If you visit Aqua World Oarai Aquarium, you absolutely have to see the 'IWASHI LIFE' sardine show. About 15,000 sardines move dynamically in sync with lights and music—it's like watching one giant living creature. The show started in 2021 for the aquarium's 20th anniversary, and it features sardines, which are a big catch in Ibaraki Prefecture. Even if you think sardines are kind of weak, this energetic performance will totally change your mind. The show happens three times a day at the big tank on the second floor, but check the official website for the schedule since it can change.
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Aqua World Ibaraki Oarai Aquarium
Home to the largest varieties of sharks in Japan! Meet over 580 different species of sea life in 8 different zones at one of the best aquariums in all Japan!
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One of Japan’s best aquariums, Aqua World Ibaraki Oarai is home to over 580 different varieties of salt-water and fresh-water sea life. Just as its iconic shark symbol may hint, this aquarium is held as the nation’s best place to find the most varieties of sharks. For an extra thrill, you can also visit Japan’s biggest tank dedicated to ocean sunfish here, displaying a number of different varieties of this rare fish.
The aquarium is quite expansive and even includes a “Deai no Umi” (Meet the Sea) Zone that recreates Ibaraki’s seascape and a “Sekai no Umi” (The World’s Oceans) Zone where countless shark, sunfish, and other varieties can be found swimming by. For loveable crowd favorites, you won’t want to miss the tufted puffins and cuddly otters in the “Sekai no Umi (The World’s Oceans)” Zone 2. For live shows featuring sea lions and dolphins, head over to the Ocean Zone.
In addition to the real tanks found across each zone, there’s also a preserved shark display and CG recreation of them swimming in the Shark Daddy’s Room, or a “Kidsland” area where children can learn about sea creatures by interacting with them. In the “Mori to Kawa” (Forest and River) Zone you’ll find the rivers of Ibaraki recreated before your eyes, or headover to the 8th and final zone, the “Deai Deck” (Meet and Greet Deck), home to one of the world’s largest taxidermy basking sharks and a larger-than-life model of a sperm whale. Head on over to dive into the water world and learn about the sea!
Highlights
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One of Japan’s top aquariums, home to over 580 different species of aquatic life.
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Raises the largest number of sharks in Japan.
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Also home to the largest dedicated sunfish tank in all of Japan, featuring a wide array of different sunfish.
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Aquarium is divided into 8 separate zones.
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There’s a special kids corner for little ones to explore.
Photos
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A breathtakingly immersive look into the sea world.
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See the local oceanscape recreated before your eyes at “Deai no Umi” (Meet the Sea) Zone
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Raises the largest number of sharks in all of Japan.
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Penguins and Dolphins at the “Ocean Zone” live shows.
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The gigantic “Kurage 365” jellyfish tank at the “Shinpi no Umi” (Mysteries of the Sea) Zone.
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“Shark Daddy’s Room”, a shark-themed display area.
Reviews
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Details
- Name in Japanese
- アクアワールド茨城県大洗水族館
- Postal Code
- 311-1301
- Address
- 8252-3 Isohamacho, Oaraimachi, Higashiibarakigun, Ibaraki
- Tel
- 029-267-5151
- Admission
- Adults: 2,300 yen, elementary/middle-aged students: 1,100 yen, small children (ages 3 and up) 400 yen, toddlers and infants (ages 3 and under) admitted for free.
- Regular Closures
- None ※Aquarium is closed at certain points in June and December.
- Open Hours
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9:00am - 5:00pm (Admission allowed until 4:00pm)
※Subject to change depending on the season.
※Open hours may change upon sudden notice - Access
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(1) From Oarai Station on the Kashima-Rinkai Line, take the loop bus about 15 mins and get off at Aquaworld/ Oarai
(2) From Nakaminato Station take the Ibaraki public bus (bound for “50/Ibadaimae Eigyojo” and get off after approx. 7 minutes at the “Aquaworld/Oarai” stop. - Credit Cards
- Accepted ※Not available in the Food Court or Relax café Mermaid.
- Official Website
- Official Website (English)