Toba Aquarium
Meet dugongs and explore marine worlds in Japan's largest privately-owned aquarium
Toba Aquarium opened in May 1955, making it one of Japan's oldest and most established aquariums. Founded by the Toba Tourism Company, the aquarium was built to showcase the rich marine biodiversity of Ise Bay and the Pacific Ocean while promoting tourism in the Shima Peninsula region. From its early days, the aquarium distinguished itself by maintaining large-scale exhibits and pioneering breeding programs for marine mammals, establishing itself as a leader in marine conservation and education in Japan.
The aquarium achieved international recognition for housing dugongs, a rare marine mammal species related to manatees. Toba Aquarium is currently the only facility in Japan keeping dugongs and one of only a few worldwide. The facility has successfully bred numerous marine species, including sea otters, sea lions, and various fish species, contributing valuable research to marine biology. The aquarium's innovative 'free-flow' design allows visitors to explore twelve themed zones in any order they prefer, creating a personalized experience unlike traditional linear aquarium layouts.
Today, Toba Aquarium houses approximately 1,200 species and 30,000 individual animals across its 12 zones, making it one of Japan's most comprehensive marine life collections. The facility covers areas from Japanese rivers and seas to tropical reefs, Antarctic waters, and deep-sea environments. The aquarium continues to play important roles in marine conservation, breeding programs, and public education about ocean ecosystems. Its combination of rare species, interactive experiences, and flexible layout attracts over one million visitors annually.
Key Highlights
- Japan's only aquarium housing dugongs - rare marine mammals
- Over 1,200 species and 30,000 individual animals across 12 themed zones
- Free-flow layout allows visitors to explore in any order without fixed routes
- Sea otter feeding shows and playful interactions multiple times daily
- Penguin walks and penguin island with multiple species
- Massive ocean tank with sharks, rays, and large schools of fish
- Interactive tide pool where visitors can touch starfish and sea cucumbers
- Jellyfish exhibits with artistic lighting in dedicated Jellyfish Gallery
Access Information
Location
3-3-6 Toba, Toba, Mie 517-8517
Nearest Stations
- • Toba Station (Kintetsu Toba Line, JR Sangu Line) - 10-minute walk to aquarium entrance
Opening Hours
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM daily (extended to 5:30 PM during summer holidays). Last admission 60 minutes before closing. Open 365 days a year including New Year holidays. Show times vary - check daily schedule at entrance.
Admission Fee
Adults ¥2,800, Elementary/Junior high students ¥1,600, Children (3 years+) ¥800, Under 3 free. Annual passport available (Adults ¥7,000 - pays for itself in 3 visits). No separate fees for shows or zones.
How to Get There
From Nagoya
Take Kintetsu Limited Express to Toba Station (100 minutes, ¥3,200), then walk 10 minutes southeast toward the waterfront. Signs in English available from station.
100 minutes
From Osaka
Take Kintetsu Limited Express from Osaka Namba Station to Toba Station (2 hours 20 minutes, ¥3,950), then walk 10 minutes
2.5 hours
From Kyoto
Take Kintetsu Limited Express from Kyoto Station to Toba Station (2 hours 20 minutes, ¥4,220), then walk 10 minutes
2.5 hours
Tips & Visiting Guide
Make the most of your visit with these helpful tips and guidelines.
Show Schedule Planning
Pick up the daily show schedule at entrance to plan your visit. Sea otter feeding (11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM typically) is popular - arrive 10 minutes early for good viewing spots. Penguin walks and sea lion performances also have set times.
Best Photo Opportunities
Dugong underwater viewing area allows close-up photography of these rare mammals. Sea otters are playful during feeding times. The main ocean tank offers dramatic shots with sharks and rays. Jellyfish gallery lighting creates artistic photos.
Family-Friendly Features
The free-flow layout is ideal for families - revisit favorite exhibits anytime. Tide pool touch tank is safe for children. Nursing rooms and baby stroller rentals available. Re-entry allowed same day with hand stamp for lunch breaks outside.
Recommended Visit Duration
Allow 3-4 hours to see all zones comfortably and catch main shows. Visitors can enter/exit freely with hand stamp, allowing lunch outside then return. The flexible layout lets you pace yourself without feeling rushed through exhibits.
