Takeshima Aquarium is a small aquarium, but it contains a spectacular display of about 500 species and 4,500 creatures. During winter, it is possible to touch deep sea creatures in the ‘Touching Pool’! You can touch some creatures that are quite rare in Japan, such as the giant isopod, Japanese spider crabs, and porcupine crabs.
Contents
A small facility with a relaxed atmosphere
The descriptions of the exhibits here are mostly handmade by the staff! They write their commentaries from their own perspectives and include cute illustrations, making them enjoyable to read. In addition, most of the tanks at Takeshima Aquarium are installed quite low. Most children will be able to walk around and look into the tanks without needing to be lifted up.
See a sea lion show close up
The sea lion shows here are recommended as you can view them at close range. There might not be a large stage or pool, but you have the chance to observe the dynamic movement and expressive faces of the sea lions close up. This show is held three times a day on weekdays and four times a day on weekends and holidays, with practice open to the public during the evenings. When there are lots of spectators you might need to stand to watch the show, but this is also a bit different to a typical aquarium experience.
Many stories to tell over a long history
Takeshima Aquarium was opened at Takeshima Gardens in 1956. Only three years later, it was destroyed in the Ise Bay Typhoon. It was relocated to its current location in 1962 and then reopened. From 1990 to 2000, its aging appearance saw the number of visitors fall and it apparently closed for a short time. However, management focused on being a small aquarium with a relaxed atmosphere, using this focus to drive growth. They succeeded, seeing more than 300,000 visitors during the 2015 fiscal year. The aquarium reopened following renovations on New Year’s Day 2018! They added two new aquariums to transform the casual atmosphere into a truly charming one.
Getting here
| Address | 1-6 Takeshimacho, Gamagori 443-0031, Aichi Prefecture |
| ☎ | 0533-68-2059 |
| Access | The aquarium direction page (Japanese) |
Access Map
Admission Tickets, Price
| Fees | General | One-year pass |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 500 yen | 1,250 yen |
| Primary & middle school student | 200 yen | 500 yen |
| Child (Ages 5 & under) | free | — |
Opening Hours & Calendar
| Hours | |
|---|---|
| 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. (Last entry 4:30 p.m.) | |
| Days closed | Tuesday (if a Tuesday is a national holiday, then the next day) Dec 29 – 31 There may be a temporary closure for maintenance in June. |
Official website
FAQs
Nursing Lounge
The aquarium has a nursing room for babies.
Coin lockers
Not available.
Baby stroller rental service
Baby strollers are available free of charge. (Total number: 2)
Wheelchair rental service
Wheelchairs are available free of charge. (Total number: 3)
