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

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Miyajima Public Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed

Highlights
Must-see attractions
A charming, family-friendly aquarium on Miyajima Island, offering unique interactive experiences with marine life and engaging animal shows.
"Exceeded expectations with interactive displays and up-close encounters, a must-visit on Miyajima!"

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!

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

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

Interactive Feeding Shows
Various Exhibit Tanks
Experience the thrill of sea lion, beluga, and seal feeding times. Announcements are in English and Japanese.

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

Touch Pools & Petting Areas
Interactive Zones
Get up close with marine life, including opportunities to pet penguins and otters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Key for a Relaxing Visit
Cash is King for Tickets
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
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!
Interactive Fun
:handshake: Petting penguins and otters is a unique experience!
Compact & Cozy
:running: It's smaller than other Japanese aquariums, perfect for a relaxed visit.
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!
Check Feeding Schedules
:alarm_clock: Feeding times are announced in English & Japanese. Don't miss the shows!
Interactive Fun
:handshake: Petting penguins and otters is a unique experience!
Compact & Cozy
:running: It's smaller than other Japanese aquariums, perfect for a relaxed visit.
Cool Off Inside
:snowflake: Enjoy the air-conditioned environment, especially on warm days.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
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.
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.
Parking is generally limited on Miyajima Island. It's recommended to use public transportation to reach the island and then walk to the aquarium.
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.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission tickets are cash only. While specific prices can vary, it's generally considered a small admission fee for the experience.
Currently, tickets for Miyajima Public Aquarium are cash only at the entrance. It's advisable to have cash on hand.
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.
Visiting on weekdays, especially in the late afternoon, can lead to fewer crowds. Some visitors found it much quieter closer to closing time.
Information on discounts is not widely available. However, the admission fee is generally considered reasonable for the experience offered.
🎫 🧭 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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
The aquarium has a picnic area, suggesting that bringing your own food is permissible and a good option for families.
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.
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.
Miyajima Island is famous for its oysters. You can find numerous restaurants and stalls serving fresh oysters and other local delicacies.
📸 📸 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.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside the aquarium. However, be mindful of other visitors and avoid using flash photography that might disturb the animals.
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.
The jellyfish exhibit is often cited as visually stunning. The penguin pools and the interactive touch pools also provide excellent opportunities for engaging photos.
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.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Bring cash for tickets, as it's cash only. 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
Consider bringing your own snacks to enjoy in the picnic area to save on dining costs. 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
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.
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. These hands-on and up-close experiences are what set Miyajima Public Aquarium apart.
Navigating Miyajima Island and the Aquarium
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. 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.
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. The aquarium's manageable size and central location on the island make it an accessible and enjoyable attraction for all types of travelers.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit