Kamogawa Seaworld 鴨川シーワールド

Kamogawa Seaworld is one of Chiba's most popular attractions. The park has everything including beluga whales (white whales), orcas, dolphins and penguins, giant sea turtles, and sea lions. Not just an aquarium, it's also an organization dedicated to marine research and preservation.

Kamogawa Seaworld is easily accessible by train with the JR Sotobo Line or by car.

The best way to reach Kamogawa Seaworld is to take the Keiyo Line to Soga Station and change to the Sotobo Line. The nearest station is Awa-Kamogawa. There is a free shuttle bus from the station to the park.

The park is easily accessible by car by using the Aqua Line.

Kamogawa Seaworld is an outdoor aquarium on the Pacific Ocean where more than 11,000 animals of around 800 species are bred and exhibited. The animals are housed in enclosures that reproduce their natural habitat. Seaworld has several ‘zones' for different types of animals, outdoor and indoor theaters, food vendors, gift shops, and a play area for kids.

The park includes the Eco-aquarium, a realistically recreated river and sea environment complete with machine-generated waves where fish swim freely.

Tropical Island, a rarity among aquariums throughout the world, reproduces a reef climate from the southern ocean with tropical fish of all colors and types.

Be sure to visit Rocky World, which includes seals, sea lions, walruses, dolphins, and penguins as well as Polar Adventure, with its tufted puffins and penguins.

The Sea Turtle Beach is a pool at the entrance whose waters are blended with those of the Pacific; and nearby sits the Pelican Pond, where pelicans take a walk once or twice a day.

The most popular show is the orca show, where orcas jump high in the air and perform tricks with their handlers. Other performances include the synchronized dolphin performances, the beluga whale show, and a comical sea lion show.

In addition to the shows, there are scheduled feedings throughout the day. The schedule for the shows and feedings are staggered so that you don't have to miss any. You can interact with the animals for an additional fee.

Kamogawa Seaworld isn't just "on" the Pacific Ocean. It almost feels like a part of it. From every part of the park, there are sweeping views of the water. One of the park's restaurants has a patio where you can look out over the Pacific as you eat.

The park isn't just for seeing the animals. It opened in 1970 to promote marine research and preservation. Since its opening, it has been breeding and training dolphins, seals, and other sea animals. Kamogawa Seaworld carries out collaborative research and information sharing with other preservation organizations in Japan and around the world.

The gift shops include an array of products that you can only find at Kamogawa Seaworld, especially products related to the park's orca and beluga whales. The most popular gifts for kids include unique stuffed sea animals and plastic figurines.

The area around Kamogawa Seaworld is a tourist town with many places to stay in the southeastern part of the Boso Peninsula . It's a great place to spend the entire day, however if you're short on time, visit in the morning for a very do-able half-day experience.