Exploring the Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai - A miniature ocean in the heart of Japan

Have you ever dreamed of stepping into the mysterious world beneath the ocean, admiring vibrant coral reefs, and watching diverse marine creatures swim freely? Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai will make that dream come true right in Niigata City, Japan. With over 600 species of marine life and countless unique experiences, this aquarium promises an exciting and memorable journey of ocean discovery for every visitor.

Table of content

About Marinepia Nihonkai Aquarium

Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai is not just an entertainment destination but also a leading marine education and conservation center in Japan. Stepping inside, you will be immediately captivated by the vast space, meticulously designed to realistically recreate different marine ecosystems, from shallow coastal waters to the deep ocean. Marinepia Nihonkai proudly boasts a rich and diverse collection of marine life, from small, colorful fish to ocean giants like sharks, rays, sea lions, and even rare animals being conserved.

Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai – Discover the fascinating underwater world

At Marinepia Nihonkai Aquarium, visitors not only feast their eyes on the beauty of the underwater world but also have the opportunity to experience many exciting interactive activities, learn useful knowledge about marine life, and raise awareness about ocean conservation. Whether you are a nature enthusiast, a family with young children, or simply looking for a relaxing and novel space, Marinepia Nihonkai is definitely an ideal destination in Niigata.

Essential Information for Visiting Marinepia Nihonkai Aquarium

To have a complete and convenient visit to Marinepia Nihonkai Aquarium, you can refer to some useful information below:

Full Name: Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai (新潟市水族館マリンピア日本海)
Address: 5932-445 Nishifunamicho, Chuo Ward, Niigata, Japan
Opening Hours: 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM daily
Contact Number: +81 25-222-7500
Official Website: https://www.marinepia.or.jp/mlg/en

Main Exhibition Areas at Marinepia Nihonkai Aquarium

To fully explore the beauty and diversity of Marinepia Nihonkai, you should spend at least half a day visiting the main areas below:

Giant Tank: The central and most impressive area, simulating the marine ecosystem of Japan with countless species of fish and diverse marine life.
Marine Tunnel: Walk under the ocean in a transparent glass tunnel, watching marine life swim right above and around you.
“Niigata Field” Area: Explore the unique freshwater ecosystem of the Niigata region, with native fish and aquatic plants.
Deep Sea Creature Exhibition: Step into the mysterious world of the deep sea, admire bizarre creatures, and learn about the harsh living environment there.
Rare Animal Zone: Meet adorable and rare animals such as otters, Humboldt penguins, Steller sea lions, and many other species.
Touch Pool: Experience touching starfish, sea cucumbers, and other friendly marine creatures, feeling the diversity of the underwater tactile world.
Sea Lion Feeding Area: Directly observe the sea lion feeding process, learn about their habits and diet.
3D Cinema: Enjoy vivid 3D movies about the ocean, expanding your knowledge and perception of the marine world.
Dolphin Performance Area: Immerse yourself in the fun and spectacular space with performances by intelligent and skillful dolphins.

Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai – Aquarium map for visitors

Must-Try Experiences at Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai

Marinepia Nihonkai is not just a place to admire marine life, but also a journey of discovery filled with unique and memorable experiences. Here are the activities you definitely must try when you come here:

Be Amazed by the Beauty of the Giant Tank

As soon as you step into the main hall of the aquarium, you will be amazed by the majesty of the giant tank. With a capacity of 450 tons of water, this tank vividly and realistically recreates the marine ecosystem of Japan, from colorful coral reefs and mysterious caves to diverse marine plants.

Giant tank at Marinepia Nihonkai – Miniature ocean in sight

Spending more time observing, you will discover countless interesting things. Schools of small fish with brilliant colors playfully swim, weaving through coral reefs and rock crevices. Larger fish like rays and sharks leisurely glide by, creating a vivid and mesmerizing ocean painting. You can also spot other unique marine creatures such as sea turtles, sunfish, or graceful jellyfish, sparkling in the water.

Vibrant coral reefs in the giant tank – Colorful world under the sea

Walk Through the Ocean at the Marine Tunnel

After admiring the beauty of the giant tank, continue your journey of discovery by stepping into the Marine Tunnel. This is a one-of-a-kind experience that allows you to “stroll” on the seabed without having to dive. The tunnel is designed with transparent glass, curved in an arc shape, creating the feeling that you are truly immersed in the deep sea.

Marine Tunnel – Unique underwater walking experience

Standing in the middle of the tunnel, you will be surrounded by countless marine creatures swimming around. Schools of sardines shimmering with silver light, graceful rays gliding gently, or even mighty sharks swimming right overhead. The feeling of seeing the ocean world up close like this will surely make you extremely excited and unforgettable.

