Port Of Nagoya Public Aquarium

Must Do Experiences

• Catch the spectacular dolphin show featuring high jumps and perfectly synchronized routines in the massive outdoor stadium.

• Observe the gentle giants of the sea in the main tank, where you can watch beluga whales and orcas glide gracefully through the water.

• Stroll through the Antarctic penguin enclosure to see adorable penguins waddling on ice and swimming swiftly in their chilled habitat.

• Explore the deep-sea and coral reef galleries to discover a vibrant array of colorful fish, jellyfish, and rare marine creatures from around the globe.

Hidden Gems

• Head to the second-floor marine mammal area for a unique top-down perspective of the massive orca and beluga tanks, offering incredible photo opportunities without the glass glare.

• Visit the touch pool and interactive zones in the Japanese Sea section, where kids and adults can gently touch sea stars and learn about local coastal marine life.

• Check out the aquarium's impressive breeding and research exhibits, which detail the facility's pioneering work in beluga whale and penguin conservation, a fascinating behind-the-scenes look most casual visitors breeze past.

What Makes it Special

• It houses one of the largest outdoor dolphin show stadiums in Japan, providing unobstructed, thrilling views of marine acrobatics.

• The aquarium is globally recognized for its successful breeding programs, particularly for beluga whales and various penguin species, making it a hub for marine conservation.

• Its unique layout takes you on a geographical journey from the Japanese Sea to the deep ocean and Antarctic, rather than just displaying random tanks.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

The best time to visit is right at opening time on a weekday morning to beat the school groups and enjoy the exhibits in relative peace. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the outdoor dolphin stadium, while summer and winter holidays bring larger crowds but also feature special seasonal events and extended hours.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Shoot from the upper-level viewing decks of the main whale tanks to capture the animals swimming below without the distracting reflections from the glass.

• Use a fast shutter speed and continuous shooting mode during the dolphin shows to perfectly freeze the splashes and mid-air acrobatics.

• Turn off your flash completely and use a rubber lens hood pressed against the glass when shooting in the darker, deep-sea and jellyfish galleries to eliminate glare.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

Japanese aquariums are generally quiet, contemplative spaces, so keep your voice down and avoid tapping on the glass to respect both the animals and fellow visitors. Queue neatly and patiently for the shows and interactive exhibits, as orderly lining up is a deeply ingrained aspect of Japanese public etiquette. Tipping is not practiced in Japan, so simply offer a polite bow or a simple thank you to the staff if they assist you.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• Night Aquarium events are occasionally held during summer and winter holidays, offering a magical, dimly lit experience with special nighttime feeding shows.

• The aquarium hosts special Valentine's Day and Christmas-themed penguin and dolphin shows, complete with festive decorations and unique animal behaviors.

• During Japan's Golden Week in early May, expect extended operating hours, extra showtimes, and special interactive educational workshops for children.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Keep a firm grip on your mobile devices and cameras near the open-top touch pools and outdoor stadium seating to prevent them from falling into the water or onto the grounds below.

• Hold onto young children's hands near the glass barriers and staircases, as the dimly lit areas in the deep-sea exhibits can make uneven steps harder to see.

• Stay within the designated viewing areas during the dolphin and orca shows to avoid getting splashed by the massive waves the animals create in the stadium.