What other travelers are saying about Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium
Absolutely loved it. We are from California and are very familiar with the world-famous Monterey bay aquarium but honestly this one is just as good. It's not as large but I think it showcases the fish really well through the exhibits like the theatre and the amphitheater where everyone watches the whale and dolphin training. The whole place was very impressive and I recommend all to come here. They also have a really interesting exhibit about japanese expeditions to Antarctica, along with the actual boat (that I did not get the chance to see).
The aquarium's primary attractions include the Main Pool with its 13,400-ton capacity where killer whales, beluga whales, and dolphins can be observed throughout the day. The Antarctic Zone features a temperature-controlled environment housing four penguin species, including emperor and gentoo penguins. The Kuroshio Tank displays tropical marine life from Japan's warm ocean currents, while the Tropical Coral Reef section offers tunnel viewing areas where sea turtles and colorful reef fish swim overhead. The facility also presents daily marine mammal demonstrations that focus on natural behaviors and training techniques.
Take the Meiko Line subway from Nagoya Station directly to Nagoya-ko Station. The journey takes approximately 25 minutes. Upon exiting the station, the aquarium is a five-minute walk away at 1-3 Minato-machi, Minato Ward. Signs in English and Japanese guide visitors from the station to the entrance. For those driving, parking facilities accommodate 700 vehicles at ¥500 per day.
Standard admission fees are ¥2,030 for adults, ¥1,010 for elementary and junior high school students, and ¥500 for children aged four years and above. Children under four enter free. Combined tickets with the adjacent Nagoya Port Sea Train Land amusement park are available at ¥2,640 for adults, offering savings for visitors planning to explore both attractions on the same day.
Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium distinguishes itself through its successful cetacean breeding programs, particularly for bottlenose dolphins and beluga whales, contributing to international marine research. The facility houses approximately 50,000 marine creatures representing over 500 species across 35,000 square meters. Its Main Pool ranks among the world's largest aquarium tanks, and the authentic Antarctic environment maintained for penguin colonies demonstrates advanced climate control technology. The aquarium emphasizes educational presentations over entertainment-focused shows.
Yes, Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium maintains killer whales in its Main Pool, where they can be observed swimming and interacting throughout operating hours. The aquarium conducts daily presentations that showcase the whales' natural behaviors, intelligence, and physical capabilities alongside dolphins and beluga whales. These demonstrations focus on conservation education and the animals' cognitive abilities rather than traditional performance routines. The viewing areas provide both above-water and underwater perspectives of these cetaceans.
As an adult, I enjoyed myself, spending nearly 3 hours here including 2 shows. The highlight for me was definitely the killer whale, beluga whale and dolphins. Was just standing there admiring the beautiful creatures. It’s a big space and includes quite a number of marine life including penguins and tuna.
Head to Nagoyako station (Meiko Subway line) and it’s just 5 mins walk to the aquarium. If possible purchase the tickets online or go when it’s opening. I purchased the pass that allows me to go to the other 3 tourist attractions around the aquarium.
20 mins by train from Nagoya main station. Recommended.
It’s quite clean and nice. Packed on weekends. Easy to book tickets using trip.com or qr-code at the counter (need a phone number). The area inside is clean and spacious. I liked jellyfish. Also, check research facility right behind.
This place is so touching. I visited a lot of aquarium, this one makes the memory so special because there is an elementary school tour during my visit. Kids are so excited about everything. As an adult, I almost forgot that felling.
They are so engaged during dolphins show that bring me back to 7 years old as well.
Show itself is fantastic but not too long for dolphin. it also plays an education purpose for the next generation. Seeing kids happy and learn makes this visit so special.
I personally think some dolphins are happy in the show because they are so excited to show off even before the show. (Trainer is not even stand by, so they do this on their own). They can feel the vibe among the audience.
The aquarium is very big and has dolphin and orca shows. There are many kinds of fish and other animals to see. The place is interesting, but there isn't much English information, so it’s a bit hard to understand everything.
