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Aomori Prefectural Asamushi Aquarium
An aquarium popular for its dolphin performances featuring an Aomori-inspired flair.
An aquarium that marked its 40th anniversary in July 2023 since opening. Located at the northernmost tip of Honshu, it’s easy to access from Hokkaido, too. Exhibits include a 15m-long tunnel tank that recreates the underwater world of nearby “Mutsu Bay,” and the “Marine Mammal House” where you can watch penguins, seals, and more swimming underwater, with Approx. 300 species and 8,000 animals on display.
If you want a special experience, the Aomori-style dolphin performance is recommended, enhanced by the sounds of Tsugaru shamisen and flutes, instruments famous in Aomori Prefecture. There’s a “Dolphin Performance Special Seat Experience” area where you can enjoy it in the “only place in Japan” way (tickets sold on the day only). You can watch from a closer distance from the trainer’s perspective, making memories you likely can’t get anywhere else.
At the snack corner, you can enjoy local foods like salt ramen topped with the local specialty, scallops.
Highlights
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See Approx. 300 species and 8,000 animals, mainly featuring creatures from local Mutsu Bay.
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The most popular dolphin performance offers paid “Special Seats,” so you can enjoy the powerful show up close.
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The touch pool, where you can directly touch sea creatures like scallops, starfish, hermit crabs, and sea urchins, is popular with kids.
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There’s a tunnel tank that’s 15m long, 10m deep, and 3.5m deep, letting you enjoy the fish from many angles.
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During feeding times for penguins, spotted seals, and more, staff provide explanations about their ecology and body structure (held irregularly).
Photos
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You’ll be greeted by Kokoru, the dolphin-themed mascot character
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Walk through the tunnel tank and you’ll feel like you’re strolling under the sea
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The “Dolphin Performance Special Seat Experience” is the only one in Japan where you can watch a dolphin show up close (tickets sold on the day only)
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You can also see rare fish that live in the Shirakami-Sanchi area, a World Heritage site in the mountainous region stretching from Aomori to Akita
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There’s also a space where you can learn about waterside environmental issues and the SDGs
Official FAQs
Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.
Q
Do you have signs or pamphlets in foreign languages? (If you do, which languages are available?)
A
Pamphlets (English),
Signs, Website (English, Chinese, Korean)
Q
Is there free Wi-Fi available in the area?
A
Yes.
Q
Are there coin lockers?
A
Yes.
Q
Is re-entry allowed?
A
Yes.
Q
Is there a smoking area?
A
No.
Reviews
Details
- Name in Japanese
- 青森県営浅虫水族館
- Postal Code
- 039-3501
- Address
- 1-25 Asamushi Babayama, Aomori City, Aomori
- Phone
- 017-752-3377
- Closed on
- Open daily
- Hours
- 9:00am - 5:00pm (Last admission at 4:30pm)
- Admission
- Adults: 1,200 yen; high school students and younger: free
- Access
- Approx. 10 minutes on foot from Asamushi-Onsen Station (Aoimori Railway)
- Credit Cards
- Accepted
- Official website
- Official website (Japanese)
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