Oga Aquarium Gao
Oga Aquarium Gao
4
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
4.0
131 reviews
Excellent
40
Very good
77
Average
11
Poor
1
Terrible
2
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k_matsu132
Kushiro, Japan22,596 contributions
Oct 2023 • Couples
We stayed at an inn in Oga Onsen, and enjoyed sightseeing in Oga until late the next day. On the way, we stopped off at Oga Aquarium GAO.
Near the hotel reception, there was a poster for the "Oga Tourism Premium Passport." It costs 1,100 yen, but it gives you free admission to six facilities, including this aquarium, Namahage Museum, Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum, and Kankazeyama Rotating Observatory. Not only was it perfect for our tour of Oga, it was also a great deal. Even just the admission fee to Oga Aquarium is cheaper with this passport. If you have this passport, I definitely recommend it.
Inside the aquarium, Gota, the popular polar bear, was lying around lazily. The rocky coastline surrounding it was more impressive than the aquarium itself, and it created a nice atmosphere of the rugged open sea of Oga.
Near the hotel reception, there was a poster for the "Oga Tourism Premium Passport." It costs 1,100 yen, but it gives you free admission to six facilities, including this aquarium, Namahage Museum, Oga Shinzan Folklore Museum, and Kankazeyama Rotating Observatory. Not only was it perfect for our tour of Oga, it was also a great deal. Even just the admission fee to Oga Aquarium is cheaper with this passport. If you have this passport, I definitely recommend it.
Inside the aquarium, Gota, the popular polar bear, was lying around lazily. The rocky coastline surrounding it was more impressive than the aquarium itself, and it created a nice atmosphere of the rugged open sea of Oga.
Written January 7, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
choccychoc
Kanagawa10 contributions
Aug 2011 • Couples
The aquarium is located on the coast of Oga peninsula with beautiful sea sights. Even though it was small, it was organized quite well.
There were two polar bears. Fortunately, we were there at their feeding time, and were able to watch them looking around, jumping in a pool, grabbing apples from a hole on the wall, etc.
Besides bears, there were penguins, jellyfishes, and other fishes in a big water tank. In addition to that, they exhibited Akita’s local fishes, such as sandfish and fishes lived in rivers. It was a pleasant experience.
It took a while to drive from Akita airport, but we saw Japanese countryside, rice fields with so many different dragonflies on the way to the aquarium. It’s worth to go, if you have time, I think.
There were two polar bears. Fortunately, we were there at their feeding time, and were able to watch them looking around, jumping in a pool, grabbing apples from a hole on the wall, etc.
Besides bears, there were penguins, jellyfishes, and other fishes in a big water tank. In addition to that, they exhibited Akita’s local fishes, such as sandfish and fishes lived in rivers. It was a pleasant experience.
It took a while to drive from Akita airport, but we saw Japanese countryside, rice fields with so many different dragonflies on the way to the aquarium. It’s worth to go, if you have time, I think.
Written September 30, 2011
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
doug50today
Akita, Japan9 contributions
i've been about 3 times over the years with my kids and it's quite a good aquarium but not so big. there's a polar bear here, an Amazon tank, seals, penguins and stuff plus a big tank with all sorts of fish in. i believe you can get here by bus from Akita City but i'm not sure. don't expect anyone to speak English here
Written July 30, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
DesmondLim
Singapore, Singapore358 contributions
Dec 2019 • Family
Getting there is not easy, we took a train to Hadachi Station from Akita Station. First to Nahamage Muesum, followed by the aquarium.
Hadachi is one stop before Oga Station, it is closer to the road entering the peninsula than Oga (cheaper for taxi ride), however it is much remote and probably have challenge getting a Taxi. Fortunately, we gotten help from local to book one for us.
Alternatively there is a limited schedule bus route in winter, but i figure out there is not much saving adding up for 4 person. Let me know if you can’t find the info.
I would consider this is a 3 level medium size aquarium in Japan, it is a good collection of exhibits, and a few rare one as well. Another highlight was the white polar bear. However it doesn’t have a big show theatre like some others.
The specialty of this aquarium would be the seal tank in my opinion, where you can view the playful and curious seal from top, middle and bottom of the tank. My teenage boys spent entire hour just watching and interacting with the seals.
Suggestion
- consider driving to Oga if possible, but not recommended if snowing. It will be cheaper and easier getting around.
- combine few activities if going to Oga, Nahamage (please read my other review)
Bonus
Stunning sea view! We spent over an hour just strolling by the sea.
Also the aquarium specially arranged resting chairs for guest to watch the sea within the aquarium.
Do drop me a message if you have any question, or give me a thumbs up if find the review is useful. Thanks!
Hadachi is one stop before Oga Station, it is closer to the road entering the peninsula than Oga (cheaper for taxi ride), however it is much remote and probably have challenge getting a Taxi. Fortunately, we gotten help from local to book one for us.
Alternatively there is a limited schedule bus route in winter, but i figure out there is not much saving adding up for 4 person. Let me know if you can’t find the info.
I would consider this is a 3 level medium size aquarium in Japan, it is a good collection of exhibits, and a few rare one as well. Another highlight was the white polar bear. However it doesn’t have a big show theatre like some others.
The specialty of this aquarium would be the seal tank in my opinion, where you can view the playful and curious seal from top, middle and bottom of the tank. My teenage boys spent entire hour just watching and interacting with the seals.
Suggestion
- consider driving to Oga if possible, but not recommended if snowing. It will be cheaper and easier getting around.
- combine few activities if going to Oga, Nahamage (please read my other review)
Bonus
Stunning sea view! We spent over an hour just strolling by the sea.
Also the aquarium specially arranged resting chairs for guest to watch the sea within the aquarium.
Do drop me a message if you have any question, or give me a thumbs up if find the review is useful. Thanks!
Written December 20, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Foreversh
Port Coquitlam, Canada48 contributions
This aquarium was built on the coast of Oga Peninsula. When we went during the winter, it was almost empty, which I loved! You can purchase admission to include a meal at the restaurant.
Spent over an hour and a half, walking through the attractions. There's a lot of information and an area for children, including a hands-on petting aquarium. However, everything is in Japanese. Halfway through the aquarium is a resting area with vending machines and an amazing view of the ocean and cliffs around the aquarium.
Tours and feeding times are offered. There was a 'behind-the-scenes' tour offered, which we did not make, but seemed like it would have been interesting.
The enclosures seemed a bit too small for the animals though and the polar bear seemed really bored. When we went, there was a staff member interacting with the penguins and having them do tricks, which was really cute~
Spent over an hour and a half, walking through the attractions. There's a lot of information and an area for children, including a hands-on petting aquarium. However, everything is in Japanese. Halfway through the aquarium is a resting area with vending machines and an amazing view of the ocean and cliffs around the aquarium.
Tours and feeding times are offered. There was a 'behind-the-scenes' tour offered, which we did not make, but seemed like it would have been interesting.
The enclosures seemed a bit too small for the animals though and the polar bear seemed really bored. When we went, there was a staff member interacting with the penguins and having them do tricks, which was really cute~
Written February 19, 2010
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Gretchen M
92 contributions
Aug 2016 • Family
Located on the coast, the views from the Aquarium are truly stunning. The aquarium is small and well organized, perfect for a short visit or with children.
When you first walk in there is on double story tank that holds a variety of sea life. It is mesmerizing and the room is dark illuminates the exhibition even more. My daughters loved playing in this room.
From there you follow the route to the Sea Lions and Seals which were also a big hit with my children. You can go underground to watch them swim. Continue on to follow the local sea life of the Sea of Japan and rivers until you come across fish from the Coral Reef and huge ancient looking fish from the Amazon.
From the top floor there is a small resting area that has vending machines for drinks and some food such as french fries, hot dogs and onigiri. We didn`t buy food but it is worth stopping since here since the views of the rugged coastline are the absolute best from this vantage point!
The polar bear and penguin exhibits are the largest and seem quite popular. After which there is a small jelly fish selection in the hallway, local hata hata fish educational videos and then a hand on play area. You can hold uni, star fish and a few other blob like animals.
