Ise Sea Paradise
An intimate aquarium where you can pet seals, shake hands with otters, and enjoy lively marine animal shows.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Ise Sea Paradise
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more interaction
Highlights
Must-see attractions
An intimate aquarium where you can pet seals, shake hands with otters, and enjoy lively marine animal shows.
"Dream destination for otter, seal, sea lion lover. Touching them make me could die a happy man."
🐾 Petting is a must!
Don't miss the chance to pet the seals and sea lions – it's a highlight for many visitors!
🦦 Otter love is real
The otters are incredibly soft and friendly; some even offer a handshake!
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Petting Seals and Sea Lions
Designated interaction areas
Get up close and personal! Petting these marine mammals is a unique and memorable experience for all ages.
Otter Interactions
Otter exhibits
Meet the adorable otters! Some visitors rave about their softness and playful nature, even shaking hands with them.
Dolphin Shows
Dolphin show arena
Enjoy lively performances by dolphins, a classic aquarium attraction that delights audiences of all ages.
Walrus Encounters
Walrus exhibit
Marvel at the size and affectionate nature of the walruses, a surprisingly heartwarming experience for many visitors.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Up-Close Animal Encounters
Consider the Enclosure Sizes
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🐾 Petting is a must!
Don't miss the chance to pet the seals and sea lions – it's a highlight for many visitors!
🦦 Otter love is real
The otters are incredibly soft and friendly; some even offer a handshake!
🐠 Fish pedicure surprise
Kids (and adults!) love getting their hands groomed by tiny fish.
📸 Capture the moments
Bring your camera to snap photos of the adorable animals and their interactions.
Tips
from all over the internet
🐾 Petting is a must!
Don't miss the chance to pet the seals and sea lions – it's a highlight for many visitors!
🦦 Otter love is real
The otters are incredibly soft and friendly; some even offer a handshake!
🐠 Fish pedicure surprise
Kids (and adults!) love getting their hands groomed by tiny fish.
📸 Capture the moments
Bring your camera to snap photos of the adorable animals and their interactions.
💰 Consider the fee
While the entrance fee is a bit pricey, many feel it's worth supporting the facility.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Ise Sea Paradise offers a unique and engaging experience with its focus on up-close animal interactions, particularly with seals, sea lions, and otters. Visitors praise the friendly staff and the memorable hands-on opportunities, making it a hit with families. However, some reviews raise concerns about the size of animal enclosures, suggesting potential welfare issues for certain species.
"Fun experience. Initially when I was researching I couldn’t find much info other than the website and it seems like a small aquarium. And was worrying it will be similar to Nagoya port aquarium. But after visiting it, I’m impressed by the set up.
Yes although it’s a small aquarium, but the focus are on the seals and sea lions.
There are many up close opportunities with them and there’s even one that allow you to pet them and take photo.
Although it’s small but I felt it’s worth the experience and it’s very kids friendly. The entrance fee is a little expensive but it’s ok to support this place
There is also a shopping plaza just beside it
Lastly, for coin collectors, kinen medallions, this is the place. They have cute ones that depicts the ise aquarium and also the meoto iwa"
Quak Yong Sheng
"It's a fun place to visit with your kids. And the people who love animals will have a great time here. If you have enough time you can attend various interesting shows."
Sakun Lawati
"Dream destination for otter, seal, sea lion lover. Touching them make me could die a happy man. Surprisingly, they had no foul smell. Super soft otter hand comparable with little young child.
Recommend 5 stars ++"
Pichet Wattanapreechanon
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Ise Sea Paradise is located in Ise City, Mie Prefecture. It's accessible by car, and there are also public transport options. From major cities like Nagoya, you can take a train to Ise-shi Station, and then a bus or taxi to the aquarium.
Yes, parking is available at Ise Sea Paradise. It's convenient if you're arriving by car, especially if you're exploring other attractions in the Ise area like Meoto Iwa.
Absolutely! Ise Sea Paradise is a great destination for a day trip, especially if you're staying in nearby cities like Toba or Ise. You can easily combine it with visits to other local sights.
For exploring Ise and its attractions like Ise Sea Paradise, a combination of local trains, buses, and taxis is common. Renting a car can also offer more flexibility.
Yes, Ise Sea Paradise is close to the famous Meoto Iwa (Wedded Rocks) and within driving distance of Toba Aquarium. The shopping plaza next door also offers dining and souvenir options.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The entrance fee for Ise Sea Paradise can be a bit expensive, but many visitors find the unique animal interactions justify the cost. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing.
While advance ticket purchase might be available, it's often possible to buy tickets at the entrance. Checking their official website or contacting them directly is the best way to confirm.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's advisable to check the official Ise Sea Paradise website for the most up-to-date information on operating hours before your visit.
