Miyajima Aquarium Guide: Tickets, Hours & What to See

Located at the gateway to the World Heritage island of Miyajima, the Miyajima aquarium—officially called “Miyaji Marine”—invites you to experience the Seto Inland Sea through themes of “healing” and “interaction.” Inside its Japanese-inspired building, you’ll find everything from beloved stars like finless porpoises, penguins, and sea lions to immersive exhibits on tidal flats and oyster rafts—signature environments of Hiroshima. It’s ideal for families and adults who want to explore at an easy pace. Our youngest daughter squealed “It’s the fishies’ house!” while our eldest went photo-crazy with over 100 shots. This updated visit report keeps the original photos and adds first-timer-friendly details on access, tickets, hours, events, and the best highlights—so you can smoothly plan what to do in Miyajima.

Meet “Miyaji Marine”: Miyajima Aquarium at a Glance

The Charm of Miyajima Aquarium “Miyaji Marine”

Address: 10-3 Miyajimacho, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture. Set within the Seto Inland Sea National Park, the tile-roofed, Japanese-style architecture blends naturally into Miyajima’s landscape. The aquarium exhibits reflect the nature and culture of the Seto Inland Sea, featuring more than 15,000 creatures across roughly 380 species. The Japanese finless porpoise (known locally as “sunameri”) is the symbol of the aquarium, and select displays even reveal parts of the behind-the-scenes care. Thanks to a compact, well-planned layout, first-time visitors find it easy to navigate. You can use the same-day re-entry stamp to pair your visit with island sightseeing at Itsukushima Shrine and other top Miyajima attractions.

When we visited in mid-November during peak autumn foliage season, it was very crowded, but a local tip helped us arrive before 8 AM for a much more comfortable experience. The compact layout works well for strollers (elevators are available), and you can explore without stress. Re-entry stamps let you combine the aquarium with island sightseeing seamlessly, making it easy to plan a full day of activities around this attraction.

The focus on “healing” and “interaction” shines in hands-on areas like the Touch Pool and in animal events with penguins and otters. Seasonal programs—such as summer Splash Time—keep kids engaged from start to finish. During Splash Time, our youngest shrieked “The water’s so cold!” but couldn’t stop chasing the little fish. On the second floor, “Miyaji Marine Kitchen” serves meals with scenic views of the Seto Inland Sea, and the well-stocked museum shop features original goods with finless porpoises and penguins.

Just a short walk from the aquarium, Daishouin Temple is actually a power spot older than Itsukushima Shrine! The 504 steps are locally nicknamed “goreshisan.”

An Aquarium Where You Feel Close to Marine Life

Miyajima Aquarium showcases 15,000+ specimens from around 380 species, centered on the Seto Inland Sea ecosystem. Must-see animals include finless porpoises, sea lions, penguins, and Asian small-clawed otters. The stylish, functional design—rooted in Japanese aesthetics—harmonizes with Miyajima’s scenery, and the compact flow makes for a relaxed, easy viewing experience perfect for travelers of all ages.

As an aquarium within Seto Inland Sea National Park, the main exhibits spotlight the Inland Sea’s unique environments and biodiversity. Hiroshima’s renowned oyster culture is explained in detail, giving visitors new perspectives on marine life that locals live alongside every day. Our eldest exclaimed, “We learned about this at school!” when seeing the oyster cultivation display—it’s a wonderful educational opportunity for children and adults alike.

The aquarium’s superstar, the Japanese finless porpoise, is also noted for a rare third-generation birth in captivity—an impressive conservation achievement. The daily sea lion live show is a crowd-pleaser, and popular animal encounters include the otter pool, where guests can “shake hands” with otters—impossibly cute and a highlight for many families. Embracing its setting between sea and mountains, the aquarium’s mission is to coexist with the Seto Inland Sea and Miyajima’s World Heritage scenery, creating a unique experience that connects visitors to this special environment.