Don't Miss Exhibits
Dugongs (Japan's only display), sea otters (adorable feeding shows), penguin island with multiple species, and the impressive main ocean tank. The ancient sea zone featuring living fossils like horseshoe crabs and nautilus is fascinating for those interested in evolution.
Dining Options
Aquarium has three restaurants/cafes serving light meals including aquarium-themed dishes (¥800-¥1,500). Nearby Toba Saburo (connected by path) offers fresh seafood restaurants with bay views. Re-entry stamp allows lunch outside then return to aquarium.
Souvenir Shop
Large gift shop near exit features dugong plushies, sea otter goods, and Ise-Shima local products. Dugong-themed items are unique to Toba Aquarium. Shop accessible without aquarium admission for those just wanting souvenirs.
Combination Tickets
Combo tickets available with nearby attractions like Mikimoto Pearl Island and Toba Bay cruises, offering savings. The Kintetsu Rail Pass includes discount coupons for Toba Aquarium. Ask at station tourist information for current deals.
FAQ
What makes Toba Aquarium unique compared to other Japanese aquariums?
Toba is the only aquarium in Japan where you can see dugongs, rare marine mammals. It also features the widest variety of species (about 1,200) in Japan. The free-walking format without fixed routes allows visitors to explore at their own pace, unlike most aquariums with set paths.
How long should I plan for visiting the aquarium?
Most visitors spend 2.5 to 3.5 hours exploring all 12 zones. If you want to attend multiple feeding times and shows (sea lion, penguin, seal), allow up to 4 hours. Families with young children often stay longer. Check the daily schedule at entrance to plan around shows.
What are the feeding times and shows?
Multiple feeding sessions and shows occur daily including sea lions, penguins, seals, and sea otters. Times vary by season and day of the week. A detailed schedule is provided at the entrance and posted near each zone. Popular shows can get crowded, so arrive 10-15 minutes early for good viewing spots.
Can I see the dugongs easily?
The dugong exhibit is in Zone A. These gentle creatures are active at various times throughout the day. Feeding times offer the best viewing opportunities. Photography is permitted but flash is prohibited. Dugongs are endangered, making this one of very few places in the world to observe them.
Is the aquarium suitable for young children?
Very suitable. The free-walking format lets families move at their own pace. Touch pools, penguin walks, and sea otter exhibits are especially popular with kids. Stroller accessible throughout. Nursing rooms and family restrooms are available. The variety keeps children engaged for hours.
Are there English explanations for the exhibits?
Basic English signage is available for major exhibits, but detailed descriptions are primarily in Japanese. English pamphlets are provided at the entrance. The visual nature of aquariums means language is less critical. Consider using translation apps for more detailed information.
What dining options are available?
The aquarium has restaurants serving seafood dishes, curry, and light meals. A food court offers various options. Vending machines are located throughout. Outside food is generally not permitted inside, but there are outdoor areas where you can eat. Re-entry is allowed with hand stamp.
Can I buy tickets at a discount?
Combination tickets with nearby attractions (Mikimoto Pearl Island, Shima Marineland) offer savings if visiting multiple sites. Some hotels in Toba offer ticket packages. Check for seasonal promotions. Online advance tickets may offer small discounts and skip ticket counter lines.
Is photography allowed throughout the aquarium?
Yes, photography is permitted in all zones without flash. Tripods and selfie sticks may be restricted in crowded areas. Videos are also allowed. The dugongs, sea otters, and jellyfish exhibits are particularly photogenic. Be respectful of other visitors when taking photos.
Should I visit in the morning or afternoon?
Morning visits (opening time) are less crowded on weekdays. However, check the show schedule as some popular feedings occur in afternoon. Weekend and holiday mornings can be busy. Late afternoon (after 3pm) tends to be quieter but you may miss some scheduled activities.
Nearby Attractions
Explore more wonderful destinations in the same prefecture.
Ise-Shima National Park
Coastal national park featuring ria coastline, pearl cultivation sites, scenic islands, and sacred shrines along Mie Prefecture's beautiful shores.
Ise Grand Shrine
Japan's most sacred Shinto shrine, dedicated to the sun goddess Amaterasu Omikami
Nabana no Sato
Spectacular flower park featuring seasonal displays year-round and Japan's largest winter illumination with millions of LED lights.
Nagashima Spa Land
Major amusement park featuring world-class roller coasters, water park, hot springs, and outlet shopping in one massive resort complex.