Oita Marine Palace Aquarium “Umitamago” Travel Guide! Get Up Close with Marine Life at This Interactive Aquarium

Umitamago offers a wide variety of shows and events that allow visitors to experience the animals up close.
In addition to dolphin and walrus performances, visitors can also enjoy animal interaction experiences.
Seeing the animals’ dynamic movements and individual personalities up close is an experience that is hard to find at a conventional aquarium.

One of its greatest features is that visitors can share the same space as the animals rather than viewing them through fences or glass.
ASOBEACH Friends Live also features events such as whale performances and fur seal walks, with the day’s activities remaining a surprise until your visit.

The outdoor area on the second floor offers sweeping views of the blue waters of Beppu Bay.
In addition to encounters with animals, the chance to enjoy the beautiful scenery created by the sea and sky is another attraction unique to Umitamago.

This popular program offers the rare opportunity to enjoy a walrus performance in Japan.
Despite weighing several hundred kilograms, the walruses display adorable gestures and comical movements that are sure to bring a smile to your face.

The audience seating is located close to the pool, allowing visitors to experience the dolphins’ energetic jumps at close range.
During the summer-only water-splashing performance, large amounts of water reach even the front-row seats, filling the venue with excitement.
Visitors who do not want to get wet should choose their seats carefully and bring a towel and a change of clothes.

This popular program takes place in the large tank filled with coral and is held on Saturdays, Sundays, and public holidays.
A diver enters the tank and provides feeding demonstrations and commentary, clearly explaining the lives of tropical fish and the ecology of coral reefs.

The Giant Circular Tank recreates the Bungo Channel and allows visitors to watch approximately 1,500 fish representing around 90 species swimming gracefully.
During the Narrated Fish Feeding in the Giant Circular Tank program, a diver feeds the fish and provides commentary, giving visitors insight into the animals’ little-known habits and fascinating qualities.

This exhibition area highlights the beauty of living creatures, including the dreamlike appearance of jellyfish and the vivid colors of fish.
Carefully designed lighting and presentation create a space that feels like an art gallery.
The area allows visitors to discover the beauty and mystery of the colors and forms that marine animals have developed over the course of evolution.

Umitamago has four touch pools in total, with three outdoors and one indoors.
Visitors can observe and touch starfish, sea cucumbers, and fish found in the waters around Oita.
The pools are particularly popular with children, many of whom are surprised to discover what the animals feel like to the touch.

The main shop offers souvenirs unique to Umitamago, including original merchandise, plush toys, and confectionery.
It also carries a wide selection of merchandise featuring popular aquarium animals and limited-edition items, making it an ideal place to find a keepsake from your trip or a gift.

The window seats overlooking Beppu Bay are especially popular, and on clear days, the views from the terrace seats are exceptional.
Visitors can enjoy marine animal-themed food and desserts, including soft serve topped with honey and walrus-themed dishes.

The Kids’ Corner on the first floor features a variety of playground equipment inspired by marine animals.
It is ideal for giving young children a change of pace and also serves as a convenient place to rest between exhibits.

The aquarium has three nursing rooms and seven multipurpose restrooms.
Strollers and wheelchairs are also available for rent, making visits with babies more convenient.
Stroller rental costs 300 yen, while wheelchairs are available free of charge.

Coin lockers are available in four sizes: large, medium, small, and slim, allowing visitors to store their belongings and explore the aquarium more comfortably.
A paid portable battery rental service called ChargeSPOT is also available, so visitors can enjoy their time without worrying about their phone battery running out.

Floor maps and brochures are available in English, Chinese, and Korean.
These resources allow travelers from overseas to visit with confidence.

Adjacent to Umitamago, this zoological garden lies at the foot of 628-meter-high Mt. Takasaki.
It is popular with tourists as a natural zoological garden where more than 1,000 wild monkeys can be observed.
It shares a parking area with Umitamago and is within easy walking distance, making a combined visit a classic Oita sightseeing itinerary.

Located approximately 15 minutes by car from Umitamago, Beppu Onsen is a hot spring destination with the largest volume of hot spring water discharge and the greatest number of hot spring sources in Japan.
Beppu Jigoku Meguri, a tour of seven visually distinctive geothermal hot spring sites centered around Kannawa Onsen, is especially popular.
There are also many day-use bathing facilities and footbaths, making it a great place to relax in a hot spring after spending time at Umitamago.

Beppu Ropeway is located approximately 20 minutes by car from Umitamago.
It connects Beppu Kogen Station at the foot of Mt. Tsurumi, one of Japan’s 300 Famous Mountains, with Tsurumi Sanjo Station at an elevation of 1,300 meters.
The observation points offer views of Beppu City and the coastline of Beppu Bay.