Zero Distance Aquarium Ise Sea Paradise, in Ise, Mie Prefecture, is bringing back its popular "Goma-chan Lap Pillow Experience" as a special part of its September Respect for the Aged Day event. The experience runs for a limited time, from Tuesday, September 1 to Wednesday, September 30, 2026.
The experience — one of the aquarium's signature "zero distance" encounters — lets a spotted seal rest directly on a visitor's lap. This time's participants are the children and grandchildren of Eri and Sha, two of the aquarium's spotted seals turning 39, giving guests the chance to feel their warmth and surprising weight up close.
Feel a Spotted Seal's Warmth Up Close
In the "Goma-chan Lap Pillow Experience," a spotted seal relaxes on a visitor's lap — a fan favorite that draws many participants at every session held at the aquarium.
Guests can feel the warmth passed through their lap, the seal's surprising weight, and a closeness to the animal that can't be experienced just by watching.
Photos and videos are welcome during the experience, so visitors are encouraged to capture the memory.
The content may change, or the experience may be canceled, depending on the animals' condition.
Event Overview
Dates: September 1–30, 2026, on Tuesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays
Not held September 19 (Sat) – 23 (Wed, national holiday)
Time: From 12:50 PM
Location: Zero Distance Plaza, in front of the spotted seal enclosure
The location may change in the event of rain
Capacity: 6 people per day
Fee: ¥2,000 (tax included)
Separate admission fee required
How to Join: Entry is by advance lottery through the official web reservation site
How to Apply
Applications are accepted through the official web reservation site, by advance lottery.
September 1 (Tue) – 6 (Sun) sessions
- Application period: August 17 (Mon) – August 21 (Fri)
- Results announced: from 10:00 AM on August 22 (Sat)
September 7 (Mon) – 13 (Sun) sessions
- Application period: August 24 (Mon) – August 28 (Fri)
- Results announced: from 10:00 AM on August 29 (Sat)
September 14 (Mon) – 18 (Fri) sessions
- Application period: August 31 (Mon) – September 4 (Fri)
- Results announced: from 10:00 AM on September 5 (Sat)
September 24 (Thu) – 30 (Wed) sessions
- Application period: September 7 (Mon) – September 11 (Fri)
- Results announced: from 10:00 AM on September 12 (Sat)
The experience is not held September 19 (Sat) – 23 (Wed, national holiday). If selected, the participation fee is automatically charged to the registered credit card, so please confirm the preferred date carefully before applying.
The aquarium is also holding other events throughout September — including feeding experiences with a giant sawfish and spotted seals, and a panel exhibit — as part of its Respect for the Aged Day celebrations for its 39-year-old "legend" animals.
Visiting Information
Facility: Zero Distance Aquarium Ise Sea Paradise
Address: 580 Futami-cho E, Ise, Mie Prefecture 519-0602
Phone: 0596-42-1760
Hours: 9:30 AM – 5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM) Hours may vary by season
Admission:
- Adults: ¥2,400–¥2,800 (price varies by day)
- Elementary and middle school students: ¥1,200
- Children aged 4 and up: ¥600
Official Website: https://ise-seaparadise.com/
