Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe, Hokkaido

Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe is one of Hokkaido's largest aquariums, housed within a distinctive Western-style castle complex in Noboribetsu City. The facility opened on July 20, 1990, at a total project cost of approximately 7.3 billion yen, established by the Noboribetsu city government with investment from local companies. In its first two years, it attracted more than 600,000 visitors annually, though it later faced financial challenges during Japan's economic downturn before being restructured under private management.

The centerpiece attraction is the castle building, modeled after a medieval castle in Denmark, specifically Egeskov Castle. The facility houses about 400 species of marine life, with over 20,000 animals in total. The park holds accreditation as a Museum-equivalent facility and maintains membership in the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums. The aquarium has earned recognition for its captive breeding programs and groundbreaking research on penguin health, particularly in detecting and treating avian aspergillosis.

Visitors experience several distinctive exhibits throughout the complex. The impressive 8-meter-high tower aquarium features vividly colored tropical fish from coral reefs, while the Aqua Tunnel allows guests to walk beneath swimming schools of fish. The facility contains one of the largest jellyfish tanks in Hokkaido. The Galaxy Pool showcases 10,000 sardines on display with performances featuring music and lighting inspired by the seasons. Daily shows include dolphin and sea lion performances in all-weather pools.

The most popular attraction is the Penguin Parade, held twice a day throughout the year, where penguins waddle past visitors up close. The participating species vary by season and include King, Gentoo, and Cape penguins. Adjacent to the aquarium is Nixeland, an amusement park featuring a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, and various other attractions suitable for children. The complex includes restaurants serving Hokkaido cuisine and local ingredients, plus shops selling souvenirs and marine-themed merchandise.

Adults (junior high school students and older) pay 3,000 yen, children (4 years old to elementary school students) pay 1,500 yen, and infants under 3 years old enter free. The park is 5-minute walk from Noboribetsu Station, making it easily accessible by rail. From Sapporo, visitors can take a limited express train reaching Noboribetsu Station in approximately one hour. By car via the Hokkaido Expressway, the park is 5 minutes from the Noboribetsu-Higashi Interchange exit, approximately 90 minutes from Sapporo or 60 minutes from New Chitose Airport. The park is also about a 15-minute drive from the famous Noboribetsu Onsen hot spring resort area.