Wakayama Prefecture is home to six aquariums that exhibit a wide variety of marine life.
- Wakayama Prefectural Museum of Natural History
- Shirahama Aquarium, Kyoto University
- Adventure World
- Susami Town Shrimp and Crab Aquarium
- Kushimoto Marine Park
- Taiji Whale Museum
They offer a wide range of experiences, including exhibits closely related to the local natural environment, educational programs, and entertainment shows popular with families and tourists.
When visiting Wakayama Prefecture, touring these aquariums allows you to enjoy the region’s rich marine ecosystem.
Wakayama Prefectural Museum of Natural History【Kainan city】
The Wakayama Prefectural Museum of Natural History is the only public aquarium located in the northern part of the Wakayama.
Features of Wakayama Prefectural Museum of Natural History
The museum offers diverse exhibits focused on the natural history and marine life of Wakayama.
In particular, it features educational exhibits where visitors can learn about the region’s marine life and natural environment.
The exhibits mainly feature fish and rare marine creatures collected from the local sea, allowing visitors to appreciate the richness of Wakayama’s marine life.
The museum also has interactive exhibits and hands-on programs for children, making it very popular with families.
Business information, admission fees and access
- Open
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9:30~17:00(Last admission 16:30)
- Closing Day
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Monday (open on public holidays, closed the following weekday)
New Year’s holiday(12/29〜1/3) - Fees
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Adult:480yen
Under 18:Free - Access
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- Bus: bound for Kainan City from JR Wakayama Station or Nankai Wakayama-shi Station and get off at “Kotonoura”.
- Bus: bound for Wakayama City from JR Kainan Station and get off at “Kotonoura”.
Shirahama Aquarium, Kyoto University【Shirahama town】
Shirahama Aquarium, Kyoto University is a unique aquarium that, despite being a university research facility, is also open to the general public.
Features of Shirahama Aquarium, Kyoto University
Here, you can enjoy high-quality exhibits based on academic research. Many of the organisms on display are collected from the sea around Shirahama, providing deep insights into the local ecosystem.
Additionally, regular lab tours conducted by university researchers are held, allowing visitors to tour the facility while listening to expert explanations.
These tours are particularly beneficial for those interested in biology and marine science.
Business information, admission fees and access
- Open
-
9:00~17:00(Last admission 16:30)
- Closing Day
-
Open all year round
- Fees
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Adult: 600yen
Under 15: 200yen
Under 6: Free - Access
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Get off at JR Kinokuni Line “Shirahama Station” → Take Meiko Bus for 15 minutes, get off at “Rinkai” and you are right there.
Adventure World【Shirahama town】
Shirahama Adventure World is the largest comprehensive amusement facility in Wakayama Prefecture.
Features of Adventure World
In addition to the aquarium, there is also a zoo and an amusement park. The most famous attraction is undoubtedly the pandas.
The park offers exhibitions and attractions that can be enjoyed throughout the entire venue, making it a place where you can have fun all day long.
Particularly noteworthy is the dolphin show, where the performance combined with music and lighting effects captivates the audience.
In addition, there are panda exhibits, a safari zone, and various opportunities to interact with a wide range of animals. The park is well-suited for visitors of all ages, from children to adults, making it perfect for family outings or group visits.
Operating Information, Admission Fees, and Access
- Open
-
10:00 – 17:00 (regular hours)
10:00 – 20:00 (special evening hours) - Closing Day
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Please refer to the official website for details.
- Fees
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Adults (18 and over): 5,300 yen
Seniors (65 and over): 4,800 yen
Junior and High School Students: 4,300 yen
Children (4 and over): 3,300 yen - Access
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- About 12 minutes from “Nanki Shirahama IC” by car.
- • From JR Kinokuni Line “Shirahama Station,” take the Meiko Bus and get off at “Adventure World” (direct bus available).
Susami Town Shrimp and Crab Aquarium【Susami town】
Susami Town Shrimp and Crab Aquarium is, as the name suggests, an aquarium specialized in shrimp and crabs.
Features of Shrimp and Crab Aquarium
This aquarium is located next to the roadside station “Susami,” making it an easy spot for tourists to visit. Many of the shrimp and crabs on display are rare species collected from around the world, offering visitors surprises and new discoveries.
