Home/Mie/Toba/Toba Aquarium — Japan's Only Dugong Exhibit

Toba Aquarium — Japan's Only Dugong Exhibit

Published: Jul 22, 2026

Updated: Jul 22, 2026

Toba Aquariumdugongaquariummarine lifefamily

Toba Aquarium — Japan's Only Dugong Exhibit

Toba Aquarium — Japan's Only Dugong Exhibit 2

Toba Aquarium (鳥羽水族館) is Japan's largest aquarium by species diversity, housing over 1,200 species across 12 themed zones — from tropical coral reefs to deep-sea creatures and freshwater ecosystems. The aquarium is famous for being Japan's only facility exhibiting dugongs (sea cows, relatives of manatees), which graze peacefully in a massive viewing tank. The aquarium has successfully kept dugongs since 1987, a feat unmatched by any other Japanese institution.

Other highlights include the 'Mysteries of the Sea' zone featuring giant spider crabs (3m leg span), bioluminescent deep-sea fish, and a walk-through jellyfish tunnel. The 'Amazing Adaptations' zone showcases evolutionary marvels like archerfish (shoots water to knock down insects) and frogfish camouflage. Toba Aquarium's no-fixed-route layout allows visitors to explore at their own pace rather than following a prescribed path.

Essential Information

Opening Hours

9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:00) | Extended to 18:00 in summer | Feeding shows: 11:00 (sea lions), 13:00 (penguins), 15:00 (sea otters) | Dugong feedings: 10:30, 13:30, 16:00

Closed: Open daily year-round (no regular closing days) | Check website for occasional maintenance closures

Entrance Fee

¥2,800 adults | ¥1,600 elementary/junior high | ¥800 ages 3+ | Toba 3-spot Ticket (aquarium + Mikimoto Pearl Island + Toba Bay Cruise): ¥4,800

Best Season

Year-round (indoor facility) | Summer (July–August) for extended hours | Weekdays outside school holidays for smaller crowds

Visit Duration

2–3 hours for full aquarium | 1 hour minimum (dugong zone + highlights) | Allow extra time for feeding shows

Getting There

Access Information

3-3-6 Toba, Toba City. 10-min walk from Toba Station (Kintetsu line). Entry: ¥2,800 adults, ¥1,600 elementary/junior high, ¥800 ages 3+. Hours: 9:00–17:00 (extended to 18:00 in summer). Visit duration: 2-3 hours. Feeding shows: 11:00 (sea lions), 13:00 (penguins), 15:00 (sea otters).

Insider Guide

Premium

**Dugong viewing timing:** The dugong tank is in Zone A (tropical seas section). Dugongs are most active during feeding times: 10:30, 13:30, and 16:00. Staff provide commentary (Japanese only) explaining dugong biology and conservation status (vulnerable species). The viewing window is large, allowing close observation of their slow, graceful movements and seagrass grazing behavior. Outside feeding times, dugongs often rest motionless on the tank floor — patience yields best viewing. **Hidden highlights:** The 'Extreme Seas' zone features the aquarium's most unusual specimens: giant isopods (deep-sea scavengers), chambered nautilus (living fossils), and African lungfish (breathe air). The zone is easy to miss near the back of the building but offers the most unique species. Also visit the touch pools (starfish, sea cucumbers, bamboo sharks) near the entrance — staff supervise and explain proper handling. **Combined tickets:** Toba Bay area offers combination tickets with nearby attractions: Mikimoto Pearl Island (pearl cultivation museum, ¥1,650) and Toba Bay Cruise (scenic ferry, ¥2,000). The 'Toba 3-spot Ticket' (¥4,800) includes all three and saves ¥1,450. Only worthwhile if visiting all three attractions; otherwise buy individual tickets.

View on Google Maps