Umitamago Aquarium
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Umitamago Aquarium

4.4
·8k reviews·Oita, Japan

A bayside marine park featuring captivating jellyfish, lively dolphin shows, and hands-on encounters with sea life.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
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Umitamago Aquarium

Umitamago Aquarium

Best Time

Weekday afternoons

Fewer crowds, more relaxed

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A bayside marine park featuring captivating jellyfish, lively dolphin shows, and hands-on encounters with sea life.

4.4
(8k reviews)

"Mesmerized by the jellyfish and loved watching the walrus!"

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 Catch the Shows!

Don't miss the dolphin, sea lion, and walrus performances for an entertaining experience.

✋ Hands-On Fun

Enjoy touching rays and sea cucumbers; feeding baby otters is also a unique treat.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Mesmerizing Jellyfish Exhibit

Mesmerizing Jellyfish Exhibit

Jellyfish Hall

Drift into a world of ethereal beauty with a stunning display of diverse jellyfish species.

Walrus Encounter

Walrus Encounter

Walrus Pool

Witness the charming antics and impressive size of the walruses, a definite crowd-pleaser.

Interactive Touch Pools

Interactive Touch Pools

Various locations

Get hands-on with marine life by touching gentle rays and sea cucumbers in designated areas.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing is Key for Fewer Crowds

Visit on a weekday afternoon to avoid the biggest crowds, especially if you want to enjoy the shows and interactive exhibits without feeling rushed. Weekends and holidays can get quite busy.

Embrace the Interactive Fun

Don't miss the chance to touch rays and sea cucumbers, or even feed the baby otters! These hands-on experiences are a hit with families and offer a unique connection with marine life.

Best Times

When
Weekday afternoons
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed
Crowd
Low
When
During shows
Why
Engaging performances
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Destination of the Week: Oita, Japan 🇯🇵 1. Begin your journey in Beppu, the hot spring capital of Japan, easily reached from Oita Airport. Local buses and taxis make it simple to explore every onsen district. 2. Witness the otherworldly Jigoku Meguri (Hell Tour) - from the cobalt-blue Umi Jigoku to the crimson Chinoike Jigoku and the bubbling mud pools of Oniishibozu Jigoku. These geothermal wond...
@skyscanner
84.1K likes • 3.2M views

🎯 Catch the Shows!

Don't miss the dolphin, sea lion, and walrus performances for an entertaining experience. Reddit

✋ Hands-On Fun

Enjoy touching rays and sea cucumbers; feeding baby otters is also a unique treat. Reddit

今までで1番印象に残る水族館はどこですか?💭🪼🐬 #城崎マリンワールド #池袋サンシャイン水族館 #海遊館 #品川水族館 #八景島シーパラダイス
@y__1019
31.9K likes • 361.8K views
マリンワールド×どうぶつの森ꔛꕤ 100ベル出せば、 水族館内にいる魚を見つけて穴を開けていく紙をもらえるよ〜💰マリンワールドにいない魚が最後に残ります!その魚が合っていると、どうぶつの森のシールを貰えるよ🧊🐟 これが楽しすぎるので安いし、是非買ってみてね✩⡱ #福岡 #水族館 #あつ森 #どうぶつの森 #animalcrossing
@pipmiy
27.8K likes • 443.2K views

📸 Capture the Magic

The jellyfish exhibit is particularly photogenic, so bring your camera! TikTok

🛍️ Souvenir Stop

Browse the souvenir shop for unique mementos of your visit. Reddit

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Catch the Shows!

Don't miss the dolphin, sea lion, and walrus performances for an entertaining experience. Reddit

✋ Hands-On Fun

Enjoy touching rays and sea cucumbers; feeding baby otters is also a unique treat. Reddit

📸 Capture the Magic

The jellyfish exhibit is particularly photogenic, so bring your camera! TikTok

🛍️ Souvenir Stop

Browse the souvenir shop for unique mementos of your visit. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.4
(8k reviews)

Reviews Summary

Umitamago Aquarium is largely praised for its engaging shows, mesmerizing jellyfish exhibit, and interactive experiences like touching rays and feeding otters. Visitors appreciate the clean facility and friendly staff, making it a highly recommended spot for families. However, a few reviews express concerns about the size of animal enclosures.

