1 day Ago By Suzanne Bhagan
The good thing about living in Japan is that there are so many amazing aquariums. What makes aquarium trips so awesome is that you can enjoy seeing marine life without getting soaked (unless you sit in the splash zone at a show). Aquariums are also great places to visit anytime, whatever the weather.
Best of all, these water worlds can spark the imagination and give you and your family a much-needed mental break.With so many aquariums to choose from in Japan, which one do you pick? How do you make the best choice for you and your family? Here are some considerations to help narrow down the field so you can plan the best day trip ever!How Big Are You Thinking?Smaller AquariumsIndoor & Outdoor AquariumsBigger AquariumsHow Kid-Friendly Is It?Aquariums With Underwater TunnelsAre You Looking for One-Of-A-Kind Experiences?Entertainment PackedCool AestheticsMarine Lovers Of All KindsSpecific Marine Life ExhibitsConsider the CostsUnder ¥1,000Under ¥3,000¥3,000+How Big Are You Thinking?© Photo by iStock: EyeEm Mobile GmbHWhen it comes to visiting aquariums with babies and young kids, bigger isn’t always better. Smaller AquariumsLittle kiddos tend to get tired and overwhelmed quickly so think about how big you want to go.
With tiny humans in mind, smaller aquariums are your best bet: Sumida Aquarium, TokyoMaxell Aqua Park Shinagawa, TokyoSunshine Aquarium, TokyoNumazu Deep Sea Aquarium, ShizuokaIf you choose a smaller aquarium, your little one can marvel at the fishies for as long as he or she wants. That being said, take frequent breaks to avoid major meltdowns. Also, consider if the aquarium is stroller-friendly, with wide paths for maneuvering when it gets crowded during peak times.
Indoor & Outdoor AquariumsIf small spaces are too much for your kid, choose aquariums with a mix of outdoor and indoor venues. For instance, Enoshima Aquarium in Kanagawa and Churaumi Aquarium in Okinawa have a mix of spaces and both aquariums are located near the seashore.Bigger AquariumsIf your child is older and can handle bigger spaces, the world is your oyster:Kamogawa Sea World, ChibaKaiyukan, OsakaOkinawa Churaumi Aquarium, OkinawaPort of Nagoya Public Aquarium, NagoyaHow Kid-Friendly Is It?© Photo by iStock: damircudicNothing spoils a trip more than one when you have to constantly tell your kid, “Don’t touch that! You can’t go there!” When it comes to aquariums and the little ones, it’s all about creating the ultimate sensory experience.
Choose aquariums with touch pools where children can get up close with critters like sea cucumbers and starfish. This is also a great opportunity to teach your kids how to respect and handle sea creatures gently. Be on the lookout for interactive shows where the animals perform.
And if your little one is particularly brave, be sure to sign him or her up for sessions to touch or feed sea creatures.Aquariums With Underwater TunnelsAlso, consider the layout of the aquarium. Many kids (and adults) love to feel as though they’re actually “under the sea” with the animals so choose aquariums with spacious underwater tunnels.
Marvel at diverse species swimming in these impressive tunnels:Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, YokohamaKaiyukan, OsakaChuraumi Aquarium, OkinawaAre You Looking for One-Of-A-Kind Experiences?© Photo by iStock: kuremoIf you want to better tailor your trip, think about the kind of attractions the aquarium offers. What sets it apart from the rest of aquariums in Japan?Entertainment PackedIf entertainment is the main goal, try Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa’s immersive light and sound shows and displays.For a thrilling combo of amusement park rides and aquariums, Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is your best bet.
And if your family’s more interested in eating rather than looking at fish, catch, cook and eat your catch at Hakkeijima.Cool AestheticsLooking for cool aesthetics? Head to Sumida Aquarium and Art Aquarium in Ginza.What about sea lions and penguins “swimming” in the sky? For this unique experience, make a beeline for Sunshine Aquarium.
Marine Lovers Of All KindsFor budding marine biologists and conservationists, Churaumi Aquarium, Kaiyukan Aquarium and Enoshima Aquarium are recommended.If your kid just loves marine mammals, then Kamogawa Sea World is the best place to learn how to protect them.For deep-sea fanatics, Numazu Deep Sea Aquarium is the only aquarium in Japan solely dedicated to deep-sea exploration and research.
And if freshwater species are more your kid’s jam, then Kyoto Aquarium’s got the ticket.Specific Marine Life Exhibits© Photo by iStock: Satoshi-KWhat about particular animal exhibits? Do the animals appear in good physical condition? Are the tanks well-maintained and allow enough swimming/living space? Here are some suggestions about which aquariums specialize in certain marine creatures.Marine Life ExhibitsAquariumWhale sharksKaiyukan, Osaka; Churaumi Aquarium, OkinawaOrcasKamogawa Sea World, Chiba; Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, Nagoya; Kobe Suma Sea World, HyogoManta rays Kaiyukan, Osaka; Churaumi Aquarium, OkinawaJellyfishEnoshima Aquarium, Kanagawa; Sumida Aquarium, TokyoSea turtlesChuraumi Aquarium, Okinawa; Enoshima Aquarium, KanagawaCoelacanths (preserved)Numazu Deep Sea Aquarium, ShizuokaGoldfishSumida Aquarium, Tokyo; Art Aquarium, TokyoSunfishKaiyukan, Osaka; Toba Aquarium, MiePenguinsNagasaki Penguin Aquarium, Nagasaki; Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, Nagoya; Sumida Aquarium, TokyoDolphinsPort of Nagoya Public Aquarium, Nagoya; Kamogawa Sea World, ChibaBelugasPort of Nagoya Public Aquarium, Nagoya; Kamogawa Sea World, ChibaDugongToba Aquarium, MieSeals and sea lionsKamogawa Sea World, Chiba; Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, NagoyaWalrusesToba Aquarium, Mie; Otaru Aquarium, HokkaidoSea ottersToba Aquarium, MieSharksShimonoseki Kaikyokan, Yamaguchi; Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, KanagawaFreshwater animalsKyoto Aquarium, Kyoto; Aquamarine Fukushima, FukushimaOctopusKaiyukan, OsakaConsider the Costs© Photo by iStock: U.
Ozel.ImagesWhile planning any family day trip, it’s essential to consider the cost. Are you willing to splurge on pricey entry tickets or keep it simple with more affordable options? Whatever your budget, here’s a handy guide comparing the ticket prices of some popular aquariums in Japan.
Under ¥1,000Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium (free for kids under 3)Tokyo Sea Life Park (free for kids under 12, junior high school kids in Tokyo and disabled persons)Shinagawa Aquarium (reduced ticket prices for those living, working and studying in Shinagawa Ward)Under ¥3,000Art Aquarium (free for up to 2 kids under 6)Churaumi Aquarium (free for kids under 6)Enoshima Aquarium (free for kids under 3)Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa (free for kids under 4)Sumida Aquarium (free for kids under 3)¥3,000+Kaiyukan (adult ticket prices range between ¥2,700 and ¥3,500, free for kids under 3)Kamogawa Sea World (free for kids under 4)Sunshine Aquarium (adult ticket prices range between ¥2,600 and ¥3,200, free for kids under 4)Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise (free for kids under 4)Be sure to bookmark this article about aquariums in Japan for future reference. Happy planning!.
