Top Zoos & Aquariums in Tohoku, Japan
Zoos & Aquariums in Tohoku
- Traveler favoritesThings to do ranked using Tripadvisor data including reviews, ratings, photos, and popularity.
- Traveler rankingHighest rated attractions on Tripadvisor, based on traveler reviews.
Category types
Zoos & Aquariums
Traveler rating
Good for
21 places sorted by traveler favorites
Amusement & Theme Parks • Zoos
Aquariums
Science Museums • Aquariums
Speciality Museums • Aquariums
Science Museums • Aquariums
Aquariums
Zoos
What travelers are saying
- Maya MGunma Prefecture, Japan48 contributionsA small ,rather old place, but excellent to see jellyfish.And eat icecream containing jellyfish,very tasty,with the chewy bits being the jellyfish.
Many of the tanks being rather small for the amount of fish etc in them.Probably because of the age of the building.
The variety of the jellyfish is large and very interesting.Written September 25, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - CiocilalaTucson, AZ37 contributionsNice variety of local and tropical environments. Informative for older children, tropical fish for young children to follow, relaxing for adults.Written March 4, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- DesmondLimSingapore, Singapore324 contributionsGetting 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!Written December 20, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - OdakyumattEbina, Japan506 contributionsMade a visit with the wife and her sister and her family. Very cool place and around 5 minutes from the train station. Dolphin was great and they have a dolphin feeding show afterwards.Written December 8, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- DesmondLimSingapore, Singapore324 contributionsWe walked from JR Rikuzen Tagasago Station to the aquarium (could have took a taxi instead, cost about JPY1000).
The aquarium has 2 floor, indoor tanks on the first, and outdoor tanks and show on the second. The variety of sea creatures are quite decent compared to other aquariums in Japan. The shows are the highlights. We are quite impressed with the dolphin show and the seal interactive performance with the spectators.
Bonus - Squirrel cage! Visitors can walk into the cage to look at the cute squirrels close up.
We spent about 2.5 hours in the aquarium. Worth a visit!
Do give me a thumbs up if u find the review useful. ThanksWritten December 17, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Susan FBrisbane, Australia38 contributionsWe enjoyed our visit to this zoo. There were lots of animals and birds to see and we were impressed with the open areas for the larger animals to roam around in. Nice gift shops too.Written December 28, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Michelle KLondon, UK343 contributionsIt is difficult to write a review for this place especially after reading the very positive and very negative reviews that others have left. I can only elaborate on my experience and thoughts on the matter. When we visited in May we managed to get a taxi (£30 one way) to the location - the driver did not speak English but he knows where to go once you say "Kitsune Mura" which is the Japanese name of the village.
When you enter the park there are a couple of secluded foxes chained up, with signs saying to not touch them. They then had some more individually caged foxes further back, along with some other farm animals such as rabbits, guinea pigs and ponies. Between the two sections there was an open area with benches where they held the "hold a fox" event and gave us all a baby fox to hold (for 700 yen each). The main section of the village is a separate enclosure where they run around freely with a platform in the middle where guests can throw treats to the foxes (100 yen per bag). This is done so they can be discouraged from stealing your food and they also sometimes can get aggressive between themselves when catching the food. Many tourists also unfortunately don't listen to instructions (don't touch / don't take a damn selfie with the fox!) so this way the foxes are as safe from those types of tourists as much as the tourists are safe from the foxes (who did not ask for seflies).
As far as seeing many foxes in cages go, I think what other reviewers might be referring to is 2/3 larger cages that are situated to the side of the main enclosure. Reading the information on the signs however, they say that these foxes are currently ready for mating season or are mothers and that is why they are being kept separately. Now, being a foreigner, I cannot judge the level of care that these foxes are being given as I could not read everything nor ask the intricacies of how they run the place. The foxes I saw in cages and outside of them seemed healthy. Some were shedding fur ready for the summer which made them seem a bit scruffy and yes, some had clearly been in fights with other foxes. The majority of them however seemed calm and healthy.
Japan has a long history and respectful attitude in terms of foxes. Indeed, fox statues are put up near shrines and burial grounds as they are considered sacred animals there to protect. I therefore find it hard to believe that an attraction such as this is not well-maintained in terms of safety practises but I do not know for certain. It's up to you to decide whether you want to go.
Once you are done, you ask for a taxi from the reception area and they will give you a ticket with a number so when the taxi gets there, the driver will come and call you (another £30 to the station).Written July 10, 2019This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - Sean OTokyo, Japan9 contributionsCan't beat the price! Sure, the zoo doesn't necessarily have the most impressive collection of animals, but you sure get lots of value for the money!Written July 29, 2018This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Anna K1 contributionI was at Ebisu Circut and these two places are connected in part. It shocked me to see a polar bear and other bears in small cages!!! And they have to listen to car's enginees all days, how is it possible to make safari park with car racing places all around? Heart breaking :(Written April 9, 2020This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
- Kevin H19 contributionsThe rain didn't dampen our experience one bit! In fact, it highlighted a wonderful aspect of the zoo's character - children's umbrella's only cost 300 yen. There was no entrance fee for children 15 and under (adult tickets were 500 yen) and the food was good (Ramen & Curry options available as well as western snack foods) and reasonably priced (I have six children. My whole family ate for under 5,000 yen).
The zoo itself was impressive for the price. There are 31 large displays. The park provides maps in English and the displays have the animal names in English as well.
The staff at the Elephant building invited us inside to enjoy a one on one experience with tortoises and a python (a highlight for our children). We were also able to feed an elephant!!!!
Animal list:
Japanese Macaques
Nocturnal Mammals
Japaneses Hares
Japanese Martens, red foxes and badgers
Sika Deer
Japanese Squirrels
Raccoon Dogs and masked palm Civiets
Japanese Black Bears
Japanese Wild Pigs
Phesants, owls & kookaburras
Falcons
Golden Eagles & Snowy Owls
Mallards & Ducks
Leopard Cat
White Rhino
Flamingoes
Giraffes, Zibras, Sitatungas and Ostriches
Lions
African Elephants & Small African Animals
Swans
Kangaroos & Emus
Bison
Camel
Children's Zoo
Serows
Meerkat
Bighorn Sheep
Pumas
Otters
and Alpaca
A wonderful experience!Written November 19, 2016This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews. - sasamigorengTokyo60 contributionsMOGURANPIA was originally the underground aquarium and science museum located in Kuji city, but it was hit by earthquake and tsunami in 2011. Temporarily the aquarium was moved to the current place near Kuji station. Cosy, not gorgeous one but supported by many local people and people all over Japan. Hope the new aquarium will be rebuilt soon.Written November 29, 2015This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tohoku
- These places are best for zoos & aquariums in Tohoku:
- Aquamarine Fukushima
- Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium
- Aomori Asamushi Aquarium
- Sendai Uminomori Aquarium
- Oga Aquarium Gao
- These are the best places for kid-friendly zoos & aquariums in Tohoku:
- Aquamarine Fukushima
- Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium
- Aomori Asamushi Aquarium
- Sendai Uminomori Aquarium
- Oga Aquarium Gao
- These are the best places for couples seeking zoos & aquariums in Tohoku:See more zoos & aquariums for couples in Tohoku on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for groups seeking zoos & aquariums in Tohoku:See more zoos & aquariums for groups in Tohoku on Tripadvisor
- These are the best places for budget-friendly zoos & aquariums in Tohoku:
- Aquamarine Fukushima
- Tsuruoka City Kamo Aquarium
- Aomori Asamushi Aquarium
- Oga Aquarium Gao
- Yagiyama Zoological Park