The aquarium itself was built using a former elementary school, making it a small but charming facility.
The exhibits are designed to be visually engaging, providing enjoyment for both children and adults.
Operating Information, Admission Fees, and Access
- Open
-
9:00 – 17:00 (last admission at 16:20)
- Closing Day
-
Open all-year-round
- Fees
-
Adults: 800 yen
Elementary and Junior High School Students (6 – 15 years old): 500 yen
Preschool Children (3 – 6 years old): 300 yen
(Half price for Susami Town residents) - Access
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- Approximately 800 meters south from “Susami Minami IC”
- • About 8 minutes walk from JR Kinokuni Line “Esumi Station”
Kushimoto Marine Park【Kushimoto town】
Kushimoto Marine Park is a unique aquarium equipped with an underwater observatory.
Features of Kushimoto Marine Park
Upon entering, you are greeted by a large aquarium teeming with fish native to the local area. The park also focuses on the breeding of sea turtles, and at certain times of the year, you can see baby turtles swimming in the pools.
This park offers an immersive experience with its underwater observatory, allowing visitors to peer into the natural ocean environment as if they were diving.
From the observatory, you can closely observe colorful fish and coral reefs, enjoying the beauty of the underwater world in its natural state.
Additionally, the park has an aquarium facility where you can learn about the local marine life and environmental conservation efforts.
Operating Information, Admission Fees, and Access
- Open
-
9:00 – 16:30 (last admission at 16:00)
- Closing Day
-
Open all-year-round
- Fees
-
Aquarium + Underwater Observatory Ticket
- Adults (High School and above): 2,000 yen
- Children (Elementary and Junior High School Students): 1,000 yen
- Preschool Children (3 -6 years old): 400 yen
- Access
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- From JR Kinokuni Line “Kushimoto Station,” take the dedicated shuttle bus
- • About 20 minutes from “Susami Minami IC”
Taiji Whale Musium【Taiji town】
Taiji Whale Museum is specialized in exhibits about dolphins and whales. Due to its scale and the richness of its content, it is rated as the world’s best whale museum.
Features of Taiji Whale Museum
The museum offers numerous exhibits where you can learn about the ecology, evolution, and history of whales, providing visitors with deep knowledge and a sense of awe.
There are also interactive experiences with dolphins and whales, where visitors can touch them or even swim together. These experiences are particularly valuable for children.
While dolphin shows are common in aquariums across the country, this museum also features “whale shows.” Dolphin and whale shows are held alternately, so be sure to enjoy both.
Operating Information, Admission Fees, and Access
- Open
-
8:30 – 17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
- Closing Day
-
Open all-year-round
- Fees
-
- Adults (High School and above): 1,800 yen [200 yen for Taiji residents]
- Children (Elementary and Junior High School Students): 900 yen [Free for Taiji residents]
- Access
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- From JR Kinokuni Line “Taiji Station” → Take the Taiji Town Circular Bus to “Kujira-kan Mae”
- Head east on Route 42 from “Susami Minami IC”
Summary of the Aquarium in Wakayama
Wakayama’s aquariums each offer unique attractions and provide visitors with new discoveries and inspiration. Enjoy the rich marine ecosystems of Wakayama!
- Wakayama Prefectural Museum of Natural History 【Kainan City】
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A diverse range of exhibits focused on the natural history and marine life of Wakayama.
- Shirahama Aquarium, Kyoto University 【Shirahama Town】
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High-quality exhibits based on academic research, showcasing marine life from the local area.
- Adventure World 【Shirahama Town】
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A large amusement facility featuring an aquarium, zoo, and amusement park, famous for its pandas and dolphin shows.
- Susami Town Shrimp and Crab Aquarium 【Susami Town】
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A small, charming aquarium specialized in shrimp and crabs, located next to the roadside station “Susami.”
- Kushimoto Marine Park 【Kushimoto Town】
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Equipped with an underwater observatory that allows visitors to view the natural marine environment up close.
- Taiji Whale Museum 【Taiji Town】
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The world’s best whale museum, featuring exhibits on the ecology, evolution, and history of whales, along with dolphin and whale shows.
Each aquarium offers distinct experiences and insights into the region’s marine biodiversity, making a visit to these facilities a rewarding and educational journey.
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