Shimoda Floating Aquarium

Tucked along the coast sitting on the waters Wakanoura Bay is the Shimoda Floating Aquarium, one of the more unique aquarium experiences you’ll have not only in Japan, but in the entire world. Housed under a large floating dome is the aquarium’s heart, a 600 ton tank, home to 200 different species of fish many of which will be the most stunning sea life you’ll witness this side of Tokyo. As well as fish, the aquarium also contains sea otters and super friendly dolphins. If you’re going during the middle of the day, the aquarium also has a restaurant, which is an ideal location to stop off and grab something to eat while you’re wandering around this charming little pocket of Shimoda.

Shimoda Floating Aquarium

As well as its permanent exhibits, the aquarium also hosts a number of live shows performed by its famous inhabitants. Firstly there’s the fish feeding show, where the aquarium staff get up close and personal feeding the aquarium’s many hungry creatures. Following that the aquarium also hosts an impressively sophisticated dolphin show in the area’s Marine Stadium. Running at 10am, 12pm, 2pm and 4pm the show is a great opportunity to witness the intelligence and sheer amazing talent of these fascinating mammals.

Shimoda Floating Aquarium

Prior to the dolphin shows, there’s also an adorable seal show that runs in the Marine Stadium. The highlight of this performance is the Underwater Show where Mocha, one of the aquarium’s famous seals performs underwater alongside one of his trainers. This show runs just a few minutes before the dolphin shows, at 9:40am, 11:45am, 1:45pm and 3:45pm meaning that you can catch both performances back to back. As well as the big show there are also smaller events happening on separate stages including the Sea Stage Dolphin Show that runs twice daily and the Seal Show where you can learn all about the life cycle of seals. If that wasn’t enough there’s also a twice daily penguin feeding show so you’ve really got to plan your schedule out right!

Shimoda Floating Aquarium

Beyond the outdoor shows there is plenty to see, do, and learn inside the aquarium’s dome. The Sea Palace Biological Hall is the perfect place to learn about the local marine life. Here there are 1,500 creatures spanning 250 different species, all of which are living in the sea of Izu. One room you can’t miss while wandering through the facility is the simply breathtaking jellyfish enclosure. Known as Clarium, this space is dedicated to the relaxing and almost healing properties of the jellyfish. Watch the amazing creatures as they float through like living lava lamps illuminated by the tank lighting.

Shimoda Floating Aquarium

The aquarium is open from 9am until 4:30pm every day of the week and 9am until 5pm on weekends and public holidays. Entry costs 2,000 yen per adult and 1,000 per child though there are discounts available for groups over 10 people. To get there via public transport take a seven-minute bus or taxi ride from Izukyu Line Shimoda Station. However, given how stunning Shimoda’s coast line is it’s recommended you take the 20-minute walk from the station if you feel up to it. If you’re travelling by car there is free parking available.

Shimoda Floating Aquarium

Shimoda Aquarium

4.0

328 Reviews

Shimoda-shi, Shizuoka prefecture 3-22-31

0558223567

9:00-16:30 *Business hours v…

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Shimoda Underwater Aquarium E-Ticket

¥1,800

Update date：2024/04/20

Hamabe Oura

3-24-21 Izu