Enjoy an amazing summer at Aqua World Oarai!
This summer at Aqua World Oarai, there's a wealth of content to enjoy, including laughter, learning, cooling off, and getting soaked. In addition to popular programs that were revamped this spring, there are special events that capture the essence of Japanese summer."Matsuri Aqua World'We'll be bringing you various activities to help you make the most of your summer vacation!
An energetic performance that will blow away the heat! "Dolphin and Sea Lion Ocean Live"
The popular "Dolphin and Sea Lion Ocean Live" program, which was revamped this March, combines the dynamic performances of the animals with video projections using a large screen, creating an immersive live experience. For those in the front seats, the powerful splashes of water are sure to blow away the heat!
Bring a raincoat or picnic blanket and get completely soaked – that's one of the unique ways to enjoy "Aqua World Oarai Summer." Spend a truly exciting summer moment surrounded by smiles and cheers in our indoor theater, unaffected by the weather.
| place | 4th Floor: The Amazing Ocean Zone "Ocean Theater" |
|---|---|
| Time | It depends on the day, so please check the opening hours on the day of your visit. Event schedule . |
Summer limited edition "IWASHI LIFE"
Our popular program, "IWASHI LIFE," showcases the resilience and vibrant life of sardines as they survive the harsh natural environment, presented with different displays each season.
Currently in its summer version, the show depicts the dynamic scene of schools of fish searching for food—a sight unique to this time of year when they are accumulating nutrients in preparation for winter spawning—with a dramatic presentation inspired by towering cumulonimbus clouds rising over the summer sea.
Furthermore, the dramatic effects of a storm-like sky and flashing lightning enhance the entire large aquarium. Be sure to check out "IWASHI LIFE," available only this season.
| place | 2nd and 3rd floors: Sea of Encounters Zone "Large Sea of Encounters Tank" |
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| Time | It depends on the day, so please check the opening hours on the day of your visit. Event schedule . |
Special events will also be held, themed around various seasonal traditions that color the Japanese summer!
We will be offering a variety of content themed around various seasonal traditions that color the Japanese summer, including special aquarium exhibits, explanatory programs, and limited-edition food. The aquarium will be decorated with lanterns, fans, and other items that evoke the feeling of Japanese summer, so you can enjoy the lively atmosphere just like a summer festival.
We invite people of all ages, from children to adults, to enjoy a moment of nostalgic Japanese summer while experiencing the charm of living creatures.
| Time | July 16th (Thursday) - September 23rd (Wednesday/holiday) |
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Special event aquarium - Octopus and squid -
In a specially constructed tank designed to resemble food stalls lined up in a lively festival, we will exhibit octopuses (common octopus) and squid (cuttlefish). Although octopuses and squid are closely related, we will introduce their fascinating characteristics in an easy-to-understand way by comparing their different body structures, ecology, and other features.
Otter feeding time ~Ice Festival~
This exhibit uses ice to showcase the ecology of the Canadian river otter, a species that inhabits snowy regions. We will explain its physical characteristics adapted to cold environments, its lifestyle, and how it eats. Depending on the timing, you may also get to see its adorable playful antics with the ice.
| place | 5th and 6th floors, Nagomi no Umi zone: Canadian river otter tank |
|---|---|
| Time | Twice/day (about 10 minutes) The time varies depending on the event date, so please check the date of your visit. Event schedule . |
Penguin feeding time - everyone's floating fish?!
Inspired by the traditional Japanese "nagashi somen" (flowing noodles) style, the penguins are offered food such as horse mackerel and sand eels, which they skillfully peck at with their beaks. Pay attention not only to their adorable appearance as they line up and wait for their food, but also to the powerful and impressive way they bite into the flowing food.
| place | Outdoor area “Ocean Terrace” Humboldt penguin tank |
|---|---|
| Time | Twice/day (about 10 minutes) The time varies depending on the event date, so please check the date of your visit. Event schedule . |
Festival Aqua World Limited Food Menu
For a limited time during the event, we will be selling a tasting set featuring plump and juicy fried octopus and flavorful fried squid. After learning the difference between octopus and squid in our special tank, be sure to experience the difference in taste for yourself.
| Price | Deep-fried octopus and squid with a firm, chewy texture: 750 yen |
|---|---|
| Time | 3rd floor Relax Cafe "Mermaid" |
Summer sky sparkling with soap bubbles
At the Ocean Terrace, an outdoor area overlooking the Pacific Ocean, you can enjoy a summery scene of soap bubbles floating in the blue sky. Combined with a refreshing mist, it creates the perfect atmosphere for creating summer memories and taking photos while feeling the sea breeze.
| place | Outdoor area "Ocean Terrace" |
|---|---|
| Date | Weekends during the event period *Excluding August 8th (Sat) to August 16th (Sun) 14:15~ (about 10 minutes) |
*This event will not be held from August 8th (Sat) to August 16th (Sun).
A collaboration event with Sumikko Gurashi Aquarium will also be held simultaneously.
We will be holding a collaboration event with "Sumikko Gurashi," a character immensely popular with people of all ages, from children to adults, from July 16th (Thursday) to September 23rd (Wednesday/Holiday), 2026. This year marks the fourth consecutive year that we have held this event, and we will be offering a variety of activities, including a special exhibition focusing on the "tails" of various sea creatures, "The Tails of the Sea Exhibition," as well as the annual in-house rally, collaborative food, and collaborative merchandise sales. Enjoy a special time discovering new charms of living creatures together with the Sumikko characters.
| Time | July 16th (Thursday) - September 23rd (Wednesday/holiday) |
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Unlike the bustling daytime atmosphere, NIGHT AQUAWORLD offers a relaxed and enjoyable experience.