Admission Fees

• General (including high school students): ¥1,420
– Junior High School Students: ¥710
– Elementary School Students: ¥710
– Preschool Children: ¥320

Miyajima Aquarium tickets are available at the on-site counter. Major convenience stores also sell admission exchange tickets, which can be a convenient way to save time on arrival.

Ticket Tip: Purchase exchange tickets 24/7 at Seven-Eleven, Lawson, or FamilyMart terminals. Present the exchange ticket at the gate on your visit date to enter directly. Annual Passports (General: ¥3,560 / Elementary & Junior High Students: ¥1,730 / Preschoolers: ¥1,010) are great value if you plan to visit three or more times within a year. Discounts are available for holders of disability certificates, including half-price admission and one free accompanying person. To streamline entry on busy days, consider buying tickets in advance and arriving early. Prices and policies are subject to change, so it’s always wise to check the official website before your visit.

Daily Sea Lion Show

We started with the sea lion show—one of the most popular attractions at the Miyajima aquarium. On weekdays, it usually runs three times a day (10:30 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:30 PM), though times may change—please check the latest schedule before visiting to ensure you don’t miss this entertaining performance.

The pool is large, and the sea lions perform dynamic tricks with hoops and balls. Seeing these big, graceful animals show off their skills is both bold and adorably charming. Up close, their gentle eyes make you want to cheer them on. I once had a mishap where I got the show time wrong and waited 30 minutes—always double-check the schedule to avoid disappointment!

Each show lasts about 15 minutes, which is the perfect length for younger children’s attention spans. Even on a cold day in mid-February, the space was full of applause and laughter—a warm, happy atmosphere for all ages. Our family always aims for the front row, but be warned—our youngest got completely soaked! I recommend bringing a change of clothes or a towel, especially if you’re sitting in the splash zone.

Tips for Enjoyment: Seats near the Live Pool are popular and fill up quickly. The front rows may get splashed, so bring a towel for comfort and to protect cameras or phones. On crowded days, entry may be limited—arrive 10–15 minutes early to secure good seats. Show times can change or be canceled due to weather or animal health; check on-site notices and announcements on the day of your visit.

For Miyajima’s famous conger eel rice, there are plenty of family-friendly restaurants. Our family’s favorite is Ueno-san—the fluffy conger eel is exquisite.

Meet the Adorable Penguins at the Penguin Pool

Among the most eye-catching and adorable residents are the Humboldt penguins. At the Penguin Pool, watch them sunbathe on rocks or glide smoothly through the water. Even their waddle is irresistibly cute—it’s impossible not to smile watching them navigate their habitat. Our eldest said, “The penguins walk just like me!” which had the whole family laughing and created a memorable moment from our visit.

During the breeding season, you might see devoted pairs raising chicks. Research shows Humboldt penguins care for their young for about seven months, from December through late June, providing an excellent opportunity to observe natural parenting behaviors. The colony looked relaxed and content throughout our visit. When we visited in late March during spring break, we were lucky to see some chicks too—their fluffy down feathers were absolutely adorable.

Additional Highlights: View their “flying” swim from below at the first-floor pool, where you can see how gracefully they move underwater, then check out nest-building and parenting from the second-floor overlook for a different perspective. If your timing is right, catch keeper commentary during feeding times, where staff share fascinating facts about penguin behavior and care. During busy times, visitors line up along the fence—using a small step stool or lifting little ones helps them see over taller guests. By the way, Miyajima Aquarium offers free stroller rentals (local insider tip), so you don’t need to bring your own.

Senjokaku, associated with Toyotomi Hideyoshi, is a hidden gem where kids can run around freely in a space equivalent to 857 tatami mats! There’s even Edo-period graffiti under the floorboards.

Lobby Area

The interior is clean and spacious, creating a welcoming first impression. Winters on Miyajima can be chilly, so the well-heated building feels especially welcoming when you step inside from the cold. Restrooms are clean and rarely crowded, letting you enjoy the exhibits without stress. Almost all public restrooms have diaper changing stations, making it family-friendly and convenient for parents with young children.

