Ise Sea Paradise (Zero Distance Aquarium Ise Sea Paradise) in Mie Prefecture is hosting a summer special exhibition titled "How Do Sea Turtles Live?" from Saturday, June 13 to Monday, August 31, 2026. The exhibition features live young sea turtles alongside hands-on displays designed to help visitors learn about sea turtle ecology and the state of the marine environment in an approachable, interactive way.
Exhibition Details
The exhibition takes place at the Special Exhibition Booth in the Fureai Fish Hall. Highlights include:
- Live display of young loggerhead turtles (Akaumigame) and green turtles (Aoumigame)
- Hands-on exhibit with a hawksbill turtle (Himeumigame) taxidermy piece
- Interactive two-choice learning displays about the challenges sea turtles face as they grow
- Conservation activity panels from Kushimoto Marine Park
Young Turtles and Hands-On Learning
The young loggerhead and green turtles on display are on loan from Kushimoto Marine Park. Visitors can observe the hatchlings up close, discover the differences between species, and develop a deeper interest in sea turtles.
An interactive station uses a two-choice format to guide visitors through the survival challenges sea turtles encounter during growth, with flip-up pop displays that make the experience engaging for all ages. A separate hands-on exhibit lets visitors touch a hawksbill turtle taxidermy piece, experiencing the shape and texture of its shell firsthand.
Featured Species
Loggerhead Turtle
Distinguished by its large head and reddish-brown shell, the loggerhead is an omnivore with a strong preference for shellfish and crustaceans. Kushimoto Marine Park achieved the world's first successful artificial breeding of this species in 1995.
Green Turtle
Recognizable by its blue-green tinted dark shell and comparatively small head, the green turtle is primarily herbivorous, favoring seaweed and sea grasses.
Note: Displayed animals are subject to change depending on their condition.
Sea Turtles and the Future of the Ocean
The exhibition also introduces the marine conservation work carried out by Kushimoto Marine Park. Beyond the live displays, visitors can explore panels that put the sea turtles' situation in broader context — from ocean pollution to climate change — encouraging reflection on the current state of the ocean and what the future may hold.
Visiting Information
Exhibition Period: June 13 (Sat) – August 31 (Mon), 2026
Venue: Fureai Fish Hall, Special Exhibition Booth
Location: 580 Futami-cho E, Ise, Mie Prefecture 519-0602
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/
