Discover the Enchantment of Marine World Uminonakamichi
The aquarium is a huge attraction in Japan. Marine World Uminonakamichi is located on the tranquil sandbar in Fukuoka. We enjoyed the outside dolphin show in which we were overlooking the ocean. We took a train from Hakata Station to Kashii Station via the Kagoshima Main Line, transferred to the JR Kashii Line (bound for Nishitozaki), and took 20 minutes to Uminonakamichi Station. From Uminonakamichi Station, it is just a 5-minute walk.
If this is your first time visiting Fukuoka, please check out our article, Two Perfect Days in Fukuoka. The city has been the popularity with domestic and international travelers in the last several years. We highly recommend you try Yatai Stalls in Nakasu District. You can find different Fukuoka specialty foods.
This unique aquatic paradise, with its distinctive shell-shaped design, invites visitors to embark on an unforgettable journey into the heart of the ocean’s mysteries. Home to over 20,000 marine creatures spanning 450 diverse species, the aquarium offers an unparalleled glimpse into the aquatic life that thrives around the Kyushu region and beyond.
The centerpiece of Marine World is its colossal main tank, a seven-meter-deep marvel housing an impressive array of marine life, including a formidable assembly of over 120 sharks from 20 different species. This panoramic spectacle, known as the “Kyushu Pelagic” tank, stretches across two floors, offering visitors a mesmerizing underwater ballet of more than 20,000 fish of 80 species behind a massive 30 cm thick acrylic panel.
But the wonders of Marine World extend far beyond its tanks. The Marine Theater, an all-weather amphitheater with a seating capacity of 1,465, hosts daily shows featuring the astonishing acrobatics of dolphins and the comedic antics of sea lions, all set against the picturesque backdrop of Hakata Bay. These performances not only entertain but also educate audiences about the intelligence and grace of these marine mammals.
For a more interactive experience, visitors can partake in unique behind-the-scenes tours, offering a rare opportunity to feed and learn about the aquarium’s inhabitants up close. The facility also boasts outdoor tanks for hands-on encounters with dolphins and sea lions, providing a tangible connection to marine life.
Marine World is not just an aquarium; it’s a comprehensive marine education center. With the introduction of “Kaiju Island” and various themed zones like the Marine Science Lab and the Aso Forest, the aquarium delves into the ecological narratives of marine life, promoting conservation and understanding.
Technology enhances the visitor experience, with free multilingual audio guidance available via smartphones or tablets, requiring no internet connection or app downloads. This innovative feature ensures that language barriers do not hinder the educational journey through the aquarium.
The aquarium’s commitment to education and conservation is further exemplified by its display of a formalin specimen of a megamouth shark, a rare species that washed ashore in Hakata Bay in 1994. This exhibit, along with others, underscores the aquarium’s role in marine research and preservation.
Marine World has continuously evolved since its inception in April 1989, undergoing significant renovations to update and expand its facilities. The most recent renovation in 2017 transformed 90% of the aquarium, introducing new exhibits and themes focused on the Kyushu Sea, further solidifying its position as a leading destination for marine education and entertainment.
Whether it’s the thrill of watching a dolphin soar through the air, the tranquility of observing the gentle drift of marine life in the Kyushu Pelagic tank, or the joy of interacting with sea creatures, Marine World offers a comprehensive and immersive marine experience. Set against the backdrop of Fukuoka’s natural beauty, it’s a must-visit destination that brings the ocean’s wonders to the doorstep of both locals and travelers alike, making it a true aquatic jewel of Fukuoka.