We curated a list of aquariums in Japan that will blow your mind! Check it out!
Are you the kind of person who enjoys learning about aquatic species? Well, if you do, I’ve got some questions for you! Have you ever visited a real fish aquarium in your area?
Have you ever dreamt of seeing a gigantic fish aquarium in Japan filled with rare fish species you can only find there? If so, then this article is for you!
One of the nations renowned for its significant aquaria and numerous aquatic attractions in Japan. Japanese aquariums have a lot to offer, particularly those that value marine life.
Do you know that there are aquariums in Japan that are ranked as some of the largest aquariums in the world? If you don’t, then come and join me as I discovered great aquariums during my stay in Japan.
Here is a list of 6 aquariums you absolutely must see in Japanese aquariums. All facts and information provided are based on my personal experiences and lessons learned during my time in Japan.
Must-visit Aquariums in Japan
Hakkeijima Sea Paradise Aquarium
- Open from 10AM to 4 PM
Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, a stunning aquarium located in Japan, is a truly wondrous sight. With awe-inspiring displays and a delightfully diverse range of the underwater world, it’s easy to understand why this is a popular destination for so many visitors.
Set in the city of Yokohama, Hakkeijima Sea Paradise offers a captivating trip through the depths of the ocean.
It the biggest aquarium experience in Japan and lives up to the reputation of its size with its plentiful and diverse displays. There is a 25 cm-long wall of glass, giving visitors a unique glimpse of the range of aquatic species and the beauty beneath the sea.
From the charming seals lazing in the sunlight to the vivid colors of the seemingly endless corals, visitors can immerse themselves in the heart of a dream-like underwater paradise.
Also located in the aquarium is the impressive Dolphin Fantasy, an open-air live show that delightfully introduces visitors to the acrobatic and beautiful majestic marine mammals.
On the giant video wall, a vibrant simulated coral reef presents a visual fantasy of colours and shapes, while a crowd of bottlenose dolphins competes with the expert trainers to soak up all the attention.
Of course, the main draw of Hakkeijima Sea Paradise must be the remarkable variety of fish and sea creatures that inhabit the exclusive aquarium.
From playful penguins to inviting iguanas, as well as everything in between, the aquarium presents a stunning portfolio of the world’s creatures.
Best of all, the adorable sea otters are always the stars of the show, engaging the audience with their captivating antics.
With its magnificent magnitude and majestic environment, Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is a portal to the wonders of the ocean and a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
Its beautiful displays of marine life and wonderful avian inhabitants are certain to inspire and captivate every guest, ensuring an unforgettable and enjoyable experience.
Treat yourself to an immersive journey to the depths of the sea at Hakkeijima Sea Paradise and discover the amazing range of creatures that call this paradise home.
- For more info contact: http://www.seaparadise.co.jp/
- Contact: +81457888888
- Address: Hakkeijima, Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama, Kanagawa 236-0006, Japan
Kyoto Aquarium
- Open from 10AM to 5PM
Kyoto Aquarium has been a staple of Kyoto since its inception in 2012. This amazing aquarium boasts a variety of unique exhibits and aquatic species.
From the moment you step inside, you will be awed by the lush environment and the myriad of intriguing creatures lurking within.
As you explore the impressive 14,000 square meter floor plan, you will be entranced by the captivatingly diverse aquatic life.
From the usual suspects such as sharks, octopuses, and tropical fish to rarer creatures such as seahorses, sea cucumbers, and starfish, there’s more than enough for you to explore.
Not only does the Kyoto Aquarium have plenty of marine organisms for visitors to watch, but there are also daily shows that feature intelligent sea-dwelling mammals such as sea lions and dolphins.
These entertaining shows are held in the ponds of the aquarium and offer a glimpse into the fascinating lives of these animals.
The facility is also home to the world’s largest pool filled with both fresh and saltwater. This magnificent site is truly awe-inspiring as you watch the fish swim around in a 360-degree panoramic view.
Visitors to the aquarium will also be able to learn more about the aquatic life that lives inside the pool and get up close and personal with them.
The aquarium offers a wide range of educational and experiential activities that visitors can take part in.
From the interactive touch tanks that allow guests to get up close and personal with the marine creatures in their natural habitat to the behind-the-scenes tours of the facility, Kyoto Aquarium has something to offer everybody.
No matter if you’re a long-time favorite or a first-time visitor, you’re sure to be completely enthralled by the wonders of the sea that Kyoto Aquarium has to offer.
From the plethora of creatures to view, the educational activities to participate in, and the spectacular shows that play out concurrently throughout the day, you’ll have plenty of reasons to be captivated.
- For more info visit: https://www.kyoto-aquarium.com/
- Contact: +81753543130
- Address: 35-1 Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto, 600-8835, Japan
Aquamarine Fukushima
- Open from 9AM to 5PM
Located in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture, Aquamarine Fukushima is one of Japan’s top-rated aquariums, and visitors from all over the world come to experience its unique and intimate atmosphere.
At Aquamarine Fukushima, guests are taken on an unforgettable journey beneath the waves. From the moment you enter, you’re surrounded by the magical realm of the sea as you wander through an expansive array of lushly planted seawater tanks, immersed in an enthralling atmosphere of sights and sounds.
