Japan’s deep connection with the sea can be seen in the food and culture of the country. Aquariums in Japan are one of the many attractions both for young people and adults. In this article we will be listing a few must-visit aquariums plus the guidelines to visit these aquariums.
Table of Contents
- Aquariums and their significance in Japan
- Just a Few Amazing Aquariums in Japan
- General guidelines before visiting an aquarium
- Conclusion
Aquariums and their significance in Japan
Japan is home to numerous aquariums, both modern and ones that have been around for a long time.As a country surrounded by the sea, the sea and the creatures within have been an integral part in the Japanese culture, history and life. (Fun fact: Only 8 of the 47 prefectures in Japan are landlocked, meaning 39 of them border the sea in some way!)
Throughout history and even to this day, the people of Japan hold a deep connection to the sea. Whether it be for transportation, occupation or recreation - not to mention all the seafood and sea-related products! - it’s an essential part of the Japanese life. We even celebrate 海の日 (Umi no Hi) which is Ocean Day or Marine Day, a day to be thankful to the sea.
So not only are aquariums for entertainment, but it’s a great educational way to interact with and observe the sea creatures in another form of appreciation for the sea. Aquariums in Japan are not just for kids but adults can also have a great day outing there. (They are one of the 定番 (teiban) or standard date spots so be prepared to see a lot of couples too!) You can see all kinds of unique and popular sea creatures here such as penguins, seals, otters, and even orca and whale sharks and so on if you know where to go.
Writer's Pick
Just a Few Amazing Aquariums in Japan
Japan is home to many major aquariums. Here, we have listed just a few of the most amazing aquariums found across the country - from Kanto to Kansai to Okinawa.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
The Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is located in, you guessed it, Osaka. It has an impressive 16 different unique exhibits that you can take your time exploring in the huge space. And the aquarium is located in a shopping and entertainment area, which includes a giant ferris wheel. It’s considered one of the must-visit spots in Osaka, so try to schedule it into your trip if you can!
Website: https://www.kaiyukan.com/
Read more about it here: Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium: A World Tour Inside a Single Museum
Sumida Aquarium
Sumida Aquarium opened in May 2012, making it one of the relatively new aquariums both in Japan and on this list. And of course it is because it’s located at the base of one of the newest and modern structures in Tokyo, Tokyo Skytree. The main attraction is the huge open tank which allows visitors to closely view the creatures that are often considered the face of the aquarium itself - the penguins!
Website: https://www.sumida-aquarium.com/index.html
Maxell Shinagawa Aqua Park
Maxell Shinagawa Aqua Park (you may have known it for its former name - Epson Aqua Park Shinagawa). It is a very popular aquarium in Tokyo, just across the street from Shinagawa Station and located in the facilities of Shinagawa Prince Hotel. The dolphin show is one of the main attractions, with its creative use of music and lights to enhance the experience - and the one at night is romantic and different from the one during the day! (And you can even have a wedding at the dolphin show if you wish!)
Website: http://www.aqua-park.jp/aqua/
Kyoto Aquarium
Kyoto Aquarium is popular among school students and is noted for its educational aspects. It has nine zones introducing different animals and environments, including Kyoto’s rivers, and features animals such as giant salamanders, penguins, seals, jellyfish and dolphins.
Website: https://www.kyoto-aquarium.com/index.html
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, the result of a renovation in 2002 of the former aquarium on the site, was one of the largest sea aquariums in the world until 2005. It is part of Ocean Expo Park in Motobu, Okinawa and is still hugely popular, with millions of visitors every year. Their major exhibits include The Kuroshio Sea Tank where you can see one of if not their most popular attractions, whale sharks, as well as the Shark Research Lab and Okichan Theater.
Website: https://churaumi.okinawa/
General guidelines before visiting an aquarium
With so much to see and explore, we are listing a few guidelines and tips before you visit an aquarium in order to take maximum advantage of your visit.
-
Buy tickets in advance if possible. Tickets may sell out on busier days or on weekends. Many major aquariums allow online ticket purchases now.
-
It is always advisable to arrive early to enjoy the aquarium with a relaxed mind and also to beat the crowd. If you are arriving near the end of the day, make sure you check the closing time, as it may change depending on the season, and the cutoff time to enter the facility may be 30 minutes to an hour before closing.
-
If you are watching an animal show or feeding, check the times at the entrance and try to get there early to try to pick a seat or spot closer. In certain cases, you might be able to upgrade your ticket for better view and seating.
-
Be aware and prepare your children that the aquarium environment is going to be a little dark and cool. It may be a good idea to bring a light cardigan. Also if you plan to sit near the front of a show, you may want to bring a change of clothes in case you get splashed. (Dolphin shows almost always have a splash zone!)
-
Do not bring any prohibited items to the aquarium. Look for storage lockers at the entrance if you need to store anything. If you have particularly large luggage with you, you may want to find a locker at the station instead.
Conclusion
Japan is a place with many wonderful aquariums which are waiting for us to visit. Do explore the dreamy underwater world in at least one of these places if you get the chance! Any of these options are great to get a taste of the aquarium culture in Japan.
If you are a tourist, then you must keep aquariums in Japan on your priority list to visit.
