Top Aquariums in Japan

As an island country, Japan’s culture is inseparably linked to the sea. It’s also home to some of the most incredible marine life on the planet, from whale sharks and luminous jellyfish to pygmy seahorses. This is one of the many reasons why aquariums (, Shui Zu Guan / Suizokukan) are popular attractions and top-rated things to do when visiting Japan.

Some are modern, family-friendly and packed with the most spectacular sea creatures. Others, like the Muroto Schoolhouse aquarium, take visitors back to their childhoods, reinterpreting school facilities from the outside in with a whole host of classroom supplies (from a sitting height stadiometer and desk set squares to a big whiteboard)!

No matter what kind of sea creature you want to see, you’ll find an aquarium in Japan to suit. Some are huge, others are microscopic – but all are guaranteed to take your breath away.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (, Churaumi Ryugusukuai ) is the best and most famous of the bunch, and a top-rated aquarium japan attraction. This massive aquarium showcases the subtropical region’s incredible sea creatures and thriving ecosystems. Its huge main tank is one of the largest in the world and is a key draw, but there’s plenty more to see throughout this large marine park – including coral, bioluminescent fish, dolphin shows, restaurants, museums, exhibitions and more!

Another top aquarium japan option is the Okinawa Tropical Aquarium (, Ryugusukuai teikukai), located in Tomigusuku city on the northern tip of Okinawa island. This aquarium has more than 77 tanks, with each section displaying a different underwater landscape and habitat. Some of the highlights include the Emerald Forest, which features rainforest animals and everyone’s favorite – penguins! Then there’s the Ocean Beauty section, a visual display of Okinawa’s beautiful beaches and the dynamic giant squid.

Unlike other aquariums, this one is both indoor and outdoor. Its water tanks are decorated with special lighting and marine vegetation to create a realistic, picturesque underwater experience, while other areas feature an impressive array of marine animals and plants from Ise Grand Shrine in Mie prefecture.

A new type of aquarium that blends fish with art is the Art Aquarium Museum (, AtoakuariumuMei Shuguan ). Originally held several times as a temporary exhibit, this aquarium in Ginza is now open for permanent viewing and features goldfish in shapes and sizes and light effects.

There’s even a “fish spa” where you can touch and interact with the fish, and a unique exhibit that allows you to walk inside a glass walled aquarium tank! If you’re looking for a truly memorable and mesmerizing aquarium japan visit, check out the ones listed below and make sure you pack your JR Pass!