Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise

Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is one of Japan’s leading multi-purpose marine leisure complexes, located in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama City, Kanagawa Prefecture. Since opening on May 8, 1993, it has been loved by a wide range of visitors, including families and couples, and attracts more than 4.5 million guests annually. The entire island is designed as an “ocean entertainment island,” bringing together a wide variety of facilities centered around four themed aquariums, as well as an amusement park packed with attractions, a shopping mall, restaurants, and a hotel. Admission to the island is free, making it an appealing destination even for a leisurely stroll or simply enjoying the seaside scenery.

1. Aqua Resorts: Experience the Wonders of the Ocean
At the heart of Hakkeijima is Aqua Resorts, a collection of four aquarium zones. Each has a different theme, allowing visitors to experience the world of the sea from many perspectives.
● Aqua Museum
A pyramid-shaped aquarium with five floors above ground, this is one of Japan’s largest aquariums, exhibiting around 500 species and more than 100,000 marine creatures.
- “Schooling and Sparkling Fish,” an impressive display with 50,000 fish swimming in a school
- A distinctive tank featuring a large sunfish
- Dynamic performance shows by dolphins and sea lions
and many other spectacular exhibits await.

● Dolphin Fantasy
Through cylindrical and arched tanks, visitors can watch dolphins and sunfish swimming overhead. The transparent blue space creates the feeling of taking a walk under the sea.

● Umi Farm
An interactive area themed around “ocean education.” Renovated in 2021, it offers fishing and harvesting experiences while teaching visitors about the marine environment and ecosystems. In the adjacent offshore area, guests can ride the new attraction “Sea Boat” and head out onto the actual sea to experience dolphins up close.

● Fureai Lagoon
A popular zone where visitors can interact closely with dolphins, sea lions, penguins, and other animals. The animals are so close you can almost feel their breath, making it a favorite among both children and adults.

2. Pleasure Land: An Amusement Park for a Full Day of Fun
Pleasure Land is the theme park area featuring a wide range of attractions, from thrill rides to family-friendly activities.
● Surf Coaster Leviathan
A roller coaster that speeds along a track extending over the sea, featuring thrilling loops and sharp turns.
- Front seats for an exhilarating ride, back seats for intense thrills
- Illuminated at night, creating a magical atmosphere

● Blue Fall
One of Japan’s premier free-fall attractions, dropping vertically from a height of 107 meters. With a top speed of 125 km/h, a maximum force of 4G, and a “feint drop” where it pauses once on the way down, it delivers the ultimate thrill.

● Aqua Ride II
A water attraction where riders plunge down rapids while getting splashed.
- Pirate-attack-themed effects
- A dramatic final drop at the “Skull Falls”
- Guests can also have their ride captured with the “Aqua Ride Photo” camera
A wildly popular attraction where getting soaked is part of the fun.

● Splashit
Enjoy splashes with your whole body, including mist effects during the ride and a 5-meter-high column of water rising at the moment of splashdown.

● Sea Paradise Tower
An observation attraction that rises to 90 meters above the ground. As it slowly rotates while ascending, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view of Yokohama’s sea.

● Paradise Cruise
A sightseeing boat inspired by Mississippi riverboats, offering a mini cruise of about 15 minutes. Feel the sea breeze while viewing Hakkeijima from the water.

● Sea Train
A road train that travels around the island, with a whistle sound that adds to the atmosphere. Fully enclosed, it can be enjoyed comfortably in any weather.

● Loop Bus
A convenient bus service that slowly circles the island, efficiently connecting the main attractions.

3. Bay Market: Dining and Shopping
The island features “Bay Market” and “Restaurant Plaza,” where restaurants and shops are gathered together, allowing visitors to enjoy a relaxed meal while gazing out at the sea.
Representative dining options include:
- “Seafood & Grill YAKIYA,” popular for its grilled seafood
- A family-friendly food court
- Cafés with ocean views
A wide variety of dining facilities are available.

4. Hotel Seaparadise Inn
The island also has “Hotel Seaparadise Inn,” where guests can stay and enjoy the quiet seaside atmosphere after the park closes, along with special nighttime events. Since you can start your day right after opening the next morning, it is ideal for family trips and multi-night stays.

5. A Resort Space to Enjoy Free Admission
One of the great attractions of Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is that island admission is free.
- Walking along the beach
- Using the shops and cafés
- Enjoying the sunset and night views
- Relaxing while looking out over the sea
Even without riding the attractions, there is plenty to enjoy.

Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is a comprehensive resort where visitors can enjoy encounters with marine life, the thrills of adrenaline-pumping attractions, leisurely cruising experiences, delicious dining, and seaside strolls. With four aquariums that let you experience the world of the ocean, an amusement park where you can play to your heart’s content, and seaside restaurants where you can relax, it offers the freedom to spend your time however you like.
It is an “ocean entertainment island” that can be enjoyed in any situation, whether it’s a family trip, a date, or a day out with friends.