The Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium is on Garden Pier at Nagoya Port, in the south of the city. It opened in 1992 and has two buildings. The North Building is home to dolphins, belugas and killer whales. The South Building travels from the seas around Japan to Antarctica. Dolphin shows and orca training sessions are held in a large outdoor pool, about 60 by 30 meters and 12 meters deep. Penguins, sea turtles and a swirling school of Japanese sardines fill the other halls. Buy tickets online and arrive early.
Where it is and how to get there
The aquarium is at 1-3 Minatomachi in Minato Ward, on the Nagoya Garden Pier at Nagoya Port. The pier is still being developed and also has Legoland, a maritime museum and Port Tower. To reach it by train, take the purple Meijo Line to Nagoyako Station.
The building is said to take its shape from a whirlpool. It opened in 1992 and is divided into a North Building and a South Building, each with its own theme. The port area around it is industrial, but it suits a short walk before or after your visit. An icebreaker ship that can be explored, with its own museum, is also at the port.
The North Building: animals that returned to the sea
The North Building is organized around a journey of 3.5 billion years, following animals that went back to the sea. Its main residents are large marine mammals: bottlenose dolphins, beluga whales and killer whales. A baby orca born at the aquarium in 2012 is part of the aquarium's story, and the animals are visible at close range during shows and training sessions.
The aquarium also runs a breeding program for loggerhead sea turtles and describes its mission as encouraging respect for the ocean and environmental awareness. Workshops on marine life are available, and some animals can be seen more closely at feeding time.
The aquarium keeps dolphins, belugas and orcas and presents them in shows. If you object to marine mammals being kept in captivity, this building and the show programme may not suit you.
The South Building: from Japan to Antarctica
The South Building follows the theme of a journey to the South Pole. Its exhibits recreate five parts of the world's oceans: Japan, Australia, the Equator, Antarctica and the deep sea. You pass tropical coral reefs, a deep-sea gallery and tanks with creatures from the Sea of Japan.
Penguins are a main draw here, and the penguin tank is one of the most popular stops. Emperor penguins are kept, and only two places in Japan have them. Sea turtles share the building. The tornado-like school of Japanese sardines is another favorite, with thousands of fish moving together in one tank.
The dolphin pool and the shows
The outdoor main pool measures about 60 meters across, 30 meters from front to back and 12 meters deep. The aquarium is known for having the largest outdoor tank in Japan, and the depth lets the dolphins jump as high as 6 meters. The stands hold about 3,000 people.
Two kinds of programme run here: the dolphin performance and public training sessions with orcas and belugas, which are presented so that visitors can better understand the animals' behavior and ecology. Spotted seal training shows are also popular. Because the shows are among the most visited parts of the aquarium, getting there early helps you find a seat.
Facilities for families and visitors with access needs
The aquarium has a touch tank, a playground, a cafe and a gift shop, and it is set up for children, including birthday visits. Parking is on site. The entrance, restrooms, seating and parking lot are wheelchair accessible. For visitors with hearing loss there is a hearing loop and assisted listening devices. Guided tours are also offered. Tickets bought in advance are recommended.
FAQ
How do you get to the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium?
Take the Meijo Line (purple) to Nagoyako Station. The aquarium is on Garden Pier at Nagoya Port, at 1-3 Minatomachi in Minato Ward.
Should you buy tickets in advance?
Yes, buying online is recommended. Without a ticket, the wait at the entrance can run 20 to 30 minutes, so arriving early also helps.
Is the aquarium closed on any days?
It is closed on Mondays, or the following day when Monday is a public holiday. It stays open during Golden Week, July to September, and the spring and winter vacations. Dates can change, so check before you go.
Is it good for children?
Yes. There is a touch tank and a playground, and the dolphin show, penguins and the sardine tornado suit all ages. Workshops on marine life are also offered.
Can you leave and come back in on the same day?
Yes. Ask for a hand stamp if you want to eat at a restaurant outside the aquarium and return.
