Kaikyokan Aquarium Shimonoseki
Discover diverse marine life, from pufferfish to penguins, at Shimonoseki's Kaikyokan Aquarium. Enjoy dolphin shows and unique exhibits.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Experience the magical Night Aquarium!
Kaikyokan Aquarium Shimonoseki
Best Time
Experience the magical Night Aquarium!
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover diverse marine life, from pufferfish to penguins, at Shimonoseki's Kaikyokan Aquarium. Enjoy dolphin shows and unique exhibits.
"A perfect place to beat the heat and have fun, especially if you have kids!"
🎯 All-Day Access Ticket
Your ticket is valid all day! Re-enter after lunch at Karato Market. :ticket:
🕢 Arrive Early for Shows
Secure good seats for the dolphin and seal shows by arriving 30 minutes prior. :performing_arts:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Pufferfish Galore
Discover one of Japan's most diverse collections of pufferfish species. A must-see for ichthyology enthusiasts!
Dolphin Show Spectacle
Be amazed by the talented dolphins performing tricks and blowing bubble rings. Arrive early for the best viewing spots!
Penguin Tunnel Tank
Watch adorable Subantarctic penguins swim and dive in a stunning tank, especially beautiful with angelic light around 1 PM.
Mambo the Ocean Sunfish
Meet Mambo, the famous sunfish whose recovery after renovations charmed visitors and staff alike.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Heat & Plan Your Visit
Pufferfish Paradise & Unique Residents
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 All-Day Access Ticket
Your ticket is valid all day! Re-enter after lunch at Karato Market. :ticket:
🕢 Arrive Early for Shows
Secure good seats for the dolphin and seal shows by arriving 30 minutes prior. :performing_arts:
📱 Use Translation Apps
While exhibits have English, use apps for caretaker talks. :iphone:
🐧 Penguin Tank Chill Spot
Relax on the sofas in the penguin area (B1F) for a peaceful break. :couch:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 All-Day Access Ticket
Your ticket is valid all day! Re-enter after lunch at Karato Market. :ticket:
🕢 Arrive Early for Shows
Secure good seats for the dolphin and seal shows by arriving 30 minutes prior. :performing_arts:
📱 Use Translation Apps
While exhibits have English, use apps for caretaker talks. :iphone:
🐧 Penguin Tank Chill Spot
Relax on the sofas in the penguin area (B1F) for a peaceful break. :couch:
🚗 Parking Costs
Parking near Karato Market can be pricey (around 800 yen). :car:
🌟 Night Aquarium Magic
Enjoy a different vibe with nocturnal creatures and special shows during Golden Week and summer.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise Kaikyokan Aquarium for its engaging exhibits, particularly the diverse pufferfish collection and impressive dolphin shows. It's a great spot to escape the heat and enjoy a full day, with the flexibility to revisit exhibits after a meal at the nearby Karato Fish Market. Some find parking expensive, and while translations are available, live interpreter services are limited.
"If you want to beat the heat and have fun while doing it, this is the perfect place, especially if you have kids! Our family spent the entire day here and around the wharf where the aquarium is located. An aquarium ticket lasts a whole day with the QR code. We were able to go in early in the morning, get some exhibits looked at, pop out for a fresh sushi lunch at the nearby Karato Fish Market, and then pop back into the aquarium to look some more or revisit previous exhibits.
The dolphin shows were amazing, but definitely get there 30 min early for seats, and not every show is the same since they change the animals sometimes.
Our favorite spot to rest was the sofa area in the corner of the Subantarctic Penguins on B1F. If you get there around 1:00 PM, you'll see angelic light streaming down the tank water which was stunningly beautiful when the penguins would swim and dive with a trail of bubbles behind!
There are English translations for almost everything displayed, but no interpreters for whatever the caretakers are saying, but translating apps come in real handy for those times!
Definitely recommend going more than once!"
Austina Nee Saito
"It's another aquarium in Fukuoka, slightly small, but each has its strength and weaknesses against other aquarium. If like to see puffer fish I think this place had the most variety in Japan....😲 🐟 Great for fish lover. Not forgetting the std seal n dolphins act..👍"
Dan Chong
"Small aquarium.
A place I went to to escape the heat in very hot weather. Just a small aquarium.
There are dolphin and seal shows a few times a day, and there is also a fish feeding show.
I couldn't find a parking lot, so I parked in the parking lot across the street toward Karato Market and paid 800 yen. Parking fee is too expensive.
There is a restaurant on the beach on the first floor where you can eat while looking at the aquarium. If you don't want to go into the aquarium, you can eat ice cream (500 yen) at this restaurant while looking at the aquarium."
Sona
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kaikyokan Aquarium is located in Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi Prefecture. It's easily accessible by public transport. From Shimonoseki Station, you can take a bus towards Karato Market, which is very close to the aquarium. Many visitors combine their aquarium visit with a trip to the nearby Karato Fish Market.
While there might be some parking, it's often recommended to use the parking lots near Karato Market. Be aware that parking fees can be around 800 yen, which some visitors find expensive.
Yes, Shimonoseki is well-connected. If you're coming from Fukuoka, it's a relatively short journey. The aquarium is a popular destination for those exploring the Yamaguchi region.
The aquarium is situated around the wharf area, which is also home to the famous Karato Fish Market. Many visitors enjoy exploring both on foot, especially after purchasing an all-day aquarium ticket.