The lighting is gentle and thoughtfully designed, encouraging slow, mindful viewing of the tanks without harsh glare or shadows. Although we didn’t use it this time, there’s also a restaurant with original menu items inside the facility, including local specialties that showcase Hiroshima’s seafood. My husband declared, “Next time I’m definitely getting the fried oyster set meal!” after seeing another visitor’s delicious-looking plate.

Facility Services: At “Miyaji Marine Kitchen” on the 2nd floor, enjoy meals with views of the Seto Inland Sea—it’s a peaceful spot to rest during your visit. The museum shop is packed with souvenirs perfect for your Miyajima trip, from plush finless porpoises to penguin-themed items. Eating and drinking are not permitted in exhibition areas; please use designated spaces. Personal photography and video are allowed for your own enjoyment, so feel free to capture memories of your visit.

Exhibits of Diverse Marine Life

The first floor features creatures of shallow sandy shores, giving visitors a sense of what lives just beneath the surface of the Seto Inland Sea. The horseshoe crab—often called a living fossil because it has remained virtually unchanged for millions of years—is especially impressive up close. Our youngest said, “It looks like a big plate!” and I had to agree with that observation.

Upstairs, clever see-through viewing windows let you watch groupers, rays, and schools of small fish swirl around you, creating an immersive experience. The main Seto Inland Sea tank is mesmerizing, with graceful swimmers from moray eels and oysters to seasonal or special exhibits that even feature unexpected creatures like rhinoceros beetles during summer months. A local told us that the oyster display is designed to showcase Miyajima’s major industry—oyster cultivation has been central to the local economy for generations.

Floor Guide Supplement: The first floor explores the life and ecology of the Seto Inland Sea, including “Miyajima’s Tidal Flats,” “Sea of Healing,” “Cetaceans of the Seto Inland Sea (Finless Porpoises),” and “Blessings of the Sea (Oyster Rafts).” Marine mammals have dedicated pools for sea lions, seals, penguins, and otters, with shows at the Live Pool throughout the day. The second floor offers three-dimensional observation zones such as “From Mountain to Sea,” “Sea of Healing (Relaxing Aquarium),” and “Cetaceans of the Seto Inland Sea (Backstage Access),” where you can peek behind the scenes at animal care facilities. The quietest time is weekdays from 2–4 PM—perfect for a peaceful visit if you prefer smaller crowds.

The fun food street of Omotesando Shopping Street is on the way from the aquarium to Itsukushima Shrine. There are lots of family-friendly gourmet options and it’s perfect for souvenir shopping too!

The Aquarium’s Star: Japanese Finless Porpoise (Sunameri)

At about 160–190 cm long and 60–80 kg, the finless porpoise is a relatively small cetacean compared to whales and dolphins. You’ll recognize it by its smooth, rounded head and gentle, smile-like expression that makes them look perpetually happy. Curious by nature, they’re known to approach when people wave, creating delightful interactions. Watching them zip playfully around the pool is hypnotic—you could stay for ages just observing their graceful movements. Fittingly, they even appear in the Miyajima Aquarium logo, capturing the fun, friendly spirit of the facility.

During our last visit, our eldest asked, “Are the finless porpoises talking?” When I explained that they communicate through vocalizations—clicks and whistles that help them navigate and socialize—she put her ear close to listen, and it was so cute. The backstage tour includes keeper commentary, so definitely join if you have time; the staff’s passion and knowledge really enhance the experience.

Tips for Enjoying It More: At certain times, glass viewing areas reveal behind-the-scenes care that supports the porpoises’ daily lives, including feeding preparation and health checks. Quietly observing feeding and care routines makes great learning for kids and provides insight into what it takes to maintain an aquarium. Please switch off flash photography to see more natural behavior—flash can startle the animals and disrupt their normal activities.

Miyajima Aquarium: Time Required & Crowd Levels

Time Required

Plan for about 1.5–2 hours to visit Miyajima Aquarium at a comfortable pace. Same-day re-entry is allowed multiple times—get a hand stamp at your first exit for easy return throughout the day. Our family’s typical pattern is to enjoy the aquarium in the morning, exit to visit Itsukushima Shrine and have lunch, then return to the aquarium in the afternoon for any exhibits we want to see again or shows we missed earlier.

