Toba Aquarium — Japan's Largest-Class Aquarium Where You Can Meet a Dugong

The only aquarium in Japan where you can meet the dugong, the mysterious creature said to be the model for the mermaid legend, Toba Aquarium in Mie Prefecture is one of the country's largest-scale aquariums, home to some 1,200 species. It boasts the highest number of species kept in Japan, and in displays that recreate environments such as sea, river, and pond, visitors can observe a great variety of creatures up close. It is a leading attraction of Ise-Shima.

Highlights

• The most species in Japan: Opened in 1955, Toba Aquarium's greatest feature is the sheer number of species it keeps. Its roughly 1,200 species is the highest in Japan. Known as the aquarium with no set route, visitors freely explore its 12 zones and engage with the creatures as they please.
• Dugong: The symbol of Toba Aquarium is the dugong, gliding gracefully as it feeds on sea grass. This is the only place in Japan that keeps and displays a dugong, making it a rare presence worldwide. Its endearing form is a must-see.
• Sea otters, sea lions, and walruses: A rich variety of distinctive creatures and events await, from sea otters that eat deftly with both paws to lively sea lion shows and humorous walrus meet-and-greet times. Rare creatures such as the giant African manatee also live here.

Seasonal Enjoyment

As an indoor facility, it can be enjoyed comfortably year-round regardless of season or weather. It is ideal as a rainy-day destination, and many people visit it together with Ise Jingu and sightseeing in Shima. During busy periods such as Golden Week and the summer holidays, opening hours may be extended, so checking the day's hours and show times on the official site is reassuring.

Access & Essentials

• Access: About a 10-minute walk from Toba Station on the JR and Kintetsu lines.
• By car: Accessible from the Ise interchange of the Ise Expressway, with parking available.
• Admission (guideline): 2,800 yen for adults (high school age and above), 1,600 yen for elementary and junior high school students, and 800 yen for young children (age 3 and above). Prices may be revised, so check the official site for the latest.
• Hours: Normally 9:30 to 17:00 (last entry 16:00), extended in busy periods. Open year-round.

Practical Travel Notes

Because there is no set route and you explore freely, two to three hours pass quickly if you look carefully. Shows and the feeding times of the dugong and sea otters are set, so checking the schedule on arrival and touring around the events you most want to see is efficient. To avoid crowds, the morning right after opening is relatively relaxed. Mikimoto Pearl Island is also close, across Toba Station, and combining these with a Toba Bay sightseeing boat and Dolphin Island lets you enjoy the Toba sea to the full for a whole day.

A Word of Advice

The popular dugong and sea otters are active at feeding times, so timing your visit to catch these is rewarding. Being mainly indoors makes it reliable in the rain, but the building is large with a fair distance to walk, so comfortable shoes are recommended. Being able to tour at your own pace without worrying about a fixed route, even with small children, is a charm unique to this aquarium.

📚 Sources

The official Toba Aquarium website is a reliable source for admission fees, opening hours, and the times of shows and dugong and sea otter feedings. Guidance from the Toba City Tourism Association is also helpful.

Admission fees, opening hours, and show times may be revised or changed. Fees, hours, and access may change, so please confirm with official sources before you set out.

Visitor Checklist

• Time needed: With no fixed route to follow freely, a thorough visit takes about two to three hours; touring around show and feeding times is efficient.
• What to bring: It is mainly indoors and fine in rain, but the halls are large, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.
• Suggested route: On arrival, check the show and dugong and sea otter feeding times, then tour the 12 zones around the events you want to see; Mikimoto Pearl Island is also nearby across Toba Station.