Kaikyokan is an aquarium in the westernmost part of Honshu, facing Kyushu in the Karato area of the edge of the Kanmon Strait. The exhibitions here are based on the concept of ‘The Life of the Sea, Life and the Sea’ and you can see about 550 species and 22,000 sea creatures. There is a tunnel here that reproduces the sea in the Kanmon Strait and makes you feel as though you are strolling on the bottom of the sea. There are more than 100 kinds of blowfish from all around the world. There is a strong focus on the unusual environment of the Kanmon Straight and on exhibits that are unique to Yamaguchi.
Contents
What a masterpiece! See the skeleton of a giant blue whale
One of the attractions here is the skeleton of a blue whale which is exhibited in the atrium. This is the only place in Japan where you can see one. There are said to be only a few blue whales left in the world, so this is an extremely valuable specimen. This skeleton is on loan from the Tromsø University Museum in Norway and is about 26 meters long. It is hung from the ceiling with the head down and tail up. As it is located in a stairwell you can look at it from various angles and appreciate its size up close.
Pay a visit to Penguin Village
Another attraction is Penguin village, one of the largest penguin exhibition facilities in Japan. There are five varieties and approximately 140 penguins here in an environment that resembles their natural environment. There are two outdoor zones; a sub-Antarctic zone and an outdoor temperate zone, as well as a large pool with a depth of about six meters. You can enjoy watching many penguins swimming around here freely.
If you want to see a blowfish, this is the place!
In this aquarium, you can observe about 100 different blowfish. The blowfish are famous in Shimonoseki! Actually, the sunfish that we often see in aquariums are also a type of blowfish. This is the only place in Japan where you can see so many blowfish in one place so don’t miss it!
Getting here
| Address | 6-1 Arukapoto, Shimonoseki 750-0036, Yamaguchi Prefecture |
| ☎ | 083-228-1100 |
| Access | The aquarium direction page (Japanese) |
Access Map
Admission Tickets, Price
| Fees | General | One-year pass |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (over high school student) | 2,000 yen | 4,000 yen |
| Primary & middle school student | 900 yen | 1,800 yen |
| Child (Ages 3 and over) | 400 yen | 800 yen |
| under 3 free | free | — |
Opening Hours & Calendar
| Hours | |
|---|---|
| 9:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Last entry 5:00 p.m.) Business hours can be subject to change depending on seasons. |
|
| Days closed | Open throughout the year |
Official website
Shimonoseki Aquarium Kaikyokan
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.
