Maura Beach Notojima
A tranquil aquarium on Notojima's coast, offering a peaceful escape with impressive whale sharks and digital ocean displays.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Enjoy a peaceful, uncrowded experience.
Maura Beach Notojima
Best Time
Enjoy a peaceful, uncrowded experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A tranquil aquarium on Notojima's coast, offering a peaceful escape with impressive whale sharks and digital ocean displays.
"An absolute gem, well worth the detour for a peaceful and amazing marine life experience."
🚗 Drive for Flexibility
Driving offers the most flexibility, especially with potential train disruptions. Parking is usually ample.
💧 Check Water Availability
Be prepared for potential water outages in restrooms and facilities due to earthquake recovery.
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.4 · 6,346 reviews
Type
Aquarium
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Whale Shark Tank
Main Aquatic Building
Marvel at the majestic whale sharks in a surprisingly spacious tank, a true highlight of the aquarium.
Sea Galleria
Main Aquatic Building
Immerse yourself in a mesmerizing digital ocean with projectors creating a stunning visual spectacle.
Dolphin Tunnel
Main Aquatic Building
Observe dolphins swimming overhead in this unique tunnel, though some visitors note it could use more enrichment.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Navigating Post-Earthquake Travel
Embrace the Serenity
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 Drive for Flexibility
Driving offers the most flexibility, especially with potential train disruptions. Parking is usually ample.
💧 Check Water Availability
Be prepared for potential water outages in restrooms and facilities due to earthquake recovery.
🍽️ Limited Dining Options
Only one restaurant and a small shop may be open. Pack snacks or plan meals elsewhere if you have specific needs.
🎟️ Reduced Ticket Prices
Tickets may be discounted due to ongoing recovery efforts and limited shows.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚗 Drive for Flexibility
Driving offers the most flexibility, especially with potential train disruptions. Parking is usually ample.
💧 Check Water Availability
Be prepared for potential water outages in restrooms and facilities due to earthquake recovery.
🍽️ Limited Dining Options
Only one restaurant and a small shop may be open. Pack snacks or plan meals elsewhere if you have specific needs.
🎟️ Reduced Ticket Prices
Tickets may be discounted due to ongoing recovery efforts and limited shows.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Maura Beach Notojima is a hidden gem offering a peaceful escape, especially appreciated by those seeking uncrowded experiences. Visitors praise the whale shark tank and immersive Sea Galleria. However, some reviews highlight concerns about the condition and enrichment of certain exhibits, noting they appear dated and could be improved for animal welfare, possibly exacerbated by earthquake impacts.
"This is an absolute gem in an already incredible country, well worth the somewhat detour it might require.
Our family drove here in October as we had some hours to kill after checking out of our Kanazawa hotel, before we could check in at our next accommodation.
Not expecting much, we were blown away by everything from the size and location of the facilities, to the sheer amount of animals, the friendly and enthusiastic staff, shows, etc.
The aquarium is quite large with many, small and large, in-door and out-door tanks, located on the northern picturesque shore of Notojima, and you can easily spend a day, which will cost you less than a burger at sea world, Disneyland or similar.
We cannot recommend this place enough, and would urge anyone to treat themselves to this hidden gem of Japan.
Why not stop and eat some fresh fish on your way there or back, probably the best you’ll ever get."
Tommy Paaske Hansen
"What an amazing experience, the aquarium may only have a few exhibits, but each one is so interactive and its amazing to see the aquatic life upfront!"
Chang Yi Tong
"Cool variety of fishes and animals but the conditions of the environment is old and sad 💔 The jellyfish have more room than most of the other animals. River otter exhibit is the worst because they have no visible water enrichment. It looked like they used to but maybe the 2024 earthquake caused it's removal. Even so it was over a year ago from today. They look desperate to play but they just sleep...
Overcrowding in some tanks. Worst one was the sea turtles - 7 adult ones in 1 small tank. 💔💔 Even the seal tanks are very small. They were doing the same laps over and over around the tank.
