Aquaworld Ōarai
アクアワールド茨城県大洗水族館
A large aquarium known for having the most shark species in Japan, with dolphin and sea lion shows and a manta ray tank; ideal for families.
Aquaworld Ōarai (Ibaraki Prefectural Ōarai Aquarium) is one of the largest aquariums in the Kanto region. It displays more shark species than almost any other aquarium in Japan, and its large tanks hold sunfish, deep-sea creatures, and fish from the coastal waters of Ibaraki. Dolphin and sea lion shows take place daily at the Ocean Theater, and there are also exhibits for penguins and sea otters, making it a popular choice for families with children. Adult admission is a little over 2,000 yen. Opening hours are about 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM, with occasional closing days.
The anime Girls und Panzer is set in Ōarai, and the town has many tie-in elements.
Getting there: Take the loop bus from Ōarai Station for about 15 minutes. It can be combined in one day with Ōarai Isosaki Shrine and Nakaminato Fish Market.
Opening hours
09:00–17:00
Nearby sights
- Nakaminato Fish Market
- Ōarai Isosaki Shrine
- Sakatsura Isosaki Shrine
- Hitachi Seaside Park
- Mito Castle Ruins
- Kōdōkan (Mito)
- Mito Tōshō-gū
- Museum of Modern Art, Ibaraki