Nagoya Public Aquarium
Dive into a world of marine wonders at the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, home to orcas, dolphins, belugas, and penguins.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Nagoya Public Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, cooler temps
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Dive into a world of marine wonders at the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, home to orcas, dolphins, belugas, and penguins.
"A fun place to be, whilst keeping away from the summer heat."
🎯 Check Show Schedules First
Plan your visit around dolphin & orca shows. Times can overlap, so prioritize!
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Avoid queues, especially during holidays. Adult tickets are ¥2030.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dolphin Show Spectacle
Main Building
Witness incredible dolphin acrobatics and playful interactions in Japan's largest pool. A must-see for all ages!
Majestic Orcas & Belugas
Main Building
Marvel at the power of orcas and the gentle grace of beluga whales. Training sessions offer a unique glimpse into their intelligence.
Penguin Paradise
South Building
Get up close with waddling penguins as they swim and play. The viewing gallery offers fantastic, clear views.
Sardine Tornado
South Building
Be mesmerized by a breathtaking 'Sardine Tornado' as thousands of fish swim in unison.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds & Heat
Ticket Tips & Showtimes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Check Show Schedules First
Plan your visit around dolphin & orca shows. Times can overlap, so prioritize!
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Avoid queues, especially during holidays. Adult tickets are ¥2030.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking between exhibits.
☀️ Beat the Summer Heat
The aquarium is a great indoor escape from hot weather.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Check Show Schedules First
Plan your visit around dolphin & orca shows. Times can overlap, so prioritize!
🎟️ Book Tickets in Advance
Avoid queues, especially during holidays. Adult tickets are ¥2030.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Needed
You'll be doing a lot of walking between exhibits.
☀️ Beat the Summer Heat
The aquarium is a great indoor escape from hot weather.
📸 Great Photo Opportunities
Capture stunning marine life and port views.
🍽️ On-site Dining Options
Convenient restaurant for meals and snacks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally praise the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium for its engaging shows, diverse marine life, and family-friendly atmosphere. The dolphin performance and penguin exhibits are frequently highlighted as favorites. While it can get crowded, especially during holidays, the indoor setting offers a cool escape. Some find the show schedules can overlap, requiring careful planning.
"It was a hot Friday during the school holidays. It was crowded but everyone kept cool inside. The penguin viewing gallery was my favourite. The dolphin training show was excellent too.
Overall a fun place to be, whilst keeping away from the summer heat."
John Tan
"Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium @ Nagoya 🐬🐧🇯🇵
🗓️ Visited: 12:15 – 3 PM
We spent a relaxing afternoon at the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, arriving just after noon and staying until mid-afternoon. The aquarium is divided into two main buildings—one dedicated to dolphins, orcas, and other large sea mammals, and the other showcasing tropical fish, penguins, sea turtles, and deep-sea creatures.
We caught the dolphin performance, which was exciting and fun to watch, and spent extra time at the penguin zone, where they waddled and swam right in front of us. 🐧 The massive tanks offered crystal-clear views, making it easy to admire the marine life up close.
The facility is spacious, well-maintained, and family-friendly, with rest areas, elevators, and even a restaurant inside—perfect for a meal or snack break between exhibits.
In total, we comfortably spent about 2.5 hours exploring without feeling rushed.
🧭 Tip: Check the show schedule in advance so you can plan your visit around the dolphin and orca performances, and consider having lunch at the on-site restaurant for convenience."
Quing_刘妈妈
"This is one of my favorite aquariums in Japan. It has a wide variety of marine species. The dolphins are very cute. The show is incredible; you can see the sparkle in the children's eyes and their smiles when they see the dolphins jumping out of the water and hitting the balls high above. There's a large shop for souvenirs. In the outdoor area near the aquarium, there's a shopping mall with great restaurants and shops. The port also offers a beautiful view of the boats passing by, great for taking photos. There's ample parking and the location is easy to access."
Claudia Murayama
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The aquarium is located at Nagoya Port. You can reach it via public transport, including trains and buses. Many visitors arrive by Shinkansen to Nagoya Station and then transfer to local lines. Some suggest using apps like Klook for booking Shinkansen tickets.
Yes, there is ample parking available at the port, making it convenient for those traveling by car.
The most common way is via Nagoya Station. From there, you can take the Meiko Line subway to Nagoyako Station, which is a short walk from the aquarium.
