Aquarium in Japan, Shinagawa Aquarium

Shinagawa Aquarium is one of the most popular aquarium galleries in the Tokyo area other than  Sunshine City Aquarium.
Popular features include a dolphin and sea lion show, white alligators, gray reef sharks and seals. As the name suggests, it is in Shinagawa. During Christmas there are special Sea lion show, the tanks are decorated with a Christmas theme. The fun part of this aquarium is walking through an underwater glass tunnel while some 450 species of fish swim around and above you. There are no pamphlets or explanation panels in English. Also the dolphin and sea lion shows draw crowds on Sundays in an impossible numbers. Take the local Keihin-Kyuko private rail line from Shinagawa to Omori-kaigan Station. Turn left as you exit the station and follow the ceramic fish on the sidewalk to the first traffic light; then turn right. You can also take the JR Tokaido Line to Oimachi Station; board a free shuttle to the aquarium from the No. 6 platform at the bus terminal just outside Oimachi Station.

Timing:
10:00 - 17:00 (Last entry at 16:30), Dolphin and Sea Lion show thrice daily on varied schedule.

Shinagawa Aquarium Closed on:
Tuesday and Jan 1. Open on Tuesdays during holidays or school vacations.


Entry Fees in Shinagawa Aquarium:
Adult (+ high school) 1,300 yen
Junior high and elementary 600 yen
4 and up 300 yen

Contact No of Shinagawa Aquarium - 03-3762-3433

Access Point by Train:
The aquarium is accessable by JR (Omori Station) or Keihin trains (Omori-Kaigan) from Shinagawa Station.

History of Shinagawa Aquarium:

There are newer, larger and more innovative aquariums in Japan but except for Tokyo Sea Life Park they aren't anywhere near Tokyo. Shinagawa Aquarium is well worth seeing for those in the Tokyo region. The aquarium was opened in October, 1991 and has established a tradition of opening a new section for every 5 year anniversary. Penguin land was opened in August 1996 and was followed by the shark tank in 2001 and the seal observation building in 2006. 

The Shinagawa Aquarium Gallery:

The first sections of the aquarium deal with the native fish of rivers of Tokyo. There is a surprising diversity of fish. Most of the displays are medium or smaller sized when compared with other aquariums in Japan. 

The underwater tunnel through the large tank is still as impressive as when the aquarium opened. The tank holds a variety of aquatic creatures. 

Similarly, the rain-forest tank holds almost as much fish as it does water. Feeding time at the later tank is not to be missed. The giant sedate monsters come to life and snap up the food the second it hits the water. That was the first time I had seen Arapima Gigas from so close.

The final sections that contain the 5 year anniversary additions are some of the best parts of Shinagawa Aquarium. The spotted seal observation building is probably the best exhibit in the aquarium. 

The shark tank is a bit understated but watching the shark swim by so close felt extraordinary. 

The penguin exhibit is not so well decorated, but the penguins are real cute.

Last but not the least, the Dolphin and Sea lion show. I had miised the sea lion show though.

How to Reach Shinagawa Aquarium:

Of the two train lines that run along the coast south of Tokyo, Keihin runs the one with the closest stop (Omori-Kaigan Station) to Shinagawa Aquarium. Keihin's line only connects from Shinagawa Station to Haneda Airport so you'll have to change trains at Shinagawa Station if you're coming from somewhere else in Tokyo. JR Omori Station on the Keihin-Tohoku Line is a 15 minute walk and the other is only 8 minutes away.

A free shuttle bus operates between JR Oimachi Station and Shinagawa Aquarium. This is a major train line intersection between Shinagawa station and the aquarium. The buses are at 15 minute intervals at peak times and departs from the number 6 bus stop. The bus ride takes about 15 minutes.

A water taxi from Hinode Pier goes to Shinagawa Aquarium. One way combo tickets can be bought at both sides. This route does not operate when the aquarium is closed.


This article and many more are posted in my travelogue.