Kushimoto Marine Park

Opened in 1970 as Japan’s first marine park, Kushimoto Marine Park is home to its iconic Undersea Observation Tower, which stands 140 meters offshore. From the observation deck, visitors can watch the unusual sight of hundreds of largescale blackfish gathering in search of food and admire the colorful coral reefs covering the seabed 6.3 meters below the surface.

An aquarium is located near the entrance to the bridge leading to the observation tower. It houses and exhibits approximately 5,000 creatures representing about 500 species. Its centerpiece is a large tank that recreates Kushimoto’s waters, which are strongly influenced by the Kuroshio Current. Watch colorful tropical marine life swim energetically around colonies of table coral. The area housing sea turtles born at the aquarium also offers a chance to feed them—an experience rarely available at other facilities.

The adjoining Kushimoto Diving Park is known as one of Honshu’s leading diving destinations, attracting divers from both within and outside the prefecture. A range of programs is available, including plans that let beginners easily explore underwater and snorkeling experiences open to elementary school students. The park showcases the wonders of Kushimoto’s waters from a location at 35 degrees north latitude!