This community-style aquarium is located in the city of Sasebo, Nagasaki, near the Kujuku Islands which stretch for 25 kilometers along the coastline. It might be small, but it has an extensive program that will allow you to enjoy a full day here. Since September 2017 they have run an artificial insemination program for dolphins. They provide details about this program on their website in a ‘Dolphin Pregnancy Diary’. They also upload sonograms, health information, images of the dolphins and more. Following the progress of the artificial insemination program online make you feel very close to the aquarium staff and the dolphins, as you are able to track the program and the struggles of the staff on a regular basis.
Contents
The beautiful and captivating world of the jellyfish
There is an exhibition room called the Jellyfish Symphony Dome, popular not only for the jellyfish but for the beauty of the space itself. They project images of jellyfish onto the ceilings and floors, and you can experience the world of the jellyfish while listening to relaxing music. The jellyfish tank is surrounded with mirrors, creating a spectacular kaleidoscope effect. You will feel as though you are completely surrounded by jellyfish. There is also a jellyfish laboratory onsite where you can see very small jellyfish and observe their growth process.
You will want to participate in all the programs!
There is a feeding show where you can hear an explanation by the staff and watch the creatures come to the surface to receive their food. There is an animal mystery tour where you can touch taxidermy creatures and learn about them, and a behind the scenes tour where you can hear about some of the mysterious workings of the aquarium. There is a program where you can remove a pearl from an oyster, and another where you can make souvenirs to take home. For children, these activities are more than just playing as they stimulate their intellectual curiosity.
A small but powerful dolphin show
The pool where this dolphin show is held is smaller than the typical size for a dolphin show pool. However, the small size makes the show feel even more powerful. Even in the back seats you are close enough to see the round eyes of the dolphin. The dolphins swim around the pool quickly and demonstrate their dexterity by jumping. There is also a viewing lobby inside the aquarium so that you can view the dolphins from inside. From the viewing lobby, you can look over the dolphin pool to the ocean and Kukuju Islands, enjoying the collaboration between the aquarium and the natural environment.
Getting here
| Address | 〒858-0922 1008 Kashimae-cho, Sasebo-shi, Nagasaki 858-0922 |
| ☎ | 0956-28-4187 |
| Access | The aquarium direction page (English) |
Access Map
Admission Tickets, Price
| Fees | General | One-year pass |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (High shool student and older) | 1,440 yen | 5,140 yen |
| Child (four years old to middle school student) | 720 yen | 2,570 yen |
|
three years old and under
|
free | — |
Opening Hours & Calendar
| Hours | |
|---|---|
| Mar – Oct | 9:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Last entry 5:30 p.m. |
| Nov – Feb | 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Last entry 4:30 p.m. |
| Days closed | Open throughout the year |
Official website
Kujukushima Aquarium Umikirara
FAQs
Nursing Lounge
aquarium has three nursing rooms for babies.
Coin lockers
The aquarium has a coin-operated lockers.
Baby stroller rental service
Not available.
Wheelchair rental service
Not available.
