This aquarium, the largest in the Kyushu region, looks out onto the active volcano Sakurajima. About 30,000 specimens from 500 species are on display, mainly marine life from the oceans surrounding Kagoshima. One of the aquarium’s unique features is the “Dolphin Waterway” in front. This waterway connected to Kinko Bay is an admission-free zone open for anyone to come and watch dolphins swim and play.
The aquarium’s largest tank is the 1,500-square-meter “Kuroshio Great Water Tank.” Species such as whale sharks, tuna, and bonito drift gently, carried along by the Kuroshio Current. Other must-sees are the “Waters off the Nansei Islands” exhibit of brightly colored tropical fish and live coral, the otherworldly deep sea of the “Waters off Kagoshima,” and the peaceful, relaxing “Jellyfish Gallery.”
The aquarium hosts a variety of events on a daily basis. Visitors can take part in the interactive “Dolphin Performance,” watch the aquarium’s seals feed at the “Seal Feeding,” learn how electric eels capture their prey using electricity at the “Electric Eel Feeding,” and much more. Hands-on programs such as a one-day aquarist experience are also available. Enjoy a meal at a spacious restaurant with a view of the ocean, or pick out a souvenir at the gift shop. These are only a few of the ways you can spend time here in the shadow of Sakurajima.