Taiji Whale Museum: A fun and educational aquarium of the world of whales

The “Taiji Whale Museum” in Taiji Town, Wakayama Prefecture, is one of the largest whale museums in the world.

Opened in 1969, the museum plays a vital role in preserving and sharing the history and culture of whaling.

It houses an extensive collection of materials related to whales and whaling, offering visitors a unique experience that reflects Taiji’s position as a center of whaling culture.

This article will introduce the features of the Taiji Whale Museum.

Exhibits at the Whale Museum

The Taiji Whale Museum features a variety of exhibits spread across different areas.

Not only does it cover whale biology and the history of whaling, but it’s also an aquarium that visitors of all ages can enjoy.

Let’s dive deeper into each of these areas.

Main Museum Building Exhibits

1st Floor: Grand Hall and Souvenir Shop

On the first floor, a large diorama recreating traditional “old-style whaling” in Taiji is on display. Skeletons of right whales and orcas hang from the ceiling, allowing visitors to appreciate the size of these creatures.

There’s also a museum shop offering original museum goods and local souvenirs.

2nd Floor: Whale Biology

There are said to be about 80 species of whales in the world’s oceans.

On the second floor, skeletal specimens and preserved samples are displayed, showcasing the anatomy and development of whales.

It offers a scientific perspective on how whales survive underwater.

3rd Floor: Human & Whale Interaction

The third floor highlights the 400-year history of the people of Taiji and their relationship with whales. Through displays of whaling tools and ship models, visitors can learn about Taiji’s whaling culture.

Across these three floors, you’ll gain extensive knowledge about both whale biology and whaling culture.

Marine Aquarium Marinaruim

The Marine Aquarium Marinaruim is located inside the museum and opened in 1971.

Visitors can see fish from the Kumano Sea, as well as rare dolphins such as the pantropical spotted dolphin and the striped dolphin. The tunnel-shaped tank gives the sensation of walking under the sea.

The large tank houses rare cetaceans like albino bottlenose dolphins, a rarity in Japan.

Dolphin and Whale Shows

The Taiji Whale Museum offers both dolphin and whale shows for visitors.

Both shows are included in the museum’s admission fee, so no additional cost is required to watch them.

Dolphin Show

The dolphin show is held daily at the dedicated pool, with each performance lasting about 10 minutes.

It’s known for its speed and the beautiful performance of the dolphins.

Whale Show

The whale show lasts about 15 minutes and is held in the inlet.

The show takes place with a stunning natural backdrop, featuring the powerful performances of pilot whales.

Please note that both shows may be canceled depending on the weather or the health of the animals.

Fureai Sea

The Taiji Whale Museum features a vast natural pool created by enclosing a bay. The pool is 50 meters by 210 meters in size, covering an area of 11,815 square meters.

This natural pool, known as “Fureai Sea,” offers visitors various experiences where they can interact closely with whales and dolphins.

The Fureai Sea is divided into different areas.

Fureai Pier

The Fureai Pier is located in the middle of the natural pool. From here, you can watch dolphins and whales swimming up close. There is also a reception desk for various interactive events at the pier.

Fureai Beach

Fureai Beach is located at the far end of the natural pool. Events such as “Beach Interaction” are held here, allowing visitors to get even closer to dolphins. The museum offers the following interactive experiences:

Through these experiences, visitors can feel the size and movement of whales and dolphins firsthand, offering a rare chance to interact with marine animals.

Admission and Access

Admission Fees

Adults (High school and above)	1,800 yen
Seniors (70 and above)	1,700 yen
Elementary & Middle school students	900 yen
Children (Pre-school)	Free

Discounts

Taiji Town Resident Discount

High school and above: 200 yen
Middle school and below: Free

Kushimoto Marine Park Set Discount

スクロールできます

	Regular Price	Set Price
Adults (High school and above)	3,800 yen (1,800 yen + 2,000 yen)	2,900 yen
Elementary & Middle school students	1,900 yen (900 yen + 1,000 yen)	1,400 yen

Group Discounts

スクロールできます

Group Discounts	15-49 people	50-99 people	100+ people
Adults	1,700 yen per person	1,600 yen per person	1,500 yen per person

School Group Discounts

High school and above	900 yen per person
Elementary & Middle school students	450 yen per person
Pre-school children	100 yen per person

Access

By Car & Parking

From Osaka

Take Kinki Expressway Matsubara JCT → Hanwa Expressway → Kisei Expressway Susami South IC → Route 42 → Taiji

From Nagoya/Mie

Take Nagoya → Tomei Expressway → Ise Expressway → Seiwa-Taki IC → Kumano-Odomari IC → Route 42 → Taiji

By Train

From Osaka

Take the “JR Kisei Main Line Limited Express Kuroshio” from JR Shin-Osaka Station to JR Taiji Station (about 3 hours and 50 minutes).

From Nagoya/Mie

• Take the “JR Kisei Main Line Limited Express Wide View Nanki”
  • From JR Nagoya Station to JR Kii-Katsuura Station (about 3 hours and 30 minutes).
• Take the JR Kisei Main Line toward Kushimoto/Kii-Tanabe
  • From JR Kii-Katsuura Station to JR Taiji Station (about 7 minutes).
• From JR Taiji Station, take the Taiji Town Community Bus and get off at “Kujira-kan-mae” (about 10 minutes).

Summary: A Day of Learning and Fun at the Taiji Whale Museum

The Taiji Whale Museum is a valuable place to learn about whale biology and whaling culture, as well as to dive deep into the history of Taiji Town.

With a wide variety of exhibits, dolphin interactions, and special exhibitions, you’re bound to discover something new with each visit. Whether you’re visiting as a family, a couple, or if you’re someone interested in history or marine life, this spot is packed with must-see attractions.

If you’re visiting Taiji Town, make sure to spend a special day at the Whale Museum.