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Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai

新潟県

4.3

Tourist Information of This Area

general.prefecture.

About 600 species and 30,000 exhibits are kept and displayed at the aquarium.

This aquarium houses and exhibits around 30,000 specimens of approximately 600 species of aquatic life from various classification groups. Dolphin shows are held daily, and there are plenty of attractions to see, such as explanations in the experience and learning zones and views from the Marine Tunnel that passes under the large water tank.

Features & How to Enjoy

Classic LeisureKidsRainny day

Highlights

Point 1

Enjoy the Fantastic View of the Japan Sea

The view of the sea from the large aquarium at Marinepia Japan Sea is like entering a fantastic world. The powerful exhibits can be enjoyed by both children and adults. In the Japan Sea area on the basement floor, about 40 species of fish are displayed in a large tank with a water volume of 800 cubic meters. There is also a marine tunnel under the large tank, allowing you to experience the feeling of taking a walk under the sea.

Point 2

Encounter 20,000 Living Creatures of 450 Species

At Marinepia Nihonkai, you can get up close with 30,000 living creatures of 600 species such as dolphins and fish. In the "Sea of Japan Large Aquarium" on the basement floor, you can see fish unique to the Sea of Japan, which is surrounded by the Eurasian continent and the Japanese archipelago. As the types of fish differ from those in aquariums on the Pacific side, be sure to compare them. In the "Warm Current Sea" area, you can see fish from the warm sea where the Tsushima Current and the Kuroshio Current meet. Next to it, there is an exhibition tank of fantastic jellyfish.

Point 3

Conveniently Accessible Aquarium on the Japan Sea Side

Marinepia Japan Sea boasts the largest aquarium on the Japan Sea side and is the most easily accessible aquarium on the Japan Sea side from Tokyo. Buses run from Niigata Station, which is serviced by the Shinkansen, via Niigata Seiryo University, making it possible to visit by public transportation. There are also many restaurants in the area that offer delicious lunches and meals, making it a recommended spot for dates.

Point 4

Observing the Ecosystem of Rice Fields

While Marinepia Nihonkai is an aquarium, you can observe ecosystems other than the sea. One of these areas is called "Niigata Field". This is an outdoor exhibit, and there is a rice field on the aquarium grounds. In the spring and autumn, events such as rice planting, harvesting, and threshing are held. As it is an environment that is close to nature, wild creatures such as insects and wild ducks also visit. This aquarium is the only place where you can observe the ecosystem of Niigata in detail!

Point 5

Perfect Aquarium for a Date

Marinepia Nihonkai is also popular as a dating spot. The underwater tunnel in the Nihonkai large aquarium area and the jellyfish area are perfect for a romantic atmosphere. Since summers in Niigata can be hot, a cool aquarium is perfect for a summer date spot. There are also restaurants and other tourist spots nearby, so you can plan a one-day date course including Marinepia Aquarium. The museum shop also has goods that can be bought as a pair, so be sure to stop by.

Point 6

Tourist Spot Enjoyable for Both Children and Adults

画像引用：マリンピア日本海「館内マップ　にいがたフィールド」

Marinepia Japan Sea is a tourist spot enjoyable for both children and adults. While children may get bored just looking at the aquariums, the "Penguin Commentary" and "Japan Sea Large Aquarium Commentary" allow you to learn about the detailed ecology of the creatures swimming there. In addition, the "Marine Safari Feeding Commentary" provides a detailed explanation of the ecology of seals. There is also a kids' space, so you can rest assured even when you have small children with you.

Point 7

Numerous Outdoor Experiences

画像引用：マリンピア日本海「野外体験教室」

Marinepia Nihonkai offers not only experiences with the marine ecosystem, but also many events that allow you to touch upon the various natural features of Niigata, such as rivers and wetlands. In July, they hold an outdoor experience class called "Snagani Outdoor Observation Meeting," where you can observe the ecosystem of Snagani on the sandy beach. While aquariums are typically indoors for observing fish ecosystems, Marinepia Nihonkai also offers outdoor events. Families with elementary school children can create unforgettable memories by participating in events like these.

Point 8

Enjoy Niigata's Seafood at a Restaurant

画像引用：マリンピア日本海「野外体験教室」

At Restaurant UMINONE located in Marinepia Nihonkai, there is a variety of dishes made with delicious seafood and mountain delicacies from Niigata. Recommended dishes include the "Nodoguro Ten and Seafood Sashimi Set Meal" which comes with sashimi of Nodoguro, a type of fish found in Niigata, and the Niigata specialty "Niigata Tare Katsu Don". For lunch, be sure to visit Restaurant UMINONE!

Fee

Admission Fee is 1500 yen for Adults

The admission fee for Marinepia Nihonkai is quite reasonable compared to aquariums in the city center. It costs 1500 yen for adults, 600 yen for elementary and junior high school students, and 200 yen for children aged 4 to before entering elementary school. Group discounts are also available. If you have the "Niigata Wide-Area City Common Discount Coupon for Cultural and Tourist Facilities" or the "Niigata City Tourist Circulation Bus One-Day Pass," you can get a discount on the admission fee, so it's recommended to buy a good deal ticket and visit multiple tourist spots when sightseeing in Niigata.

Required time

Explore in about 2 hours, including shows

Marinepia Nihonkai is not a particularly large aquarium, so you can see all the tanks, including the dolphin show (about 15 minutes), in about 2 hours. It's also a good idea to visit the aquarium in the morning or afternoon and then explore the surrounding tourist spots for the rest of the time. In addition to viewing the tanks, Marinepia Nihonkai also offers events such as "Penguin Commentary" and "Japan Sea Large Tank Commentary," where the keepers explain about the sea creatures. These events are held once or twice a day, so if the timing is right, you can enjoy the aquarium even more by listening to them.

Souvenirs

Lots of Cute Souvenirs at the Shop!

At the Marinepia Nihonkai museum shop "Marinepia Heart," there are plenty of souvenirs available, from the classic stuffed sea creatures to limited-time products collaborating with Christmas and Tanabata. The Niigata specialty "Salada Hope" also has a Marinepia Nihonkai limited edition version, making it the perfect souvenir for your loved ones. After touring the aquarium, be sure to check out the museum shop for souvenirs!

Basic Information

	Address	5932-445 Nishifunamicho, Chuo Ward, Niigata, Niigata Prefecture 951-8555
	Business Hours	Open Monday to Sunday from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm.
	TEL	025-222-7500
	Web Site	https://www.marinepia.or.jp/

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