Hengbin Hakkeijima Aquarium

Must Do Experiences

• Marvel at the massive Aqua Museum main tank where sardines swim in mesmerizing synchronized schools.

• Catch the spectacular daytime magic shows and the breathtaking nighttime sound, light, and projection mapping performances.

• Visit the Fureai Lagoon to get up close and personal with friendly dolphins, walruses, and sea turtles.

• Meet the adorable land-dwelling residents like red pandas and capybaras in the beautifully landscaped outdoor habitats.

Hidden Gems

• Seek out the Umi Farm area where you can actually try your hand at traditional Japanese fishing and have your catch prepared at a nearby restaurant.

• Visit the aquarium after sunset to experience the completely different, romantic atmosphere of the bioluminescent exhibits and nighttime projection mapping shows without the daytime crowds.

• Discover the quiet, scenic walking paths along the island's outer seawall, offering stunning, unobstructed views of Tokyo Bay and the Yokohama skyline.

What Makes it Special

• It is one of the few facilities in Japan that perfectly integrates a massive aquarium complex with a full-scale amusement park and natural island environment.

• The attraction features an incredible diversity of life, showcasing not just marine animals but also beloved terrestrial creatures like capybaras and red pandas.

• The seamless transition from educational daytime animal presentations to dazzling, high-tech nighttime light and sound shows offers a dynamic experience that changes from day to night.

Perfect Timing

When to visit for the best experience

The best time to visit is on a weekday morning right when the park opens to avoid the heavy weekend crowds and secure good seating for the popular animal shows. Spring and autumn offer the most comfortable weather for exploring the outdoor amusement areas and island walking paths, while winter brings spectacular illumination events and clearer views of Mount Fuji from the observation decks.

Photography Guide

Capture the perfect shots

• Position yourself at the bottom of the Aqua Museum's massive main tank and shoot upwards with a wide-angle lens to capture the stunning silhouette of the sardine tornado against the blue water.

• Use a fast shutter speed and burst mode when photographing the dolphins and sea lions during the live shows to freeze their dynamic splashes and mid-air acrobatics.

• Take advantage of the golden hour just before sunset on the island's outdoor promenades to capture beautiful, warm-toned portraits with the Tokyo Bay waters and amusement park rides in the background.

Cultural Etiquette

Respect local customs and traditions

Japanese visitors highly value queue etiquette and quiet observation, so please wait patiently in designated lines for shows and avoid loud talking or tapping on the aquarium glass. When watching the animal presentations, it is customary to applaud enthusiastically for the trainers and animals, but refrain from using flash or standing up abruptly as it may startle the creatures. Tipping is not practiced in Japan, so simply offer a polite bow or a warm thank you to the staff for their excellent service.

Special Events & Experiences

Enhanced experiences and seasonal highlights

• The winter season features the spectacular Starlight Island illumination event, where the entire island and aquarium exterior are decked out in millions of dazzling LED lights.

• Summer brings special nighttime aquarium events and extended hours, allowing guests to enjoy cool, atmospheric marine exhibits and outdoor fireworks displays over Tokyo Bay.

• Spring and autumn often host limited-time collaborative events with popular Japanese anime and character franchises, featuring exclusive themed merchandise and special cafe menus.

Important Guidelines & Safety

Essential safety information and guidelines

• Keep a close eye on young children near the open touch pools and interactive water features, as the surrounding deck areas can become quite slippery from splashing.

• Stay behind all designated safety barriers and follow staff instructions carefully during the animal feeding and interactive encounters to ensure both your safety and the well-being of the wildlife.

• If visiting during the hot summer months, utilize the shaded rest areas and indoor air-conditioned aquarium zones frequently to prevent heat exhaustion while exploring the outdoor island facilities.