Currently, this aquarium boasts the greatest number of exhibitions in Japan. Open year-round and in all weather conditions, this is an aquarium with many things for adults and children to enjoy. It is close to the Mikimoto Pearl Island and is the perfect place to enjoy sea life.
Contents
- Dugong were behind the legend of the mermaid, and this is the only exhibit of them in Japan
- A research institute inside the aquarium!
- We also recommend the annual ‘Underwater New Employee Initiation Ceremony”
- Getting here
- Admission Tickets, Price
- Opening Hours & Calendar
- Official website
- FAQs
- Explore 120 aquariums in Japan!
Dugong were behind the legend of the mermaid, and this is the only exhibit of them in Japan
A female dugong named ‘Serena’ was brought to the Toba Aquarium from the Philippines about 30 years ago. Dugong numbers are declining and they are internationally protected. This aquarium has undertaken research on the dugong for a long time. The ‘Sea Grass Tank’ replicates the dugong feeding area in Serena’s native Philippines, and the beautiful seaweed growing here might make you think about the dugong and our natural environment.
A research institute inside the aquarium!
In the Toba Aquarium there is an area called the ‘Strange Creatures Laboratory’. Here visitors will creatures whose names they might know but they have never seen before. There are more than 50 species exhibited here and it might surprise you to observe their strange forms and movements. One such creature is a friend of the wood louse, a 20-30cm long isopod. It might seem like they hardly move because they sit so still in the aquarium, but apparently these creatures can even swim! Maybe you will be lucky enough to see it, or at least to have the chance to observe this strange creature.
We also recommend the annual ‘Underwater New Employee Initiation Ceremony”
The Toba Aquarium is famous for its ‘Underwater Initiation Ceremony’, held in the large water tank from the end of March to the beginning of April every year. New employees become divers, entering the tank with a gas cylinder to clean the glass as their first task on the job. Of course, they are doing this while all the fish swim around them so it is fun to think what might happen during the initiation. Perhaps if you are there at the time of the initiation you can cheer them on.
Getting here
| Address | 3-3-6 Toba, Toba City, Mie-Prefecture, 517-8517, Japan |
| ☎ | 0599-25-2555 |
| Access | The aquarium direction page (English) |
Access Map
Admission Tickets, Price
| Fees | General | One-year pass |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 2,500 yen | 6,200 yen |
| Child (Ages 7-15) | 1,250 yen | 3,100 yen |
| Young child (Ages 3-6) | 630 yen | 1,550 yen |
| Senior (Ages 65+) | 2,100 yen | — |
Opening Hours & Calendar
| Hours | |
|---|---|
| General | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Last entry 4:00 p.m. |
| Jul 20 – Aug 31 | 8:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. Last entry 4:30 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.
