Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium will hold its first-ever summer night aquarium event, "Irukarnival," after regular closing hours from July 25 (Saturday) through August 23 (Sunday), 2026, and again during Silver Week from September 19 (Saturday) to 23 (Wednesday, a national holiday). Themed around "jump" — hearts leaping and bodies moving — the nighttime event combines dynamic dolphin jumps, a lively school of Japanese sardines, and high-energy acrobatic performances for visitors of all ages.
With the daytime heat easing after closing, guests can also enjoy a cooler, more special side of the aquarium.
Event Overview
- Event: Summer Night Aquarium "Irukarnival"
- Dates: July 25 (Sat) – August 23 (Sun), 2026, and September 19 (Sat) – 23 (Wed, national holiday) during Silver Week
- Closed on July 29, 30 and August 5, 6, 19
- Hours: 6:30 PM – 9:00 PM (last admission at 8:00 PM)
- Tickets: Regular aquarium admission tickets cannot be used for this event. A dedicated ticket must be purchased separately.
Ticket Prices:
| Ticket | Regular Period* | Peak Period** |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | ¥2,700 | ¥3,000 |
| Senior | ¥2,200 | ¥2,500 |
| Junior/High School Student | ¥2,100 | ¥2,400 |
| Elementary School Student | ¥1,600 | ¥1,900 |
| Preschooler | ¥1,100 | ¥1,400 |
| Annual Passport Holder | ¥500 | ¥1,000 |
*Regular Period: July 25 – August 7, August 17 – August 23 (excluding closed days)
**Peak Period: August 8 – August 16
- Where to Buy: Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium official website (uminomori.jp), 7-Eleven (Seven Code: 116-521), Lawson/Ministop (Loppi/L-code: 21861)
- Sales Start: July 3, 2026 (Friday) at 12:00 PM
Three "Jump" Performances After Dark
Opening: "Spark for Jump" (Main Tank Performance)
The evening opens with "Sparkling of Life," a performance combining Japanese sardines and music, now paired with a live acrobatic performance. An air mat is set up in front of the 1st-floor large tank, "いのちきらめく うみ," where performers carry out a series of acrobatic feats up close. The lively school of sardines and bubble effects combine with the performers' movements for a dynamic opening act.
- Time: 6:50 PM
- Duration: Approximately 5 minutes
- Location: 1F Large Tank, "いのちきらめく うみ"
Main Performance: Night Dolphin Performance "Irukarnival!!"
The main performance, "Irukarnival!!," takes place at Umino-Mori Stadium, where enhanced lighting, four bottlenose dolphins, and performers come together around the theme of "jump" for a dynamic show only possible after dark. Set to an original soundtrack, the performance combines the dolphins' jumps with lighting effects and the performers' acrobatics and dance for an experience that appeals to both children and adults.
Since the stadium pool has no acrylic viewing panel, visitors can watch the dolphins' jumps and the performers' dance routines up close.
- Time: 7:20 PM
- Duration: Approximately 20 minutes
- Location: Umino-Mori Stadium
- Seating: Free seating (the front row is unavailable due to staging)
Finale: "JUMPARADE"
"Irukarnival" closes with "JUMPARADE," a participatory performance in which visitors join in simple choreography and jump along with the performers, bringing the audience and performers together for a lively finish.
- Time: 7:50 PM
- Duration: Approximately 5 minutes
- Location: 2F Marine Mammal Plaza
A Different Side of the Aquarium's Animals After Dark
After closing, the animals' behavior changes too. Visitors can see penguins dozing off for the night and nocturnal American beavers becoming more active — sides of the aquarium's residents rarely seen during regular daytime hours. The cooler evening air after closing also makes for a comfortable way to explore the aquarium.
Limited-Time Food and Merchandise
The food court and shop will remain open during the event, offering limited drink menus and other items available only during "Irukarnival." Further details will be announced later on the official website.
