Aquaworld Oarai, known for having the largest number of shark species on exhibit among Japan's aquariums (based on the aquarium's own survey of aquarium-association member facilities, as of December 2025), is marking this summer under the tagline "Now, a New Sea World!" The aquarium is rolling out a wide range of programs — performances, hands-on learning, ways to cool off, and even a chance to get a little wet — that let visitors experience new sides of the aquarium. Along with programs renewed this spring, the special event "Matsuri Aquaworld," themed around the feel of a Japanese summer, is one of the season's highlights.
Dolphins and Sea Lions Ocean Live: An Energetic Performance
Renewed this past March, the popular "Dolphins and Sea Lions Ocean Live" program combines the animals' dynamic performances with video effects on a large screen for an immersive show. Seats near the front come with plenty of splashing water, and visitors can bring rain gear or a picnic sheet to get thoroughly soaked — a way of enjoying summer that's unique to Aquaworld Oarai. The show takes place in an indoor theater unaffected by weather.
Location: 4th floor, Sea of Surprises Zone, "Ocean Theater"
*Show times vary by day; check the official website for details.
*The program may be changed or canceled depending on the animals' condition.
IWASHI LIFE Summer Version: A Dramatic Display of Sardines
The aquarium's popular "IWASHI LIFE" program presents the strength and vitality of Japanese sardines surviving in the wild, with staging that changes by season. The current summer version captures the sardines' schooling, feeding movements as they build up energy ahead of winter spawning, staged with a dynamic effect inspired by towering summer cumulonimbus clouds. Lighting effects suggesting an approaching storm and flashes of lightning add further drama across the large tank. This version of "IWASHI LIFE" can only be seen during this season.
Location: 2nd/3rd floor, Sea of Encounters Zone, "Sea of Encounters Large Tank"
*Show times vary by day; check the official website for details.
*The program may be changed or canceled depending on the animals' condition.
Matsuri Aquaworld: A Special Event Themed Around Japanese Summer Traditions
Themed around the various traditions of a Japanese summer, the aquarium is offering special exhibit tanks, educational programs, limited-time food, and more. Lanterns and paper fans decorate the aquarium, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of a summer festival. Visitors of all ages can enjoy a nostalgic taste of Japanese summer while getting closer to the animals.
Event: Matsuri Aquaworld
Period: Thursday, July 16 to Wednesday, September 23, 2026
Special Exhibit Tank: Octopus and Squid
A special tank designed to resemble festival food stalls displays a common octopus and a broadclub cuttlefish side by side. Though closely related, the two have different body structures, habits, and characteristics, which the exhibit introduces in an easy-to-understand way.
Location: 3rd floor, Sea of Encounters Zone, next to the "Sea of Seaweed" tank
*The animals on display may be changed or canceled depending on conditions.
Otter Feeding Time: Chilly Ice Festival
Using ice as part of the presentation, this program introduces the North American river otter, a species adapted to snowy regions, along with feeding time. Staff explain the otters' physical traits and lifestyle suited to a cold environment, and depending on timing, visitors may also see the otters playing with the ice.
Location: 5th/6th floor, Sea of Calm Zone, North American river otter tank
Frequency: Twice a day (about 10 minutes each)
*Show times vary by day; check the official website for details.
*The program may be changed or canceled depending on the animals' condition.
Penguin Feeding Time: Flowing Fish for Everyone
Staged like flowing somen noodles, this program sends horse mackerel and sand lance sliding past for the penguins, who skillfully pick them out with their beaks. Watch the penguins line up and wait for their food, then lunge at it with real force once it arrives.
Location: Outdoor area "Ocean Terrace," Humboldt penguin tank
Frequency: Twice a day (about 10 minutes each)
*Show times vary by day; check the official website for details.
*The program may be changed or canceled depending on the animals' condition.
Matsuri Aquaworld Limited-Time Food Menu
For the duration of the event, the aquarium is offering a tasting set of plump fried octopus and savory fried squid. After learning about the differences between octopus and squid at the special exhibit tank, visitors can try comparing the flavors for themselves.
Price: Octopus & Squid Chewy-Crispy Fried Set — ¥750
Location: 3rd floor, Relax Café "Mermaid"
*Available while supplies last.
Soap Bubble Time Under the Summer Sky
At the outdoor "Ocean Terrace," overlooking the Pacific Ocean, visitors can enjoy soap bubbles drifting against the summer sky. A cooling mist adds to the scene, making it a pleasant spot to feel the sea breeze and take summer photos.
Location: Outdoor area "Ocean Terrace"
Dates: Saturdays and Sundays during the event period
Time: 2:15 PM (once a day, about 10 minutes)
*Canceled in case of rain.
*Not held from Saturday, August 8 to Sunday, August 16.
Sumikko Gurashi Aquarium Collaboration Event
A collaboration event with the popular "Sumikko Gurashi" characters, enjoyed by fans of all ages, runs from Thursday, July 16 through Wednesday, September 23, 2026. Now in its fourth consecutive year, this year's collaboration features a special exhibit, "しっぽず and the Tails of the Sea," spotlighting the tails of various sea creatures, along with the annual in-aquarium rally, collaboration food, and collaboration merchandise. Visitors can enjoy discovering new sides of the animals alongside the Sumikko characters.
Period: Thursday, July 16 to Wednesday, September 23, 2026
NIGHT AQUAWORLD: A Quieter Evening Experience
Renewed alongside the Dolphins and Sea Lions Ocean Live this past March, the Saturday-night "NIGHT AQUAWORLD" program offers a change of pace from the lively daytime atmosphere. Away from the heat, visitors can take in the aquarium's quieter, more fantastical side under different lighting after dark.
Dates: Saturdays (not held on Saturday, July 18 or Saturday, August 15, 2026)
Hours: 5:45 PM to 8:00 PM (last entry 7:00 PM)
Admission: Adults ¥2,300; elementary/junior high school students ¥1,100; young children (age 3 and up) ¥400
Tickets: Sold through "asoview!" web tickets: https://www.asoview.com/channel/ticket/qk2rlVYZU2/ticket0000007119/
Making the Most of Summer at Aquaworld Oarai
During part of the summer holidays, Aquaworld Oarai will extend its hours to welcome more visitors. Coming in the evening, after the heat and crowds have peaked, is also recommended. Visitors can also use the "date-specified web ticket," which lets guests skip the same-day ticket line and enter smoothly, to make the most of their time inside the aquarium.
Extended hours dates: Saturday, July 18 and Sunday, July 19; Sunday, August 9 to Saturday, August 15, 2026
Extended hours: 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last entry 6:00 PM)
Date-specified web ticket: https://www.asoview.com/channel/tickets/qk2rlVYZU2/
*No cancellation fee applies to date-specified web tickets if canceled by 8:59 AM on the day of use.
Traffic notice: On dates expected to see especially heavy crowds during the summer holidays, traffic control measures will be in place on surrounding roads. Visitors driving to the aquarium are asked to check details on the official website in advance and to cooperate in easing congestion. Parking lot capacity updates are shared on the aquarium's official X account (@aw_oarai).
Traffic control dates: Sunday, July 19; Sunday, August 9 to Saturday, August 15, 2026
During the summer holidays, the roads around the aquarium are expected to see significant congestion. Visitors are encouraged to consider arriving in the evening after the peak crowds have passed, or using public transportation, walking or cycling from nearby stations, for a more comfortable visit.
*All images are for illustrative purposes. All prices include tax.
