This large aquarium is on Kagoshima Bay, near to the center of Kagoshima City and with views out to Sakurajima. Here you can see exhibits from Kagoshima Bay and the seas of the world, as well as dolphin and sea lion performances. There are many events, too, making this an aquarium worthy of multiple visits.
Contents
- A school of silver-striped herring dance together. This fish is a symbol of Kagoshima
- Don’t miss the Satsuma Lamellibrachia tube worms!
- The dolphins play in waterways outside the aquarium?!
- The dolphin show has sign language and subtitles.
- Getting here
- Admission Tickets, Price
- Opening Hours & Calendar
- Official website
- FAQs
A school of silver-striped herring dance together. This fish is a symbol of Kagoshima
In the Kagoshima Bay area of the second floor there are many fish from Kagoshima Bay on display. One of these is the silver-striped herring, as fish that is representative of Kagoshima prefecture. The silver-striped herring is difficult to breed because its scales are weak, and it does not live for long. This aquarium is endeavoring to breed them with the cooperation of local fishermen. It is not common to see these fish in aquariums, so be sure to observe them carefully.
Don’t miss the Satsuma Lamellibrachia tube worms!
Satsuma Lamelliabrachia were discovered in Kagoshima Bay in 1993 so be sure to see them here! Typically, tube worms live in the deep ocean, but these were discovered living at a depth of 80 meters in Kagoshima Bay. It is said that they were able to live in this comparatively shallow location because of the volcanic gas that flows into the bay from Sakurajima. It is surprising to learn that these creatures are relatives of the earthworm.
The dolphins play in waterways outside the aquarium?!
‘Are the dolphins escaping?’ you might ask. Actually, this aquarium is famous for the waterways that connect the aquarium with the sea outside. It is possible to visit the dolphins and watch them training outside the aquarium! As it is outside the aquarium, this is free to watch. The training might be canceled depending on the season and physical condition of the dolphins, so be sure to check the homepage before you visit. If you get too close you might get splashed, so be careful!
The dolphin show has sign language and subtitles.
The Kagoshima Aquarium is an accessible aquarium that has a video with sign language and subtitles during the dolphin show. Many of the staff can also sign, and this one of the ways in which they support their visitors.
Getting here
| Address | 3-1 Honkoshinmachi, Kagoshima 892-0814, Kagoshima Prefecture |
| ☎ | 099-226-2233 |
| Access | The aquarium direction page (English) |
Access Map
Admission Tickets, Price
| Fees | General | One-year pass | Family one-year pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult including high school student | 1,500 yen | 3,000 yen | 2,700 yen |
| Primary & middle school student | 750 yen | 1,500 yen | 1,350 yen |
| Child (Ages 4+) | 350 yen | 700 yen | 630 yen |
Opening Hours & Calendar
| Hours | |
|---|---|
| General | 9:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Last entry 5:00 p.m. |
| Saturday and Sunday Golden Week holidays, Obon holidays and Christmas eve |
9:30 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Last entry 8:00 p.m. |
| Days closed | 4 days from the 1st Monday in December. The aquarium is open at the end and the beginning of the year. |
Official website
Io World Kagoshima City Aquarium
FAQs
Nursing Lounge
Nursing lounge is available in the aquarium. Hot water and microwave are available in the lounge for infant formula and baby food.
Coin lockers
The aquarium has two coin-operated lockers.
Baby stroller rental service
Baby strollers are available free of charge.
Wheelchair rental service
Wheelchairs are available free of charge.
