Toba Aquarium: Home to Japan’s Only Dugong and Sea Otters

The most diverse aquarium in Japan—with animals you literally can’t see anywhere else

What Makes Toba Aquarium Special

With over 1,200 species (Japan’s most), Toba Aquarium is remarkable not just for quantity but for exclusivity. It houses:

• The only dugong in Japan (Serena, world record holder)
• The only pair of sea otters in Japan (Mei & Kira)
• The only African manatee in Japan

The facility pioneered “no set route” aquarium design. Rather than following arrows, you wander freely between 12 zones, returning to favorites between show times.

Must-See Animals: Dugong, Sea Otters & More

Serena the Dugong

Living at Toba since 1987, Serena holds the world record for longest dugong in captivity. Once thought to be mermaids by ancient sailors, dugongs are now critically endangered. Only a handful of aquariums worldwide keep dugongs, and Toba is one of them.

Mei & Kira: Japan’s Last Sea Otters

Japan once had sea otters at multiple aquariums. Now only Mei and Kira remain at Toba—making this your only chance to see these beloved animals in Japan.

Mei is the showoff, famous for her “squid ear jump”—leaping 1.4 meters to snatch squid stuck to the glass. Kira is more laid-back but equally charming.

Their longtime keeper, Mr. Ishihara (40+ years experience, caring for Mei since her 2004 birth), has become an internet celebrity himself. Fans come specifically to see his gentle interactions with the otters.

Toba Aquarium Show and Feeding Schedule

Event	Times	Highlight
Sea Otter Feeding	9:40, 13:00, 16:10	Mei’s spectacular jumps
Sea Lion Show	10:30, 13:00, 15:30	Ring tricks, coordinated jumps
Walrus Touch Time	Check schedule	Sit-ups, harmonica, kiss blowing
Penguin Walk	Once daily	Watch them waddle through the facility

Backstage Tour: Sundays at 15:00 (30 min, phone reservation required: 0599-26-5575)

Hidden Gems at Toba Aquarium

Finless Porpoise (Sunameri)

These dolphins without dorsal fins live in Ise Bay. Their sociable nature means they often “greet” visitors at the glass. Unlike performing dolphins, their natural curiosity creates genuine interactions.

Giant Isopod

Deep-sea creatures that look like massive pill bugs. Usually motionless, but if you’re lucky, you’ll catch one moving—a surprisingly exciting moment.

Touch Pool

Handle starfish, sea cucumbers, and other tide pool creatures—great for kids and adults alike.

Coral Reef Diving Zone

Floor-to-ceiling glass creates an immersive underwater world. Best in early morning when crowds are thin.

Where to Eat at Toba Aquarium

Restaurant Hanasango

The must-order: “Mei-chan Curry”—rice shaped like the beloved sea otter floating in curry “ocean.” Despite the cute presentation, it’s genuinely spicy and flavorful. Also serves local tekone-zushi (hand-mixed sushi).

Restaurant Bayside

Rakko-yaki (Sea Otter Cakes)—custard-filled cakes shaped like sea otters. Limited quantities daily. Ocean views of Toba Bay.

Best Route to Explore Toba Aquarium

For first-time visitors:

1. Enter → Dugong (Mermaid Sea zone, before crowds)
2. Sea Otters (Polar Region zone)
3. Walrus Show (if timing works)
4. Finless Porpoise (Sea of Ise-Shima zone)
5. Ancient Sea (Living fossils)
6. Otters & Capybara
7. Penguins
8. Sea Lion Show
9. Coral Reef

Toba Aquarium Tickets, Hours & Access

Item	Details
Hours	9:30-17:00 (last entry 16:00)
Admission	¥2,800 adults, ¥1,600 students, ¥800 children
Annual Pass	¥9,000 (pays off in 4 visits)
Time needed	2 hours (quick), 5 hours (thorough)
Access	10 min walk from Toba Station

Pro Tips

• Arrive at 9:30 opening for best water clarity and smallest crowds
• Catch the 9:40 sea otter feeding first
• Eat lunch at 11:00 to avoid restaurant rush

👉 Book Toba Aquarium Tickets on Klook — Skip the ticket line!

Nearby Attractions from Toba Aquarium

• Mikimoto Pearl Island — 5 min walk
• Ama Hut Experience — 30 min by car
• Toba Bay Cruise — Adjacent pier

Part of our Complete Ise-Shima Guide