Huge tanks filled with vibrant tropical fish and graceful jellyfish mesmerize visitors while they explore the various exhibits.
On-site, you’ll find an impressive variety of habitats, including the Coral Aquarium, the Marine Science Center, the Penguin Land, and even a Turtle House.
There are also special events throughout the year such as movie nights and animal shows that you won’t want to miss.
The signature exhibit at Aquamarine Fukushima is the Tunnel Aquarium. This amazing walk-through tunnel offers visitors an up-close view of some of the world’s most fascinating sea creatures, from neon-orange Clown Fish to massive Whale Sharks.
You get the opportunity to see these animals as they glide gracefully through the water, providing an unforgettable experience.
Overall, Aquamarine Fukushima offers an unforgettable experience for any visitors to Iwaki City.
The numerous attractions and activities along with the scenery make this aquarium one of the best in Japan. So, if you’re in the area, be sure to check out Aquamarine Fukushima and experience all that it has to offer!
- For more info visit: https://www.aquamarine.or.jp/
- Contact: +81246732525
- Address: Japan, 〒971-8101 Fukushima, Iwaki, Onahama, Tatsumicho−５０
Kamogawa Sea World
- Open from 9AM to 4PM
Located in the Chiba prefecture and just a short train ride from Tokyo, Kamogawa Sea World is a must-see for all marine life lovers. This extraordinary aquarium is home to a variety of ocean life, from graceful, exotic tropical fish to the majestic whale shark.
The first thing visitors will see when entering Kamogawa Sea World is the main aquarium, shimmering with primary colors from the abundance of fish species.
You can spend hours mesmerized by the creatures below, as rays of sunlight catch the rainbow of vibrant hues in the water.
The aquarium houses about 30,000 fish in 60 tanks, including eight whale sharks – impressive giants that can reach over 10 meters (33 feet) in length!
All the tanks are connected to one another so that you can take a stroll and observe the different species, such as clownfish, manta rays, and sea turtles.
But the highlight of Kamogawa Sea World is the dolphin show, where you can witness the athletic acrobatics of these incredible creatures. In the large pool, the trainers put on an exciting performance with the dolphins, which are sure to captivate audiences of all ages.
The precision and grace of the dolphins is a sight to behold as they soar through the air and spin gracefully around their trainers.
Adjacent to the main pool, there are several interactive areas. Here, visitors can jump into the pool and have their photos taken with the dolphins and sea lions – an unforgettable experience for anyone who loves marine life. You can also help the keepers with food preparation and feeding.
In addition, Kamogawa Sea World offers a plethora of educational opportunities about ocean life and conservation efforts.
Through interactive exhibits and presentations, visitors can gain a deeper understanding of ocean life and the importance of protecting the environment.
Kamogawa Sea World promises visitors captivating sights and unparalleled experiences that are impossible to forget. From learning about conservation to watching the stunning performances of the dolphins, this aquarium truly captures the beauty and splendor of the sea.
- For more info visit: https://www.kamogawa-seaworld.jp/
- Contact: +81470934803
- Address: 1464-18 Higashicho, Kamogawa, Chiba 296-0041, Japan
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
- Open from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm (Oct to Feb).
As I stated, one of the largest and most well-known aquariums in the world can be found in Kaiyohaku Park, which is named Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium.
This tourist attraction aquarium spot was my first ever visit to an aquarium in Japan.
Luckily, I was able to see animals that I hadn’t seen before, like tarsiers or Japanese soft-tarsiers, Mantophis Jinta, and it is also home to some very peculiar fish species, like Vampyroteuthis infernalis, which is a type of deep water squid.
I highly suggest that if you are going to visit the stunning aquariums, you must set a schedule first before going to the place.
Must know:
- 720 different species make up most of its 11,000 animal species.
- The largest tank has a capacity of 7,500,000 liters.
- One of the aquariums that are highly recommended is a great destination for tourists because it offers a variety of activities.
- Each visitor has a different cost for admission. The Cost of General Admission (the latest admission fee-Oct 01, 2022)
2,180 yen for adults, and
1440 yen for high school students
710 yen for elementary and junior high school students
Under 6 years old are free from admission.
Area: 424 Ishikawa, Motobu, Kunigami District, Okinawa 905-0206, Japan
To know more visit their official website
Tokyo Sea Life Park
Last year, I visited a sea life park in Tokyo and was blown away by the display of unique species.
Approximately 650 species of organisms are bred in 47 tanks, including tuna that migrate around a large donut-shaped tank. Among the many strange and intriguing creatures, I saw a few that seemed to be closer to humans than any other fish in my life.
Must know
- Aquariums at Tokyo Sea Life Park are working to conserve and breed endangered foreign and domestic species.
- There are 940 different species represented by 85,000 animals.
- The capacity of the tanks as a whole is 4,600,000 liters.
- The price of admission varies for each visitor. The price of general entry
350 yen for seniors (65 years old and above).
700 yen for adults (16-64),
250 yen for students (13-15)
while children ages 12 and below can enter for free.
