Aqua World アクアワールド茨城県大洗水族館

Aqua World provides an up-close look at rare creatures of the deep in a picturesque setting alongside the Pacific Ocean. One of Japan's biggest aquariums, its 20,000 square meters contain nearly 70,000 sea creatures, representative of around 580 different species.

If traveling from Tokyo, take the JR Joban Line from Ueno Station to Mito Station. From Mito, take the Kashima Rinkai Tetsudo Line to Oarai Station. From Oarai Station, take the Kaiyu-Go loop bus for Aqua World.

The park has nine different zones to explore and a host of rare species to see. The Encounter Zone is a 1,300-ton tank where 20,000 fish of 80 different species swim freely. Another impressive sight is a massive water tank where you can see the rare ocean sunfish with its unusual facial expressions.

One of the biggest draws at Aqua World is the sharks. The aquarium boasts the largest number of shark species in all of Japan, with over 50 species represented. Two tanks contain sharks of all shapes and sizes. You can also see the first white crocodile successfully bred in Japan.

The aquarium features a wide variety of sea mammals including spotted seals, and sea lions, as well as sea birds. There are programs including penguin feedings.

NIGHT AQUAWORLD is a night-time aquarium which offers a different atmosphere to the daytime aquarium, every Saturday. The "Shark Daddy's Room" is a relaxing space where you can relax and enjoy the special evening food menu.

Aqua World sits right on the Pacific Ocean at the mouth of the Nakagawa River and offers wonderful ocean views.