Spring Sakura Event 2026 at Joetsu City Aquarium Museum Umigatari (March 20 to April 19)

Published: March 5, 2026
Spring Sakura Event 2026 at Joetsu City Aquarium Museum Umigatari (March 20 to April 19)

Joetsu City Aquarium Museum "Umigatari" is holding a seasonal event timed to coincide with the cherry blossom season. "Sakura Saku Haru no Umigatari 2026" runs from March 20, 2026 (Friday / public holiday) through April 19, 2026 (Sunday).

Under the theme of "Ibuki" (Breath of Life), the event features exhibits and activities designed to capture the vibrant energy of living creatures as a new season begins.

Hanasaka Diver: Fish Bloom into a Giant Sakura Flower

A diver dressed as the "Hanasaka Jisan" (Flower-Blooming Grandfather) from a beloved Japanese folktale makes an appearance inside the "Umigatari Main Tank." The diver feeds the fish with beautiful pink krill (okiami), drawing the fish to swarm and creating a spectacular effect — as though a giant cherry blossom flower is blooming inside the tank.

Hanasaka Diver feeding fish in the main tank

Schedule:

  • Weekdays: 12:00 PM
  • Weekends & public holidays: 12:00 PM and 2:15 PM

Location: Umigatari Tube

Japanese Tank Sakura ver.: A Springtime Display

A special "Japanese style" tank decorated with spring-inspired arrangements is on display as the "Japanese Tank Sakura ver.." Inside, goldfish drift gently through the water like falling cherry blossom petals, offering a quietly beautiful sense of spring's arrival.

Japanese-style tank decorated with spring motifs featuring goldfish

Location: 3F Lobby
Displayed creature: Goldfish


Opening Hours

Opening hours schedule

Admission

Admission pricing

Annual passport pricing

Those holding a physical disability certificate, therapy certificate, or mental disability welfare certificate (all grades) are eligible for a 50% discount on the individual admission price. One accompanying caregiver per eligible person also receives the same 50% discount. The disability certificate app "Mirairo ID" is also accepted.

Please note that the annual passport requires a photo of the passholder to be taken at time of purchase, so the actual passholder must be present in person. No identity documents are required for purchasing an annual passport or other admission tickets.

Access

Access map for Umigatari Aquarium