In the later half of the main aquatic building, there is not enough natural environments. They are barren and not that clean. Not even enough sand to cover the bottom 💔
The only area that looked good was the Sea Galleria with the projectors and maybe the room with the whale shark. Please put the turtles in the whale shark tank if they are compatible. They need to swim!!!
Even the dolphin tunnel is abandoned. Not cleaned for ages and the dolphins are so bored they only stay in the corner at the viewing balcony.
Looks like it used to be a cleaner aquarium years ago. Surprised no one else mentions these small and bad conditions. I know the earthquake affected a lot of infrastructure but these did not look like temporary locations for many of these fish and mammals. I am shocked to read that there used to be 2 whale sharks, I think 1 is the limit"
PK W
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common route is by train to Wakuraonsen Station. However, due to earthquake damage, train service may be reduced or require bus transfers. Check the JR West website for the latest updates. Driving is also a viable option and offers more flexibility.
Yes, driving is generally straightforward. The aquarium is located on the picturesque shore of Notojima. Parking is usually available and ample.
While the train to Wakuraonsen is the primary public transport link, be prepared for potential bus transfers or alternative routes due to ongoing infrastructure repairs. It's best to check local transport advisories before your trip.
By train, the journey to Wakuraonsen Station typically takes around 2 hours, followed by a bus or taxi to the aquarium. Driving can take approximately 1.5 to 2 hours, depending on traffic and road conditions.
Information on dedicated shuttle services is limited, especially post-earthquake. It's advisable to rely on public transport to Wakuraonsen and then local taxis or buses, or to drive yourself.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Opening hours can vary, especially during recovery periods. It's recommended to check the official website or contact the aquarium directly for the most up-to-date information on operating hours.
Ticket prices are generally affordable, often less than major theme parks. Due to ongoing recovery efforts, there might be reduced prices or special offers.
Information on online ticket purchasing is not widely available. It's usually possible to buy tickets at the entrance. However, given the low visitor numbers, this is generally not an issue.
Discounts may be offered due to the earthquake's impact, especially if some exhibits or shows are unavailable. Check their website or inquire at the ticket counter for current promotions.
While efforts are made for accessibility, some older facilities might present challenges. It's best to contact the aquarium directly to inquire about specific accessibility features.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The whale shark tank and the Sea Galleria with its projector displays are highly recommended. The dolphin tunnel is also a unique experience, though some visitors note animal welfare concerns. +1
Historically, the aquarium has offered shows and feedings. However, due to post-earthquake recovery, these may be limited or suspended. It's best to check the daily schedule upon arrival.
While some areas like the Sea Galleria and whale shark tank are well-maintained, some visitors have noted that certain exhibits appear old, sad, and lack sufficient enrichment for the animals, possibly exacerbated by earthquake damage.
No, due to its remote location and the earthquake's impact, the aquarium is often very quiet with few visitors, making for a peaceful and leisurely experience.
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended as you'll be doing a lot of walking. The aquarium is mostly indoors, so dress in layers according to the weather.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
There is typically only one main restaurant and a small tuck shop open. Dining options are limited, and hours may be restricted.
The restaurant usually offers a selection of Japanese dishes, including fresh seafood. However, availability can be limited.
Outside food and drinks policies can vary. It's best to check with the aquarium directly, but given the limited dining options, bringing some snacks might be a good idea.
The area around the aquarium is quite remote. For a wider selection of dining options, you might need to travel back towards Wakuraonsen or other towns.
Dining hours can be irregular, especially during recovery periods. It's advisable to confirm the operating times upon arrival or check their website.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed in most areas. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain exhibits to protect the animals.
The Sea Galleria with its digital projections offers unique photographic opportunities. The whale shark tank and the dolphin tunnel are also popular spots.
You can take photos of the animals, but always be mindful of any posted signs regarding flash or disruptive photography.
Drone photography is almost certainly prohibited within the aquarium premises and likely in the surrounding natural areas for safety and wildlife protection.
A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for indoor exhibits. A zoom lens can be useful for capturing marine life without disturbing them.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit