What are the main attractions at Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium?

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.

How do I get to Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium from Nagoya Station?

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.

How much does admission cost?

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.

What makes this aquarium different from others in Japan?

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.

Can I see killer whales at the aquarium?

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.

Nagoya

Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium

4.4 (22556)AquariumTourist AttractionPoint Of InterestEstablishment

The Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium opened in 1992 as one of Japan's largest and most sophisticated marine facilities, positioned strategically at the Garden Pier in Nagoya Port. The aquarium was established to showcase marine biodiversity while emphasizing conservation and education, quickly becoming a cornerstone attraction in central Japan's Chubu region.

The facility spans an impressive 35,000 square meters and houses approximately 50,000 marine creatures representing over 500 species. Its architectural design divides into two main buildings: the North Building focuses on cetaceans and their evolution, while the South Building presents a journey through the world's oceans from Japan to Antarctica. The aquarium gained international recognition for its successful breeding programs, particularly for bottlenose dolphins and beluga whales, contributing significantly to marine research and conservation efforts in Asia.

Visitors encounter several signature experiences, beginning with the Main Pool, one of the world's largest aquarium tanks holding 13,400 tons of water where killer whales, beluga whales, and dolphins perform their natural behaviors. The daily marine mammal presentations demonstrate training techniques and animal intelligence without traditional circus-style performances. The Antarctic Zone features a walk-through penguin exhibit where four species, including emperor and gentoo penguins, inhabit a recreated polar environment maintained at minus temperatures. The Kuroshio Tank displays tropical fish from Japan's warm currents, while the Tropical Coral Reef section showcases vibrant coral ecosystems with sea turtles gliding overhead through tunnel viewing areas.

Visitors can reach it via the Meiko Line subway, disembarking at Nagoya-ko Station and walking approximately five minutes. From central Nagoya Station, the journey takes roughly 25 minutes by subway. Parking facilities accommodate 700 vehicles at ¥500 per day. General admission costs ¥2,030 for adults, ¥1,010 for elementary and junior high school students, and ¥500 for children aged four and above. Combined tickets with the neighboring Nagoya Port Sea Train Land amusement park offer reduced rates at ¥2,640 for adults.

Hours

Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 52-654-7080

Website

nagoyaaqua.jp

The area

Address

1-3 Minatomachi, Minato Ward, Nagoya, Aichi 455-0033, Japan

Hours

Sunday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Tuesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Wednesday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Thursday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Friday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM

Phone

+81 52-654-7080

Website

nagoyaaqua.jp

What other travelers are saying about Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium

This aquarium is a great place for a one-day trip, especially for families. There are many interesting exhibits, and both kids and adults can enjoy the experience. The atmosphere is nice and relaxing, making it perfect for spending quality time together.

Tanapon T

Jan 27, 2026

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).

a k

Jan 17, 2026

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.

Roman Kaito

Jan 3, 2026

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.

Jan 13, 2026

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.