The new Joetsu Aquarium reopened in June 2018 after renovations. Previously known as the Joetsu Municipal Aquarium, it was beloved by many people but the building was old and needed extensive renovations.
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What is the Joetsu Aquarium?
The former Joetsu Municipal Aquarium is located on the Sea of Japan coast in the Naoetsu District of Joetsu City. This aquarium has a long history, opening in 1934 in front of the Yasaka Shrine in Naoetsu and moving to the current location in 1980. The facility has more than 100 Magellan penguins and holds dolphin shows in the summer. Dolphins are not kept here, but are brought in for the shows from Enoshima Aquarium and Izu-Mito Sea Paradise.
‘Stories of the Sea’ and a long history with dolphins
The newly opened aquarium focuses on the idea of ‘Stories of the Sea’ as well as its long association with dolphins. The dolphin shows are still very new so we do not have all the details but they are sure to be amazing! In the old aquarium the tank did not have an interesting backdrop, but the new dolphin show stage looks out over the sea! All visitors will be excited to see the bottlenose dolphins jumping out of the water with the expanse of the Sea of Japan in the background.
See Magellan Penguins up close!
The new aquarium features an exhibit of more than 100 Magellan penguins in their own area. Native to Argentina, the Magellan penguin digs a hole in the ground to build its nest. The new facility recreates this natural birthing environment so that they can nest in their traditional way. Visitors will be able to see the penguins warming their newly-laid eggs in the new facility.
Getting here
| Address | 2-15-15 Gochi, Joetsu 942-0081, Niigata Prefecture |
| ☎ | 025-543-2449 |
| Access | The aquarium direction page (English) |
Access Map
Admission Tickets, Price
| Fees | General | One-year pass |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (Ages 18 to 64) | 1,800 yen | 4,000 yen |
| High school student | 1,100 yen | 2,400 yen |
| Primary & middle school student | 900 yen | 2,000 yen |
| Child (Ages 4+) | 500 yen | 1,100 yen |
| Senior (Ages 65+) | 1,500 yen | 3,300 yen |
Opening Hours & Calendar
| Hours | |
|---|---|
| Spring (Mar 1 – 31) | Weekdays: 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Weekends & holidays: 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Last entry is 30 min before the closing time. |
| Summer (Jun 27 – Aug 31) | Weekdays: 9:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Weekends & holidays: 8:00 a.m. – 7:30 p.m. Last entry is 30 min before the closing time. |
| Autumn (Sep 1 – Oct 31) | 9:00 a.m. – 6:30 p.m. Last entry 6:00 p.m. |
| Winter (Nov 1 – Feb 28) | 10:00 a.m. – 17:30 p.m. Last entry 17:00 p.m. |
| Days closed | Open throughout the year |
Official website
FAQs
Nursing Lounge
The aquarium has a nursing room for babies.
Coin lockers
The aquarium has a coin-operated lockers.
Baby stroller rental service
Baby strollers are available free of charge.
Wheelchair rental service
Wheelchairs are available free of charge.
