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Adults and children alike will have a blast! Umitamago (Oita City), a hugely popular aquarium packed with interactive activities
Hello. I'm Yuri and I love going out with my kids.
This time, I would like to introduce you to an aquarium in Oita City that we recommend.
It's about 2 hours from central Fukuoka city on the highway. It's close enough to be a day trip.
Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago (Oita City, Oita Prefecture), a popular facility with the theme of "making friends with animals"
About 20 minutes by car from Beppu IC on the Oita Expressway.
Image: Yurichan
Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago is a tourist spot representing Oita Prefecture, with the concept of "an aquarium where you can become friends with animals."
Image: Yurichan
In addition to seeing a wide variety of sea creatures, including fish from the Bungo Channel and large marine mammals, the fascinating shows are also very popular.
It's packed with play equipment and other things that kids will enjoy.
Image: Yurichan
Admission fees are 2,600 yen for adults, 1,300 yen for elementary and junior high school students, 850 yen for children 4 years and older, and free for children 3 and under.
The first thing you should check when you enter the park is the daily schedule.
Image: Yurichan
Please check the show times and make sure you get around efficiently.
I especially recommend going on weekends and holidays as there are many performances.
There's plenty to see, including the funny walrus show! The famous "Umitama Performance"
The most popular performance, "Umitama Performance," is a must-see!
Pelicans full of energy,
Image: Yurichan
Adorable otters also make an appearance.
Image: Yurichan
The walrus in particular received huge cheers from the audience.
Image: Yurichan
The audience erupted in laughter at the comedy, which saw them doing sit-ups with all their might and showing off hand games to the tune of "Head, Shoulder, Hiza, Pon." It was as funny as any comedian would be!
During the interaction time after the performance, you can actually touch the walrus' body.
Image: Yurichan
Just being able to see a walrus up close was an amazing experience, but being able to touch one was an extremely rare experience. According to the kids, it was a little moist and bouncy, and felt really nice.
Image: Yurichan
A dynamic dolphin show that's very impressive!
When you think of an aquarium, many people probably think of dolphin shows.
The dolphin pool on the second floor of Umitamago is said to be a special attraction, with seats that are close to the dolphins, giving you a more immersive experience.
Photo: Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago
Dynamic jumps,
Photo: Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago
playing ball etc.
Photo: Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago
The performance, which was perfectly coordinated with the trainer, was overwhelming.
Children will love it! "Touch Pool"
In keeping with the concept of "becoming friends with animals," Umitamago offers the experience of interacting with living creatures in various locations.
First, at the Fishing Pool on the second floor of the building, you can touch live sea creatures such as starfish and sea cucumbers. It will be renovated in March 2024, and in the future there will be events where you can observe the fish eating with an underwater camera.
Image: Yurichan
Located outdoors on the second floor, next to the dolphin pool is the "Stray Touch Pool," where you can touch docile rays!
Image: Yurichan
There are signs with information on the correct way to touch them and things to be careful of, so don't be afraid to give it a try.
The children were delighted, enchanted by the rays' friendly nature!
Image: Yurichan
I got hooked and ended up staying there the longest (laughs).
Additionally, on the second floor outdoors, there is a large touch pool that recreates a tide pool, where you can also put your hands in and take your time to observe the creatures living on the coast.
Spectacular views! "Beppu Bay Pool"
Opposite the A-Touch Pool is the Beppu Bay Pool. Beyond the aquarium is the vast Beppu Bay!
The blue sky, ocean, and aquarium tank all seem to blend together, creating a truly spectacular view! You can also put your hands in the tank.
Image: Yurichan
Be enchanted by the fantastic scenery at the "Large Coral Tank"
Don't miss the "Large Coral Tank" on the first floor!
The coral that lives in the southern part of Oita Prefecture was successfully bred under artificial lighting for the first time in Japan, and is said to be one of the largest in Japan. The magnificently swaying coral reefs and colorful tropical fish create a fantastical landscape.
Image: Yurichan
On weekends and holidays, there is an "Underwater Walk in the Large Coral Tank" where divers feed the coral and give explanations.
Also keep an eye out for the friendly and popular Napoleon fish.
The "Large Circulating Aquarium" is a place you'll never get bored of looking at.
This is the "Large Circulating Aquarium" on the first floor. Seawater flows around an island in the center of the tank, and it is home to 1,500 fish of 90 species that inhabit the Bungo Channel, including impressive large fish such as sharks and rays.
Image: Yurichan
During the afternoon "Fish Commentary in the Large Circulating Aquarium" sessions on weekends and holidays, divers will feed the fish, allowing you to enjoy watching them eat with commentary.
Another great attraction is that the expression changes depending on where you look at it.
From the Umitama Hall, you can observe the creatures in the large aquarium tank in an atmosphere that feels like you're inside a submarine.
Image: Yurichan
Great for families with small children! The very popular kids' corner
There is also an indoor kids' corner that is very popular with families with small children, with a wide range of original play equipment themed around sea creatures.
My daughters were also having a great time.
Other great features for those traveling with small children include the ability to rent strollers within the building (300 yen per stroller) and three nursing rooms.
You can play in the same place as dolphins! The charming "Asobeach"
Another attraction is "Asobichi" next to the "Umitamago" building. It is a new type of beach with the theme of "playing with animals x playing with art."
Image: Yurichan
You can enter the dolphin pool in the center barefoot and watch the dolphins swimming up close.
Image: Yurichan
Although it says, "The animals at Asobeach will ignore you. Please be aware of this in advance," if you're lucky, they might come up to you very close.
Image: Yurichan
You can't touch the dolphins, but you can almost reach out and touch them.
There is also a foot washing area where you can wash off the sand, so you can rest assured.
In addition to dolphins, you can observe Magellanic penguins and fur seals in their natural state. There is even a "sloth room" which is rare in aquariums!
Colorful "Coral Maze" and
Image: Yurichan
There was also some artistic play equipment, such as the "Sardine Ball Slider," a slide made from a school of small wooden sardines, so we were able to spend a very fulfilling time.
Image: Yurichan
Baby walrus born
A baby walrus was born in the early morning of April 15th, 2024. From the 23rd, visitors will be able to enjoy seeing the mother and baby!
Photo: Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago
You can't miss this cute baby.
Photo: Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago
At Umitamago, you can get up close to the animals and there are plenty of interactive experiences, so not only children but adults too could not help but have a great time (laughs).
By the way, my eldest daughter seemed very happy to be able to take lots of pictures of the fish with her camera.
Image: Yurichan
At Umitamago, you can make unforgettable memories. During Golden Week, May 3rd to 6th, 2024, opening hours will be extended to 8:00-18:00! Please come and visit us. (Text by Yuri-chan)
＜Click on the store name for more information about the facility ↓＞
■ Oita Marine Palace Aquarium "Umitamago"
Address: 3078-22 Uto, Kanzaki, Oita City, Oita Prefecture
Business hours: [Normal business hours] 9:00-17:00 (Asobeach: 30 minutes after opening to 1 hour before closing) [May 3-6, 2024] 8:00-18:00
*Last admission is 30 minutes before closing time.
Closed: December 4th and 5th, 2024
*This article is current as of the time of publication. *Prices in the text include tax.
* Any secondary use of the content of this site (images, text, etc.) such as duplication, reproduction, diversion, modification, etc. without permission is strictly prohibited. If found to be in violation, legal action may be taken.
※Text and images:
*Photo: Oita Marine Palace Aquarium Umitamago
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