Marine World Uminonakamichi is a great day out for families visiting Fukuoka, home to around 30,000 marine creatures across approximately 350 species—from colorful fish and dolphins to penguins and beyond. With dolphin and sea lion shows, fascinating exhibits, and plenty to see at every turn, here’s a look at some of the highlights.
※All the information appearing in this article is as of March 2026. Please check the official website etc. for the latest information.
Travel
Mar 27. 2026
Marine World Uminonakamichi: Family-Friendly Highlights at One of Kyushu's Largest Aquariums
Fukuoka's "Marine World Uminonakamichi" is one of the largest aquariums in Kyushu!
Photo: Marine World Uminonakamichi
Photo: Marine World Uminonakamichi
"Marine World Uminonakamichi" is one of the largest aquariums in Kyushu, located in "Uminonakamichi Seaside Park" in Fukuoka City. Opened in 1989, it exhibits about 350 species and 30,000 marine creatures across three floors, with the theme of "Seas of Kyushu". You can meet a variety of creatures living in Kyushu, including popular sea creatures such as dolphins and penguins.
Starting on the third floor, you’ll find “Near Waters of Kyushu,” which recreates the four seas surrounding Kyushu. As you head down the slope to the first floor, the “Open Ocean Aquarium” comes into view, where sardines, sharks, and rays swim together in large numbers. On the first floor, you can also visit “Kaiju Island” to see penguins and seals up close.
Photo: Marine World Uminonakamichi
Before heading up to the second floor, you’ll find “Fukuoka’s Familiar Dolphins,” where you can catch the adorable expressions of the finless porpoise. On the second floor, the drifting jellyfish of “Kyushu’s Jellyfish” offer a calming experience, and the “Show Pool” hosts dolphin and sea lion performances.
The aquarium is also well set up for non-Japanese speakers, with signage in English and Chinese throughout, plus a free audio guide available to visitors.
Access & How to Buy Tickets for "Marine World Uminonakamichi"
You can easily access Marine World Uminonakamichi from the city center of Fukuoka by train (JR/Subway) or bus. Either way, it's about a 3-5 minute walk from the nearest station or bus stop to the aquarium.
【By train】
- Route 1 (about 31 minutes）: JR Hakata Station → (JR Kagoshima Main Line) → JR Kashii Station → (JR Kashii Line) → JR Uminonakamichi Station
- Route 2 (about 43 minutes): Fukuoka City Subway Tenjin Station → (Subway Hakozaki Line) → Kaizuka Station → (Nishitetsu Kaizuka Line) → Wajiro Station → (JR Kashii Line) → JR Uminonakamichi Station
【By bus】 (Approximately 60 minutes*)
- Tenjin Central Post Office → (Nishitetsu Bus) → Bus Stop Marine World Uminonakamichi
*If you use the urban expressway service on weekends and holidays, it takes about 30 minutes
Photo: Marine World Uminonakamichi
Photo: Marine World Uminonakamichi
Tickets for Marine World Uminonakamichi can be purchased through three methods: manned counters, vending machines, and online purchases.
The paper tickets sold at manned counters and vending machines feature popular sea creatures, making them perfect for creating travel memories. On the other hand, if you want to avoid the crowds at the entrance, we recommend making a reservation in advance and purchasing an electronic ticket.
Admission Fees
- Adults, University Students, High School Students, Vocational Students: 2,500 yen
- Over 65 years old: 2,200 yen
- Elementary and Junior High School Students: 1,200 yen
- Children: 700 yen
Top 5 Must-See Areas at "Marine World Uminonakamichi"
Marine World Uminonakamichi is home to a wide variety of creatures, from penguins and dolphins to seals and sharks. Here’s a look at some of the must-see areas and the animals you can find there.
【1F】Island Stage
Photo: Marine World Uminonakamichi
One of the new areas that opened in 2024 to mark the aquarium’s 35th anniversary.
This island stage lets you watch seals from every angle, with no glass or barriers in the way. You can see them up close as they wave their flippers and wag their tails during their adorable performances.
【1F】Penguin Beach
Photo: Marine World Uminonakamichi
“Penguin Beach” recreates Boulders Beach in South Africa, the natural habitat of African penguins. Here you can watch them relaxing on the sand or darting through the water at surprising speed. The daily “Goodnight Penguins” event, where the penguins pass through the viewing area on their way back to their hutch, is a great chance to see them up close.
【1F】Fukuoka's Familiar Dolphins
Photo: Marine World Uminonakamichi
The finless porpoise, or “Sunameri,” is a small, dorsal-fin-free dolphin that can sometimes be spotted frolicking in the waters around Marine World Uminonakamichi. Its quirky name comes from its habit of blowing air at fish hiding in the sand—which made it look like it was licking the sand, giving rise to the Japanese “sunanameri” (“sand licker”), later shortened to “Sunameri.” True to their playful nature, Sunameri are known for blowing perfect bubble rings underwater—definitely worth sticking around to see.
