Japan's Top 10 Famous and Breathtaking Aquariums

Explore the fascinating marine life at Osaka Kaiyukan Aquarium, where you can marvel at underwater wonders from the Great Barrier Reef to the Arctic. Home to 30,000 sea creatures spanning 620 species, each of the 15 massive tanks in the aquarium recreates a diverse and stunning ecosystem of the Pacific Ocean.

Kaiyukan is designed to allow visitors to get up close to marine creatures. You can observe rockhopper penguins from just inches away or discover some moisture-loving species in the Japan Forest area, including the giant Japanese salamander and tiny Asian clawed frogs.

Spend a few hours exploring the aquarium. Don't forget to snap a souvenir photo with the iconic whale shark before you leave. Then, stroll through the Tempozan Marketplace nearby and take a ride on the giant Ferris wheel outside the aquarium for panoramic views of the Pacific Ocean. The aquarium and surrounding attractions will provide you with fantastic experiences for a half-day or full-day excursion.

Japan is home to many large and renowned aquariums, among which Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium stands out for its size and species diversity. It's part of the Ocean Expo Park, established in 1975 on the Motobu Peninsula of Okinawa Prefecture, Japan. The aquarium underwent renovation in 2002, becoming home to 26,000 marine creatures from over 740 species, marking it as the largest and best aquarium globally.

Originally a part of the Ocean Expo Commemorative National Government Park established in 1975, it was redesigned and rebuilt into the world's largest aquarium opened in 2001. The naming of this marine park was a detailed process involving public voting. 'Chura' means 'beautiful' or 'elegant,' and 'Umi' means 'ocean' in the local Okinawa language, aptly reflecting the beauty of the Okinawa seas in its vast tanks. The aquarium aims to honor and protect the unique marine life of the southern islands.

Visitors are amazed by its vastness and design, spanning 10,000 m2 with over 77 tanks. The main tank measures 8.2 x 22.5m with a 60cm thickness, holding up to 7,500 m3 of water. The layout allows visitors to start from the beach on the fourth floor, descending deeper to the first floor, mimicking an ocean dive. Along the way, beyond observing marine life in three main tanks, guests can enjoy dolphin shows, traditional Uminchu-style gate viewing, and talks on marine life, including shark and ray feedings.

Aquamarine Fukushima is a 'natural aquarium' where underwater creatures are nurtured in an environment closely resembling their natural habitat. Besides being an aquarium, Aquamarine Fukushima also serves as a research and education center for sustainability and conservation of the natural environment.

Main exhibits include two giant water tanks spanning from the second to the fourth floor, replicating Shiome no Umi, an area of the Pacific Ocean off the coast of Fukushima Prefecture where the Kuroshio (Black Stream) and Oyashio (Kurile Stream) meet. Visitors can walk through a transparent tunnel and experience the biological diversity of the marine world in Shiome no Umi, especially with schools of sardines and giant tuna.

On the fourth floor, visitors can explore a tranquil botanical garden showcasing various plant species from Fukushima Prefecture. Additionally, it's a fantastic experience to observe underwater life from the edge of the main water tank. The aquarium also features a touch pool where visitors can interact with starfish and other marine creatures.

Since its opening, Aquamarine Fukushima has conducted research on a prehistoric fish species called coelacanths, with scientific discoveries displayed in a corner on the first floor named Coelacanths World. Here, visitors can see an anatomical specimen of the rare coelacanth and watch exclusive footage of living coelacanth specimens.

Various events are held throughout the year, with activities for children and families such as fish mazes, art festivals, and fishing experiences to catch fresh fish for lunch! If not interested in fishing activities, visitors can visit the seafood market just a 10-minute walk from the aquarium! Iwaki Rara Myu sells fresh seafood and restaurants serve freshly caught local fish dishes on the spot for visitors to enjoy.

Uminonakamichi Seaside Park (海の中道海浜公園, Uminonakamichi Kaihin Kōen) is a park formed from various areas including flower gardens, playgrounds, amusement parks with Ferris wheels, sports fields, water parks, zoos, and spacious open spaces and perfect grassy areas for picnics.

Come visit Marine World Uminonakamichi with your family! In this beautiful shell-shaped aquarium, you will explore over 20,000 marine creatures from 450 species and observe feeding sessions for 20 predatory fish species, including 150 sharks in one of the world's largest fish tanks.

Additionally, the aquarium features a gigantic stadium pool where dolphin and sea lion shows are held daily. The stadium overlooks Hakata Bay on one side, providing the audience with a breathtaking view towards downtown Fukuoka during the performances. Note that the aquarium requires a separate entrance fee from Uminonakamichi Seaside Park. With the backdrop of picturesque Hakata Bay, you're sure to have an unforgettable day out with your family!

Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago is a large aquarium with its most attractive feature being one of the largest water tanks you've ever seen. Walking around the gigantic tank of the aquarium, you'll feel like stepping down to the bottom of the sea where all kinds of fish and other marine animals live. It's a renowned spot greatly beloved by families, couples, and tourists of all ages.

With the motto 'Aquarium in harmony with animals,' Umitamago always strives to create many fantastic performances of sea lions, dolphins to make visitors feel closer to marine creatures.

In the 'Asobi-chi' area, you can observe dolphins up close at a new sensory beach with the theme of 'playing with animals x playing with art,' or explore various other themed sea amusement areas such as 'coral maze,' 'iwashi ball (sardines gather to hunt forming a large ball/ water slide.' Additionally, there are many other programs such as sea lion and dolphin performances known as 'Umitamago Shows.'

Kamogawa Sea World facing the Pacific Ocean coast is a typical aquarium in Japan built with the theme of 'Encounter with the Ocean World.' Here, you can learn about the importance of life and gain many interesting insights into the sea. The aquarium is home to over 11,000 creatures originating from rivers, lakes, and the ocean belonging to 800 different species.

Additionally, it also hosts performances of 4 marine animals: killer whales (the rulers of the ocean), dolphins, sea lions, and killer whales. Especially, the killer whale show is extremely captivating and highly anticipated. The sight of a gigantic killer whale leaping up is a truly impressive performance that you can hardly see in other aquariums.

Nestled along the coast of the Sea of Japan in Yamagata, just south of the region's most famous beach, Yunohama, lies an aquarium with an intriguing story, perfectly matched to its peculiar collection of marine creatures.

The Kamo Aquarium once faced bankruptcy and had to undergo drastic changes. The solution? Filling the aquarium with the world's largest collection of jellyfish. These jellyfish species are showcased in illuminated tanks that captivate every gaze, offering a kaleidoscope of colors and the distinctive diversity of these creatures. It's a mesmerizing sight that elevates the beauty of these mystical specimens, shrouded in mystery. Don't be surprised if the aquarium is somewhat crowded when you visit. Despite being relatively remote, Kamo Aquarium still welcomes over 200,000 visitors annually.

The world's number one jellyfish aquarium sits on the peninsula facing the Sea of Japan in Tsuruoka City, Yamagata Prefecture. Here, over 50 jellyfish species are displayed, recognized in the Guinness World Records. The world-class 'Jellyfish Dream Theater,' with a 5m diameter tank holding 40 tons of water, accommodates around 4,000 drifting jellyfish. Additionally, there's a 'jellyfish bar' where you can observe jellyfish in their mature stage and learn about their feeding habits.

Proudly housing the world's largest outdoor aquarium tank, the Nagoya Public Harbor Aquarium is regarded as one of Japan's largest and most stunning aquariums.

You can easily reach this aquarium from the city of Nagoya. Here, you'll find Japan's largest dolphin show, an incredibly captivating experience, and a rare killer whale exhibit found only in two locations in Japan.

Visit the Nagoya Public Harbor Aquarium to explore the magnificent world beneath the ocean and exhibits focusing on killer whales, belugas, penguins, and other marine creatures found between Japan and the South Pacific. Join the outdoor crowd and witness the breathtaking performances of dolphins in the world's largest outdoor tank.

From the frolicking dolphins, venture to the Deep Sea exhibit and discover creatures living at the ocean's deepest levels before meeting the fascinating endangered species at the Sea Turtle Migration Tank. The Nagoya Public Harbor Aquarium will be an expansive and immersive experience that may leave you feeling tired. When that happens, immerse yourself in the Antarctic Marine Life exhibit, sit on the terrace, and relax while watching penguins swim, play, and loop around in the water.

Japan's number one aquarium, Toba Aquarium, is the exclusive home to around 1,200 marine species, including the rare dugong found only here. The aquarium is segmented into 12 distinct areas, allowing visitors to roam freely according to their interests without a fixed path.

Among its residents are some surprising species like water rats and catfish, which may make you wonder, 'Why are they in an aquarium?' Daily entertainment programs featuring sea lions and jellyfish are a delight for visitors.

One of the 12 zones, the 'Sea Monster Kingdom,' has been renovated and reopened with the theme 'The Birth of the Hireashi Kingdom.' Here, visitors can immerse themselves in a new world where lizards swim at your feet and a giant sea lion, weighing over 700 kg, performs a powerful dive right before your eyes.