Aquas Aquarium 島根県立しまね海洋館 アクアス

Over 400 species of marine creatures of all sizes are on view here in a wide variety of environments spread over three floors.

A 10-minute walk from Hashi Station.

A wide parklike path leads you from Hashi Station to Aquas Aquarium in about 10 minutes.

The first exhibit you see upon entering the museum is an intriguing cylindrical tank filled with sardines, based on the theme of the local Sea of Japan. Then there are tanks with sea life from different areas of the world, such as coral reefs and the tropical waters of the Amazon and Africa.

The touch pool on the second floor is a shallow tank filled with colorful starfish, hermit crabs, and sea urchin. You can put your hands in the water to touch the creatures.

The submarine tunnel, with its large pool of sharks swimming above you, makes a thrilling walk.

The icons of Aquas are the Beluga whales, some of whom were born here. They perform fantastic tricks in regular performances.

There are also pools and tanks with four different species of penguin. Feeding time is popular, and in one section, you can walk underneath the pool to see them “flying” through the water.

Behind the aquarium building is a large park with a massive adventure play area. For adults, there is a lovely and quiet conservatory, numerous eateries and a performance area that regularly hosts Iwami Kagura , regional style traditional plays.

Before you leave, walk over the pedestrian bridge and spend some time enjoying the pristine, beautiful sand beach, part of the Iwami Seaside Park .