Which 预告 水族馆 in Japan Are Worth Watching?
Which aquarium projects in Japan are worth watching next? This guide compares confirmed plans, redevelopments and concept-stage projects by how concrete they are. Information is based on public sources and may change. Last reviewed: .
Recent Openings and Renewals (2024–2026)
Before we get to the future projects, it helps to look at what has already opened or been renewed recently. That makes the overall trend easier to see.
- Kobe Suma Sea World (opened in June 2024) — a full renewal of Suma Seaside Aquarium, highlighted by Japan's first orca display in western Japan
- Shin Mariho Aquarium (opened in 2024) — a compact urban aquarium inside a shopping complex, featuring Seto Inland Sea and stream habitats
- Kaikyokan (reopened on August 1, 2025) — a popular port-town aquarium that pairs fugu displays with the Penguin Village area
- Aqua World Ibaraki Oarai Aquarium (spring 2026 renewal) — refreshing the dolphin and sea lion shows, night-time presentations, and the shop area
- Kamo Aquarium (reopened in April 2026 after renewal work from November 2025 to March 2026) — a concrete redevelopment case
In recent years, the two main patterns have been major renewals of existing aquariums and the launch of compact urban concept facilities. The projects below continue that same trend.
预告 Projects to Watch
- Confirmed upcoming project: The new aquarium at TOKYO GIANTS TOWN
- Confirmed upcoming project: Awajishima Maruyama Aquarium
- Concept-stage project: Mirai Kaiyokan by aquazoo
- Redevelopment project: Kasai Rinkai Aquarium
- Redevelopment project: Shinagawa Aquarium
- Shizuoka's planned projects: city-led museum plans under review, plus the Zoo Zoo Sea concept
The New Aquarium at TOKYO GIANTS TOWN (Planned for 2027)
The planned aquarium inside TOKYO GIANTS TOWN in Inagi, Tokyo is scheduled to open in 2027. Public information describes a facility with a total water volume of about 2,000 tons and a main tank of about 1,300 tons, including plans for coral reef-themed tanks and coral cultivation displays.
Awajishima Maruyama Aquarium (Planned for Early July 2027)
Awajishima Maruyama Aquarium is a planned permanent aquarium in the Maruyama fishing-port area of Minamiawaji, Hyogo. Kibi International University announced in May 2026 that the aquarium is expected to open in early July 2027 as a related facility of the university.
Public information describes the project as a local marine-learning site connected with regional education, curator training and marine-environment programs. Because the name and facility details are still provisional, opening information should be checked again closer to launch.
Mirai Kaiyokan — A Laboratory-Style Aquarium Focused on Manatees (Concept Stage)
Mirai Kaiyokan by aquazoo is a project focused on the protection, care, and breeding of manatees. It is designed around three species: the American manatee, Amazonian manatee, and African manatee, and is described officially as a research-oriented facility.
Kasai Rinkai Aquarium Redevelopment (Planned for September 2028)
Kasai Rinkai Aquarium is moving ahead with a plan to build a new facility beside the current aquarium. The Tokyo Metropolitan Government's project page shows a public opening target of September 2028.
The new facility is planned at roughly 4,600 tons of tank water volume, with a focus on immersive sea experiences and learning-oriented spaces. The current glass-dome building is also expected to be preserved after the new opening.
Shinagawa Aquarium Redevelopment (Now Aiming for FY 2033)
Shinagawa Aquarium is being redeveloped as its facilities age after more than 30 years of operation. Shinagawa Ward had originally aimed for a FY 2027 reopening, then reviewed the delivery and operation method after construction costs rose. The ward says it adopted a redevelopment business plan in April 2026 and is now aiming for a FY 2033 reopening.
The long-term direction remains a neighborhood-linked urban attraction inside Shinagawa Kumin Park, and the current aquarium continues to operate while sharing new programs and visitor information.
Shizuoka City’s New Projects
Shizuoka City’s Marine and Earth Museum had been planned for Hinode Wharf in Shimizu Ward. The project originally aimed for an April 2026 opening, and a later outlook pointed to autumn 2028 or later. However, Shizuoka City announced on March 31, 2026 that rising construction-material and equipment costs had made it difficult to continue the project, and that the city would discuss contract termination with the operator.
Separately, Zoo Zoo Sea is still presenting a hands-on aquarium concept for Shimizu Ward on its official site. Because the public details remain limited, it is safest to treat Shizuoka as a watch-list area rather than a confirmed opening schedule.
其他 Moves Worth Watching
Beyond the projects above, exhibit renewals and new plans are still being announced across Japan.
- Existing aquariums around Japan continue to announce exhibit renewals and new zones
- Municipal aquarium concepts often move slowly because they must go through budgeting and public consultation steps
We will keep updating this guide when new public information appears.
FAQ
When do tickets for a new aquarium usually go on sale?
In many cases, ticket information is released on the official site one to three months before opening. Because opening periods are often crowded, some facilities use timed-entry reservations.
Can a project be delayed or canceled?
Yes. Concept-stage projects in particular may be delayed or revised because of budgets, land use, or administrative procedures. This guide only includes projects confirmed through public information, and we will update it as progress is announced.
Are aquariums under redevelopment still open?
It depends on the project. In the case of Kasai Rinkai Aquarium, the new facility is being built beside the current one, so the existing aquarium continues to operate. When a temporary closure is needed, it is usually announced on the official site in advance.
When will the aquarium at TOKYO GIANTS TOWN open?
It is planned to open in 2027. The aquarium inside TOKYO GIANTS TOWN in Inagi, Tokyo is designed as Japan's first stadium-linked aquarium and is expected to have a total water volume of around 2,000 tons.
When will the new Kasai Rinkai Aquarium facility be completed?
The Tokyo Metropolitan Government's plan calls for a public opening in September 2028. Because it will be built beside the current aquarium, the existing facility is expected to keep operating until the new one opens.
When is the Shinagawa Aquarium redevelopment planned?
Shinagawa Ward now says it is aiming for a FY 2033 reopening after adopting a redevelopment business plan in April 2026. The current aquarium continues to operate.
所使用的公开资料
- TOKYO GIANTS TOWN official concept page
- TOKYO GIANTS TOWN aquarium project news
- aquazoo official site
- Tokyo Metropolitan Government redevelopment page for Kasai Rinkai Aquarium
- Shinagawa Ward page on the Shinagawa Aquarium redevelopment
- Shizuoka City PFI project page for the Marine and Earth Museum
- Zoo Zoo Sea official site
- Kibi International University announcement on Awajishima Maruyama Aquarium
Closing Thoughts
When you follow these projects, these three points make them easier to understand.
- Is the opening date still only a plan, or is there already a concrete schedule?
- Has the location and scale been officially published?
- Is it a completely new opening, a redevelopment, or still a concept?
If a project catches your eye, it is worth bookmarking the official site or municipal announcements. We will keep updating this guide as new information appears.
接下来可以阅读
If you want to compare aquariums that are already open, start with the main listing page. If you want a themed comparison, the existing feature guides are a good next step.