Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is holding a Halloween special exhibit from Thursday, October 22 to Saturday, October 31, 2026. Titled "Zokuzoku! Gusoguso Panic" (ゾクゾクッ！グソグソパニック), the exhibit gathers 500 giant isopods in a single tank, recreating the sight of the creatures swarming over their food and introducing how they survive in the harsh environment of the deep sea.
500 Creepy Creatures Gather: "Zokuzoku! Gusoguso Panic"
At the Aqua Museum, the Halloween-themed special exhibit "Zokuzoku! Gusoguso Panic" runs for a limited time.
Giant isopods belong to the crustacean family, like shrimp and crabs, and are also known as the "cleaners of the deep sea." When they find food such as the carcass of a large animal, countless isopods crawl out from all directions, swarm over it, and eat it completely. Their presence helps keep the seafloor environment healthy and cycles nutrients back into the ocean, giving them an important role in nature.
To help visitors learn about this behavior, the exhibit stretches nets across the walls and top of the tank, creating an eerie three-dimensional space where 500 giant isopods cluster together.
For visitors who are uncomfortable with creatures gathered in large groups, the entire tank is covered with a curtain. Lifting the curtain reveals countless giant isopods filling the view, a sight like a scene from a horror movie.
Within the three-dimensional display, visitors can watch a variety of giant isopod behaviors. The animals pile on top of one another, crawl slowly across the nets, and may even be seen swimming on their backs.
The exhibit also aims to go beyond simple fear and surprise, letting visitors sense the tough vitality of these creatures despite their appearance and encouraging interest in protecting the rich ocean and the deep-sea environment.
Exhibit Details:
- Dates: Thursday, October 22 to Saturday, October 31, 2026
- Hours: Same as Aqua Museum operating hours
- Location: Aqua Museum 3F, LABO 7 「未知なる海底谷 深海リウム」
Taste the Deep Sea: Deep-Fried Whole Giant Isopod
At the Umifarm aquarium, visitors can actually taste giant isopods, which are relatives of shrimp and crabs. As a special Halloween experience, the dish lets guests enjoy a deep-sea flavor while appreciating the toughness of the creatures seen in the exhibit through the act of "receiving a life." After learning by seeing, visitors can eat and experience the animal for themselves.
Deep-Fried Whole Giant Isopod:
- Price: ¥990 per isopod
- Sold at: Umifarm aquarium
- Hours: Same as Umifarm operating hours
- Note: Sales may be temporarily suspended or the menu may change depending on supplies.
Halloween Greeting with a Costumed Sea Para Shi-ta
At Sea Para Kids Land, a special amusement area on the island, greetings with the facility's mascot character "Sea Para Shi-ta" (シーパラシー太) are held every day. Throughout October, Shi-ta appears in a Halloween costume for a limited time, and visitors can meet the mascot and take photos.
Greeting Details:
- Time: 2:00 PM to 2:20 PM
- Location: Sea Para Kids Land
- Note: A Sea Para Kids Land ticket is required to join the greeting. Tickets can be purchased on the official Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise website.
About Sea Para Kids Land
Sea Para Kids Land is an indoor kids' area themed on the sea, islands, and sea creatures. Children can play on exciting equipment such as athletic structures, and the area can be enjoyed in any weather. It is open to children from 0 to 9 years old and their families. An infant space for children under 7 months and a rest area are also available, so the whole family can spend time together.
Sea Para Kids Land Admission
| Fee | Child (under 7 months) | Child (7 months to 9 years) | Guardian (18 years and over) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 90-minute stay | Free | ¥1,600 | ¥700 |
| Holders of various free passes that include attractions | Free | ¥1,500 | ¥600 |
| Each 30-minute extension | Free | ¥500 | Free |
- A ticket purchased on the official Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise website is required for admission.
- Children must be accompanied by a guardian aged 18 or over.
- At least one guardian is required for every three children.
- Children under 7 months can enter free of charge but may use only the infant space, for safety reasons.
- Visitors aged 10 to 17 are not admitted.
- Some equipment has usage restrictions.
