Asamushi Aquarium Aomori
Northernmost aquarium on Honshu, showcasing local marine life and vibrant tropical reefs with captivating dolphin shows.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Asamushi Aquarium Aomori
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Northernmost aquarium on Honshu, showcasing local marine life and vibrant tropical reefs with captivating dolphin shows.
"A delightful experience with engaging dolphin shows and diverse marine life, perfect for families."
🎯 Train Tickets Needed
Your city IC card won't work for the train to Asamushi Onsen. Buy separate tickets from Aomori Station. :ticket:
🚶 Short Walk from Station
The aquarium is just a 12-minute walk from Asamushi Onsen Station. Follow the signs! :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dolphin Show Spectacle
Main Show Pool
Witness graceful dolphins perform amazing tricks and interact with trainers. A must-see for all ages!
Vibrant Coral Reef Tunnel
Main Aquarium Hall
Immerse yourself in a stunning 15m tunnel recreating a vibrant coral reef ecosystem.
+1
Close-Up Marine Encounters
Various Exhibits
Get face-to-gill with diverse marine life, including local Japanese species and exotic fish.
Adorable Seals and Penguins
Dedicated Exhibits
Delight in the playful antics of seals and charming penguins, always a visitor favorite.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for the Dolphin Show
Getting There: Train Tickets & Walk
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Train Tickets Needed
Your city IC card won't work for the train to Asamushi Onsen. Buy separate tickets from Aomori Station. :ticket:
🚶 Short Walk from Station
The aquarium is just a 12-minute walk from Asamushi Onsen Station. Follow the signs! :walking:
📸 Great for Photos
The lighting and exhibits are fantastic for capturing stunning photos of marine life. :camerawithflash:
🦀 Touch Tank Fun
Interact with crabs and other sea creatures in the dedicated touch tank area. :handpointingdown:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Train Tickets Needed
Your city IC card won't work for the train to Asamushi Onsen. Buy separate tickets from Aomori Station. :ticket:
🚶 Short Walk from Station
The aquarium is just a 12-minute walk from Asamushi Onsen Station. Follow the signs! :walking:
📸 Great for Photos
The lighting and exhibits are fantastic for capturing stunning photos of marine life. :camerawithflash:
🦀 Touch Tank Fun
Interact with crabs and other sea creatures in the dedicated touch tank area. :handpointingdown:
💳 Card & Cash Accepted
The canteen and souvenir shop accept both card and cash payments. :moneybag:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Asamushi Aquarium for its engaging dolphin shows, diverse marine life, and immersive exhibits like the coral reef tunnel. Many appreciate the close-up views of animals and the family-friendly atmosphere, noting it's a worthwhile visit despite its size. Some mention the dolphin show is in Japanese and that the aquarium is smaller than expected, but overall, it's considered a delightful experience. +1
"end Oct 2025. I must say that before i went there, i was skeptical about how interesting it can be. When I went there, I was pretty surprised that it is lots more interesting that I think. I have been to couple of aquarium but never had I seen that they included dolphin show in the acquarium. Isn't that amazing? Apart from the tanks and tanks of various species of fishes, aqua-animals, my favorite is the jelly fish and the dolphin show.
Then there is a place where it has DIY of pricking the clam to discover the pearl at only 1000Yen (cash only). You can then choose to use the pearl as ring or pendant or key chain at optional price. They will complete it for you.
you can pay for the entrance ticket by credit card."
SiewHong Png
"A small aquarium with a dolphin show, great to visit if you are in the area. The seals were really cute as well. The only gripe I had was the small enclosure for the sea turtles."
Li Ying Ong
"Date of enjoyment: 18/4/25
Came here on a rainy Friday, there weren’t much people during opening but by the time the dolphin show started at 10am it was 70% full seating. There were heaps of aquatic life that’s native to Japan and Aomori, some of the jelly fish and deep sea fish are something you can only find here and their lighting and background setup is really good for photo taking, I spent heaps of time taking photos of the exotic fish’s behaviours.
There’s something for both adults and the kids especially the dolphin is a must see, though in Japanese only you can make out what they are doing and the animals are amazing at performing tricks. There’s even an area to interact with crabs and creatures alike.
There’s also a canteen here and a decent souvenir shop which takes card and cash.
You can spend up to 2 hrs here."
Jay Cao
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Take the JR Tohoku Line from Aomori Station to Asamushi Onsen Station (approx. 20 minutes). Note that your city IC card will not work; you must purchase separate tickets. From Asamushi Onsen Station, it's a pleasant 12-minute walk to the aquarium, following the signs.
Yes, Asamushi Aquarium is accessible by car. There is parking available, though specific details on capacity and fees may vary. It's recommended to check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
The closest train station is Asamushi Onsen Station, served by the JR Tohoku Line. The aquarium is a short walk from this station.
Yes, the JR Tohoku Line is covered by the Japan Rail Pass, making it a convenient option for JR Pass holders to reach Asamushi Onsen Station.
By train, the journey from Aomori Station to Asamushi Onsen Station takes approximately 20 minutes. The subsequent walk to the aquarium adds another 12 minutes.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Asamushi Aquarium typically opens around 9:00 AM and closes at 5:00 PM, with the last admission usually an hour before closing. It's always best to check the official website for the most current hours, as they can vary seasonally or for special events.