We went on a weekend and there was a hand craft area where you can make your own necklace or key chain from a seashell from the local beaches. This was very fun and a great souvenir for my children and our friends. The staff running this craft booth was very friendly, encouraging kids to be creative and can speak some English.
There was another room that had a temporary turtle exhibition where we could feed the larger turtles. Throughout the day they had several feedings and other events, although they are conducted in Japanese. You get the sense that while small, the aquarium staff is very active and engaged with providing a fun experience for visitors.
Back down near the exit there is a nice gift shop that sold really delicious soft serve ice cream. There is a restaurant that has amazing views as well and a good selection of meals such as seafood pizza, curry and spaghetti.
Outside of the aquarium there is quite a bit of space to walk around close to the water. There is a large parking lot but it was full so we took the shuttle bus from a second parking lot that was quite efficient. There was adequate English signs so we knew where to park and meet shuttle bus.
I also felt like the admissions fees were very reasonable, ¥1000 for an adult, ¥400 for Jr. High / Elementary aged students and free for pre-schoolers.
Overall, we really enjoyed the aquarium. I am not sure I would go out of my way to visit, but it is a perfect 2-3 hour stop if you are already on the peninsula.
When you first walk in there is on double story tank that holds a variety of sea life. It is mesmerizing and the room is dark illuminates the exhibition even more. My daughters loved playing in this room.
From there you follow the route to the Sea Lions and Seals which were also a big hit with my children. You can go underground to watch them swim. Continue on to follow the local sea life of the Sea of Japan and rivers until you come across fish from the Coral Reef and huge ancient looking fish from the Amazon.
From the top floor there is a small resting area that has vending machines for drinks and some food such as french fries, hot dogs and onigiri. We didn`t buy food but it is worth stopping since here since the views of the rugged coastline are the absolute best from this vantage point!
The polar bear and penguin exhibits are the largest and seem quite popular. After which there is a small jelly fish selection in the hallway, local hata hata fish educational videos and then a hand on play area. You can hold uni, star fish and a few other blob like animals.
We went on a weekend and there was a hand craft area where you can make your own necklace or key chain from a seashell from the local beaches. This was very fun and a great souvenir for my children and our friends. The staff running this craft booth was very friendly, encouraging kids to be creative and can speak some English.
There was another room that had a temporary turtle exhibition where we could feed the larger turtles. Throughout the day they had several feedings and other events, although they are conducted in Japanese. You get the sense that while small, the aquarium staff is very active and engaged with providing a fun experience for visitors.
Back down near the exit there is a nice gift shop that sold really delicious soft serve ice cream. There is a restaurant that has amazing views as well and a good selection of meals such as seafood pizza, curry and spaghetti.
Outside of the aquarium there is quite a bit of space to walk around close to the water. There is a large parking lot but it was full so we took the shuttle bus from a second parking lot that was quite efficient. There was adequate English signs so we knew where to park and meet shuttle bus.
I also felt like the admissions fees were very reasonable, ¥1000 for an adult, ¥400 for Jr. High / Elementary aged students and free for pre-schoolers.
Overall, we really enjoyed the aquarium. I am not sure I would go out of my way to visit, but it is a perfect 2-3 hour stop if you are already on the peninsula.
Written November 29, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Shivy L
Trinidad7 contributions
Oct 2016 • Friends
Very nice place to take the family for a Sunday drive the scenery before you reach the aquarium is amazing staff are very friendly
Written November 1, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dkailuahi
Niigata Prefecture, Japan11 contributions
Aug 2016 • Friends
Gao was a very nice aquarium. They have seals, penguins, and polar bears. They offer a variety of different types of fish both from around Japan and the Amazon. If you have kids there is "petting zoo" kind of place where kids can interact. I really recommend going, but it can be difficult to reach without a car as the buses have large gaps In between running.
Written August 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Louichan
Tokyo, Japan217 contributions
May 2015 • Couples
The aquarium is set in a stunning part of Oga, with wonderful ocean views. However, in terms of being animal friendly, only average. The bigger animals didn't have much room to move--pretty typical for a Japanese aquarium. I wouldn't go again.
Written June 15, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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