【2F / 3F】Show Pool
Photo: Marine World Uminonakamichi
The open-air Show Pool puts on dolphin and sea lion performances with Hakata Bay as the backdrop. Watch dolphins leap and spin through the air, while sea lions charm the crowd with their playful antics right in front of the stands. Grab a front-row seat for the full impact—just be warned, you might get splashed. Bring something waterproof!
【1F / 2F】Open Ocean of Kyushu
Photo: Marine World Uminonakamichi
This 7-meter-deep tank recreates the warm seas of southern Kyushu, and is home to around 20,000 sardines, the endangered sand tiger shark, rays, and more. Daily shows—including the mesmerizing “Sardine Typhoon,” where thousands of sardines swirl together in a hypnotic vortex—run three times a day. Don’t miss the elevator beside the tank, which gives you the sensation of diving straight down into the ocean.
Don’t forget to check out the gift shop for souvenirs featuring your favorite aquarium residents, and the restaurant where you can dine with dolphins in view!
Photo: Marine World Uminonakamichi
Photo: Marine World Uminonakamichi
Photo: Marine World Uminonakamichi
(Left) Dolphin Hamburger Plate / 860 yen
(Right) Penguin Tempura Udon / 950 yen
After exploring the aquarium, make sure to stop by “Reilly,” the restaurant overlooking the Show Pool. The food is just as good as the view—watch dolphins swim by as you tuck into some of the aquarium-themed dishes on the menu. Kids will love the Dolphin Hamburg Plate, and the Penguin Tempura Udon, topped with a penguin-shaped maruten*, is a must-try. The dolphin cookie parfait is another crowd favorite. Meat dishes, pasta, and desserts round out the menu too, so there’s plenty to choose from.
*Minced fish tempura
Don't forget to buy souvenirs as a memento.
Photo: Marine World Uminonakamichi
Photo: Marine World Uminonakamichi
The shop "Sea Forest" located inside the building is filled with original sweets and goods. Popular sweets include the "Marine World Chocolate Mochi" and "Marine World Round Otter Castella" with cute packages featuring otters and other aquarium favorites. We also recommend the "Marine World Original Wooden Magnets" designed with popular characters such as dolphins, penguins, great white sharks, and harbor seals.
Recommended Way to Tour "Marine World Uminonakamichi" & Estimated Sightseeing Time
Plan for around two to two and a half hours to see everything comfortably, or closer to three if you want to linger in your favorite spots or catch a few shows and feeding experiences.
The best approach is to check the schedule for shows and feedings first, then plan the rest of your visit around those. If you have plenty of time before your next show, head to the areas further away; if you’re short on time, stick to what’s nearby. Since this means you won’t always be following the official route, it’s easy to lose track of where you’ve been—so grab a map and mark off each area as you go to make sure you don’t miss anything.
- Address: 18-28, Oaza Nishitozaki, Higashi-ku, Fukuoka City
- Business hours: 09:30 - 17:30
*Golden Week and Summer: 09:30 - 21:00
*December - February: 10:00 - 17:00 - Closed: Four days starting from the third Monday of January.
In 2027: January 18 (Mon) - January 21 (Thu). - Access: About 5 minutes walk from JR "Uminonakamichi Station"
- Official website: https://marine-world.jp/
Exclusive Campaign for JCB Members – Enjoy Special Benefits Across Japan with Your JCB Card
From February to April 2026, JCB is offering a special campaign for cardholders with JCB cards issued outside Japan—perfect for travelers looking to save on shopping, dining, and experiences across the country.
To participate, simply register via the campaign website, then spend a total of ¥100,000 or more using your JCB card at participating in-store merchants in Japan (online purchases are not eligible). Eligible participants will receive a ¥10,000 cashback at a later date.
Please note that only purchases made on or after the day of registration are eligible, so be sure to complete your entry before you start using your card.
Registration has already opened on December 18, so if you’re planning a trip to Japan, early entry is recommended. Registration will close once the participation limit is reached.
- Entry Period: December 18, 2025 (Thu) – April 30, 2026 (Thu) (Japan time)
- Campaign Period: February 1, 2026 (Sun) – April 30, 2026 (Thu)
- Campaign URL: https://www.specialoffers.jcb/en/promotion/japancashback202602/
Contents Source
This information is sourced by Fun Japan Communications Co., Ltd.
There may be business closures, changes to hours of operation,
or temporary suspension of the service of alcoholic beverages, etc.,
implemented without prior notice.
For details, please check the official websites or inquire with the
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