Toba Aquarium

Must Do Experiences

• Watch the adorable sea otters play and groom themselves in their specially designed habitat, a rare sight in Japan.

• Attend the lively sea lion and walrus feeding shows to see these intelligent marine mammals perform amazing tricks.

• Marvel at the gentle dugong, a rare marine mammal steeped in mermaid legends, as it gracefully glides through its massive tank.

• Explore the Coral Reef Dive zone to witness a vibrant, colorful ecosystem teeming with tropical fish and ancient nautiluses.

Hidden Gems

• Seek out the ancient nautilus exhibit, a living fossil that many visitors rush past while heading to the larger marine mammal tanks.

• Visit the Mermaid Sea zone early in the morning right after opening to watch the dugongs being fed before the crowds gather.

• Check out the interactive touch pools in the shallow water zones where kids can safely feel the texture of sea cucumbers and starfish.

What Makes it Special

• It holds the exclusive distinction of being the only aquarium in Japan to house both the legendary dugong and the charming sea otter.

• The facility boasts one of the largest and most diverse collections in the country, featuring over 25,000 animals representing 1,200 distinct species.

• Its 12 meticulously crafted exhibition zones recreate specific global aquatic environments, from the Japanese coastline to the deep Amazon river.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

The best time to visit is on a weekday morning right when the doors open to enjoy the exhibits with minimal crowds and watch the animals during their most active morning feeding routines. Spring and autumn offer the most pleasant weather for combining your aquarium trip with other outdoor attractions in the Mie and Ise-Shima region. Avoid Japanese national holidays and the peak summer Obon season if you prefer a quieter, more relaxed viewing experience.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Turn off your camera flash completely and use a higher ISO setting to capture clear images of the fish in the dimly lit deep-sea and coral reef zones.

• Position your camera lens directly against the acrylic glass to eliminate glare and reflections from the overhead walkway lights.

• The sea otter enclosure offers the best natural lighting for photography, making it the perfect spot to capture sharp, well-lit action shots of them playing.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

Japanese visitors value a quiet and respectful atmosphere in public spaces, so keep your voice down and avoid tapping on the glass to get the animals' attention. Queue patiently for the popular exhibits and feeding shows, as cutting in line or pushing to the front is considered highly disrespectful. Tipping the staff or animal keepers is not practiced in Japan and will be politely refused.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• During the winter months, the aquarium hosts special penguin walks and cold-water marine life spotlight events to celebrate the season.

• The summer holiday period features extended evening hours, night aquarium tours, and special illuminated tank displays for a magical after-dark experience.

• Spring and autumn bring seasonal feeding festivals where keepers offer special seasonal treats to the sea otters and dugongs while explaining their dietary needs.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Keep a close eye on young children near the open touch pools and low railings to prevent accidental slips into the water.

• Be mindful of the sloped ramps and dimly lit corridors in the deep-sea zones, holding onto handrails where provided to avoid tripping.

• If you or your children have sensory sensitivities, be prepared for the loud echoes and sudden noises that can occur in the enclosed sea lion performance stadium.