Just like the "Dolphin and Sea Lion Ocean Live Show," we encourage you to take this opportunity to enjoy "NIGHT AQUAWORLD," which was renovated in March of this year and is held on Saturday nights. Avoiding the intense heat, we recommend slowly enjoying the fantastical night aquarium, where you can feel the world of the sea more deeply in a quiet atmosphere and light that is different from that of the daytime.
| event date | Saturday *The event will not be held on July 18th or August 15th. |
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| Time | 17:45-20:00 (last admission 19:00) |
| Price | Adults: 2,300 yen; Elementary and junior high school students: 1,100 yen; Infants (3 years and older): 400 yen |
Extended business days
| Extended business days | July 18th (Sat) & 19th (Sun), August 9th (Sun) - 15th (Sat) |
|---|---|
| Extended Hours | 9:00-19:00 (last entry 18:00) |
Admission fees
| Adults (high school students and above) | ¥2,300 |
|---|---|
| Elementary and junior high school students | ¥1,100 |
| Infant (3 years old and over) | ¥400 |
- Depending on the crowd on the day, it may take time to purchase tickets on the day. Please note.
- If the museum is crowded, priority entry will be given to those who already have a web ticket and an annual passport, so we recommend purchasing an online ticket in advance.
- Date-specific online tickets can only be used on the date you purchase them, so please make sure to specify the date you will be visiting when purchasing.
- The cancellation fee for date-specific web tickets is 9% after 00:100 AM on the day of use.
- Customers and their companions who are using the discount by presenting their notebook will be accepted at the counter.
- When re-entering, please present your web ticket, paper ticket, and the QR code from your Annual Passport at the entrance.
- May 8nd (Sat) - May1Sunday, the 6thPlease note that during this period, discounts for purchases made at Riloclub (Club Off), Benefit Station, and Ewell counters will not be available.
Traffic regulations to combat congestion
During the summer vacation period, when congestion is expected to be particularly high, lane restrictions will be implemented to prevent congestion around the aquarium. When using the aquarium parking lot, please follow the directions of security staff when entering the parking lot.
| Traffic restriction date | July 19th (Sun), August 9th (Sun) - 15th (Sat) |
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▶The parking lot entrance lane in front of the aquarium will be closed.
▶When the aquarium parking lot is full, please follow the directions of the security guards.Temporary parking lot next dooris available for you to purchase online.
▶Please refrain from waiting on the road.
We appreciate your understanding and cooperation.
Information on parking area
Please note that the parking lot is expected to be very crowded during the summer vacation period.
You can also use the temporary parking lot (free of charge) adjacent to the hotel's general parking lot.Prefectural parking lotApril 2026 ~ October 7, 18There is a fee (900 yen for a regular car).
| Opening hours | Price | |
|---|---|---|
| Aqua World Oarai General parking lot (approximately 750 cars can be accommodated) | 8:00 | Free |
| Aqua World Oarai Temporary parking lot | 8:00 | Free Only available from July 2026th to August 7th, 18 |
| Prefectural parking lot | Varies by day | From July 2026th to August 7th, 18, there will be a charge (8 yen for regular cars). |
Please check the hotel's parking lot availability statusofficial xWe will guide you.
Access/surrounding map
Caraccess at
Address
311-1301 Isohama-cho, Oarai-cho, Higashiibaraki-gun, Ibaraki Prefecture 8252-3
Tel: 029-267-5151 [Voice guidance] Fax: 029-267-5920
Google Maps
Access by public transport
Nearest Station
Hitachinaka Seaside Railway Minato Line Nakaminato Station
Kashima Rinkai Railway Oarai Kashima Line Oarai Station
Depending on the circumstances of the transportation company, the number of trains operated, the required time may change, or the service may be suspended.
Please contact each transportation company.
- *The travel time is only an estimate. Arrival may be delayed depending on road conditions.
Please use it with plenty of time when you go out. - *If you take a taxi, it takes about 5 minutes from Nakaminato Station and about 8 minutes from Oarai Station. Arrival may be delayed depending on road conditions.
Bus and taxi information
Bus XNUMX: From Nakaminato Station
| Bus name | Ibaraki Kotsu Bus No. 50 bound for Ibaradaimae Office |
|---|---|
| Price | 190 yen for adults, 100 yen for children |
| Acitivity Time | Usually about 6-7 minutes *Please note that the Nakaminato to Aqua World Oarai section will be suspended on weekends and holidays from August 13th to 16th. *This may vary significantly when surrounding roads are congested. |
Bus XNUMX: From Oarai Station
| Bus name | Kaiyu-go (Circulation Bus): Aqua World/Oarai Route *The Oarai Sun Beach Route does not stop at Aqua World and Oarai. |
|---|---|
| Price | 100 yen for adults, 50 yen for children One-day free ticket: 1 yen for adults, 200 yen for children |
| Acitivity Time | Usually takes about 15 minutes. *This may vary significantly when surrounding roads are congested. |
Return bus: From Aqua World/Oarai
| Bus name | To Oarai Station | To Nakaminato Station |
|---|---|---|
| Bus name | Kaiyu-go (loop bus): Aqua World/Oarai Route | Ibaraki Kotsu Bus: No. 50 bound for Nakaminato Station |
| Price | 100 yen for adults, 50 yen for children | 190 yen for adults, 100 yen for children |
| Acitivity Time | Approx.15 minutes | Approx. 6 to 7 minutes |