Eels take cover Miyajima Public Aquarium near Hiroshima, Japan. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)
Miyajima Public Aquarium, on Itsukushima, an island just offshore of Hiroshima, is home to 15,000 creatures representing 350 species of aquatic life.
Itsukushima in Hiroshima Bay is known for its iconic floating torii, its forests and its wildlife. But the aquarium has some distinct claims to fame, including a unique species of porpoise.
The aquarium has two floors divided into 15 areas where visitors can see the interesting aquatic creatures that inhabit the Seto Inland Sea, the water body separating Honshu, Shikoku and Kyushu, three of Japan’s four main islands.
Miyajima Public Aquarium has two floors divided into 15 areas where visitors can see the rare aquatic creatures that inhabit the Seto Inland Sea. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)
Miyajima Public Aquarium, on Itsukushima, an island just offshore of Hiroshima, is home to 15,000 creatures representing 350 species of aquatic life. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)
Exhibit displays are in Japanese and English, so English-speaking visitors will have no problems learning about the many aquatic creatures.
The Mudflats of Miyajima exhibit showcases the ecosystem of the tidal flats at Itsukushima Shrine, a nearby popular destination. Animals include Kabuto-gani, or horseshoe crab; koi; catfish and turtles.
The Sea of Healing is the aquarium’s largest tank, with a view from three levels of blacktip reef sharks and stingrays. The lowest level gives a perfect view of stingray bellies.
An octopus hangs around at Miyajima Public Aquarium near Hiroshima, Japan. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)
One of the most popular exhibits is Umi no Megumi, which re-creates a raft used in oyster farming. Visitors can see what oyster farming looks like from underwater.
A highlight of the aquarium is the Whales of Setouchi exhibit, which is home to finless porpoises native to the area. They are the only porpoises to lack a true dorsal fin. Visitors can view these creatures and learn about their habitat and conservation status.
At Setouchi Laboratory, visitors can learn about the island’s conservation efforts and aquarium projects to protect marine life.
A sea lion performs an iconic trick at Miyajima Public Aquarium near Hiroshima, Japan. (Kelly Agee/Stars and Stripes)
Live Show Pool offers sea lion performances throughout the day. The marine mammals do tricks, including balancing a ball on the tips of their noses, catching rings and waving at the audience.
On the aquarium’s second floor, the Miyajimarine Kitchen provides dining options, including a sea otter curry, which is the shape of the sea creature and made from a chicken meat and topped with chicken slices for 1,100 yen.
The museum shop offers a variety of marine-themed gifts including plush toys, educational books on aquatic creatures, local crafts and T-shirts.
On the QT
Directions: 10-3, Miyajima-cho, Hatsukaichi-shi, Hiroshima 739-0534. By train from Iwakuni Station on the Sanyo Line to Miyajimaguchi Station and the JR Miyajima Ferry. By auto, take Route 2 to the ferry terminal. About a half-hour walk from the island terminal, or an eight-minute cab ride.
Times: Open daily, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Costs: 1,420 yen, or $9.21, for adults; 710 yen for elementary and junior high school students; 400 yen for young children; free for kids younger than 4.
Food: Miyajimarine Kitchen on site.
Information: Online: miyajima-aqua.jp/english
