Japan is Nippon 日本語
Aerial view of Marinepia Nihonkai aquarium among pine trees on the Niigata coast, with the Sea of Japan behind
Photo: Saganon, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Niigata · zoo aquarium

Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai

新潟市水族館 マリンピア日本海

Niigata City's aquarium, one of the largest on the Sea of Japan coast: about 600 species, a tunnel under a giant tank, and dolphin shows.

A dolphin leaping out of the pool during a show at Marinepia Nihonkai aquarium in Niigata
Photo: まつもと　あんぱく(ampaku_mat…, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Entrance plaza of Marinepia Nihonkai, the Niigata City Aquarium
Photo: もけけんぬ, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

A city aquarium for Niigata's sea and rivers

Marinepia Nihonkai is a city-run aquarium on the coast in Chuo Ward, Niigata City. Its predecessor opened in 1967, and on 27 July 1990 it reopened on its present site as Marinepia Nihonkai to mark the 100th anniversary of Niigata's municipal status.

It closed in September 2012 for renovation work to deal with the ageing building, improve earthquake resistance and make it barrier-free, and reopened in July 2013. It keeps about 20,000 creatures of about 600 species.

From the Sea of Japan to the rice paddies in 10 zones

The exhibits are divided into 10 zones. You move in order from the seashore, through the Sea of Japan and warm-current seas, to the Shinano River that flows through Niigata.

One highlight is the 800-tonne Sea of Japan Great Tank. In the Marine Tunnel, which runs underneath it, fish and rays swim over your head.

Outdoors, the Niigata Field recreates the satoyama (the farmed countryside where villages meet the hills) of Niigata.

Dolphins, sea lions and penguins

The Dolphin Stadium hosts dolphin shows with jumps and commentary. It has a roof, so you can watch even on rainy days.

You can see sea lions and seals at Marine Safari, the Pinniped Cove, and endangered Humboldt penguins at Penguin Beach. The aquarium puts particular effort into research on and breeding of Humboldt penguins.

Getting there

From the bus terminal at Niigata Station, take a Niigata Kotsu local bus to the last stop, Suizokukan-mae, about 25 minutes. Niigata City's sightseeing loop bus also stops at Suizokukan-mae. A taxi from Niigata Station takes about 15 minutes.

By car it is about 25 minutes from the Niigata-Chuo Interchange and others, and there is a free car park. Opening hours and show times can change, so check the official website.

Tips

  • Dolphin shows and sea lion feeding take place at set times and are sometimes cancelled on certain days. Check the day's schedule on the official website before you go.
  • If you go by bus from Niigata Station, a one-day pass for the sightseeing loop bus also gets you a discount on aquarium admission (details can change, so check the official website).
  • On some days, such as the day of the Niigata City Marathon, there are traffic restrictions in the area. Check the notices on the official website.

Sources

Updated 28 September 2026. Opening hours and prices change, so check the official site before you go.

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