Absolutely! The Karato Fish Market is a major draw, offering fresh sushi and seafood. You can easily spend a whole day exploring the market and the aquarium.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices are generally considered reasonable. The aquarium offers an all-day access pass, allowing you to leave and re-enter, which is great for combining with a visit to the nearby Karato Fish Market for lunch.
While specific online booking details aren't always highlighted, it's always a good idea to check the official Kaikyokan Aquarium website or inquire locally about advance ticket purchase options to save time.
Opening hours can vary, especially for special events like the Night Aquarium. It's best to check the official aquarium website for the most up-to-date information on daily opening and closing times.
Yes, Kaikyokan Aquarium hosts a 'Night Aquarium' during Golden Week and summer vacation. This offers a unique experience with nocturnal animals and special shows.
Yes, the aquarium tickets are valid for the entire day, allowing you to exit and re-enter. This is a significant advantage for visitors who want to explore the surrounding area, like the Karato Fish Market, and return later.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the extensive pufferfish displays, the captivating dolphin shows, and the adorable Subantarctic penguins in their tunnel tank. The story of Mambo the ocean sunfish is also a unique highlight. +2
Yes, Kaikyokan features popular dolphin and seal shows. There are also fish feeding shows. It's recommended to arrive about 30 minutes before showtime to get good seats.
Absolutely! Families with children often find Kaikyokan to be a perfect place to beat the heat and have fun. The engaging exhibits and shows are a big hit with kids.
Yes, most of the displays have English translations, making it accessible for international visitors. However, live interpreter services for caretaker talks are not typically available.
For a particularly beautiful view, aim to visit the Subantarctic Penguins exhibit around 1:00 PM. At this time, angelic light streams down into the tank, creating a stunning visual as the penguins swim.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Yes, there is a restaurant on the first floor overlooking the aquarium where you can eat. You can also purchase ice cream there if you don't wish to enter the main aquarium.
Many visitors choose to have lunch at the nearby Karato Fish Market, which offers a wide variety of fresh sushi and seafood. Your all-day aquarium ticket allows you to re-enter after your meal.
The restaurant offers dining options, and ice cream is available for purchase. For a more extensive seafood experience, the adjacent Karato Fish Market is highly recommended.
Information on specific dietary options like vegetarian meals isn't widely detailed. It's advisable to check with the restaurant directly upon arrival or explore the diverse offerings at the Karato Fish Market.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally best to consume outside food in designated areas or at nearby eateries like the Karato Fish Market, especially given the aquarium's dining facilities.
📸 📸 Photography
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Kaikyokan Aquarium. However, always be mindful of any posted signs regarding flash photography, especially in darker exhibits or during shows.
The penguin tunnel tank, especially around 1 PM, offers beautiful shots. The large tanks, dolphin show arena, and the unique pufferfish displays are also great for capturing memorable moments.
Photography is usually permitted during the dolphin shows, but avoid using flash as it can startle the animals. Capturing the dolphins blowing bubble rings is a popular shot!
Drones are typically not allowed inside aquariums or any enclosed public spaces due to safety and disturbance concerns for the animals and other visitors.
A camera with good low-light performance is ideal for aquarium photography. A lens that can handle a range of focal lengths will be useful for both wide tank shots and closer animal portraits.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the popular dolphin and seal shows – arrive early for good seats! The penguin tunnel tank is also a hit with children, and the interactive nature of some exhibits keeps young minds entertained. Consider a sushi lunch at the nearby Karato Fish Market before returning to the aquarium for more exploration.
🐠 Marine Life Enthusiasts
Beyond the pufferfish, the aquarium features engaging displays like the penguin tunnel and the memorable story of Mambo the sunfish, adding unique educational and emotional layers to your visit. The chance to see nocturnal animals during the Night Aquarium is also a special draw.
📸 Photography Buffs
+1Focus on the vibrant colors and unique forms of the pufferfish, and experiment with capturing the movement of marine life in the various tanks. The Night Aquarium also presents a unique photographic challenge with its special lighting.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Story of Mambo: A Sunfish's Loneliness
+1Staff suspected Mambo was experiencing loneliness due to the lack of human interaction. In a creative and compassionate effort, they crafted cardboard cutouts of people, complete with printed faces and uniforms, and placed them in his tank to simulate company.
+1The heartwarming result was that Mambo regained his appetite and became more active the very next day. This tale highlights the deep connection between the aquarium staff and their animals, and the surprising emotional lives of marine creatures.
Exploring the Kanmon Strait's Marine Life
The Kanmon Strait is known for its strong currents and diverse ecosystem, supporting a variety of fish and other marine organisms. The aquarium's exhibit aims to provide an immersive experience, showcasing the natural environment and the creatures that inhabit it.
Visitors can learn about the specific adaptations of these animals to the strait's challenging conditions, offering an educational perspective on local marine biology. It's a fascinating glimpse into the underwater world of this significant Japanese strait.
A Pufferfish Haven
The aquarium dedicates significant space to showcasing a wide variety of pufferfish, from the familiar to the more obscure. Visitors can marvel at their diverse shapes, sizes, and the intricate patterns that adorn their bodies.
This focus makes Kaikyokan a must-visit for anyone interested in pufferfish, providing a deep dive into the world of these captivating creatures and their remarkable adaptations.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit