Hiroshima Motomachi Aquarium in Naka Ward, Hiroshima City, is running a spring special event titled "～海に咲く、Sacuraまつり～" (Sacura Matsuri: Cherry Blossoms at Sea) from March 20 to April 30, 2026. The highlight of the event is a limited-time display of Cherry anthias in a dedicated tank, alongside a variety of other spring- and cherry blossom-themed exhibits throughout the venue.
Cherry Blossom-Themed Exhibits
Featured Species 1: Cherry anthias
- Display period: March 20 (Fri) to April 30 (Thu), 2026
- Location: Forest Area (inside the aquarium)
Cherry anthias live in schools at depths of roughly 10 to 110 meters. Male individuals have distinctive spots on their sides that resemble scattered cherry blossom petals, which is the origin of the fish's name. The scientific name also incorporates "Sacura."
Featured Species 2: Sakuranishiki
- Location: Zipangu Area (inside the aquarium)
The Sakuranishiki is a newer goldfish variety produced by crossbreeding Ranchu and Edo Nishiki. It has no dorsal fin and a rounded body, with semi-transparent red-and-white scales that give it a soft, cherry blossom-pink appearance.
Note: Exhibits are subject to change without prior notice depending on the condition of the animals.
Limited-Edition Fish Seal (Cherry anthias Design)
A limited-edition "Fish Seal" (魚朱印) stamp featuring a Cherry anthias design — drawn by aquarium staff — will be on sale during the spring period. It is only available during this limited timeframe.
- Sales period: March 20 (Fri), 2026 to May 31 (Sun), 2026
- Sales location: Information desk / Ticket counter
- Price: ¥300 (tax included)
Welcome Suigenkyou: Sakura Version
In the Welcome Area at the entrance, a visual display projects falling cherry blossoms across a water surface along with Nishikigoi (koi), creating an immersive spring scene. This projection is only shown during the cherry blossom season.
- Display period: March 14 (Sat) to April 30 (Thu), 2026
- Location: Welcome Area (inside the aquarium)
Half-Birthday Commemorative: Behind-the-Scenes Footage
To mark the aquarium's half-birthday, footage documenting the behind-the-scenes story of the aquarium's opening is being screened, offering a look at the process of building the aquarium from the ground up.
- Screening period: March 20 (Fri) to April 30 (Thu), 2026
- Location: Zipangu Area (inside the aquarium)
Discount Campaign with Nearby Facilities
Visitors who present a ticket stub from one of the listed partner facilities when purchasing a same-day ticket will receive ¥100 off admission. The campaign runs for a limited time.
- Campaign period: March 14 (Sat) to April 30 (Thu), 2026
- Partner facilities: Hiroshima Castle, Hiroshima Castle River Cruise, Shukkeien Garden, Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum
- Present at: Information desk / Ticket counter
Hiroshima Motomachi Aquarium
- Address: 6-78 Motomachi, Naka Ward, Hiroshima City, Hiroshima Prefecture, 7F Paséla
- Official website: https://aquarium-hiroshima.com/
- Hours: Normally 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM (last admission 30 minutes before closing; hours may vary by season)
- Admission: Adults (junior high school and above) ¥2,000 / Elementary school students ¥1,200 / Toddlers: 1 free per adult, additional toddlers ¥500 each
- Parking: Motomachi Credo Parking (first hour free with service)
