Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium
仙台うみの杜水族館
An aquarium near Sendai Port with about 100 tanks, built around a huge tank recreating the Sanriku sea: 25,000 sardines, plus dolphin and sea lion shows.
Sendai's newer aquarium, heir to Matsushima's
Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium is in Miyagino Ward, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture, close to Sendai Port. It opened on 1 July 2015. It worked with Marine Pia Matsushima Aquarium, which had more than 80 years of history before it closed, on the care of the animals, and took over the creatures that had lived there.
The "mori" in the name (written with a character meaning grove) comes from Sendai's nickname, Mori no Miyako, the "City of Trees", for its greenery. The name also plays on the word umidasu (to create): it expresses the idea of the sea that gives birth to life, and of an aquarium that creates new connections between people and the sea.
A giant tank that captures the Sanriku sea
The highlight is the large tank called "Inochi Kirameku Umi" (roughly, "the sea where life sparkles"). It recreates the waters off Sanriku, the coast of north-eastern Japan, and about 25,000 Japanese sardines swim in it as a shoal. A show called "Sparkling of Life" shows off the movement of the shoal.
The aquarium has about 100 tanks, arranged by theme, showing creatures from Japan's seas as well as distinctive animals from around the world. One corner introduces colourful creatures from the Americas, such as the black-and-white Commerson's dolphin.
Penguins, and dolphin and sea lion shows
"Umino-Mori Beach -PENGUIN LIFE-" is modelled on Boulders Beach, a protected area that is home to many African penguins. Five species of penguin live at the aquarium.
The "Umino-Mori Stadium" hosts performances by dolphins, sea lions and birds. Its seating for about 1,000 people is the largest in the Tohoku region, and because the pool has no acrylic wall you are close to the animals. Show times vary by day, so check the event schedule on the official website.
Getting there
From JR Sendai Station, take the JR Senseki Line to Nakano-Sakae Station (about 18 minutes), then walk about 15 minutes. A local bus (Miyako Bus) also runs from Nakano-Sakae Station to the aquarium. From Sendai Airport, the Airport Access Line reaches Sendai Station in about 25 minutes.
By car, the aquarium is right by the Sendai-ko IC exit on the Sendai-Tobu Road, and there is a free car park. Check the official website for opening hours and admission fees.
Tips
- The building is barrier-free, designed with as few ups and downs as possible, so it is easy to get around with a pushchair or wheelchair.
- There are seasonal events; in October 2026 a Halloween night aquarium where you can go in fancy dress is planned (a special ticket is required).
- You can pay for the bus from Nakano-Sakae Station with a transport IC card.
Sources
Updated 28 September 2026. Opening hours and prices change, so check the official site before you go.
