A dophin is rewarded for performing tricks at Shimoda Underwater Aquarium on the southern coast of Japan’s Izu Peninsula, May 29, 2023. (Claire Jenq/Stars and Stripes)
Shimoda Underwater Aquarium, on the southern coast of Japan’s Izu Peninsula, boasts shimmering ocean views and hands-on experiences with the marine life that lives there.
Also called the Shimoda Floating Aquarium, it’s within Wakanoura Bay, about 105 miles south of Tokyo.
A pod of friendly bottlenose dolphins kept in a small inlet put on shows and perform tricks for treats. Visitors can learn from a dolphin trainer and feed fish to the trained dolphins.
Approaching the entrance of the aquarium feels like walking into a time capsule from the 1990s. Loudspeakers beckon visitors with bouncy, jingly music. Ice cream vending machines hold a rainbow of treats. Two sea turtles swim lazy circles in a viewing pool that seems just a tad too small.
However, the aquarium’s ticket prices — 2,100 yen per adult, or about $15 — will snap visitors right back to the present.
Floating, canvas-covered docks allow people to walk right across the inlet where they can catch up-close views of leaping dolphins. The Aqua Dome in the middle of the bay has an underwater viewing platform and tank with more than 150,000 gallons of water and at least 50 species of sea creatures, according to the aquarium’s website.
A starfish rests in its tank at Shimoda Under Aquarium on the southern coast of Japan’s Izu Peninsula, May 29, 2023. (Claire Jenq/Stars and Stripes)
After marveling at the silvery schools of fish in the Aqua Dome, visitors can continue down the docks to the penguin pool, seal house and the Umi Meguri, a more traditional, above-ground aquarium display.
The marine animals perform on a schedule that moves visitors efficiently through the complex, ensuring that they stop at each facility.
The otter exhibit is a popular spot where visitors can feed small treats to the curious creatures that reach their soft paws through special tubes in the glass to snatch snacks from open palms.
Diners can watch sea life while enjoying the fresh taste of seafood at two restaurants on the premises. The Shimoda deep-sea shark burger for 650 yen might entice more adventurous eaters. However, there is also standard fare on the menu like hot dogs at 480 yen and churros for 450 yen.
Diners can watch sea life while enjoying meals at Shimoda Underwater Aquarium on the southern coast of Japan’s Izu Peninsula. (Claire Jenq/Stars and Stripes)
Whether you visit for a few hours or the whole day, Shimoda Aquarium gives you a close look at many of the creatures that live beneath the shimmering waves of the Pacific Ocean.
On the QT
Directions: About a three-hour drive from U.S. bases in the Kanto area; it’s a 7-minute bus ride from Izukyu-Shimoda Station. Shimoda Underwater Aquarium 3-22-31 Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture 415-8502.
Times: Open daily from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Costs: 2,100 yen for adults; 1,050 yen for children 4 years and older.
Food: Two onsite locations serve fish burgers and french fries.
Information: Phone: 0558-22-3567; Online: shimoda-aquarium.com
