Oldest Aquariums in Japan: Historic Facilities Still Worth Visiting
Japan's aquarium history stretches back more than a century. This guide focuses on long-running aquariums whose founding years are publicly traceable, including Uozu Aquarium, often introduced as Japan's oldest existing public aquarium. Last reviewed: .
Historic Aquarium Timeline
Founding year is not always the same as the opening year of the current building. Many historic aquariums have rebuilt or renewed their facilities while keeping their institutional history alive.
- 1913: Uozu Aquarium in Toyama, widely introduced as Japan's oldest existing public aquarium.
- 1930: Kamo Aquarium in Yamagata and Kyoto University Shirahama Aquarium in Wakayama.
- 1931: Katsurahama Aquarium in Kochi.
- 1955: Toba Aquarium in Mie.
- 1956: Takeshima Aquarium in Aichi.
- 1958: Otaru Aquarium in Hokkaido.
1913: Uozu Aquarium
Uozu Aquarium
Uozu Aquarium traces its roots to an aquarium shown at a 1913 exhibition in Uozu, Toyama. The current building opened in 1981 as the third-generation facility. Its appeal is not only age: the aquarium presents Toyama Bay, local rivers, and regional aquatic life in a compact, easy-to-read format.
1930s: Kamo, Shirahama, and Katsurahama
Kamo Aquarium
Kamo Aquarium opened in 1930 and is now best known for its jellyfish exhibits. Its long history and later reinvention make it one of the most distinctive aquarium stories in Japan.
Kyoto University Shirahama Aquarium
This university-run aquarium also dates to 1930. It has a research-oriented character and focuses strongly on marine life from the Kii Peninsula and surrounding waters.
Katsurahama Aquarium
Founded in 1931, Katsurahama Aquarium sits near Kochi's scenic Katsurahama coast. It is smaller than many major aquariums, but its seaside setting and local personality are a large part of the charm.
Postwar Classics
Toba Aquarium
Opened in 1955, Toba Aquarium is one of Japan's major classic aquariums and is especially famous for its broad species collection, including dugongs.
Takeshima Aquarium
Takeshima Aquarium opened in 1956 and is loved for its handmade signs, close-up exhibits, and approachable local style.
Otaru Aquarium
Otaru Aquarium opened in 1958 and pairs its main aquarium building with a rugged outdoor marine animal park overlooking the Hokkaido coast.
How to Plan a Historic Aquarium Visit
- Check whether the attraction is best reached by train, bus, or rental car.
- Look beyond the founding year and compare exhibits, access, and nearby sightseeing.
- Confirm opening hours before visiting, especially for smaller or university-related facilities.
Summary
Historic aquariums are not simply old buildings. Many have rebuilt, renewed, or changed their focus while keeping a long connection with their region. If you enjoy travel with a sense of place, these aquariums can add a deeper layer to a Japan itinerary.