Absolutely! The aquarium is part of the Nagoya Port area, which also features shopping malls, restaurants, and other attractions, offering a full day of exploration.
Yes, the facility is well-maintained and family-friendly, with elevators available, making it accessible for strollers and wheelchairs.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for adults is ¥2030. There are also discounted rates for students and children.
Yes, you can purchase tickets at the aquarium. However, booking in advance is recommended, especially during peak seasons or school holidays to avoid long queues.
While specific discounts vary, check for student or child rates. Some travel apps might offer package deals.
The aquarium is typically open from 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but it's always best to check the official website for the most up-to-date hours, as they can vary seasonally.
It can be very crowded during school holidays, but the indoor environment helps manage the heat. Arriving early and checking show schedules is crucial.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the spectacular dolphin show in the main building, the impressive orcas and beluga whales, and the charming penguin viewing gallery in the south building. The 'Sardine Tornado' is also a unique sight. +1
Most visitors spend around 2.5 to 3 hours exploring the aquarium comfortably, allowing time for shows and exhibits.
Yes, the aquarium features exciting shows, most notably the dolphin performance. It's essential to check the schedule upon arrival or in advance.
The penguin zone is a highlight, offering clear views of penguins waddling and swimming. You can see species like Emperor and Chinstrap penguins.
Absolutely! It's a very family-friendly place with engaging exhibits and shows that children love. The spaciousness also helps with managing little ones.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant on-site, and food and drink concessions are available, making it convenient for a meal or snack break.
The restaurant typically offers a variety of meals and snacks suitable for families. It's a good option for convenience during your visit.
The Nagoya Port area has a shopping mall with many great restaurants and shops, offering diverse dining choices outside the aquarium.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check the aquarium's policy on outside food and beverages. Concessions are available for purchase.
Prices at on-site restaurants can be typical for tourist attractions. Exploring the nearby mall might offer more varied price points.
📸 📸 Photography
Besides the marine life, the port area itself offers beautiful views of boats, making it great for photography. The aquarium's architecture and exhibits also provide unique photo opportunities.
Generally, photography is allowed, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to protect the animals. Always be mindful of signage.
Yes, capturing the excitement of the dolphin show is popular. However, avoid using flash to not disturb the animals.
A camera with good low-light performance and a fast autofocus is ideal for capturing moving subjects in dimly lit environments.
Drone photography is generally not permitted inside or around most public attractions like aquariums due to safety and privacy concerns.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider arriving early to avoid the biggest crowds and the summer heat.
💰 Budget Travelers
While there are dining options inside, exploring the nearby shopping mall can provide more budget-friendly food choices. Look for student or child discounts if applicable.
Combining your visit with exploring the free port area and enjoying the views can add to the overall value of your trip without extra cost. 📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the exhibits, the Nagoya Port area itself is picturesque, with boats and the waterfront providing a beautiful backdrop for photos.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Marine Life Encounters
The dolphin shows are a major highlight, showcasing impressive acrobatics and intelligence, often drawing cheers from the audience. Beyond the large mammals, the aquarium also features a vibrant array of tropical fish, sea turtles, and deep-sea creatures in its South Building. A unique attraction is the mesmerizing 'Sardine Tornado', where thousands of sardines swim in a synchronized, swirling pattern, creating a breathtaking visual spectacle.
For those interested in the polar regions, the aquarium provides insights into the lives of penguins and other Antarctic inhabitants. The opportunity to see these animals up close, especially in a well-maintained environment, makes the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium a memorable experience for marine life enthusiasts.
Show Schedules and Planning
Visitors are advised to check the schedule upon arrival or in advance to prioritize which shows they want to attend. This strategic planning ensures you don't miss out on key attractions. For instance, some visitors have had to choose between the dolphin show and the beluga show due to timing conflicts.
Pro-tip: Arriving shortly after opening can give you ample time to orient yourself and plan your show-watching strategy without feeling rushed. This proactive approach enhances the overall experience and allows for a more relaxed exploration of the aquarium's diverse offerings.
The Nagoya Port Experience
The port itself provides beautiful views of passing boats, offering excellent opportunities for photography and a pleasant atmosphere.
This integrated experience means visitors can easily combine their aquarium visit with dining, shopping, and enjoying the scenic port surroundings, creating a well-rounded and enjoyable day trip.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit