Top Aquariums & Oceanariums in Japan

I suggest bringing your own snacks and drinks. The in-house cafes are pricey, and I found it hard to justify the costs when I could just picnic outside!

Timing is everything! I recommend going early around 9 AM when the aquarium opens. It was way less crowded, and I got to enjoy the exhibits without bumping shoulders with other visitors.

If you're a photography buff go for the big tank around 4 PM. The lighting gets amazing then and the colors pop like crazy. I wished I had known that beforehand!

My advice is to check out the Kuroshio Sea tank first! It's the biggest and by far the coolest - save the smaller exhibits for later when you're winding down. It was a great starting point.

Check out the feeding times of the animals. I thought the sea turtles were a highlight, and seeing them fed was amazing!

Buying tickets online can save you some cash compared to buying them at the gate. I saved a little, which is always nice!

I recommend visiting on a weekday if you can. It was way less crowded, and I could enjoy the exhibits without feeling rushed.

I suggest planning to spend about 2–3 hours there. It’s smaller than some aquariums, but there's plenty to see without a long commitment.

If you plan on buying souvenirs, skip the main gift shop; it's overpriced. Look for smaller stands or shops near the exit - way better prices.

Check out the feeding times! I thought I could just stroll around but seeing the animal feedings is a highlight, plus it makes for great photos!

I suggest visiting on a weekday, especially in the morning, around 10 am. You'll avoid the weekend crowds and have more time to appreciate the exhibits.

I recommend packing your lunch or snacks. The food inside is kinda pricey and not the best quality. There’s a nice picnic area outside you can use!

I recommend taking your time at the jellyfish exhibit. It’s incredibly mesmerizing and I kind of rushed through it. I wish I’d lingered longer to take it all in

I suggest visiting on weekdays for fewer crowds. I went on a Saturday and it was packed, which made it hard to fully enjoy the exhibits.

If you're hungry, grab a meal at the aquarium café. I found the prices reasonable and the view really nice. Don't rush your meal, the vibe is chill!

My advice is to check out the feeding times for the animals. I caught the penguin feeding, and it was a highlight of my visit!

Check out the feeding times for the animals; it's really fun to see them up close when they're active! I missed a couple and wish I'd planned around that

Consider grabbing a combo ticket with the Sunshine City complex – it saves you a few hundred yen and lets you explore other attractions nearby.

Get there right when it opens at 10 AM to beat the crowds and have a better look at the marine life without feeling rushed. The early hours are much quieter!

If you're planning to take photos, avoid the weekends if you can. The aquarium gets super busy, and I'd recommend weekdays for a more relaxed experience.