Notojima Aquarium

Notojima Aquarium stands on Notojima Island in Nanao Bay, Ishikawa Prefecture, making it the largest aquarium facility in the Hokuriku region of Japan. Opened in 1982, the aquarium underwent a major renovation and reopened in 2018 with enhanced facilities and expanded exhibits. The facility covers approximately 6,500 square meters and houses over 500 species and 40,000 marine creatures, offering visitors a comprehensive view of marine life from both local waters and around the world.

The aquarium's significance lies in its role as a conservation and education center for the Sea of Japan ecosystem. Its location on Notojima Island provides direct access to Nanao Bay's marine environment, allowing the facility to showcase species native to the region's coastal waters. The aquarium particularly emphasizes the biodiversity of Toyama Bay and the surrounding Noto Peninsula waters, which are known for their rich marine life due to the convergence of warm and cold ocean currents.

The main attraction is the tunnel aquarium, a 22-meter underwater passage where visitors walk beneath swimming sea creatures including sharks, rays, and sea turtles. The dolphin and sea lion shows held multiple times daily draw large crowds, with performances taking place in a pool that utilizes natural seawater from Nanao Bay. The jellyfish gallery features atmospheric lighting that highlights the graceful movements of various jellyfish species, while the touch pool allows visitors to interact with starfish, sea cucumbers, and small rays under staff supervision.

The penguin exhibit houses Humboldt penguins in an environment designed to mimic their natural habitat, and visitors can observe feeding times when staff provide educational commentary. The aquarium also maintains a sea turtle rescue program, displaying rescued turtles that are being rehabilitated before potential release back into the wild. Seasonal special exhibitions rotate throughout the year, often focusing on specific marine ecosystems or conservation themes.

Standard admission costs 1,890 yen for adults, 510 yen for children aged 3 to elementary school, and 1,050 yen for junior high and high school students. Annual passes are available for frequent visitors. The facility includes a restaurant overlooking the bay, a gift shop selling marine-themed souvenirs, and free parking for 1,100 vehicles. The aquarium is fully accessible for wheelchair users and strollers.

Notojima Island is accessible from Wakura Onsen Station via the Noto Railway, followed by a bus journey of approximately 30 minutes. Visitors driving from Kanazawa can reach the island in about 90 minutes via the Noto Toll Road. The aquarium is located roughly 10 minutes by car from the Notojima Bridge, which connects the island to the mainland. Public buses from Wakura Onsen and Nanao Station serve the aquarium directly, though service frequency is limited, particularly during off-peak seasons.