"Umitamago was a fantastic aquarium experience!
Visited on a weekday afternoon in January. We were absolutely mesmerized by the jellyfish exhibit and loved watching the walrus 🖤. The aquarium was well-laid and easy to navigate. We appreciated how clean and well-maintained the facility was. There's also the souvenir shop, cafe, touching fish area, gacha area, also the show area where we can watch the performance of dolphins, sea lions, walrus.
The staff was also very friendly and helpful.
Highly recommend for families with young children!"

Jess Elaine

"OMG. Must go if you are in Beppu. May go in the afternoon as there will be less ppl. See all the shows."

R J

"It was very educational to see what types of sea life is around Japan. We didn't see the shows they offered. It was kinda cool to be able to touch the rays and sea cucumbers. You can feed the baby otters also."

Lucy Leitz

What People Like

Mesmerizing jellyfish exhibit
Engaging animal shows
Interactive touch pools

What People Dislike

Animal enclosure sizes

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

From Oita Airport, you can take a bus or taxi to Beppu, which is the nearest major city to Umitamago Aquarium. Local buses and taxis are readily available for further exploration within Beppu and to the aquarium itself. TikTok

Yes, Umitamago Aquarium is accessible via local buses from Beppu city center. It's a popular destination, so public transport options are generally convenient. TikTok

Local buses are a common and efficient way to get around Beppu and reach Umitamago Aquarium. Taxis are also available if you prefer a more direct route. TikTok

While specific details on parking availability can vary, most major attractions like Umitamago Aquarium offer parking facilities for visitors who drive. It's advisable to check their official website for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

Yes, Umitamago Aquarium is often visited as part of a day trip to the Oita region, particularly from nearby cities. Its location makes it accessible for a focused visit. TikTok

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Umitamago Aquarium typically opens in the morning and closes in the late afternoon or early evening. It's best to check their official website for the exact daily operating hours, as they can change seasonally. Reddit

Admission prices can vary, but generally, there's a fee for entry. It's recommended to check the official Umitamago Aquarium website for current ticket prices and any potential discounts. Reddit

While on-site ticket purchase is usually available, buying tickets in advance online might be an option to save time, especially during peak seasons. Check the aquarium's official website for online booking details. Reddit

Yes, admission typically includes access to various shows, such as dolphin and walrus performances, and interactive programs. Check the daily schedule upon arrival for showtimes. Reddit

Most interactive experiences, like touching rays or feeding otters, are usually included with the general admission ticket. However, it's always good to confirm on-site. Reddit

🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience

Visitors rave about the mesmerizing jellyfish exhibit and the engaging walrus shows. The interactive touch pools with rays and sea cucumbers are also highly recommended. Reddit+1

Absolutely! Umitamago Aquarium is very family-friendly, offering interactive sessions like touching sea creatures and feeding baby otters, making it a great experience for young visitors. Reddit+1

You can enjoy lively performances by dolphins, sea lions, and walruses. These shows are a highlight for many visitors and add an entertaining dimension to the aquarium visit. Reddit

The aquarium is generally well-laid out and easy to navigate, suggesting good accessibility. However, for specific concerns, it's always best to contact the aquarium directly. Reddit

A visit to Umitamago Aquarium can take anywhere from 2 to 4 hours, depending on how much time you spend at each exhibit, watching shows, and participating in interactive activities. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

Yes, Umitamago Aquarium has a cafe where visitors can purchase food and drinks. It's a convenient spot to refuel during your visit. Reddit

The cafe typically offers a selection of snacks, light meals, and beverages suitable for a casual dining experience. Reddit

While specific policies can vary, many attractions allow visitors to bring their own food and drinks for consumption in designated areas. It's advisable to check the aquarium's guidelines. Reddit

Yes, the surrounding Beppu area offers a variety of dining options, from local eateries to more established restaurants, should you wish to dine outside the aquarium. TikTok

Some aquariums have picnic areas. If Umitamago Aquarium offers such a facility, it would be a great option for families. Check their website or inquire upon arrival. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, photography is allowed in most areas of Umitamago Aquarium for personal use. However, flash photography might be restricted in certain exhibits to protect the animals. TikTok

The jellyfish exhibit offers stunning, ethereal shots. The shows with dolphins and walruses also provide dynamic photo opportunities. TikTok

Tripods and selfie sticks might be restricted in crowded areas or specific exhibits to ensure the safety and comfort of all visitors and animals. It's best to check the aquarium's photography policy. TikTok

Yes, you can usually take photos during the animal shows, but be mindful of any flash restrictions. Capturing the action can be very rewarding. Reddit

A camera with good low-light performance is beneficial for indoor exhibits. A zoom lens can be useful for capturing animals from a distance during shows. TikTok

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Umitamago Aquarium is a fantastic destination for families. The interactive touch pools where kids can safely touch rays and sea cucumbers are a huge hit. Don't miss the chance to feed the baby otters – it's an unforgettable experience for little ones! Reddit+1

The animal shows, featuring dolphins and walruses, are highly entertaining and engaging for children of all ages. The aquarium's layout is easy to navigate, making it manageable with strollers, and the overall atmosphere is welcoming and fun. Visiting on a weekday afternoon can help avoid meltdowns caused by long queues. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Umitamago Aquarium offers unique visual opportunities. The jellyfish exhibit is a dream for capturing ethereal and colorful shots, especially with its ambient lighting. TikTok

During the animal shows, you'll have chances to capture dynamic action shots of dolphins and walruses. While flash photography might be restricted, the natural light and well-lit exhibits provide ample opportunities. Consider bringing a camera with good low-light capabilities and a versatile zoom lens to get the best shots. TikTokReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Umitamago Experience: More Than Just Fish

Umitamago Aquarium, located in Oita, Japan, offers a diverse marine life experience that goes beyond typical aquarium displays. It's known for its engaging shows and interactive elements, making it a popular destination for families and animal lovers alike. The aquarium houses a variety of sea creatures, providing an educational and entertaining visit. TikTokReddit

Visitors often highlight the mesmerizing jellyfish exhibit as a standout feature, with its ethereal beauty and diverse species. The walrus shows are another major draw, showcasing the impressive size and playful nature of these marine mammals. Beyond observation, Umitamago encourages interaction, allowing guests to touch rays and sea cucumbers and even feed baby otters, creating memorable hands-on moments. Reddit

The aquarium's layout is designed for easy navigation, and its cleanliness is frequently praised. While the focus is on marine life, the overall experience is enhanced by friendly staff and the availability of amenities like a souvenir shop and cafe, ensuring a comfortable and enjoyable day out. Reddit

Navigating Umitamago: Tips from Visitors

Planning your visit to Umitamago Aquarium can be made smoother with insights from fellow travelers. Many recommend visiting on a weekday afternoon to avoid the peak crowds, allowing for a more relaxed experience, especially during the popular shows. Reddit

When it comes to the shows, it's advised to see all the shows offered, as they are a significant part of the Umitamago experience. These performances, featuring dolphins, sea lions, and walruses, are consistently praised for their entertainment value. Reddit For those interested in a more tactile connection with marine life, the interactive touch pools are a must-do. Being able to touch rays and sea cucumbers, and even feed the baby otters, provides a unique and engaging opportunity. Reddit

While the aquarium is generally well-received, some reviews mention concerns about animal welfare, with observations of animals in small spaces. Reddit However, the majority of feedback focuses on the educational aspects, the diversity of animals for its size, and the engaging activities available throughout the day. Reddit

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