Information on discounts or special offers is best found on the official Ise Sea Paradise website or by inquiring directly. Look out for potential package deals if visiting other local attractions.
Yes, Ise Sea Paradise is very kid-friendly! The interactive experiences, like petting animals and watching shows, make it a fun outing for families.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see and interact with seals, sea lions, otters, dolphins, and walruses. The highlight for many is the opportunity to pet seals and sea lions, and even shake hands with otters. +1
Yes, Ise Sea Paradise hosts various shows featuring dolphins and other marine animals. Attending these shows is a popular activity for visitors.
The 'fish pedicure' involves placing your hands in a tank where small fish nibble away dead skin, a fun and unique experience, especially for children.
The 'Oshawott train' is a fun, themed attraction or display related to the Pokémon character Oshawott, which is popular among fans visiting the aquarium.
Yes, there are opportunities for photos, especially during the petting sessions. Some visitors also capture great shots of the animals during shows or in their habitats.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
While Ise Sea Paradise might have some basic snack or cafe options, it's often recommended to explore the adjacent shopping plaza for a wider variety of dining choices.
The nearby shopping plaza offers various dining options, likely including Japanese cuisine, casual eateries, and cafes. You can find meals suitable for different tastes.
Information on bringing outside food is best confirmed with the aquarium directly. However, many visitors opt to dine at the adjacent plaza for convenience.
Dining options in the plaza might include some vegetarian choices, but it's advisable to check menus or inquire at the restaurants for specific dietary needs.
The shopping plaza directly beside Ise Sea Paradise is a convenient and popular spot for meals, offering a range of choices.
📸 📸 Photography
Focus on the interaction areas for close-ups of seals and otters. The dolphin shows offer dynamic action shots, and the general aquarium exhibits provide opportunities for capturing marine life.
Generally, photography is allowed for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals. Always check for signage.
A versatile zoom lens is useful for capturing animals at varying distances. For close-ups during petting sessions, a macro lens can be great. Good low-light performance is helpful for indoor exhibits.
The petting sessions with seals and sea lions, and the interactions with otters, are prime photo opportunities. The walrus exhibit also offers impressive shots. 
Use a fast shutter speed to freeze motion during shows. If possible, position yourself where you have a clear view of the main action.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Don't miss the dolphin shows, which are always a crowd-pleaser. The aquarium's focus on interaction makes it more than just a viewing experience; it's an adventure. While the entrance fee is noted as a bit high, the sheer joy and engagement it provides for children make it a worthwhile investment for a memorable family outing.
❤️ Animal Lovers & Enthusiasts
While the aquarium is praised for its staff's dedication, it's important to be aware of some visitor feedback regarding the size of animal enclosures. If your passion for animals includes a strong focus on their living conditions, you may want to research this aspect further. Nevertheless, for those seeking direct engagement and a chance to connect with marine animals, Ise Sea Paradise is a highly recommended destination.
📸 Photographers & Content Creators
The dolphin shows also present dynamic opportunities for action shots.Consider bringing a versatile zoom lens to capture animals at various distances and a camera with good low-light capabilities for indoor exhibits. While flash photography might be restricted, the natural light and engaging subjects make for compelling photos. The unique 'Oshawott train' and the commemorative medallions also offer quirky photo opportunities for those looking for something different.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Interactive Experience
This hands-on approach makes it particularly appealing for families and anyone seeking a more personal connection with animals.The unique 'fish pedicure' is another interactive highlight, where small fish gently groom your hands.
While the aquarium is noted for being on the smaller side, the focus on these up-close encounters compensates for its size. It's this direct engagement that sets Ise Sea Paradise apart and leaves a lasting impression on visitors.However, it's worth noting that some reviews express concern about the size of the animal enclosures. While staff are praised for their care, some visitors feel certain animals, like dolphins and turtles, are kept in tanks that are too small. This is a point to consider if animal welfare in confined spaces is a significant factor in your travel decisions.
Animal Welfare Concerns
Despite these concerns, the dedication of the staff is consistently praised. Reviewers often highlight that the staff are clearly invested in the well-being of the animals and work hard to maintain cleanliness and operational standards.
For potential visitors, it's important to weigh the joy of close animal encounters against these reported welfare issues. The aquarium's management is encouraged by some to make changes to improve the living conditions for the animals, balancing the interactive aspects with the ethical considerations of animal housing.
The 'Oshawott Train' and Other Quirks
The aquarium also features kinen medallions (commemorative coins) that depict local landmarks like Meoto Iwa and the aquarium itself, making it a spot for collectors.
The presence of a shopping plaza adjacent to the aquarium also enhances convenience, providing additional dining and shopping opportunities.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit