The Numazu Deep Sea Aquarium was opened in 2011 and is Japan’s first deep sea specialty aquarium. It is located on Japan’s deepest bay, the Suruga Bay, a 2500 meter-deep treasure trove of deep sea organisms. The deep sea is still a mystery to us, and this aquarium will continue to advance as we learn more about the deep sea and the creatures that live there.
Contents
This is the place for Coelacanths!
The biggest attraction of this museum is the coelacanth exhibition, said to be the most thorough of its type in the whole world. Here, visitors learn all about these ‘living fossils’ which continue to look as they have done for the past 350 million years. There are five coelacanth specimens to see, two of which are frozen and three of which are stuffed. There are also exhibits containing their eggs and organs. It is amazing to see their interestingly-shaped fins, skeletons and spines, the weight of their brains and more. Is their shape closer to that of a mammal rather than a fish? Why is the spine shaped this way? Was it an evolutionary process? How can it remain unchanged for 350 million years? There are a lot of mysteries here and many questions to be asked!
Experience more mysteries from Suruga Bay!
The Suruga Bay Aquarium is located right next to Suruga Bay and houses a variety of deep-sea organisms that have been salvaged from it. It is possible to observe the many unusual deep sea living creatures that the breeding staff are carefully researching and breeding here. Even more information is available on the website, so be sure to check before you visit!
A world of transparent specimens
One interesting exhibition is that of transparent skeleton specimens. These transparent skeletons are mainly found in the deep sea. In the exhibition room the lighting is low and the specimens are all lined up, giving you the feeling of being in the deep sea. There are many rare specimens to see here, such as isopods.
There is plenty of seafood in Suruga Bay, but would you try deep sea fish?
Trying all the delicious seafood is one of the pleasures of a visit to Suruga Bay. In the restaurant adjacent to the aquarium they serve fresh sushi, rice topped with sashimi and even a ‘deep sea fish burger’ made with dottyback deep sea fish from the Suruga Bay. Why not try one? Apparently this white fish has a very light flavor that is easy to enjoy.
Getting here
| Address | 83 Senbonminatomachi, Numazu 410-0845, Shizuoka Prefecture |
| ☎ | 055-954-0606 |
| Access | The aquarium direction page (Japanese) |
Access Map
Admission Tickets, Price
| Fees | General | One-year pass |
|---|---|---|
| Adult (over high school student) | 1,600 yen | 4,300 yen |
| Child (Primary & middle school student) | 800 yen | 2,000 yen |
| Child (Ages+) | 400 yen | 1,000 yen |
Opening Hours & Calendar
| Hours | |
|---|---|
| General | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Last entry 5:30 p.m. |
| Summer, Winter, Busy season | Extended operation hours. Please check the official website upon visiting. |
| Days closed | Open throughout the year |
*The schedule may vary. Please check the official website upon visiting.
Official website
FAQs
Nursing Lounge
Not available.
Coin lockers
Not available.
Baby stroller rental service
Not available. The aquarium is stroller friendly.
Wheelchair rental service
Wheelchairs are available free of charge (Total number: 2)