Admission fees for Asamushi Aquarium are generally affordable. Adult tickets are around ¥1,200, with discounts for children and seniors. Check the official website for the latest pricing.
While online ticket purchasing options may be available, it's common for visitors to purchase tickets directly at the aquarium's entrance. This is especially true for domestic visitors.
Discounts may be available for children, seniors, and sometimes for groups. It's advisable to inquire at the ticket counter or check the aquarium's official website for any ongoing promotions or special offers.
Weekends can be moderately busy, especially during the dolphin show times. Arriving earlier in the day or on a weekday can help avoid larger crowds. +1
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the spectacular dolphin show, the immersive coral reef tunnel, and the close-up encounters with local marine life. The touch tank and exhibits featuring seals and penguins are also highly recommended. +2
The dolphin shows at Asamushi Aquarium are primarily conducted in Japanese. However, the visual performances and the dolphins' impressive tricks are enjoyable for visitors of all languages. +1
Yes, Asamushi Aquarium features a touch tank where visitors can gently interact with certain marine creatures like crabs.
Most visitors spend around 2 to 3 hours at Asamushi Aquarium, allowing time to see all the exhibits and catch the dolphin show.
Absolutely! Asamushi Aquarium is very family-friendly, with engaging exhibits, a popular dolphin show, and a touch tank that children particularly enjoy.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, Asamushi Aquarium has a canteen where you can purchase food and drinks. It's a convenient option for a quick meal or snack during your visit.
The canteen typically offers a selection of casual meals and snacks, often including local seafood options. It's a good place to refuel after exploring the exhibits.
While specific policies can vary, it's generally recommended to consume outside food and drinks in designated areas or before entering the main exhibition halls. It's best to check with the aquarium staff upon arrival.
Yes, there are restaurants located near Asamushi Aquarium, particularly around Asamushi Onsen Station. These offer a wider variety of dining experiences, including local seafood specialties.
Information on specific dietary options at the canteen can be limited. It's advisable to inquire directly at the canteen or consider bringing your own snacks if you have strict dietary requirements.
📸 📸 Photography
Photography is generally allowed inside Asamushi Aquarium, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the animals. Always look for signage indicating any restrictions.
The coral reef tunnel offers stunning photo opportunities with vibrant colors. The exhibits with unique deep-sea fish and the dolphin show (without flash) are also great for capturing memorable shots.
Video recording is usually permitted, but again, be mindful of flash usage and any specific rules posted by the aquarium.
While you can generally film the dolphin show, using flash photography is usually prohibited to avoid disturbing the animals.
A camera with good low-light performance is ideal for capturing clear shots in the aquarium's dimly lit environments. A smartphone with a good camera can also produce excellent results.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Plan your visit around the dolphin show times to maximize enjoyment. The aquarium is also a great option for a rainy day activity, providing hours of indoor entertainment. Consider packing snacks or utilizing the on-site canteen for convenient refuels. The short walk from the station is manageable for most families.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Be mindful of flash restrictions, especially around sensitive exhibits and during the dolphin show, to avoid disturbing the animals. The diverse range of species, from local deep-sea fish to playful seals, ensures a varied portfolio of shots. The close-up displays allow for detailed and engaging photographs.
🇯🇵 Travelers Seeking Local Experiences
Many visitors note a distinct lack of foreign tourists, offering a more authentic and less crowded experience. The dolphin show, while in Japanese, is a cultural experience in itself, reflecting local entertainment styles. The journey via the JR Tohoku Line and the walk from the station are also part of the local travel experience.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Marine Life of Mutsu Bay
Beyond the local inhabitants, the aquarium also recreates vibrant tropical reef environments. This contrast highlights the vast differences in marine ecosystems and offers a visually stunning experience. The well-designed exhibits, with effective lighting and backgrounds, enhance the viewing pleasure and make it easier to appreciate the intricate behaviors of these aquatic creatures.
For those interested in specific species, the aquarium is known for its collection of jellyfish and deep-sea fish, offering a chance to see creatures rarely encountered. The seals and penguins also draw significant attention, providing moments of joy and wonder for visitors of all ages.
The Famous Dolphin Show and Interactive Experiences
Beyond the main show, Asamushi Aquarium offers opportunities for more direct interaction with marine life. The touch tank allows visitors, especially children, to gently feel and learn about creatures like crabs. This hands-on experience is a memorable part of the visit, fostering a closer connection with the ocean's inhabitants.
Recent upgrades and a renewed focus on animal welfare seem to have enhanced the visitor experience, with many noting that the animals appear happy and well-cared for. This dedication to the well-being of its residents contributes to the overall positive atmosphere of the aquarium.
Accessibility and Getting Around
Once inside, the aquarium is designed to be navigable for most visitors. While it's not the largest aquarium, its layout is efficient, allowing for a comprehensive viewing experience within a few hours. The exhibits are generally at a height that is accessible for adults and children alike.
For those with mobility concerns, it's always a good idea to check the aquarium's official website or contact them directly regarding specific accessibility features, such as ramp access or elevator availability within the facility.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit