Miyajima Aquarium

Miyajima Public Aquarium (also known by its nickname, “Miyajimarine”) is one of Hiroshima Prefecture’s most popular aquariums. Located in Miyajima Town, Hatsukaichi City, Hiroshima Prefecture, it stands on Miyajima, famous for the World Heritage Site Itsukushima Shrine. Its convenient location—about a five-minute walk from Itsukushima Shrine—makes it an easy and popular stop for visitors exploring Miyajima.

Established in 1959, the aquarium has a long history and underwent a major renovation in 2011. Today, it operates as an interactive, hands-on aquarium based on the principles of “healing” and “interaction.” It is popular as a facility where visitors can feel closer to marine life.

The aquarium displays more than 13,000 aquatic animals representing approximately 350 species, with a focus on creatures from the Seto Inland Sea. One of its most popular attractions is the finless porpoise, known as the symbol of Miyajima Public Aquarium and sometimes called the “whale of the Seto Inland Sea.”

## Features of Miyajima Public Aquarium

### Exhibits Focusing on the Seto Inland Sea

The greatest feature of Miyajima Public Aquarium is its focus on the natural environment and ecosystem of the Seto Inland Sea. Inside the aquarium, visitors can learn in an easy-to-understand way about the unique environments of the Seto Inland Sea and the lives of the creatures that inhabit them.

One particularly popular area is the “Bounties of the Sea” zone, which recreates oyster rafts, a famous feature of Hiroshima. Designed to evoke an actual oyster-farming scene, the exhibit allows visitors to enjoy scenery unique to the Seto Inland Sea.

The “Miyajima Tidal Flat” exhibit recreates the tidal flats extending around the great torii gate of Itsukushima Shrine, allowing visitors to observe creatures that live in tidal-flat environments up close.

### Beautiful Japanese-Style Architecture

Miyajima Public Aquarium was designed to harmonize with the scenery of the World Heritage Site of Miyajima. Its Japanese-style architecture, featuring traditional tiled roofs, is one of its distinctive characteristics. The calm exterior blends naturally with the surrounding historic townscape and conveys the traditional atmosphere of Miyajima.

## Popular Exhibits and Animals

### Finless Porpoises

The finless porpoise is the symbolic animal of Miyajima Public Aquarium. It is a small member of the whale family and has the unusual characteristic of having no dorsal fin. Its rounded, adorable appearance and gentle expression charm many visitors.

Once commonly seen around Miyajima, this animal has become rare today.

### Penguins

At the “Penguin Pool,” visitors can watch Humboldt penguins swimming overhead as if they were flying. You can enjoy both their cute, waddling movements on land and their graceful, speedy swimming underwater.

### Asian Small-Clawed Otters

These animals are popular for their adorable movements. During feeding time, visitors can watch them move about energetically, making them a favorite among children and adults alike.

### Steller Sea Lions, Seals, and California Sea Lions

The marine mammal area features Steller sea lions, spotted seals, and California sea lions. Watching a Steller sea lion make a spectacular leap into the water is especially thrilling.

### Sand Tiger Sharks, Garden Eels, Sea Angels, and More

The aquarium also displays a wide variety of fascinating creatures, including large sand tiger sharks, ethereal sea angels, and popular garden eels.

## Exhibition Zones

The aquarium consists of several themed zones, allowing visitors to learn about the Seto Inland Sea and aquatic environments from a variety of perspectives.

### Main Zones

- Miyajima Tidal Flat
- Bounties of the Sea
- From the Mountains to the Sea
- Sea of Healing
- Whales of the Seto Inland Sea
- Mysteries of the Sea
- The Bodies and Lives of Aquatic Creatures
- Setouchi Research Institute
- Interactive Rocky Shore

Each zone recreates a different ecosystem or environment, offering an educational experience that is both enjoyable and engaging.

## Interactive Events and Shows

Miyajima Public Aquarium offers a wide range of events that allow visitors to participate and have fun rather than simply observe.

### Sea Lion Live Show

The popular sea lion show features entertaining and intelligent performances by the sea lions. The interaction between the animals and the audience makes the show especially popular with families.

### Animal Interaction Experiences

Visitors can also take part in interactive events featuring penguins, seals, otters, and other animals. These provide valuable opportunities to feel closer to aquatic life.

### Feeding Times and Educational Programs

Feeding sessions accompanied by explanations from the keepers, as well as programs such as the “Fun Creature Lecture,” are also popular. Visitors can enjoy learning about the animals’ habits and characteristics.

## A Popular Place for Relaxation

The aquarium also offers many areas where visitors can relax while gazing at the exhibits, including large blue, otherworldly tanks and jellyfish displays.

In the “Sea of Healing” zone, visitors can watch fish swimming slowly through a large aquarium, creating a peaceful atmosphere where they can forget about everyday life and unwind.

## Convenient Access

Miyajima Public Aquarium is about a 25-minute walk from Miyajima Pier and approximately five minutes on foot from Itsukushima Shrine.

It can also be reached by ferry from central Hiroshima, making it an easy attraction to visit as part of a Hiroshima sightseeing itinerary.

## Conclusion

Miyajima Public Aquarium, also known as Miyajimarine, is an interactive aquarium centered on the natural environment and aquatic life of the Seto Inland Sea. It offers numerous attractions, including a wide variety of marine creatures such as finless porpoises, sea lion shows, and animal interaction events.

Its beautiful Japanese-style architecture, which harmonizes with the scenery of World Heritage-listed Miyajima, and its convenient location within walking distance of Itsukushima Shrine are additional highlights.

As a place not only for sightseeing but also for relaxation and learning, it is a popular destination recommended for visitors of all ages, from children to adults.