Port Of Nagoya Public Aquarium

Description

The Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium ranks as [Japan’s largest aquarium](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Nagoya_Public_Aquarium) in terms of tank capacity and total area. What makes this place truly special? Well, imagine walking through two incredible buildings, each telling its own fascinating story. The South Building takes you on an Antarctic adventure, while the North Building winds back through 3.5 billion years of marine evolution – pretty mind-blowing stuff if you ask me!

With [over 500 different species](https://nagoyaaqua.jp/english/) calling this place home, you’ll discover marine life from every corner of our oceans. I was particularly amazed by their dolphin show pool – it’s actually the biggest in Japan! And speaking of shows, their marine life performances are absolutely spectacular.

Key Features

• Two themed buildings: South Building (Antarctic journey) and North Building (Evolution of marine life)
• [Japan’s largest dolphin show tank](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Port_of_Nagoya_Public_Aquarium) with daily performances
• Home to beluga whales, killer whales, and bottlenose dolphins
• [Over 500 species and 50,000 marine creatures](https://chubu-roo.com/eng/destination/port-of-nagoya-aquarium/) from around the world
• Interactive educational programs and exhibits
• Antarctic icebreaker Fuji expedition showcase
• Modern facilities with wheelchair accessibility
• Food courts and gift shops
• Paid parking facilities
• Multiple payment options including credit cards and digital payments

Best Time to Visit

Early mornings tend to be less crowded, especially on weekdays. I’d suggest arriving right when they open to catch the first dolphin show of the day – the animals are super energetic then! Weekends can get pretty packed, especially during school holidays and summer months. If you’re visiting during peak season (July-August), consider coming on a weekday to avoid the longest queues.

Winter visits have their own charm – the indoor facilities are climate-controlled, making it a perfect escape from the cold. Plus, you might catch sight of the belugas being extra playful in their chilly water!

How to Get There

Getting to the Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium is actually pretty straightforward. The closest station is Nagoyako Station on the Meiko Line. From there, you can either take a short bus ride or enjoy a pleasant 5-minute walk to the aquarium. If you’re coming from Nagoya Station, just hop on the Meiko Line and you’ll be there in about 20 minutes.

For those driving, the aquarium offers paid parking, but spaces can fill up quick during peak times. I learned this the hard way once – now I always arrive early if I’m taking my car!

Tips for Visiting

Let me share some insider tips that’ll make your visit even better. First off, grab your tickets in advance – trust me, it’ll save you precious time that’s better spent watching those amazing dolphins! The aquarium’s quite massive, so comfortable walking shoes are a must.

Plan your day around the show schedule – you definitely don’t wanna miss the dolphin performances. They’re usually packed, so get there at least 15 minutes early to snag good seats. I always check out the North Building first, then head to the South Building after lunch when crowds typically thin out.

Bring your camera, but skip the flash photography – it’s not allowed and honestly, it’s better for our finned friends. If you’re visiting with kids, the touch pools are a huge hit – just remember to wash hands before and after.

Food-wise, there are several options inside, but they can be a bit pricey. I usually pack some snacks and grab lunch at one of the nearby restaurants. And here’s a money-saving tip: look into combination tickets if you’re planning to visit other Port of Nagoya attractions – they can save you quite a bit!

Lastly, don’t rush through. Between the fascinating exhibits, awesome shows, and various interactive displays, you’ll want at least 3-4 hours to really soak it all in. The evolution exhibits in the North Building are particularly fascinating – take your time reading the information panels, they’ve got some really cool facts about how marine life has adapted over millions of years.

Location

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