Crowd Levels

Year-end/New Year holidays, Obon (mid-August), Golden Week (late April/early May), and Silver Week (mid-September) are very crowded—expect long lines and packed viewing areas. The three-day weekend in November coincides with autumn foliage viewing and reaches peak crowding levels, making it challenging to get good views. Late March through early April during spring break is also extremely busy with school groups and families. Weekdays and regular weekends are relatively calmer and recommended if you want a more relaxed experience.

Tips for Avoiding Crowds: Enter right after opening when the aquarium is least crowded, visit the most popular areas like the finless porpoises and sea lion show in the morning, then break for lunch using your re-entry stamp. Return in the afternoon for exhibits that are typically less busy, such as the smaller fish tanks and educational displays. August 14 during the fireworks festival is so crowded that even locals avoid it—the entire island becomes packed, so definitely skip that day! Event start times may change or be canceled due to animal health or weather, so check posted notices and in-house announcements on the day of your visit.

When it comes to Miyajima, it’s definitely Itsukushima Shrine! It shows completely different faces at high tide and low tide, so we recommend visiting twice at different times. During low tide, you can walk to the great torii gate.

Access & Island Walking Routes (2 Courses: Itsukushima Shrine → Aquarium)

You can reach the aquarium from Miyajima Pier on foot, by bus, taxi, or rickshaw. It’s about a 5-minute walk from the Itsukushima Shrine exit, making it easy to combine both attractions. For parking at Miyajimaguchi (on the mainland before taking the ferry), the area behind “Momiji Hompo” is relatively available before 8 AM (local tip). We recommend two themed walking routes—”Sunameri” (finless porpoise) and “Penguin.” Taking one route to the aquarium and another on the way back lets you enjoy both historical landmarks and nature. It’s a fun, flexible way to explore Miyajima and the Seto Inland Sea in one day.

Sunameri Course (Cultural Heritage Tour)

• Visit Daiganji Temple (Nine Pine Trees / Itsukushima Dragon God) → cross the bridge over the Mitarashi River → continue to Nishimatsubara → make a short detour to Kiyomori Shrine.
• Enjoy wide sandy beaches and the atmosphere of the pine forest en route to the aquarium. This scenic coastal path offers beautiful views of the Seto Inland Sea.

Penguin Course (Museum Tour)

• Treasure Museum (Heike sutra scrolls, etc.) → Miyajima History and Folklore Museum (preserved soy sauce merchant house, NHK Taiga costume exhibition).
• This indoor-focused route is great even on rainy days and provides cultural context for your visit. On rainy days, Mount Misen can feel like a private tour with fewer crowds.

Events & Seasonal Programs

Year-round events include Sea Lion Live, Penguin Interaction Time, feeding sessions (sea lions/otters/fish), fun animal talks with educational commentary, and weekday-only “Spotted Knifejaw Shooting” where you can watch skilled marksmanship by these fish. From July 1 to September 30, cool off with splash-play at the Interactive Shore—a hands-on water experience perfect for hot summer days. Bring a change of clothes and towels just in case your kids get soaked. During summer, 100-yen pinwheels are famous among local mothers as effective deer deterrents when walking around the island.

Summer 2025 features the special exhibition “Living Encyclopedia LIFE at the Aquarium: Learn All About It! Moving Insect Lab,” with 220 specimens across 14 insect species and interactive displays that bring the encyclopedia to life—an unexpected but fascinating addition. The small-group night program “Aquarium at Night Part 2” offers a post-closing tour with keeper commentary and glowing sea firefly experiments (advance application required)—a magical experience that shows the aquarium in a completely different light.

The spectacular view from Mount Misen, easily accessible by ropeway, will thrill kids and adults alike! Water boiled with the sacred fire that has burned for 1,200 years is free to drink.

