*Editor W: A self-proclaimed aquarium enthusiast who travels across Japan in search of the country’s best aquariums, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. Her dream is to visit every aquarium in Japan!
┃Another Pick
Don’t miss the kurage soft (jellyfish soft-serve ice cream) at the snack stand or the jellyfish ramen served at the restaurant! According to the aquarium, these unique menu items were inspired by a former director who heard from local fishermen that jellyfish could be surprisingly delicious. That conversation led to the development of the aquarium’s signature jellyfish dishes.
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| Access | JR Tsuruoka Sta. → 🚌40 min by bus |
| Business hours | 9:00–17:00 / Admission: 1,500 yen |
If you’re a shark lover, don’t miss AQUA WORLD Ibaraki Prefectural Oarai Aquarium, one of the largest aquariums in the Kanto region.
The aquarium is home to around 60 species of sharks and is known for its extensive research on shark ecology and breeding. To date, it has successfully bred more than 30 species of sharks, making it one of Japan’s leading aquariums for shark research.
Other highlights include a massive tank featuring 25,000 marine creatures from 80 species, projection mapping displays in the jellyfish area, and the aquarium’s popular ocean sunfish exhibit. The outdoor area overlooks the Pacific Ocean, where visitors can observe penguins and sea lions from various angles while enjoying refreshing sea breezes and spectacular ocean views.
┃Editor’s Eye
My personal recommendation is Shark Daddy’s Room, where you can see taxidermied sharks and enormous shark jawbones on display.
┃Another recommendation: If you’re visiting with children ages 2 to 6 (before elementary school), head to Wakuwaku Hiroba on the 5th floor. For just 200 yen, kids can put on an adorable shark poncho and enjoy 20 minutes of active play on the large playground equipment!
┃Travel Tip
NIGHT AQUAWORLD takes place every Saturday from 5:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Enjoy a special evening experience featuring nighttime illuminations and exclusive aquarium performances.
| Access | Nakaminato Sta. (Hitachinaka Seaside Railway) →🚌 7 min by bus |
| Business hours | 9:00–17:00 |
| Regular holiday | Open 365 days (except for maintenance closures) / Admission: 2,300 yen |
The dugong, which is said to have inspired mermaid legends, is an endangered species. It made headlines last year when one was spotted in Taiwan for the first time in 88 years. Toba Aquarium is the only aquarium in Japan where visitors can see both dugongs and sea otters (see note below).🪸
Visitors can also encounter many other fascinating animals, including giant walruses and African manatees. The aquarium’s three-story building is divided into 12 zones and is home to approximately 1,200 species, the largest number of animal species kept at any aquarium in Japan.
Note: As May the sea otter is experiencing age-related health issues, public appearances and events may be changed or canceled to prioritize her health and well-being.
┃Editor’s Eye
The popular sea otter exhibit can get very crowded, so visitors are currently asked to line up and take turns viewing it, with each group given one minute at the tank. One of the best times to visit is during the sea otters’ feeding sessions, held three times a day, when you can watch their adorable eating habits up close.
| Access | Toba Sta. (JR / Kintetsu) → 🚶➡️10 min walk |
| Business hours | 9:30–17:00 (hours vary by season) |
| Regular holiday | Open 365 days / Admission: 2,800 yen |
This aquarium showcases the natural beauty and marine life of Kyushu. One highlight is an area that recreates the lush forests and seas of Amami Oshima, a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. In the outdoor ocean tank, which is 7 meters deep and recreates the warm waters of southern Kyushu, visitors can observe schools of approximately 20,000 Japanese sardines as well as sand tiger sharks measuring up to 3 meters in length.
┃Editor’s Eye
The specimen and skeleton exhibits in the deep-sea area are especially impressive, so be sure to stop by.🐙
┃Another Pick
At the restaurant, you can enjoy your meal while watching dolphins swimming in the adjacent tank.
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┃Travel Tip
Uminonakamichi Seaside Park, located next to the aquarium, is a scenic destination famous for its vast flower fields. The park also features a zoo, athletic facilities, and accommodations. To fully enjoy everything the area has to offer, it’s recommended to set aside a full day or plan an overnight stay.
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| Access | JR Uminonakamichi Sta. → 🚶➡️5 min walk |
| Business hours | 9:30–17:30 (hours vary by season; last admission 16:30) |
| Regular holiday | Four days from the third Monday of January / Admission: Adult 2,500 yen / Senior 2,200 yen / Elementary and junior high school student 1,200 yen / Infant 700 yen |
