Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium

Located just 20 minutes by car from the center of Nagasaki City and facing Tachibana Bay, Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium is, as its name suggests, a penguin-focused aquarium. It houses about 180 individuals of 9 out of the 18 penguin species found globally.

The aquarium features an array of captivating exhibits, including the "Subantarctic Penguin Pool," one of the largest in Japan with a depth of 4 meters, where penguins swim effortlessly. Another highlight is the "Temperate Penguin Zone," offering varied perspectives to observe penguin behavior up close. The world's smallest penguin species, the Little Penguin, is also a popular and adorable attraction among visitors.
On weekends and holidays, special events like "Penguin Beach" are held, a world-first initiative where visitors can see penguins swimming in the natural sea in front of the aquarium.

In addition to penguins, the aquarium displays the world's largest freshwater fish, the Mekong giant catfish, schools of Japanese anchovies, and various marine creatures from Nagasaki's waters. Outdoors, there's a "Biotope Zone" replicating Nagasaki's rural and waterside environments, where visitors can observe seasonal plants, fish, and insects. The gift shop, filled with an array of adorable penguin-themed merchandise, is also a highlight.