Niigata City Aquarium 新潟市水族館マリンピア日本海

The Niigata City Aquarium focuses on exhibiting the marine life of the Sea of Japan, and holds a collection of 30,000 organisms across 600 species. In addition to popular fish, endangered species such as the Humboldt penguin and the Steller's sea lion are also on exhibit.

You can reach the aquarium by a combination of train and bus, or by taxi.

Niigata Station is the nearest major transport hub to the aquarium. From Tokyo Station, take the Joetsu Shinkansen Toki to reach Niigata Station. Then take a Suizokukan Line bus to the last stop. Alternatively, ride the Niigata City Loop Bus to the aquarium.

If arriving by car, get off at the Niigata Chuo Interchange (on the Hokuriku Expressway, Ban-etsu Expressway, and Nihonkai Tohoku Expressway) and proceed toward the Niigata Prefectural Office and West Coast Park (25 minutes).

Dolphins perform dynamic jumps during the dolphin show, dynamic, and the commentary during feeding of Steller's sea lions and penguins are great ways to learn more about their ecology through the interpretations by the staff.

Other attractions include the Marine Tunnel, which leads you under the large aquarium tank, and the deep-sea fish display from the Sado Strait. The "Niigata Field" outdoor exhibit allows visitors to experience the nature of Niigata's freshwater environment.

The latest information may differ, so please check the official website.