Minamichita Beach Land & Minamichita Toy Kingdom (Mihama-cho, Chita-gun, Aichi Prefecture; Director: Mamoru Ishido) is holding a series of autumn events from September 5 (Saturday) through November 29 (Sunday), 2026.
At Minamichita Beach Land, animals take on a variety of sports-themed challenges in "Ocean Athletes' Summit Showdown," including the "First Penguin Cup," where Humboldt penguins race through an obstacle course, and a special autumn show in which sea lions and dolphins put their athletic ability on display through sports-style routines.
From September 5 (Saturday) through November 3 (Tuesday, holiday), the aquarium building will also host a special exhibition called "Skel Exhibition," presenting skeletal specimens and oddly shaped fish with a horror-tinged, mysterious Halloween presentation.
1. Ocean Athletes' Summit Showdown
First Penguin Cup — Your Cheers Give Them Strength
The penguins compete in an exciting race once again this year. Guests predict which penguin will be the "First Penguin" to cross the finish line and cheer them on by waving flags. This year, new obstacles have been added to the course, making for an even more unpredictable, high-energy race.
Period: September 5 (Saturday) – November 29 (Sunday), 2026
Times: Twice daily (once only on November 22 (Sunday))
Price: Free (admission fee required separately)
Location: Special venue beside the Walrus Pavilion
What is a "first penguin"?
Penguins live in groups without a designated leader and have a habit of following whichever bird moves first. The event's name comes from the courageous penguin that is first to dive into the sea in search of fish, despite the risk that predators may be lurking there.
Autumn Sea Lion & Dolphin Show — Showcasing Outstanding Athletic Ability
This autumn's show is themed around "sports." Sea lions and dolphins take on events modeled after sports competitions. Sea lions skillfully balance and carry a ball toward a goal in a basketball-inspired challenge, while veteran and rookie dolphins compete head-to-head in events such as high jumps.
Come see the animals' outstanding athletic ability and powerful performances.
Period: September 5 (Saturday) – November 29 (Sunday), 2026
Times: Three times daily (dolphins only for the third show)
Price: Free (admission fee required separately)
Location: Dolphin Stadium
Walrus Performance — The Kick Challenge
The walrus leaves its exhibit area and comes right up close to guests.
The performance is built around an "exercise" theme, featuring sit-ups, push-ups, and other moves. Don't miss the walrus's dynamic yet comical "kick."
Period: September 5 (Saturday) – November 29 (Sunday), 2026
Times: Once daily
Price: Free (admission fee required separately)
Location: In front of the Walrus Pavilion
2. Halloween Special: "Skel Exhibition"
A special exhibition themed around "skeletons" combines Halloween with animal bones. Skeletal specimens such as a dolphin skull and shark jawbone, along with X-ray images and fish with names or shapes suited to Halloween, are displayed with an eerie, mysterious presentation.
Guests can learn about how living creatures' bodies work while enjoying a Halloween atmosphere.
Period: September 5 (Saturday) – November 3 (Tuesday, holiday), 2026
Price: Free (admission fee required separately)
Location: Special exhibition area inside the aquarium building
3. Aquarium Exploration Game "Sakana Quest"
Using a dedicated tablet device, guests search the park for sea creatures and take on quizzes and puzzles in this new style of hands-on game.
The game is themed around "a mystery-solving expedition for a sunken ship's treasure." Players become expedition members, using the tablet's camera to find creatures hidden throughout the park. Solving quizzes and puzzles about the creatures they discover leads them toward completing their mission.
Start date: September 5, 2026 (Saturday)
Price: ¥700 (admission fee required separately)
Registration: Information counter beside the main gate
4. Kids Studio: NHK Kids Characters Gather
©NHK ©NHK・NED
A corner packed with play areas where kids can step into the world of popular NHK E Tele programs — a big hit with young children.
Period: July 4, 2026 (Saturday) – June 27, 2027 (Sunday)
Price: ¥500 (ages 0 and up, admission fee required separately)
Location: Event Hall, inside Minamichita Toy Kingdom
5. Azuki Onee-San Special Stage
Azuki Akimoto, the first-ever gymnastics onee-san on NHK E Tele's popular program "Okaasan to Issho," takes the Dolphin Stadium stage.
It's a stage event where parents and children can enjoy moving their bodies together.
Date & Time: November 22, 2026 (Sunday), 11:00 AM / 2:00 PM
Price: Free to view; the entire stadium is reserved seating
A combined ticket including park admission and a reserved seat (a web ticket) is planned for sale. Ticket details will be announced later on the official website.
Location: Dolphin Stadium
Images are for illustrative purposes. All listed prices include tax. All events are subject to change or cancellation without notice.
Official Website: https://beachland.jp/
Event Page: https://beachland.jp/news/10193
