Shimane Aquarium Aquas sits within Iwami Seaside Park on Hamada City's coastline and is best known for its Chinese white dolphin exhibit, one of relatively few facilities in Japan to house this species, alongside a large main tank stocked with sharks, rays, and regional Sea of Japan fish. The aquarium's dolphin and sea lion shows run in an outdoor stadium several times a day, and a walkway lets visitors view the dolphin pool from both above and through underwater viewing windows. Smaller tanks throughout the building focus on local Shimane marine life, including species caught off the nearby coast, tying the exhibits to the surrounding fishing industry. A full visit takes 2 to 3 hours to see the main tanks, catch a dolphin or sea lion show, and walk through the smaller regional exhibits. Weekday mornings are the quietest time to visit, since school groups and family visitors tend to arrive from midday onward, particularly during the July 20 to August 31 extended summer hours when the aquarium stays open later into the evening.
Good to know
- Hours
- 9:00–17:00 (9:00–18:00 July 20–August 31); last entry 1 hour before closing; closed Tuesdays
- Best time
- Weekday mornings for smaller crowds
Location
1117-2 Kushiro-cho, Hamada, Shimane 697-1207
34.8607, 132.4051 View on map
Highlights
- Chinese white dolphin exhibit, rare among Japanese aquariums
- Outdoor stadium shows featuring dolphins and sea lions
- Underwater viewing windows into the main dolphin pool
- Regional Sea of Japan fish and shark tanks
- Location within Iwami Seaside Park on the Hamada coastline
Tips for visiting
- Arrive on a weekday morning for the smallest crowds around the dolphin pool
- Check the show schedule at the entrance, as dolphin and sea lion shows run only a few times daily
- Extended summer hours (July 20–August 31) allow an evening visit with cooler temperatures
- Last entry is one hour before closing, so plan arrival accordingly
- The aquarium is closed on Tuesdays outside peak holiday periods
- Combine with a walk through the surrounding Iwami Seaside Park grounds
When to visit
Weekday mornings offer the smallest crowds; the extended summer hours from July 20 to August 31 allow for a cooler evening visit.
Accessibility
The aquarium building and show stadium are wheelchair accessible with ramps and elevators connecting the exhibit floors.
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Frequently asked questions
How long does a visit to Shimane Aquarium Aquas take?
Most visitors spend 2 to 3 hours seeing the main tanks and attending at least one dolphin or sea lion show.
Is Shimane Aquarium Aquas worth visiting with kids?
Yes, the dolphin and sea lion shows plus the underwater viewing windows make it a strong family destination.
Is photography allowed at Shimane Aquarium Aquas?
Photography without flash is generally allowed throughout the exhibits and during the outdoor shows.
Is the aquarium open every day?
The aquarium is closed on Tuesdays for most of the year, so visitors should check the schedule before traveling, especially outside summer.