The Charms of Nagoya Port Aquarium! | A Popular Tourist Spot to See Orcas and Belugas

Located in Minato Ward, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture, the Nagoya Port Aquarium is one of Nagoya's most popular aquariums. It is well known for housing orcas (killer whales), as well as the beluga whales, also known as Arctic white whales, which are rarely seen in Japanese aquariums. The aquarium also hosts a variety of events, including dolphin shows and feeding sessions, making it a fantastic destination for visitors of all ages. In this article, we will explore the charm of Nagoya Port Aquarium and share useful tips to make your visit even more enjoyable!

1. The Aquarium is Divided into the North and South Buildings!

The Nagoya Port Aquarium is divided into two sections: the North Building and the South Building, each featuring marine life based on different themes. The North Building follows the theme "A 3.5-Billion-Year Journey: Animals That Returned to the Sea." It highlights animals that originally transitioned from the sea to land but later returned to aquatic life. In this section, visitors can observe marine mammals such as dolphins, seals, orcas, and beluga whales.

The South Building is themed "A Journey to Antarctica: Exploring the Diverse Life Across Five Oceans." This section is inspired by the Antarctic research vessel "Fuji," a bright orange ship that is permanently docked near the Nagoya Port Aquarium. The exhibit showcases marine creatures from five different regions that were part of the ship’s Antarctic expeditions. Visitors can see adorable penguins, sea turtles, and rare deep-sea fish, making it a fascinating and educational experience.

2. Only Two Places in Japan to See Orcas!

If you're visiting Nagoya Port Aquarium, one of the must-see attractions is the orca. Known as the king of the sea, orcas are only kept in two aquariums in Japan: Kamogawa Sea World in Chiba Prefecture and Nagoya Port Aquarium.
At the stadium on the third floor of the North Building, several public training sessions for orcas are held daily, each lasting about 15 minutes. These sessions provide a unique opportunity to watch the orcas undergo training while listening to explanations from their caretakers, making it a must-see event.

Additionally, at the orca pool on the second floor, visitors can observe these magnificent creatures swimming energetically from an underwater viewing area. Sometimes, the orcas swim right up to the glass, giving visitors an up-close and personal look at their impressive yet adorable presence.

3. Dolphin Performances: A Must-See Spectacle!

The third floor of the North Building features one of the largest main pools in Japan, where the dolphin performances take place. These exciting shows showcase dynamic jumps, impressive tricks where trainers ride on the dolphins, and perfectly synchronized teamwork, making them a thrilling experience for both adults and children alike. One of the highlights of the show is when the dolphins splash water onto the audience, a refreshing and fun surprise that has become a crowd favorite. This special splash performance is held exclusively during the summer, so if you're visiting during that time, consider sitting in the front-row seats for the full experience.

The dolphin performances are held several times a day, and the schedule can be checked on the aquarium’s official website. With a pool of this scale, watching a high-energy dolphin show here is an experience not to be missed!

4. The Breathtaking Whirlpool-Like Scene at the Kuroshio Large Tank

Located on the second floor of the South Building, the Kuroshio Large Tank is a massive aquarium known for its extraordinary and mesmerizing underwater spectacle. It is also the site of one of Nagoya Port Aquarium’s most popular events: the Sardine Tornado. During this event, a school of approximately 35,000 sardines enters an excited state as they are fed, forming a giant swirling mass that resembles a whirlpool. As the sardines move in unison, their silvery bodies reflect the lights, creating a stunning and artistic visual display that is both captivating and unforgettable.

The more you watch, the more you’ll find yourself drawn into this hypnotic underwater world. Each event lasts about five minutes and is held multiple times a day. The schedule is available on the aquarium's official website, so be sure to check in advance!

5. Up-Close Encounters? Goma-chan Deck

Located in Shiokaze Plaza, a grassy park within Nagoya Port Aquarium, Goma-chan Deck is a hidden gem worth visiting. As its name suggests, this area allows visitors to see spotted seals (Gomafu Azarashi) up close. These seals, recognized by their black sesame seed-like spots, can be seen leisurely swimming in their pool, creating a soothing and heartwarming sight. Additionally, Cape Penguins are also housed in this area. They are so close that visitors can hear their distinct calls, and their adorable, waddling walk has captivated many visitors, making this a delightful and relaxing experience.

6. The Rare and Adorable Beluga Training Session

The beluga is a white whale that inhabits the Arctic region. In Japan, only four aquariums, including Nagoya Port Aquarium, house belugas, making them a rare sight. Visitors can witness a public beluga training session at the Beluga Pool on the third floor of the North Building. The training includes playful activities such as carrying balls and blowing water, showcasing the beluga’s intelligence and charming personality. Watching them in action is sure to make anyone fall in love with these adorable creatures. Their vocalizations are also known to be incredibly cute, so don’t miss the chance to listen to their unique and delightful sounds!

7. The Enchanting World of the Jellyfish Nagorium

Opened in July 2018 on the first floor of the South Building, Jellyfish Nagorium is a relatively new attraction that offers a magical and romantic atmosphere. The use of mirrors and artistic lighting effects creates a dreamlike environment that captivates visitors. The graceful, floating movements of jellyfish, combined with the mesmerizing visual effects, make this exhibit truly enchanting. Visitors can also explore a variety of jellyfish species up close. Additionally, there is a Jellyfish Lab where visitors can observe the growth and development process of jellyfish, offering a fascinating look into their life cycle.

◎ Final Information: Access and Discounted Tickets

To get to Nagoya Port Aquarium, take the Higashiyama Subway Line from Nagoya Station to Sakae Station. From there, transfer to the Meijo Line toward Kanayama and take the train bound for Nagoya Port. Get off at Nagoya Port Station, and the aquarium is just a five-minute walk from there. If you are traveling by car from Nagoya Station, the drive takes approximately 30 minutes. The aquarium also has parking facilities, so visitors can enjoy a worry-free drive. Additionally, if you present a "One-Day Pass" or a "Donichi Eco Ticket" issued by the Nagoya City Transportation Bureau at the ticket counter, you can receive a 200 yen discount on the entrance fee. (Prices listed are as of July 2019.)

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The Charms of Nagoya Port Aquarium! | A Popular Tourist Spot to See Orcas and Belugas