[Nationwide] 11 aquariums at night! Carefully selected night aquariums perfect for dates

Not just for summer! An aquarium you can enjoy all year round, even into the night

Night aquariums tend to have a strong image of "summer," but in fact there are many aquariums that are open until late at night all year round. The appeal is that you can enjoy them according to your lifestyle, whether that be dropping in on your way home from work or choosing it for a date night on the weekend.

AOAO SAPPORO [Hokkaido] | Enjoy an evening at the aquarium with beer and a parfait

AOAO SAPPORO is a place where you can quietly encounter the richness of nature, even though it is located in the city. Located in the city center inside the complex "moyuk SAPPORO" in the Tanukikoji area of Sapporo, it is gaining popularity as a space where you can come into contact with aquatic creatures and plants.

The highlight is the northern rockhopper penguins, which are exhibited in a world-first system. The hexagonal exhibit blocks can be adjusted to change the shape of the land area, making it easier to observe the penguins' habit of jumping around on both feet.

At night, the lights in the building are turned down, and you can enjoy a romantic atmosphere in the Plankton Room, where moon jellyfish and other creatures float slowly, and the Blue Room, an immersive digital art experience that takes you on a journey through the ocean.

In addition, they also sell Sapporo's specialty "Shime Parfait" and Hokkaido-only draft beer "Sapporo Classic". There is also a great value "Late Night by the Water Ticket" (after 5pm) that includes a parfait or beer, making it perfect for an adult night out. The bakery and bar "Shirokuma Bakery &" is open until 10pm, so we recommend enjoying a drink while watching the penguins.

AOAO SAPPORO

Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa [Tokyo] | Enjoy the night aquarium where everything shines

Just a two-minute walk from Shinagawa Station, Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa is an urban aquarium with an appealing digital presentation that lets you immerse yourself in a fantastical underwater world of light, sound, and creatures, all while being in the city.

The highlight of the evening is the "Night Version Dolphin Performance." The 360-degree music and light that envelops the audience, the collaboration of water art and dolphins, is like being in a dream. Anyone who sees the dolphins jumping in the colorful lighting and seasonal images will definitely want to take photos. The building also has a "Coral Cafe Bar" where you can enjoy drinks in a space lined with luminescent coral tanks, so you can enjoy an adult evening with a drink in hand.

In addition, in the underwater tunnel "Wonder Tube," you can encounter rare dwarf sawfish and Alfred manta rays in a romantic space created by blue lighting. Enjoy a special night where every shot will look great.

Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa

Sumida Aquarium (Tokyo) | A park-like aquarium where you can spend your time freely

You can relax in front of the tanks or chat at the cafe while watching the creatures. Sumida Aquarium has no set route and there are plenty of benches, so you can spend your time at your leisure, just like in a park.

The "Blue Night Aquarium" starts at 6pm, and the aquarium is transformed into an adult space with blue lights and relaxing background music. The Ogasawara Large Aquarium and jellyfish exhibits, which look as if they are lit by moonlight, create a relaxing time that will make you want to take a deep breath.

At night, the penguins return to their favorite spots and you can sometimes see them sleeping together in pairs. Their quiet, adorable expressions are heartwarming, and completely different from their usual lively appearance.

Relax on the sofa in front of the aquarium with a draft beer or cocktail in hand, and enjoy a true urban oasis. Why not stop by after work or on a weekend night to soothe your soul?

Sumida Aquarium

Kawasui Kawasaki Aquarium [Kanagawa Prefecture] | Enjoy a mysterious experience at night with a lantern in hand!

Located in a commercial building just a minute's walk from Kawasaki Station, "Kawasui Kawasaki Aquarium" has the concept of being "a little different from an aquarium or a zoo." It is an urban aquarium where you can interact with about 300 species of creatures that live in the world's great rivers and tropical rainforests through all five senses.

We recommend the "Agua Terra Night" that starts every night at 6pm. With a lantern in hand, you can explore the zones that are modeled after the forests of Africa and Asia, and encounter nocturnal animals that sleep during the day slowly awakening. It is a rare experience to be able to observe capuchin porcupines, two-toed sloths, and African spurred tortoises up close.

There is plenty to see in the exhibits, including fish that live in the Nile and Congo rivers, and creatures from Oceania and Asia that have evolved in harsh environments. Why not enjoy your time experiencing the profound depths of ecology as if you were traveling around the world?

Kawasaki Aquarium

Kaiyukan (Osaka Prefecture) | Relax with the creatures

"Kaiyukan" in Osaka Port is one of the world's largest aquariums. In the huge tank that stands in the center of the aquarium, whale sharks swim leisurely, making you feel as if you are traveling the Pacific Ocean.

After 5pm, the lights and music are gently turned down, completely changing the atmosphere from the lively daytime atmosphere. In a space enveloped in the tranquility and shimmering water, you can get a close-up look at penguins, sea lions, and other creatures relaxing and enjoying the night.

In the "Aqua Gate," an underwater tunnel where tropical fish swim, and in the "Japanese Forest," which recreates Japan's four seasons and waterside, you can experience time spent quietly attending to the activities of life along with mysterious lighting.

And don't miss the evening view of Osaka Bay from the west. The sun setting on the horizon, the city on the opposite shore starting to light up, and the illuminated Tempozan Giant Ferris Wheel. We recommend taking your time after your visit to the aquarium and enjoying the night view and dinner at Tempozan Marketplace.

Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan

Enjoy cool summer nights! Aquariums that are open at night only during the summer

Night aquariums are a great way to escape the summer heat and enjoy the cool evening air. Aquariums that are open at night only during this time of year offer a fantastical atmosphere and special events that are different from the daytime, making them the perfect place to create summer memories. Next, we will introduce aquariums around Japan that are open after 6pm only during the summer.

*Opening hours may vary depending on the season or events, so we recommend checking in advance.

Sunshine Aquarium (Tokyo) | Penguins fly through the night sky in an oasis 40 meters above ground

Sunshine Aquarium, located in Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, is an "oasis in the sky" that spreads out on the rooftop 40 meters above ground. In a space surrounded by water and greenery reminiscent of a tropical resort, you can spend a relaxing time in nature while in the heart of the city.

The highlight is the "Penguins in the Sky" exhibit in the outdoor area, Marine Garden. The aquarium juts out above visitors' heads, allowing them to view the penguins swimming from directly to the side or below. After sunset, you can enjoy the sight of the penguins flying in the night sky (the exhibit is open until 7 p.m.).

In 2024, the illumination was renewed, and the space will be even more fantastic and enchanting with light inspired by the changing skies and cloud-like mist. The illumination will change with each event and each season, creating a different look each time you visit.

Business hours vary depending on the season, but on weekends and during the summer holidays, it is possible to enjoy it until 8 p.m. Sometimes there are night events held during special night hours, so be sure to check it out.

Sunshine Aquarium

Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium (Aichi Prefecture) | Relax on a night sea voyage colored by dolphins and killer whales

The Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium is known for its large-scale exhibits. Located at Nagoya Port Garden Pier, the aquarium is divided into the South and North Buildings, where you can encounter creatures from five ocean regions that connect Japan to Antarctica.

We recommend the "Summer Night Aquarium" held every year from late July. During this period, opening hours are extended until 8 p.m., and there are discounted night tickets available that allow you to enter for about 20% off after 5 p.m.

The lights are dimmed inside the building, and a tranquil ocean world different from that during the day unfolds. At night, you can relax and watch the sea turtles and penguins lazily floating on the water's surface, and the orcas relaxing, making you feel as if you are in the ocean.

In addition, the "Dolphin Night Performance BLUE ECHO" will be held from 7pm, which will give you a cool summer mood. The sight of the dolphins leaping into the night sky under the night lighting is sure to become a summer memory.

Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium

Kyoto Aquarium [Kyoto Prefecture] | Jellyfish wind chimes and jellyfish Kyoto umbrellas invite you into a cool Kyoto atmosphere

Kyoto Aquarium is located in Umekoji Park. Located within walking distance of Kyoto Station, it exhibits around 250 kinds of creatures, including dolphins, penguins, seals, and giant salamanders.

This summer, the event "Jellyfish, Umbrellas and Wind Chimes" will be held until Tuesday, September 30, 2025, featuring approximately 170 handmade jellyfish wind chimes and jellyfish Kyoto umbrellas. The clear sound of the glass and the gracefully swaying jellyfish create a space that is truly "cool" and "healing." After 5:00 p.m., the tower is lit up, creating a fantastic atmosphere. In addition, the outdoor "Kyo no Satoyama" area will also be lit up during extended business hours after 6:00 p.m. until Sunday, August 24, 2025.

During Golden Week and summer, opening hours are extended until 8pm on some days. For more information, please check the official website.

Kyoto Aquarium

Shikoku Aquarium [Kagawa Prefecture]｜Sunset in the Seto Inland Sea guided by dolphins in the evening sky

Shikoku Aquarium opened in 2020 with the theme of "Shikoku Waterscape." The aquarium is designed with lighting and scents that change with the time and season, and is full of things that will allow you to make new discoveries whenever you visit.

Inside the building, you can recreate the rich water scenery of Shikoku, a place surrounded by the sea on all sides. The gentle sounds of the Seto Inland Sea will relax your mind, and you will be overwhelmed by the scale of the Pacific Ocean, where the Kuroshio Current flows.

Business hours will be extended until 7:30 p.m. from July 19 (Sat) to August 31 (Sun) 2025, and until 9:00 p.m. during the Obon period from August 9 (Sat) to 16 (Sat). The highlight of the nighttime operation is the "Dolphin Sunset Program" held at dusk. The sight of dolphins dancing and leaping like silhouettes against the orange sky and sea is like a painting. On the sunset deck, which overlooks the Seto Inland Sea, you can spend a luxurious time that only adults can enjoy, watching the dolphins with a beer in hand.

To conclude your trip to the Setouchi, or for a sunset date, head to an extraordinary world where you can experience the nature and culture of Shikoku. An encounter with the sea that will surely stay deep in your heart awaits.

Shikoku Aquarium

Marine World Uminonakamichi (Fukuoka Prefecture) | Enjoy a special show only available at night

Marine World Umi-no-Nakamichi, which stretches along the coast of Fukuoka, is an aquarium themed on the Kyushu seas, where 350 species and approximately 30,000 creatures live. In spring 2024, the aquarium will be transformed into a space where visitors can feel a deeper connection with the animals, with the addition of new features such as the Island Stage, where you can observe seals from any angle, and Penguin Beach, where you can get up close and personal with penguins.

During the summer vacation period and consecutive holidays, the aquarium will be open until 9 p.m. in the "Night Aquarium." In the aquarium with the lights turned off, the time flows quietly, different from the daytime, and you can carefully observe the nocturnal expressions of the creatures. This event is scheduled to be held every day from August 1st (Friday) to August 24th (Sunday), 2025.

The highlight is the "Sound and Light Sardine Show," where a school of sardines dance in a large darkened tank. Their glittering swimming to the music and lights look like constellations in the sea. There is also a night dolphin show. You can enjoy it in a romantic atmosphere where the sky and the water surface blend together.

Feel the ocean breeze of Fukuoka and come on a date, go on a family outing, or just relax on your own at night. A cool and fantastical moment is sure to reset your mind.

Marine World Uminonakamichi

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium (Okinawa Prefecture) | Relax on a mat and watch the whale sharks

Located in Motobu Town on the main island of Okinawa, surrounded by the blue sea, the Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium is one of Japan's leading aquariums, boasting the world's largest aquarium, the Kuroshio Sea. The sight of whale sharks and manta rays swimming gracefully is breathtakingly beautiful, no matter how many times you see it.

Every year around August, the aquarium holds a "Night Aquarium" where the inside of the aquarium is bathed in a deep-sea blue light. Watching the whale sharks slowly swim under this quiet lighting, which is different from the daytime lighting, makes you feel as if you are being sucked into the ocean. At night, small mats are provided in front of the large tank, so you can relax and enjoy the view.

A summer night enveloped in flickering lights and the pulsating sound of the ocean. Come and experience a glimpse of the beautiful side of Okinawa, different from the daytime.

Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium

Create special memories at the fantastic aquarium at night

The aquarium at night has a fantastic atmosphere that is completely different from the daytime, and will soothe your soul. It's perfect for a date, as well as a relaxing evening with family or friends, or even by yourself. In a space filled with beautiful light and sound, you will be soothed by the nocturnal expressions of the creatures, and you will experience an extraordinary world to your heart's content.

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