living in Kyushu, including popular sea creatures such as dolphins and penguins.
If you follow the route, you start from the 3rd floor where the "Near Waters of Kyushu", which reproduces the four seas surrounding Kyushu in the aquarium, is located. As you descend the slope to the 1st floor, you will see the "Open Ocean Aquarium" of the "The Open Ocean of Kyushu", where a large group of sardines, sharks, and rays swim. On the 1st floor, you can meet penguins and seals at "Kaiju Island".
Located just before the route to the 2nd floor is "Fukuoka's Familiar Dolphins". You can enjoy the adorable expressions of the small dolphin "Finless Porpoise". On the 2nd floor, you can be healed by the "Jellyfish of Kyushu" that float slowly, or enjoy the dolphin and sea lion shows at the "Show Pool". In the "Otter Pool" towards the exit, you can enjoy the sight of otters playing freely.
With in-house signs that can accommodate English and Chinese, and a fully equipped audio guide function that can be used for free, it is an aquarium that can be enjoyed even by those who do not understand Japanese.
Access & How to Buy Tickets for "Marine World Uminonakamichi"
You can easily access Marine World Uminonakamichi from the city center of Fukuoka by train (JR/Subway) or bus. Either way, it's about a 3-5 minute walk from the nearest station or bus stop to the aquarium.
【By train】
- Route 1 (about 31 minutes）: JR Hakata Station → (JR Kagoshima Main Line) → JR Kashii Station → (JR Kashii Line) → JR Uminonakamichi Station
- Route 2 (about 43 minutes): Fukuoka City Subway Tenjin Station → (Subway Hakozaki Line) → Kaizuka Station → (Nishitetsu Kaizuka Line) → Wajiro Station → (JR Kashii Line) → JR Uminonakamichi Station
【By bus】 (Approximately 60 minutes*)
- Tenjin Central Post Office → (Nishitetsu Bus) → Bus Stop Marine World Uminonakamichi
- *If you use the urban expressway service on weekends and holidays, it takes about 30 minutes
Tickets for Marine World Uminonakamichi can primarily be purchased through three methods: manned counters, vending machines, and online purchases.
The paper tickets sold at manned counters and vending machines feature popular sea creatures, making them perfect for creating travel memories. On the other hand, if you want to avoid the crowds at the entrance, we recommend making a reservation in advance and purchasing an electronic ticket.
Admission Fees
- Adults, University Students, High School Students, Vocational Students: 2,500 yen
- Over 65 years old: 2,200 yen
- Elementary and Junior High School Students: 1,200 yen
- Children: 700 yen
👉To reserve tickets for "Marine World Uminonakamichi", click here
👉Marine World Uminonakamichi Aquarium Ticket | Fukuoka
Top 5 Must-See Areas at "Marine World Uminonakamichi"
Marine World Uminonakamichi is full of charming creatures such as penguins, dolphins, seals, and sharks! We will introduce the areas where you can see these particularly must-see fish and animals. You can meet wonderful popular characters.
【1F】Island Stage
※NEW OPEN in March 2024
One of the new areas opened in 2024 to commemorate the 35th anniversary of its establishment.
An island stage where you can enjoy the adorable appearance of seals from 360 degrees without any partitions such as glass. You can enjoy cute performances full of realism, such as waving their hands while shaking their plump bodies, and wagging their tails.
【1F】Penguin Beach
※NEW OPEN in March 2024
The "Penguin Beach", which recreates the Boulder's Beach in South Africa, a habitat of Cape penguins, is an area where you can meet penguins relaxing on the sandy beach or swimming at high speed underwater. "Goodnight Penguin", which returns to the hut through the viewing space, is a great chance to see penguins up close.
【1F】Fukuoka's Familiar Dolphins
Enjoy dolphin and sea lion performances against the backdrop of Hakata Bay in an open-air show pool. You can enjoy the dolphins' elegant jumps and spins, as well as the cute and entertaining performances of sea lions on the stage right in front of the spectator seats. You can see powerful performances from the front seats, but there is a possibility of getting wet from the splash. Waterproof measures are a must!
【1F / 2F】Open Ocean of Kyushu
The large 7m deep tank, which replicates the warm seas of southern Kyushu, is a mysterious area where about 20,000 sardines, large endangered sharks known as "Great White Sharks", and rays swim. Shows such as the "Sardine Typhoon", where sardines whirl around, are held three times a day. Next to this tank, we also recommend the elevator that gives you the experience of diving into the sea.
Don't forget to check out the restaurant where you can view dolphins and souvenirs of popular creatures!
- (Left) Dolphin Hamburger Plate / 840 yen
- (Right) Penguin Tempura Udon / 880 yen
After creating memories with the sea creatures, you'll definitely want to enjoy a meal at the restaurant "Reilly", which overlooks the show pool.
Not only can you dine while watching the dolphins swim, but the taste is also exquisite. Recommended are the kids menu "Dolphin Hamburger Plate" and the "Penguin Tempura Udon" topped with a penguin-shaped maruten (*), which will enhance the aquarium atmosphere. The parfait topped with a dolphin cookie is also popular. There is also a wide range of meat dishes, pasta, and desserts.
*Tempura of minced fish
Also, don't forget to buy souvenirs as a memento.
The shop "Sea Forest" located inside the building is filled with original sweets and goods. Popular sweets include the "Marine World Chocolate Mochi" and "Marine World Round Otter Castella" with cute packages featuring otters and other aquarium favorites. We also recommend the "Marine World Original Wooden Magnets" designed with popular characters such as dolphins, penguins, great white sharks, and harbor seals.
Recommended way to tour "Marine World Uminonakamichi" & estimated sightseeing time?
To fully enjoy Marine World Uminonakamichi, you should expect to spend about 2 to 2.5 hours. Furthermore, if you want to spend more time in your favorite areas, watch shows, or participate in experience menus, you might want to plan to stay for about 3 hours.
The recommended way to tour is to prioritize the schedule of shows and feeding experiences that have set times. If you have plenty of time until your desired show, you can visit distant areas, and if you have less time, you can visit nearby areas for efficient touring. In this case, since it's not according to the route, you might lose track of where you've been. Therefore, we recommend marking the indoor map. By doing so, you can easily identify the places you haven't visited yet, even if you don't follow the route.
- Address: 18-28, Oaza Nishitozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City
- Business hours: 09:30 - 17:30
- *Golden Week and Summer: 09:30 - 21:00
- *December - February: 10:00 - 17:00
- Closed: First Monday of February and the following day
- Access: About 5 minutes walk from JR "Uminonakamichi Station"
- Official website: https://marine-world.jp/
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