Echizen Matsushima Aquarium
Seaside aquarium with interactive touch pools, penguins, dolphin shows, and scenic cliff views.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Echizen Matsushima Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed visit
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Seaside aquarium with interactive touch pools, penguins, dolphin shows, and scenic cliff views.
"Worth the price for those who love marine animals, with interactive exhibits and a great dolphin show."
🎟️ Buy Tickets in Advance
Get a ¥500 discount by purchasing tickets before your visit!
🚗 Free On-Site Parking
Ample free parking is available, making it convenient for car travelers.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Dolphin Show
An impressive 15-minute show featuring the aquarium's resident dolphins. A must-see for all ages!
Interactive Touch Pools
Get up close and personal with marine life, including opportunities to touch and feed certain animals like octopuses.
Penguin & Tortoise Exhibits
Delight in the charming penguin area and observe the leisurely tortoises enjoying their habitat.
Scenic Cliff View
Enjoy a beautiful coastal view from the cliffs adjacent to the aquarium, offering a picturesque backdrop.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Ticket Discounts & Timing
Getting There & Parking
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎟️ Buy Tickets in Advance
Get a ¥500 discount by purchasing tickets before your visit!
🚗 Free On-Site Parking
Ample free parking is available, making it convenient for car travelers.
🐧 Penguin Paradise
The penguin exhibit is a fan favorite, don't miss it!
🤝 Staff Care for Animals
The staff are exceptional and clearly dedicated to animal welfare.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎟️ Buy Tickets in Advance
Get a ¥500 discount by purchasing tickets before your visit!
🚗 Free On-Site Parking
Ample free parking is available, making it convenient for car travelers.
🐧 Penguin Paradise
The penguin exhibit is a fan favorite, don't miss it!
🤝 Staff Care for Animals
The staff are exceptional and clearly dedicated to animal welfare.
🐢 Interactive Exhibits
Enjoy touching and feeding some of the marine life.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Echizen Matsushima Aquarium offers a delightful seaside experience with engaging interactive exhibits and a captivating dolphin show. While the entry fee is a bit higher than average, visitors find the hands-on opportunities and the staff's dedication to animal care make it a worthwhile visit, especially for families. Some note the aquarium's size, but the multiple buildings and scenic views provide ample enjoyment.
"This is a small aquarium but with multiple different buildings. Entry fees are higher than average — 2200 yen for adults and half that for children. We went to see the dolphin show that lasted 15 minutes and was impressive. We went later in the day meaning there wasn’t a lot of people. Some exhibits allowed you to touch the fish, such as octopus, or let you feed them. There is a free parking lots available on site, or by bus can get you off nearby."
A Lui
"To get here, board the bus from Mikuni station. It's a relatively big area aquarium for an outskirt town. The place has a few buildings for different sea life. There's also a beautiful cliff view at the side of the place. For ¥2200 for adults, I would say it's worth the price for those who love marine animals."
Horatio Tan
"Pro tip: Make sure to buy your tickets in advance to get a 500 yen discount! The aquarium is relatively small, but I easily spent 2 hours here. They have turtles, dolphins, penguins, and many more! I especially loved the penguin area, as well as walking into the room with the tortoise enjoying himself. The staff was exceptional; you can see they take good care of their animals."
Pachi Kooki
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
You can reach the aquarium by taking a bus from Mikuni Station. Free parking is also available on-site for those driving.
Yes, there is a free parking lot available on site.
Yes, a bus from Mikuni Station stops nearby, making it accessible via public transport.
Both driving with free parking and taking the bus from Mikuni Station are convenient options.
While not directly stated, taking a train to Mikuni Station and then a bus is a likely route from Fukui City.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Adult tickets are ¥2200, and children's tickets are half that price. Purchasing in advance offers a ¥500 discount.
Yes, you can get a ¥500 discount by buying your tickets in advance.
Specific opening hours are not detailed in the provided reviews, but visiting later in the day is recommended to avoid crowds.
While not explicitly stated, it's advisable to buy tickets in advance to secure the discount and potentially avoid queues.
For marine animal enthusiasts, the ¥2200 fee is considered worth the price, especially with the interactive exhibits and shows.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
You can see a variety of marine life including dolphins, penguins, turtles, octopuses, and tortoises.
Yes, there is an impressive 15-minute dolphin show that is highly recommended.
Absolutely! Some exhibits allow you to touch and even feed certain animals, like octopuses.
You can easily spend about 2 hours exploring the aquarium's various exhibits.
It's a great place for kids, with many interactive activities and opportunities to engage with animals.
📸 📸 Photography
The dolphin show, touch pools, and the scenic cliff view offer great photo opportunities. The penguin and tortoise exhibits are also charming.
Photography is generally allowed in aquariums, but it's always good to check for any specific restrictions, especially during shows.
Yes, you can take pictures of the animals, but avoid using flash, especially in darker exhibits, to not disturb them.
The interactive touch pools and the cliffside views provide unique photographic moments.
Use a camera with good low-light performance or a fast lens. Consider increasing ISO or using a tripod if permitted for sharper images in darker areas.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
With free parking and accessible by bus, getting there is straightforward. The aquarium's layout, while spread out, is manageable for a family outing. The staff's dedication to animal care also provides peace of mind for parents. Consider purchasing tickets in advance to save money and ensure a smooth entry.
💰 Budget Travelers
Utilizing the free on-site parking or the bus from Mikuni Station helps keep transportation costs down. Packing your own snacks or planning for a picnic near the scenic cliff view can also help manage food expenses.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Understanding the Aquarium's Layout
Beyond the indoor exhibits, the aquarium boasts a beautiful cliff view, providing a scenic complement to the marine life. This natural beauty adds another layer to the visitor experience, making it more than just an indoor attraction. The thoughtful design ensures a varied and engaging visit for everyone.
Interactive Experiences and Animal Welfare
While some reviews touch upon ethical considerations common in Japanese aquariums and zoos, the general sentiment suggests that the staff at Echizen Matsushima Aquarium are dedicated and take good care of their animals. This commitment to animal welfare is evident in the health and behavior of the creatures on display, contributing to a positive visitor experience.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit