Miyajima has always been a tourist destination, whether it’s the shopping district, Itsukushima Shrine or the summit of Mount Misen. There’s truly something for everyone.
But tucked away down a quiet, hilly road right next to Omoto Shrine is the often overlooked destination of Miyajima Public Aquarium, inviting visitors to take a break from the Miyajima outdoors and discover the rich marine life surrounding the island.
Miyajima Public Aquarium is not as big as other aquariums in Japan, but it still offers plenty to see and do, housing more than 15,000 creatures and 380 species. The aquarium primarily features marine life from local salt and fresh waters around Miyajima, specifically in the Seto Inland Sea, giving visitors an idea of what lies just beyond the beautiful Miyajima beaches.
From standard aquarium fish, jellyfish and sharks to more unique species such as sea lions, penguins and otters, Miyajima has a strong selection of species for everyone, taking around 45 minutes to an hour to see everything. The two-story complex has most of its exhibits on the first floor, with displays of aquariums and other viewing areas for the sea lions and penguins on the second floor, allowing you to see the animals from a unique perspective.
The aquarium was originally established in 1959 as a research facility by the Hiroshima Prefectural Fisheries until it became a town-run aquarium in 1967. Though the building has undergone a few renovations over the decades, the biggest and most recent came in 2011, when it was closed for a major redesign that modernized the facility and prioritized showcasing local marine life.
As you walk in, you are immediately greeted with a brochure that shows the event schedule for the day, along with a map of the aquarium. A small wooden structure that resembles the same iconic vermilion architecture of Itsukushima Shrine surrounds a small pool of water, immediately establishing the tone of the aquarium, which bases most of its exhibits on Miyajima architecture and style. The aquarium also has an exhibit based on an oyster farm, a local specialty of Hiroshima.
Prices are relatively affordable, with one adult ticket coming in at around 1,420 yen or around U.S. $8.50. Students get an even lower rate at around 710 yen or around U.S. $4, making admission even for large groups financially manageable. Admission includes access to all exhibits and scheduled events throughout the day.
In addition to the standard aquarium exhibits, the aquarium also offers multiple live shows, events and lectures throughout the day. Events are primarily animal feedings for the otters, sea lions and penguins, but the aquarium’s most popular events are its sea lion shows.
The aquarium’s sea lion show runs three times a day in the live show pool, where large crowds gather to watch the magic unfold. Using fish treats as rewards, trainers get sea lions to do incredible tricks, including bowing and waving, balancing items on their noses and hitting moving targets within the pool.
But what makes these shows so immersive is how they get the crowd to be a part of the show, letting people from the audience participate in certain tricks. From throwing discs for the sea lions to catch to bowing and watching the sea lions bow back, the sea lions’ responsiveness to the crowd makes viewers feel like they are truly a part of the show.
The Miyajima Public Aquarium may not be the largest or most well-known in Japan, but what it lacks in size it makes up for in charm. Unlike most large-scale aquariums, Miyajima Public Aquarium is a true reflection of the marine life in the area.
For those looking for a quick, affordable and fun activity away from the big crowds on Miyajima, the Miyajima Public Aquarium is a great option.
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