Operating Hours & Ticket Basics

Regular hours are 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 4:00 PM). During certain summer periods, hours may extend to 6:00 PM to accommodate more visitors during peak season. Group discounts are available for 20+ people and for school groups—contact the aquarium in advance to arrange. You can purchase advance tickets at the counter or 24/7 at major convenience store terminals (Seven-Eleven, Lawson, FamilyMart). Since the island entrance tax of ¥100 started in October 2023, it’s good to factor that into your overall travel budget. Schedules, prices, and events may change; please confirm details close to your visit by checking the official website or calling ahead.

Q&A

Q1. Can I re-enter the facility?

A. Yes. You can re-enter as many times as you like on the same day. Get a hand stamp when you first exit and show it at the entrance when returning.

Q2. What time is best for visiting with children?

A. Right after opening (9:00 AM) is relatively quiet and ideal for popular exhibits like penguins and finless porpoises. For shows, arrive 10–15 minutes early to get good seats. Omotesando Shopping Street’s soft-serve ice cream is less crowded after 5 PM, so it’s good to stop by on your way back to the ferry.

Q3. Where can I buy tickets?

A. Buy at the ticket counter at the aquarium entrance or via 7-Eleven, Lawson, and FamilyMart convenience store terminals (available 24 hours). Same-day purchases may help you skip some lines, especially during busy periods.

Q4. Can I take photos?

A. Personal photography and video are allowed for your own enjoyment. Please turn off flash near animals, as it can disturb them and affect their natural behavior.

Q5. Can I eat or drink inside the facility?

A. Eating and drinking are not permitted in exhibition areas. Please use designated spaces such as the 2nd-floor “Miyaji Marine Kitchen” or outdoor rest areas. The nursing room is on the 2nd floor of the Miyajima Tourist Information Center in Omotesando Shopping Street.

Q6. Do I need a reservation for the Sea Lion Live or interaction events?

A. Some events have capacity limits or distribute reservation cards on a first-come, first-served basis. Please check the day’s in-house displays and announcements for the latest information, as policies can vary by season and event.

Q7. What is the recommended way to access the park?

A. Take the ferry to Miyajima from Miyajimaguchi Pier (about 10 minutes). From Miyajima Pier, you can walk, take a bus, taxi, or rickshaw. It’s about 5 minutes on foot from Itsukushima Shrine. For ferries, JR’s route on the outbound trip is recommended as it gets closer to the great torii gate for photo opportunities. The “Sunameri” and “Penguin” walking routes are especially enjoyable and offer different perspectives of the island.

Q8. Where can I check the latest exhibition and closure information?

A. Exhibits (e.g., seasonal species), dining facilities, and event schedules may change. Please check the official website for the latest information or call before visiting to avoid disappointment.

Overall Impressions

Miyajima Aquarium is a must-see on any Miyajima itinerary and offers a wonderful complement to the island’s historical and cultural attractions. From the moment you enter, the excitement builds, and thoughtful touches throughout make it a place you’ll want to linger. It’s warm, welcoming, and packed with memorable, family-friendly things to do in Miyajima that appeal to visitors of all ages.

I kept stopping to admire the finless porpoises’ gentle expressions and the penguins’ relaxed movements—there’s something deeply calming about watching these creatures go about their day. Exhibits rooted in the Seto Inland Sea offer plenty for adults to learn, too, from marine conservation to local fishing traditions. When paired with shrine and temple visits, the day flies by. Our youngest kept begging “Let’s come again!” showing how much she loved it. Next time, I’m keen to join the night program and enjoy the quiet glow of the tanks after closing—it sounds like a completely different experience.

The souvenir shop’s cute character goods make easy gifts for friends and family back home, and the reasonable pricing adds to the appeal—this might be our family’s No. 1 favorite spot for repeat visits! Information may change; please check the official website for the latest details before your trip to ensure the smoothest experience possible.

It’s not just Itsukushima Shrine! Understanding the full scope of the World Heritage site, including the primeval forest of Mount Misen, will make your Miyajima sightseeing even more enjoyable. Highly recommended for history-loving moms and dads.