The Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium is one of Japan’s largest and most popular aquariums, located within the lively Nagoya Port Garden Pier, a hub for leisure, dining, and marine attractions. The aquarium is divided into two main buildings:

• North Building: focuses on large marine mammals such as dolphins, orcas, and beluga whales.

• South Building: follows the theme “A Journey from Japan to the Antarctic”, showcasing marine life from five major oceans along the Antarctic exploration route of the ship Fuji.

Home to over 500 species and 50,000 sea creatures, the aquarium is also famous for its enormous Kuroshio Tank, where 35,000 sardines swim together to form the dazzling “Tornado of Sardines.” The site also features sea turtles, four species of penguins, and an educational zone on whale evolution displaying rare fossils and skeletons.

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Must-See Species & Features

Orca and Beluga Whale

The aquarium is one of the few places in Japan where visitors can see orcas up close through underwater viewing windows. The Beluga Whale exhibit, themed “Under the Northern Lights,” allows guests to watch their training sessions and may even witness adorable bubble rings made by the belugas.

Dolphin Performance & Japan’s Largest Outdoor Pool

The spectacular “BLUE ECHO” dolphin show takes place in Japan’s largest outdoor pool (60m long, 30m wide, 12m deep), where dolphins perform acrobatics in sync with music. The Orca Training sessions are also a must-see, offering insight into the intelligence of these magnificent marine mammals.

The Tornado of Sardine

In the Large Kuroshio Tank, more than 35,000 sardines swim in shimmering spirals, creating a stunning tornado-like formation — one of the aquarium’s most photographed attractions.

Penguins

Located in the South Building, the Antarctic Marine Life section features four species of penguins, including the rare Emperor Penguin, the largest penguin species in the world. Visitors can relax and observe them walking and swimming in a cool, polar environment.

Other Notable Zones

• Sea Turtle Migration Tank: Observe several species of sea turtles and learn about conservation and breeding efforts.

• Large Coral Reef Tank: Features over 250 live corals and 3,000 vividly colored tropical fish.

• Jellyfish Nagogium: A mesmerizing space where jellyfish drift gracefully under gentle lighting.

• Evolutionary Sea (North Building): Displays the evolution of whales and marine mammals through fossils and life-sized models.

• Take the Meiko Subway Line and get off at Nagoyako Station (Nagoya Port Station). From Exit 3, it’s just a 5-minute walk to the aquarium entrance.

• Check the daily schedule in advance for dolphin shows, orca training, and the sardine tornado event on the official website.

• Consider purchasing a Combo Ticket to visit nearby attractions such as the Fuji Antarctic Museum, Nagoya Maritime Museum, and Port Building Observation Lounge.

• Visit during the Summer Night Aquarium event to enjoy extended evening hours (until 8:00 PM) with discounted admission after 5:00 PM.

Admission Fees:

• Adults / High School Students: ¥2,030

• Elementary / Junior High School Students: ¥1,010

• Children (4 years and older): ¥500

• Combo Ticket (4 Attractions): Adults ¥2,930 / Students ¥1,610

Opening Hours:

• March to November: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

• December to mid-March: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

• Golden Week & Summer Holidays: 9:30 AM – 8:00 PM
  Closed on Mondays (or the next day if Monday is a national holiday). Open daily during Golden Week, July–September, and school holidays.