Oga Aquarium GAO (Akita) – Access & Fees

Oga Aquarium GAO is an aquarium that was renovated and reopened in July 2004. Representing the great natural environments in their exhibits, featured is a rare display of a colossal school of the Japanese sandfish.

Oga’s feature tank is the deepest tank of Tohoku!

The first exhibit visitors see as soon as they enter the aquarium is the renowned “Oga Ocean Tank”, where the dim lights create a beautiful scene for fish to play hide and seek with visitors. Some may choose to stick right to the tank to find fish, while others might like to see the bigger picture in the back. In the tank is a replica of the Godzilla boulder, will you be able to find it? There are several fish that can be caught off the coast of Akita on display, some more common to see on a dining table than others, and visitors get a real chance to learn more both about the sea and Akita!

Meet the idol of the aquarium

GAO’s idol is the polar bear by the name of Gota! He loves to swim and sunbathe, but you might be able to catch this gentle beast come for a meal if you are on the second floor by his habitat! Watch as he grabs the giant slabs of meat, eating his heart out.

Become a sandfish expert at the sandfish exhibit!

One of Akita’s famous exports is the Japanese sandfish. Here at OGA, on display and in a breeding program is that very sandfish. While there are several opportunities to eat them in Akita, it is not as common to be able to see them alive and thriving. Enjoy learning about them and the cultural importance it has to Akita’s food culture!

The beauty of Japan’s Sea, right here

Couples often visit during the weekend not only for the aquarium but for the beautiful view of the sun setting on the ocean located nearby. On the official website for the aquarium is a schedule for when the sun sets that day. There is an indoor café/restaurant as well, so another way to enjoy your stay is to get a nice seat by the view and savor a delicious meal!

Getting here

Admission Tickets, Price

Fees General One-year pass
Adult 1,100 yen 2,500 yen
Primary & middle school student 400 yen 1,000 yen

Opening Hours & Calendar

Hours
9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Last entry 4:30 p.m.)
May 3 – 5 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Last entry 5:30 p.m.)
May 6 – 7 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Last entry 5:00 p.m.)
Aug 5 – 20 9:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. (Last entry 5:00 p.m.)
Aug 14 – 15 7:30 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (Last entry 5:30 p.m.)
Nov 6 – Mar 9 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. (Last entry 3:30 p.m.)
Days closed Jan 29 – Feb 2

The schedule may vary. Please check the opening hours of the official website.

Official website

Oga Aquarium GAO

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.