Joetsu City Aquarium "Umigatari" will host a seasonal event themed around Valentine's Day and White Day called "Heartful Winter 2026" from January 31 (Saturday) to March 15 (Sunday), 2026.
With "harmony" as the theme, the event offers experiences and exhibits designed to warm hearts and provide relaxation even during the cold winter months.
Hello! Seal Kids - Valentine's & White Day Edition
Watch the adorable behavior of spotted seals "Futaba" and "Mitsuba" while learning about their unique characteristics and mating behaviors in honor of Valentine's Day and White Day. These two seals were born at Umigatari, and their charming antics are sure to warm your heart!
Dates: February 7 (Sat), 8 (Sun), 11 (Wed - Holiday), 14 (Sat), March 7 (Sat), 8 (Sun), 14 (Sat), 15 (Sun), 2026
Time: 1:30 PM
Location: 2nd Floor, Furendo Pool
Welcome Aquarium Tank with Chocolate-Themed Fish
A special welcome aquarium tank will be installed at the entrance of Umigatari. The tank features "Chocolate Gourami," a fish whose brown body and white lines resembling milk evoke the image of chocolate. Their relaxed swimming style creates a soothing atmosphere for visitors.
Location: 1st Floor, Entrance
Featured Species: Chocolate Gourami
Love Quiz! (Mating Behavior Quiz)
A panel exhibition introduces various mating behaviors of living creatures in quiz format. Staff-created hand-drawn illustrations add a heartwarming touch, making learning fun and engaging.
Location: 3rd Floor, Slope Area
Art of Dolphin
The winter-exclusive underwater dolphin performance "Art of Dolphin" showcases the graceful underwater choreography of bottlenose dolphins and their trainers. Illuminated by natural sunlight, this performance captures the beauty and dynamism of bottlenose dolphins, offering a truly healing experience.
Period: January 31 (Saturday), 2026 to early April
Schedule:
- Weekdays: 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM
- Weekends, holidays, and March 20 (Friday - Holiday) to April 5 (Sunday): 11:00 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:00 PM, 3:30 PM
Location: 2nd Floor, Dolphin Hall
Student Discount
When presenting a valid student ID at the time of admission, students can enjoy discounted admission to Umigatari.
Hours of Operation
January 1 to March 19, 2026: 10:00 AM to 4:00 PM (Last admission at 3:30 PM)
March 20 to April 5, 2026: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
April 6, 2026 onward: 10:00 AM to 5:00 PM (Last admission at 4:30 PM)
Admission Fees
Individual Admission:
- Adults (18 and over): ¥1,800
- High School Students: ¥1,100
- Elementary & Junior High School Students: ¥900
- Children (4 years and over): ¥500
- Seniors (65 and over): ¥1,500
Annual Passport:
- Adults (18 and over): ¥4,500
- High School Students: ¥2,800
- Elementary & Junior High School Students: ¥2,300
- Children (4 years and over): ¥1,300
- Seniors (65 and over): ¥3,800
Notes:
- Visitors with physical disability certificates, rehabilitation certificates, or mental health and welfare certificates (all grades) receive a 50% discount on individual admission rates. One caregiver per person with a disability also receives the 50% discount.
- The Mirairo ID digital disability certificate app is accepted.
- When creating an annual passport, a photo of the passport holder will be taken, so the person who will be the holder must visit in person.
- No identification documents are required when purchasing an annual passport.
- No age verification documents are required when purchasing admission tickets.
Access
Joetsu City Aquarium Umigatari is easily accessible by car or public transportation, located near the coast with beautiful views of the Sea of Japan.
Co-Authored-By: Claude Sonnet 4.5 noreply@anthropic.com
