The seals of Miyajima, just steps from the floating torii
A few minutes walk from the Itsukushima Shrine and its famous red torii, a much more modest aquarium draws families stopping over on the island. Forget giant sharks or whales. The Miyajima Public Aquarium focuses on the local marine life of the Seto Inland Sea, presented in an intimate, human-scale setting.
Why visit the Miyajima Public Aquarium?
The facility is dedicated to showcasing the marine species that inhabit the waters surrounding the island, which are often overshadowed by the fame of the nearby shrine. You will find sea lions and seals, but also more unexpected species like the ocean sunfish or small local jellyfish, all housed in tanks designed for close-up observation.
It is also a different way to experience Miyajima. After the walk to the shrine and navigating the crowds of visitors there to photograph the torii, the aquarium offers a quieter respite, particularly appreciated if you are traveling with children.
Shows and events you should not miss
The highlight of the visit remains the sea lion presentations, held at fixed times throughout the day. These short, lively sessions are a hit with younger visitors, but also appeal to adults who want to observe the agility of these animals in an intimate setting, far from the over-the-top productions found at larger Japanese aquatic parks.
Some tanks also allow for direct contact with a few species, a tactile experience that offers a change of pace from traditional viewing paths.
A visit to combine with the rest of the island
Most visitors spend about one to one and a half hours at the aquarium, making it an easy addition to a day on the island, squeezed between a visit to the shrine, the hike up Mount Misen, and a break in the shopping streets of Miyajima.
Pro tip: Check the schedule for the sea lion presentations as soon as you arrive at the aquarium to plan your visit around these sessions, as they are often the most engaging part of the day.
Best for
- Families with young children
- A quiet break after the crowds at the shrine
- Discovering the local wildlife of the Seto Inland Sea
Less suitable for
- Fans of massive, blockbuster-style aquariums
- Visitors in a rush who only want to see the shrine
Opening hours
Daily: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM.
Last admission at 4:00 PM.
Closed from December 26 to December 30.
How long for this activity
Plan on 90 minutes to 2 hours to walk through all the exhibits and catch one of the daily sea lion demonstrations. A half day is recommended if you are traveling with children who want to spend time in the interactive zones.
Since I saw there was an aquarium on this beautiful island, I had to give it a try. I enjoyed it, but it is not the nicest one in Japan. I would not call it a must-see. Prioritize the temples and Mount Misen instead. There is a nice variety of animals and colorful fish, but it is a little small.
It is still enough for a family activity!