Nagoya Port Aquarium

Highlights, Access, and How to Enjoy Nagoya Port Aquarium

Located in Minato Ward, Nagoya City, the Nagoya Port Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in Japan. Divided into a North Building and South Building on a vast site, it features exhibits themed on the evolution of the ocean and a variety of tanks recreating seas from around the world.

Dynamic performances by killer whales and dolphins are especially popular, making it a destination enjoyed by everyone from families to couples.

Access is also convenient — just a 5-minute walk from Nagoyako Station on the Meiko Subway Line — and the aquarium is a classic highlight of sightseeing in Nagoya.

Highlights of Nagoya Port Aquarium

Month	Recommendation	Highlights
January	⭐⭐⭐	Enjoy dolphin and orca shows at a relaxed pace in winter.
February	⭐⭐⭐	Fewer visitors allow for a calmer viewing experience inside.
March	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Spring break season with special events, popular with families.
April	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Pleasant weather makes it easy to combine outdoor exhibits and nearby walks.
May	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Golden Week includes evening openings, perfect for dates.
June	⭐⭐⭐	Comfortable indoor exhibits even during the rainy season.
July	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Lively summer holidays with especially exciting shows.
August	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Evening openings available. A cool indoor escape for summer leisure.
September	⭐⭐⭐	Less crowded after summer holidays, making for a calmer visit.
October	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Pleasant season, easy to combine with walks outside the aquarium.
November	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Excursion season. Watching penguins and sea turtles is delightful.
December	⭐⭐⭐⭐	Christmas events and nighttime illuminations are highlights.

Recommended Route for Enjoying Nagoya Port Aquarium

1) Start from the North Building (Meet Orcas and Dolphins)

The North Building, located near the entrance, is the first area you should visit.
Once inside, check the show schedule and plan your visit — the thrilling performances by orcas and dolphins are the highlights of the aquarium, so don’t miss them.
While waiting for the show, take your time exploring the exhibits themed on the evolution of whales. The large skeletal displays fascinate both children and adults alike.

2) Move to the South Building (Feel Like Traveling the World’s Oceans)

After enjoying the show, head to the South Building. This area is themed on “Seas of the World,” where you can encounter mysterious deep-sea creatures, vibrant fish from tropical coral reefs, and even Antarctic penguins.

The sea turtle area is especially popular and a big hit with children. There are benches in front of the tanks, so you can relax and spend a soothing time observing the marine life.

3) Experience & Learning Corners (Add the Joy of Discovery)

Along the exhibits, you’ll also find sections introducing environmental issues and conservation efforts. These displays explain topics such as microplastics and marine life protection in an easy-to-understand way, making them a great opportunity for families to talk together about “the importance of protecting the ocean.”

They’re also perfect as material for children’s summer vacation projects.

4) Break Time (Relax at the Shop & Café)

After walking around, refresh yourself with a snack or ice cream at the café inside the aquarium. Before you leave, stop by the shop where you’ll find plenty of cute orca and dolphin goods, along with souvenirs themed on other sea creatures.

It’s the perfect place to pick up items that will remind you of your trip.

Basic Information about Nagoya Port Aquarium

Facility Name	Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium
Opening Hours	9:30–17:30 (until 20:00 during Golden Week & summer holidays / last admission 1 hour before closing)
Admission Fee	Adults ¥2,030 / Elementary & Junior High School Students ¥1,010 / Children (4 years and older) ¥500
Notes	Closed on Mondays (the following day if Monday is a public holiday). Open daily during spring break, Golden Week, summer holidays, and year-end & New Year holidays. Please check the official website for the latest information.

Access to Nagoya Port Aquarium

From Chubu Centrair International Airport

Transportation	Duration	Cost	Description
Train	Approx. 40–50 min	IC approx. ¥1,200–¥1,400	Take the Meitetsu Airport Line to Meitetsu Nagoya Station (about 30 min) → Transfer to the Meiko Subway Line → Get off at “Nagoyako Station” and walk about 5 min
Bus	Approx. 60–80 min	¥1,200–¥1,500	Take the airport limousine bus to Nagoya Station → Transfer to the Meiko Subway Line → Get off at Nagoyako Station, 5 min on foot
Taxi	Approx. 50–60 min	Approx. ¥15,000	Direct access from the airport. Convenient for groups or travelers with lots of luggage.

From Nagoya Station

Transportation	Duration	Cost	Description
Subway	Approx. 20 min	IC approx. ¥240–¥300	Take the Subway Higashiyama Line to Sakae Station → Transfer to the Meijo Line toward Kanayama → Get off at Nagoyako Station, about 5 min on foot
Bus	Approx. 30–40 min	¥300–¥500	From Nagoya Station Bus Terminal, take a city bus bound for “Nagoyako” → Get off at Nagoyako, just a short walk
Car	Approx. 25–30 min	Parking fee: Regular car ¥100/30 min (max ¥1,000/day)	Drive straight south from Nagoya Station. Use the Garden Pier Parking Lot (approx. 430 spaces)
Taxi	Approx. 25 min	Approx. ¥3,000–¥4,000	Direct access from Nagoya Station. Convenient in bad weather or with lots of luggage.

Nagoyako Station (Meiko Subway Line) is about a 5-minute walk. Garden Pier Parking Lot available (may be full during peak times).

Address: 1-3 Minato-machi, Minato-ku, Nagoya City, Aichi Prefecture

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