They're all easy to reach by train with your JR Pass. So you can get up close to sharks, dolphins, manta rays, and more!
Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium
The Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (Kaiyohaku-koen) is a sprawling complex of facilities dedicated to sea life. Located in the Ocean Expo Park, it is the largest aquarium in Japan and a popular tourist destination.
Its most impressive feature is its Kuroshio Sea Tank, one of the world's largest aquariums. It's filled with sharks, manta rays and other migratory fish from the Kuroshio Sea that flows past the island.
In addition, the aquarium has succeeded in raising whale sharks in captivity for breeding purposes. Its largest whale sharks grow to 8.8m in length and are a sight to see!
The Kuroshio Sea tank also features a large-scale coral reef that is cultivated in the same way as it would exist in a tropical sea. This tank is a highlight of the aquarium and the aquarium staff have been nurturing it for over a decade.
Kyoto Aquarium
Kyoto Aquarium is a great place to spend a day out with the family. Not only does it have an array of exciting sea creatures to see, but it also has interactive shows and events, giving kids a chance to learn about these amazing creatures in the process.
The modern facility is a two-story building located inside Umekoji Park and is home to over 15000 marine animals from all over Japan! The attractions at Kyoto Aquarium include the Sea of Kyoto tank, which recreates the ocean environment in Japan, and a series of tanks that exhibit different types of jellyfish, crabs and other sea creatures.
There are a variety of special events hosted throughout the year, so check their website for details. For example, their latest addition is Jellyfish Wonders, which showcases 5,000 beautiful jellyfish floating gracefully in the water.
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan
Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is one of Japan's largest public aquariums, home to 30,000 marine animals from across the Pacific Ocean. Its exhibits give children the opportunity to explore 620 species of creatures, including dolphins, otters, sea lions, penguins, whale sharks and jellyfish.
Located in Tempozan Harbor Village, Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is an enthralling experience for everyone who visits. Its innovative approach to fostering an appreciation for the world of the ocean is sure to impress.
The main tank at Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan is nine meters deep and contains a wide array of marine life. The path around it winds through 15 tanks dedicated to different regions of the ocean, such as Monterey Bay California, the Gulf of Panama, Ecuador Rain Forest and Antartica.
Aqua Park Shinagawa Tokyo
Located in the heart of Tokyo, this aquarium is a two-minute walk from Shinagawa Station and an excellent attraction for families with children. It's a great place to watch a dolphin show and take photos of tropical fish.
You'll find a variety of attractions at Maxell Aqua Park, including a dolphin show in a stadium with water curtains, a tropical jungle zone and a friendly square where sea lions, fur seals and penguins can be seen. It also has a jellyfish zone, a 20 meter long tunnel aquarium and an area where kids can play with touch panels to turn octopus ink and move leaves.
In summer, the aquarium hosts a Sakura theme event with charming cherry blossoms and digital art using the latest technology. It also holds the NAKED SNOW AQUARIUM with special snow decorations and digital projection mapping.
Sendai Umitamago Aquarium
One of the largest aquariums in Northeast Japan, Sendai Umitamago Aquarium has a unique focus on ocean life from the Sanriku Coast. It is also home to the largest open-air dolphin stadium in Tohoku.
The main attraction of this seaside aquarium is the huge Sparkle of Life tank which looks like a sun-drenched slice of ocean right out of the waters of the Sanriku Coast. Other highlights include the Umino-Mori Stadium and nine distinct areas showcasing different parts of the world's seas.
Outside on terraces overlooking Beppu Bay and the Seto Inland Sea are pools containing walruses, seals, dolphins, penguins, and more. There are even Backyard Tours where guests can get an insider's look at the work of keeping the animals happy and healthy!