Address: 6 Chome-2-3 Rinkaicho, Edogawa City, Tokyo 134-8587, Japan
To know more, visit the official website
- Related: Secret Place in Japan To Check Out!
Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium
This public aquarium is located in Minato Ward and is known as Japan’s biggest dolphin show tank.
The place is mainly open from 9:30 am to 5:30 pm
The Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, run by the Nagoya Minato Promotion Foundation, was first opened in 1992. The largest dolphin show tank in the world has been introduced thanks to the aquarium’s expanding facilities.
The research facility is known to have had success in breeding species such as the emperor penguin and chinstrap penguin. Having been classified as a World Natural Monument by UNESCO in 2003, the aquarium was voted the best aquarium in Japan in 2006.
Must know
- The dolphin show tank has capacities of 13,500,000 liters, while the aquarium is 885,000 liters
- Have lots of entertainment events such as Dolphin performance, Ocra Traning, Tornado of Sardines, Diver communication, and many more!
- Each visitor has a different cost for the admission ticket. The Cost of General Admission ticket
2,030 yen for adults and high school students,
1,010 yen for elementary and junior high school students,
while 500 yen for children (4 years old)
Address: 1-3 Minatomachi, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 455-0033, Japan
To know more, visit the official website
Kamoga Sea World
Kamogawa Sea World is a sizable, comprehensive marine leisure center/museum-like facility. The entire complex includes a museum, arcade, amusement park, and marine aquarium. It is located in Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture, Japan, near the Tojo coast.
Must know
- 800 species, totaling 11,000 animals, are bred and displayed. Numerous facilities in this region house various rare animal species.
- The public aquarium is used for more than just viewing animals; it also serves as a hub for information exchange and team research projects with other global and Japanese preservation organizations.
- One of the rare experiences in this place is seeing the rare beluga whale and a majestic orca performance.
- At a place called “Restaurant Ocean,” you can eat while watching killer whale sightings. The experience was incredibly fascinating and incredible because it was my first time dining while enjoying a fantastic view of the underwater world.
Address: 1464-18 Higashicho, Kamogawa, Chiba 296-0041, Japan
To know more, visit the official site
Toba Aquarium
In the Japanese city of Mie is the aquarium. The preservation and propagation of rare marine species that are in danger of going extinct are other priorities at Toba Aquarium. A finless porpoise was born, and a second-generation sea otter was born for the first time in Japan. These are notable breeding events.
The zones provided on the spot meet my expectations because you can easily keep track of them and choose which ones to visit based on your preferences and those that will go well with the exhibition.
Must know
- There are 25,000 different animals and 1,000 different species, including the beluga sturgeon, commerson’s dolphin, and Dugong dugon, among many others.
- 6,000 m3 is the total volume of tanks.
- Each visitor pays a different amount for admission.
Adults pay 2800 yen.
Ages 6 to 15: 1,600 yen for children
3-5-year-old children pay 800 yen,
whereas children under 3 are admitted free.
Feedback:
“There were unfamiliar manatees and dugongs. As expected, I was able to spend time without getting tired of being proud of the number one variety in Japan. Also, since the direction of travel is not particularly decided, I was able to go round and round at my own pace. The porpoise had just had a baby, so I couldn’t see it up close. I think it’s because I don’t give stress, so I can’t help it (;_;) The closing time is short at 17:00, so be careful when visiting.
By the way, the sea otter place was crowded all the time as I imagined.”
Reviewed by 狂犬ちゃん
Address: 3 Chome-3-6 Toba, Mie 517-8517, Japan
To learn more, visit the official page
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
When it first opened in 1990, the public gave the aquarium the name “Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan.”
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan has opened its doors to the public for the first time with a total volume of 10,941 tons of water.
Each tank represents a different region of the Pacific Rim, and the exhibits incorporate the concepts of the Ring of Fire and the Ring of Life.
On my journey through this aquarium, all I can say is that it is educational and amazing. The facility is clean and well-maintained to Japanese standards. The colorful fish that swim within the aquarium’s water tanks, the majestic coral colonies, and various sea creatures with unique shapes are mesmerizing.
Must know
- Business hours in October are 9:30-20:00 on weekends, 9:30-19:00 during the weekdays (last entry is at 18:00), and 10:30-19:00 on holidays (Last entry at 19:00)
- While there are 29,000 different animal species, there are 420 different species.
- The largest tank has a volume of 5,400,000 liters, and all of the tanks together have a volume of 11,000,000 liters.
- There are many different types of tanks, and they can be divided according to the marine life they house.
- Each visitor pays a different amount for admission.
Adults: 2,400 yen (high school students, 16 years old and over).
1,220 yen for kids (elementary and junior high school students),
It costs 600 yen for infants (3 years old and older),
while seniors pay 2,200 yen (65 and over).
Feedback:
“It was crowded however there are many things to see and almost everything has an English explanation. The exhibition is separated by geographical areas and watching the sharks was great!”
Reviewed by: Adriana Valenzuela
Address: 1 Chome-1-10 Kaigandori, Minato Ward, Osaka, 552-0022, Japan
To learn more, visit the official site
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