Umitamago is an aquarium focused on experiences that is located on the boundary between Oita City and Beppu City. This aquarium has a history that spans more than 50 years. It was formerly known as ‘Marine Palace’ but was renovated in 2004 and renamed, ‘Umitamago’ (Sea Egg).
Contents
The play area is always popular
One of the best spots in this aquarium is the play area. Located outdoors, this shallow beach with white sand is a place where you can find dolphins, seals, chameleons, turtles and more. It is a good opportunity to observe these creatures in a natural environment without any glass in between. You can even take off your shoes and enter the dolphin pool. The beach is surrounded by artsy playground equipment, so children can play freely in a setting that feels a little like a resort hotel.
Enjoy the walrus show in the ‘Umitama Performance’
The walrus show is always fun! When the walrus appears on the stage, he bows his head to the audience, before clapping, singing and doing sit-ups. You will hear great cheers coming from the other visitors in the bleachers. The huge walrus weighs more than 700kg but moves just like a human, making it extremely funny to watch. Because it is a popular show, the auditorium fills up early and quickly and even the standing room area fills up. We recommend going early to secure a seat.
Go behind the scenes
There is a small but mysterious sign marked with ‘?’ that hangs in the area where the performances take place. It is not listed in the brochure and is in a place that is really inconspicuous, so try to find it. If you find it, you can enter the secret aisle.
Plenty of places for children to play
This aquarium also has a spacious kids’ corner. All the play equipment here features sea creatures, such as a sea cucumber tunnel and an octopus slide. There is also a touch pool inside the aquarium. Children can touch creatures which do not move quickly, such as sea cucumbers and starfish. There are also small fish in the pool, but these move quickly so few people touch them. For those with a spirit of adventure, we recommend the outdoor ray touch pool!
Getting here
| Address | 3078-22 Kanzaki-uto, Oita 870-0802, Oita Prefecture |
| ☎ | 097-534-1010 |
| Access | The aquarium direction page (English) |
Access Map
Admission Tickets, Price
| Fees | General | night | One-year pass |
|---|---|---|---|
| Adult & High school student | 2,200 yen | 1,900 yen | 4,800 yen |
| Primary & middle school student | 1,100 yen | 900 yen | 2,400 yen |
| Child (Ages 4+) | 700 yen | 600 yen | 1,600 yen |
| Ages 3 & under | free | free | — |
| Senior (Ages 70+) | 1,800 yen | — | — |
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. |
| Golden Week holiday | 8:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Last entry 8:30 p.m. |
| Night (after 6:00 p.m.) | 9:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m. Last entry 8:30 p.m. |
| Days closed | Three days per year |
Note: Schedule may vary. Please check the official website upon visiting.
Official website
Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago
FAQs
Nursing Lounge
The aquarium has three nursing rooms for babies. Hot water is available for infant formula.
Coin lockers
The aquarium has a coin-operated lockers.
Baby stroller rental service
Baby strollers are available at 200 yen per stroller.
Wheelchair rental service
Wheelchairs are available free of charge.
