
Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium
Home to the world's largest variety of penguins, offering unique exhibits and affordable family fun.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing

Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better viewing

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to the world's largest variety of penguins, offering unique exhibits and affordable family fun.
"Unbeatable value for seeing over 180 penguins up close, a must-visit for animal lovers!"

🎯 Don't Miss Feeding Times!
Penguin feeding sessions at 11 AM and 3 PM are highly recommended . :star:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing some walking, especially if you explore the outdoor biotope. :athletic_shoe:

Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

World's Largest Penguin Variety
Main exhibits
See over 180 penguins from 9 different species, including the rare Southern King Penguin.

Penguin Feeding Sessions
Feeding areas
Witness the penguins' lively feeding times at 11 AM and 3 PM – a must-see!

Unique 'Penguin Beach' Exhibit
Ocean enclosure
Experience the innovative 'penguin beach' where penguins interact with their environment.

Moray Eel & Local Marine Life
Marine life exhibits
Discover fascinating moray eels and other marine creatures from Nagasaki's waters.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Penguin Encounters & Travel Time
Value & Experience
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Don't Miss Feeding Times!
Penguin feeding sessions at 11 AM and 3 PM are highly recommended. :star:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing some walking, especially if you explore the outdoor biotope. :athletic_shoe:
🚌 Public Transport is Key
Buses run every 30 mins from JR Nagasaki Station; allow 45 mins travel time. :bus:
💰 Incredible Value
At only 520 yen, it's one of the most affordable attractions in Nagasaki. :moneybag:
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Don't Miss Feeding Times!
Penguin feeding sessions at 11 AM and 3 PM are highly recommended. :star:
👟 Wear Comfy Shoes
You'll be doing some walking, especially if you explore the outdoor biotope. :athletic_shoe:
🚌 Public Transport is Key
Buses run every 30 mins from JR Nagasaki Station; allow 45 mins travel time. :bus:
💰 Incredible Value
At only 520 yen, it's one of the most affordable attractions in Nagasaki. :moneybag:
📸 Capture Cute Moments
Penguins are incredibly photogenic, especially during feeding or playtime. :camerawithflash:
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors generally find the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium to be a charming and worthwhile experience, especially given its incredibly low admission price. The highlight is undoubtedly the vast variety and number of penguins, offering close-up views and engaging feeding sessions. However, some reviews mention the facility could benefit from better maintenance and cleanliness.
"It's nice a cozy.
Loved the place, simple and beautiful.
Wouldn't believe I would meat penguin in my travel, but I did in this place and different kinds."
Khalfan Abdulsomad
"It was a very enjoyable experience. Although the aquarium isn't that big in size, it was nice to see so many different penguin species in one location! Spent around 1h 40min, could have been longer but the rain prevented us from going to the outdoor exhibition. Worth the effort to travel from the city centre."
Samuel See
"520 yen for this is absolutely unbeatable. There are over 200 penguins inside, and feeding sessions take place at 11:00 and 15:00 — highly recommended, don’t miss it."
YJ Cai
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The most common way is by bus from JR Nagasaki Station. Take a bus towards 'Nagasaki Kanko Hotel' or 'Akasako' and alight at the 'Penguin Aquarium' stop. The journey takes about 45 minutes and buses typically run every 30 minutes. :bus:
It requires a bit of travel time, approximately 45 minutes by bus from the JR Nagasaki Station. While not right in the city center, it's a worthwhile trip for penguin lovers.
The aquarium is located in a scenic area. Consider exploring the nearby coastline or other natural spots if you have a car, though public transport connections might be limited for other attractions.
While buses are accessible, the aquarium itself has some walking involved. It's advisable to check with the aquarium directly about specific accessibility features for those with mobility concerns.
The nearest train station is JR Nagasaki Station. From there, you will need to transfer to a bus to reach the aquarium.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Admission is very affordable at 520 yen for adults, making it an excellent value. Prices for children may vary, so it's best to check their official website for the most current rates.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. Generally, the aquarium is open from morning until late afternoon. It's recommended to check the official Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium website for the most up-to-date hours before your visit.
Advance booking is typically not required for general admission, especially on weekdays. However, during peak seasons or holidays, it might be a good idea to check if online ticketing is available or recommended.
While specific discounts aren't widely advertised, the base admission price is already very low. Look out for potential group discounts or special event pricing on their official channels.
The Japan Rail Pass covers JR trains to Nagasaki Station. However, it does not cover the local bus fare from the station to the aquarium.
🎫 🐧 Penguin Encounters
You can see an impressive variety, including Humboldt penguins, Little penguins (Fairy penguins), and Southern King penguins, among others. The aquarium is known for housing the world's largest variety of penguins.
The penguins are most active during their feeding sessions, held daily at 11:00 AM and 3:00 PM. They are also quite lively when exploring their 'penguin beach' exhibit.
While direct interaction is limited for conservation, you can get very close during feeding times and observe them in their naturalistic habitats. Some visitors have even had close calls with curious penguins!
The aquarium offers unique experiences like penguin feeding and the 'penguin beach' where you can observe their behaviors up close. Check their schedule for any special demonstrations.
The 'penguin beach' is an innovative exhibit designed to mimic a natural environment, allowing penguins to swim and interact freely, offering a unique viewing experience.
📸 📸 Photography & Experience
Absolutely! The penguins are incredibly photogenic, especially during feeding times or when they're waddling around. The natural light in some areas can make for great shots.
It's described as cozy, simple, and beautiful. While not a massive, bustling aquarium, it offers an intimate and enjoyable experience with its focus on penguins.
Most visitors spend around 1.5 to 2 hours, especially if they catch the feeding sessions and explore the outdoor areas. You could spend longer if you're a keen photographer or observer.
Yes, it's considered suitable for families and children, offering educational insights into penguins and marine life. The close proximity to the penguins is a big hit with kids.
Besides the extensive penguin collection, you can see various local marine species, including impressive moray eels.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the aquarium isn't massive, its manageable size means kids won't get too tired exploring. The affordable entry fee of 520 yen also makes it a budget-friendly outing for families. Remember to check the bus schedule for your return journey to avoid long waits.
💰 Budget Travelers
Combine this with the affordable bus fare from Nagasaki Station, and you have a day out that's both enriching and economical. It's a perfect example of how to experience Japan's unique attractions without overspending.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Penguin Paradise: A Deep Dive
Beyond just observation, the aquarium offers unique interactive experiences. The 'penguin beach' exhibit is a standout, designed to replicate a natural habitat where penguins can swim and play freely, providing visitors with an unparalleled view of their behavior. Additionally, the feeding sessions, held daily at 11 AM and 3 PM, are a highlight, offering a lively spectacle of the penguins' natural foraging instincts.
While the aquarium is celebrated for its penguins, it also features other marine life, such as moray eels and local fish species from the Nagasaki waters. The facility also includes a biotope for a more naturalistic experience. Despite some reviews mentioning it's not a large aquarium, its focused approach and the sheer number of penguins make it a deeply rewarding visit, especially considering its affordable entry fee of 520 yen.
Getting There: Navigating to the Aquarium
It's important to note that this trip is a significant bus ride from the city center, so factor this travel time into your day. While driving offers more flexibility, public transport is a viable and cost-effective option for those without a car. The aquarium's location, while a bit out of the way, is part of its charm, offering a more serene experience away from the city bustle.





Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit