毎年、何の変化もないけど年に一回は顔を出す水族館(笑)なんというか、永遠のマンネリですかね。水槽の水がなんか濁ってるし(^^;)
1 / 10

Miyajima Public Aquarium

4.2
·5k reviews·Hatsukaichi, Japan

A charming, family-friendly aquarium on Miyajima Island, offering unique interactive experiences with marine life and engaging animal shows.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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毎年、何の変化もないけど年に一回は顔を出す水族館(笑)なんというか、永遠のマンネリですかね。水槽の水がなんか濁ってるし(^^;)

Miyajima Public Aquarium

Best Time

Weekdays

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A charming, family-friendly aquarium on Miyajima Island, offering unique interactive experiences with marine life and engaging animal shows.

4.2
(5k reviews)

"Exceeded expectations with interactive displays and up-close encounters, a must-visit on Miyajima!"

Vertical photo
TIP

Bring Cash for Tickets

:moneywithwings: Admission tickets are cash only, so be prepared!

Check Feeding Schedules

:alarm_clock: Feeding times are announced in English & Japanese. Don't miss the shows!

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Penguin Encounters

Penguin Encounters

Penguin Pools

Watch these adorable birds waddle and swim! Interactive feeding sessions are a must-see.

TikTok
Interactive Feeding Shows

Interactive Feeding Shows

Various Exhibit Tanks

Experience the thrill of sea lion, beluga, and seal feeding times. Announcements are in English and Japanese.

Reddit
Jellyfish Collection

Jellyfish Collection

Jellyfish Exhibit

Mesmerizing displays of various jellyfish species, often noted as a highlight.

Reddit
Touch Pools & Petting Areas

Touch Pools & Petting Areas

Interactive Zones

Get up close with marine life, including opportunities to pet penguins and otters.

Reddit
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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for a Relaxing Visit

To avoid crowds and enjoy interactive exhibits, aim for weekdays or closer to closing time. Some visitors found it less crowded near closing, making for a more pleasant experience. TikTok

Cash is King for Tickets

Remember to bring cash for your admission tickets, as they are cash only. This is a crucial detail often overlooked by visitors. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekdays
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
Late Afternoon
Why
Quieter, closer to closing
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#penguins #aquarium #japan #travelbucketlist #sundaybest
@nancy.yin
705.4K likes • 4.1M views

Bring Cash for Tickets

:moneywithwings: Admission tickets are cash only, so be prepared! Reddit

Check Feeding Schedules

:alarm_clock: Feeding times are announced in English & Japanese. Don't miss the shows! Reddit

あなたの思い出に残っている水族館はどこですか?? #水族館 #雰囲気 #癒し #aquarium #japantravel
@yuki_travel
429.7K likes • 7M views
went closer to closing and there was barely anyone there which was so nice! #osaka #osakaaquarium #aquarium #japantiktok #japantok
@hifionna
210.4K likes • 989.7K views

Interactive Fun

:handshake: Petting penguins and otters is a unique experience! Reddit

Compact & Cozy

:running: It's smaller than other Japanese aquariums, perfect for a relaxed visit. Reddit

reddit.com

Should we still visit Miyajima Island?

Tips

from all over the internet

Bring Cash for Tickets

:moneywithwings: Admission tickets are cash only, so be prepared! Reddit

Check Feeding Schedules

:alarm_clock: Feeding times are announced in English & Japanese. Don't miss the shows! Reddit

Interactive Fun

:handshake: Petting penguins and otters is a unique experience! Reddit

Compact & Cozy

:running: It's smaller than other Japanese aquariums, perfect for a relaxed visit. Reddit

Cool Off Inside

:snowflake: Enjoy the air-conditioned environment, especially on warm days. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.2
(5k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors find Miyajima Public Aquarium to be a delightful and interactive experience, exceeding expectations for its size. The hands-on exhibits, particularly petting penguins and otters, and the engaging feeding shows are consistently praised. While compact, it offers a unique and memorable way to connect with marine life.

"This was a great way to spend an afternoon when on Miyajima. The aquarium has many exhibits of aquatic wildlife, but their real shining feature is the interactive nature of the displays. Whether it is seeing the sea lions and penguins being fed, petting the penguins and otters, or having the tiny fish nibble your hands and feet, the aquarium does a great job in allowing you to experience the wildlife. Verbal explanations are only in Japanese, but the joy of seeing the animals perform or holding their little paws/flippers transcends language. Go to this aquarium."

Patrick Kossmann

"If you have time, this is good for visit. However the aquarium doesn't big as others in Japan usually i took you only 30 mins to walk around all aquarium. But highlight on the several show every 30mins-1 hour. Like sea lion show, beluga or seal. The crew are nice good environments with AC in all the showing room."

BLUE beblue

"A delightful aquarium with many species of fish, crabs, rays, and some mammals! They have river otters, finless porpoises, and penguins. Lots of octopuses and jellyfish, too, that were quite active! Air conditioned, has toilets, has a cafe that we didn't use, and has a pretty decent gift shop! The feeding times for the different animals are announced in English and in Japanese numerous times before the feeding begins. Entry tickets are cash only!"

Mariah MacDonald

What People Like

Interactive exhibits
Penguin and otter petting
Engaging feeding shows

What People Dislike

Cash only tickets
Compact size (for some)

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The aquarium is located on Miyajima Island. You can reach the island by ferry from Miyajimaguchi Port. The aquarium is a short walk from the ferry terminal. Reddit

Yes, you can take a train to Miyajimaguchi Station and then a short walk to the ferry. The ferry will take you to Miyajima Island, and the aquarium is a walkable distance from the ferry dock. Reddit

The aquarium is conveniently located near the ferry port, making it easily accessible on foot. You can also enjoy the island's famous deer as you walk. Reddit

Parking is generally limited on Miyajima Island. It's recommended to use public transportation to reach the island and then walk to the aquarium. Reddit

From Hiroshima Station, take the JR Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station (approx. 25-30 minutes), then a short walk to the ferry terminal and a 10-minute ferry ride to Miyajima Island. The aquarium is a short walk from there. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Admission tickets are cash only. While specific prices can vary, it's generally considered a small admission fee for the experience. Reddit

Currently, tickets for Miyajima Public Aquarium are cash only at the entrance. It's advisable to have cash on hand. Reddit

Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the official website or local listings for the most up-to-date information before your visit. Reddit

Visiting on weekdays, especially in the late afternoon, can lead to fewer crowds. Some visitors found it much quieter closer to closing time. TikTok

Information on discounts is not widely available. However, the admission fee is generally considered reasonable for the experience offered. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Highlights include interactive feeding shows (sea lions, belugas, seals), penguin pools, a captivating jellyfish collection, and touch pools where you can pet otters and penguins. TikTokReddit

Yes, the aquarium features several shows and feeding demonstrations throughout the day, including for sea lions, belugas, and seals. Announcements are made in both English and Japanese. Reddit

Absolutely! The aquarium is known for its interactive displays, allowing visitors to pet penguins, otters, and even have tiny fish nibble their hands and feet. Reddit

Yes, it's a compact and family-friendly aquarium with many interactive exhibits that children will love. The feeding shows are also a big hit with younger visitors. TikTok

The aquarium is relatively compact, and most visitors can explore it in about 30 minutes to an hour, especially if they catch a few shows. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, there is a cafe on-site where you can grab a bite to eat. Many visitors also enjoy the local oyster specialties on Miyajima Island. Reddit

The aquarium has a picnic area, suggesting that bringing your own food is permissible and a good option for families. Reddit

While specific menus can change, the cafe typically offers snacks and light meals. It's a convenient option for a quick refreshment during your visit. Reddit

Information on specific dietary options is limited. It's advisable to check with the cafe staff directly upon arrival or consider bringing your own snacks if you have specific dietary needs. Reddit

Miyajima Island is famous for its oysters. You can find numerous restaurants and stalls serving fresh oysters and other local delicacies. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Capture the playful penguins, the mesmerizing jellyfish, and the interactive moments during feeding shows. The close-up encounters with marine life offer unique shots. TikTokReddit

Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the aquarium. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the animals. TikTok

A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial due to indoor lighting. A versatile lens that can handle both wider shots and close-ups of marine life would be ideal. TikTok

The jellyfish exhibit is often cited as visually stunning. The penguin pools and the interactive touch pools also provide excellent opportunities for engaging photos. Reddit

Yes, you can take photos during the feeding shows, but be respectful of the performers and other guests. Capturing the animals in action can result in some fantastic shots. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Miyajima Public Aquarium is a fantastic choice for families. Its compact size means little legs won't get too tired, and the interactive exhibits are a huge hit. Kids will absolutely love the chance to pet penguins and otters, and the tiny fish nibbling pools are a unique and exciting experience. Reddit The feeding shows are also a major draw, with clear announcements in English and Japanese to keep everyone informed. Reddit

Bring cash for tickets, as it's cash only. Reddit The aquarium's air-conditioned interior provides a welcome respite from the heat, and there's a picnic area if you prefer to bring your own snacks. It's a perfect, manageable addition to a day exploring Miyajima Island.

🚶 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious travelers, Miyajima Public Aquarium offers great value. The admission fee is small, making it an affordable way to spend an afternoon. Reddit Its manageable size means you won't feel pressured to spend hours inside, allowing you to allocate your time and budget to other Miyajima attractions. Reddit

Consider bringing your own snacks to enjoy in the picnic area to save on dining costs. Reddit The aquarium is easily accessible on foot from the ferry terminal, so you can save on local transport once you're on the island. It's a worthwhile experience that doesn't break the bank.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

Interactive Experiences: Beyond Just Looking

Miyajima Public Aquarium truly shines with its emphasis on visitor interaction. Unlike many aquariums where you observe from a distance, here you can actively engage with the marine world. Visitors rave about the opportunity to pet penguins and otters, a truly unique experience that creates lasting memories. Reddit The aquarium also features tiny fish nibbling at your hands and feet in designated pools, offering a playful and surprising encounter with aquatic life. Reddit

These interactive elements are a significant draw, especially for families. The joy and wonder on children's faces as they touch a smooth-skinned ray or feel the gentle nibbles of small fish are priceless. Even adults find these moments captivating, transcending language barriers and connecting visitors directly with the animals. TikTokReddit

Beyond the touch pools, the feeding demonstrations are another highlight. Watching sea lions, belugas, and seals being fed is not only entertaining but also educational. The aquarium staff provide explanations in both Japanese and English, making these events accessible and informative for a wider audience. Reddit These hands-on and up-close experiences are what set Miyajima Public Aquarium apart.

Navigating Miyajima Island and the Aquarium

Miyajima Public Aquarium is conveniently located on the popular Miyajima Island, making it an easy addition to your island itinerary. The aquarium is a short walk from the ferry terminal, so you don't need to worry about complex transportation once you arrive on the island. Reddit Many visitors enjoy the scenic walk, often encountering the island's famous wild deer along the way. Reddit

While the aquarium itself is compact and can be explored in about 30 minutes to an hour, it offers a delightful break, especially on a warm day, thanks to its air-conditioned environment. Reddit This makes it a perfect stop for families or anyone looking for a relaxed indoor activity. The proximity to other island attractions means you can easily combine your aquarium visit with exploring the Itsukushima Shrine or taking the ropeway up Mount Misen. Reddit

Remember that admission tickets are cash only, a detail that can catch some visitors off guard. It's wise to have enough Japanese Yen on hand to avoid any last-minute hassle. Reddit The aquarium's manageable size and central location on the island make it an accessible and enjoyable attraction for all types of travelers.

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