Sharks swimming overhead in the Marine Tunnel – Memorable moment

Explore the Mysterious World of Deep Sea Creatures

Next, do not miss the opportunity to explore the deep-sea creature exhibition area. Step into the dim, quiet space, and you will admire bizarre and unique creatures that only live in the deep sea, where sunlight cannot reach.

Deep Sea Creature Exhibition – Mysterious world at the bottom of the ocean

Here, you will encounter amazing bioluminescent fish, self-illuminating in the dark, creating a shimmering, magical scene. Invertebrates with bizarre shapes such as deep-sea jellyfish, giant tube worms, or sea spiders will also surprise you. In particular, do not miss the opportunity to see anglerfish with a glowing “lantern” on their heads or viperfish with terrifying sharp teeth. The exhibition not only displays deep-sea creatures but also provides detailed information about their living environment, habits, and incredible adaptations.

Anglerfish – Bizarre deep sea creature

Meet Rare and Adorable Animals

Marinepia Nihonkai Aquarium is home to many marine species, including many rare and endangered animals. The rare animal exhibition area will be an ideal stop for animal lovers.

Otter Zone – Adorable rare animals

You will have the opportunity to see playful otters swimming, frolicking, and showing off their skillful hunting skills. Humboldt penguins with their adorable waddling appearance will also captivate you. In particular, do not miss the opportunity to admire the majestic Steller sea lion, the largest terrestrial mammal on Earth, and listen to their characteristic booming calls. In addition, the aquarium is also home to many other rare species such as Napoleon fish, beluga whales, seahorses, and diverse coral species.

Humboldt Penguins – Adorable birds from South America

Enjoy Exciting Interactive Activities

Marinepia Nihonkai not only offers sightseeing experiences but also creates opportunities for you to interact directly with the ocean world through many exciting activities:

Touch Pool: Try touching starfish, sea urchins, or sea cucumbers to feel the difference in texture and learn more about their body structure.

Touch Pool – Experience touching marine creatures

Feeding Show: Participate in the sea lion feeding activity to observe their eating habits and interactions with humans.

Sea Lion Feeding Activity – Observing interesting habits

Educational Programs: Join guided tours, workshops, or interactive games to learn more about marine life, the environment, and marine conservation.
Souvenir Photos: Capture memorable moments by taking photos with marine creatures in specially designed areas.
3D Cinema: Immerse yourself in the vivid ocean world through fascinating 3D movies.
Souvenir Shopping: Choose unique souvenirs, imbued with the aquarium’s mark, at the gift shop.

Educational Program – Learning about the ocean

Be Enthralled by the Spectacular Dolphin Show

One of the highlights not to be missed at Marinepia Nihonkai is the dolphin show. Head to the outdoor performance area and prepare to be amazed by the intelligence, agility, and grace of the dolphin “artists.”

Dolphin Show – Spectacular program not to be missed

You will witness spectacular aerial acrobatics, skillful high jumps, graceful spins, and unexpected ball-juggling performances. Not only that, but dolphins also show off their unique “singing” ability and interact with the audience adorably, surely bringing you moments of relaxation and laughter. The show is not only entertaining but also provides interesting information about dolphins, helping you learn more about their biology, habits, and the importance of their conservation.

Dolphin jumping in the air – Impressive performance

Special Events at Marinepia Nihonkai Aquarium

To bring new and exciting experiences to visitors, Marinepia Nihonkai regularly organizes special events and activities seasonally or thematically. In the summer, the aquarium often has outdoor entertainment events, art performances, and themed photo areas. In other seasons, you may encounter Halloween, Christmas events with unique decorations and many fun activities for children.

In addition, the aquarium also regularly organizes lectures with diverse topics about the sea and ocean, presented by leading experts and researchers. This is a great opportunity for you to expand your knowledge and understanding of the vast ocean world.

Directions to Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai

There are two main ways to get to Marinepia Nihonkai Aquarium from Niigata city center:

By Train:
- From Tokyo Station, take the Joetsu Shinkansen to Niigata Station.
- Then, transfer to the Echigo Line and get off at Niigata Daigaku-mae Station.
- From Niigata Daigaku-mae Station, walk for about 20 minutes or take a taxi to the aquarium.
- Total travel time is about 2 hours and 30 minutes, cost is about 11,000 yen (one way).
By Bus:
- From Niigata Station, take bus route B13 (towards “Suizokukan”) and get off at the “Marinepia Nihonkai” bus stop.
- Bus travel time is about 30 minutes, cost is about 210 yen.

With its unique and diverse experiences, Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai deserves to be a top destination in your journey to explore Niigata, Japan. Come and discover the magical ocean world right in the heart of this vibrant city!

Northern Culture Museum: Discovering the essence of Japanese culture