Shimoda Aquarium in Shizuoka Prefecture is presenting a special seasonal exhibit featuring fish that evoke the colors and imagery of cherry blossoms and nanohana (rapeseed flowers). Running from January 31 to April 5, 2026, the display celebrates two major spring festivals in the neighboring regions: the "Minami no Sakura to Nanohana Matsuri" (Southern Cherry Blossoms and Nanohana Festival) in Minamiizu Town and the "Kawazu Zakura Matsuri" (Kawazu Cherry Blossom Festival) in Kawazu Town.
This Year Features Nanohana! "Underwater Flowers" Create Cherry Blossom Viewing Atmosphere
This year's exhibit includes yellow fish resembling nanohana, such as Kagokaki-dai and Oyabiccha, alongside Sakura-dai (cherry blossom sea bream), which features cherry blossom petal-like patterns on its body, and Hanamino-kasago, whose name includes the word "viewing" (hanami). These special exhibits showcase fish that evoke the cherry blossoms and nanohana that color the Izu region each early spring.
The special exhibition tank is decorated with cherry blossom and nanohana themes, adding to the festive atmosphere of Minamiizu Town's "Minami no Sakura to Nanohana Matsuri" and Kawazu Town's "Kawazu Zakura Matsuri" in the adjacent areas.
While the cherry blossoms at the festivals are beautiful, visitors can now enjoy the underwater "cherry blossoms" as well, offering festival-goers an additional way to experience the spring season.
Featured Fish Species
Sakura-dai (Scientific name: Sacura margaritacea)
Sakura-dai inhabits coastal rocky reef areas and is distributed throughout southern Japan, excluding the Ryukyu Islands. This species is known for sex change, with all fish born as females. When a vibrant orange-colored female transforms into a male, white petal-shaped patterns appear on its body. The fish is named "Sakura-dai" after these patterns, which resemble cherry blossom petals.
Kagokaki-dai (Scientific name: Microcanthus strigatus)
This species can be found along Japan's Pacific coast and is known as a delicious fish for eating.
Hanamino-kasago (Scientific name: Pterois volitans)
This species inhabits rocky areas south of Suruga Bay. It is nocturnal, hiding in rock crevices during the day. Despite its beautiful fins, they contain strong venom and can be dangerous.
About Shimoda Aquarium
Shimoda Aquarium operates as an experiential aquarium, having opened in March 1967. It is one of Japan's unique aquariums utilizing a natural inlet. The facility exhibits dolphins, sea lions, seals, penguins, and otters, along with creatures native to the waters around the Izu Peninsula.
The aquarium is distinguished by its extensive hands-on programs, including feeding experiences and opportunities to swim with dolphins, creating close encounters between visitors and marine life.
Location: 22-31 Sancho, Shimoda City, Shizuoka Prefecture 415-0023
Access:
- By Train: 7 minutes by regular bus, 5 minutes by taxi, or 25 minutes on foot from Izukyu-Shimoda Station on the Izukyu Line
- By Car: Approximately 40 km from Tsukigase IC on the Izu Chuo Expressway / Shuzenji Road
Official Website: https://shimoda-aquarium.com
