＜Shimane Prefectural Shimane Marine Museum Aquas＞A Soothing Encounter with Ocean Creatures｜Hamada,Ota,GotsuFor recommended sightseeing and leisure spots inTabiiro

A Soothing Encounter with Ocean Creatures

Located within Iwami Seaside Park, overlooking the vast Sea of Japan, "Shimane Marine Museum Aquas" features some 400 species and 10,000 sea creatures. Highlights include the "Happiness Bubble Rings ®" performed by beluga whales - said to bring good fortune - the "Penguin Pavilion" with around 60 penguins viewed up close, and a 1,000-ton tank where sharks and rays swim gracefully. Other attractions include entertaining performances by sea lions and seals. The museum invites visitors to explore the mystical world of marine life at a gentle, unhurried pace.

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Beluga Performance Pool

A pool featuring diverse performances by the only beluga whales housed in western Japan. Highlights include the "Happiness Bubble Rings®", formed from bubbles released from the blowhole, and the Happiness Magic Rings, a large, swirling ring created through powerful breaths.

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Up-Close Views of Flying Penguins

Seen from below, penguins appear to soar through the sky as they swim overhead. A small viewing window offers a unique underwater perspective. In the newly renovated indoor pool, simulated snowfall creates a more natural environment, allowing for even more vivid observations of their behaviour.

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Reopened in March 2022

Renovated under the theme "Aquas Iluminated by Light", this newly reopened space features a captivating fusion of marine life and projection mapping. Among the highlights is the striking collaboration between beluga whales and immersive visual effects.

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Immersed in Scenic Surroundings The Largest Aquarium in the Chugoku-Shikoku Region

This interactive aquarium offers close encounters with a wide variety of marine creatures. Be sure to check the schedule for performances by featured animals to make the most of the visit with family, friends, or other loved ones.

Special information

Beluga Performance Pool

A pool featuring diverse performances by the only beluga whales housed in western Japan. Highlights include the "Happiness Bubble Rings®", formed from bubbles released from the blowhole, and the Happiness Magic Rings, a large, swirling ring created through powerful breaths.
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Up-Close Views of Flying Penguins

Seen from below, penguins appear to soar through the sky as they swim overhead. A small viewing window offers a unique underwater perspective. In the newly renovated indoor pool, simulated snowfall creates a more natural environment, allowing for even more vivid observations of their behaviour.
View Details▸
A Summer 2024 Arrival from the Beluga Family

Born in the summer of 2024, the baby beluga charms visitors as it plays with toys and swims closely beside its mother, "Anna". At this stage, its skin is still gray, gradually turning white as it matures—a captivating transformation to watch over time.
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"Kids Room" for Young Guests

This charming "Kids’ Room" is decorated with illustrations of sea creatures and equipped with a slide and dome-shaped play structures where children are free to play. A photo-worthy space for capturing special memories, it is located next to a fully equipped nursing room, providing peace of mind for families with young children.
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"Aquas Land" with Exciting Outdoor Athletics

A vast park with athletic play equipment adjacent to the aquarium. The large slide, which is about 60 meters long and has a drop of 16 meters, is a great activity for both children and adults alike. Barrier-free design allows the whole family to enjoy the whole day together.
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Shimane Prefectural Shimane Marine Museum Aquas

Address

1117-2 kushiro Town, Hamada City, Shimane

Access

[Car] 6 minutes from Hamada-higashi IC on the San’in-do Gotsu Road when arriving from the Sanyo area; 5 minutes from Gotsu-nishi IC when arriving from the Matsue area; and about 10 minutes toward Matsue after passing through the Hamada Bypass on Route 9 when arriving from the Hagi/Tsuwano area; [Train] 10-minute walk from JR San’in Main Line Hane Station via Aquas Road

Official Website

https://aquas.or.jp/

TEL

+81-855-28-3900

SNS

Business hours

9:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M. (Last admission: 1 hour before closing) *9:00 A.M. to 6:00 P.M. from July 20th - August 31st

Regular Holiday

Tuesdays (the next day if Tuesday is a holiday) *Open during Golden Week, July 20th to August 31st, winter break, and spring break

Fee

Individuals / Adults: 1,550 yen
Elementary / Middle / High School Students: 500 yen

Groups (20 or more paying visitors) / Adults: 1,250 yen
Elementary / Middle / High School Students: 400 yen

Aquas Fan Club (Annual Passport) / Adults: 4,150 yen
Elementary / Middle / High School Students: 1,400 yen

Educational Use / Chaperoning Teachers: Free
Elementary / Middle / High School Students: 400 yen

Physically Disabled Persons / Adults: 770 yen
Elementary / Middle / High School Students: 250 yen

Parking