Epson Aquarium, Shinagawa in Tokyo

Day 3 in Tokyo: Meiji Jingu Shrine - ISKCON Temple, Funabori - EPSON AQUARIUM, SHINAGAWA

A huge board directs you towards the Epson Aquarium as you step outside the Shinagawa station, one of the central and more crowded stations of Tokyo, a wade of shops and café restaurants leading to its entrance; this was our final destination in Tokyo.

Inside The Multi Storied Epson Aquarium

There are two levels to this indoor entertainment complex.

Entrance to the Epson Aquarium - The Base Level

At the base level is an amusement space for kids besides the computerized ticket vending counter.

The real action starts at the first level. Here is where you walk into the beautiful world of marine, literally! A large tunnel overhead housing the exclusive alfred manta greets you at the very onset.

The Alfred Manta in the overhead tunnel - the only one on display in Japan

Small and big glass paned tanks lined in succession flank each of the sides. Different species of world’s sea creatures (around 10,000 marine animals of about 350 species) and other aquatic animals like sawfish, sharks, stingrays, penguins, etc peep out through them. 

Colorful marvels - Dwellings for our ocean friends

Star Fish

Tropical fishes

Giant Crabs

Penguins in a sunset themed house giving me a pose

Sea Horse

Semicircle Angelfish

It was fascinating to see the beauty of this part of the world whirling so close to me. The entire experience was only elevated by the aqua-radiance lighting of the waters that flashed across the otherwise dark enclosure.

Take a stroll in a fantastic world of marine -The Epson Aquarium!

The Seal Show

One of the twin highlights of the aquarium is The seal show! The seals obey their masters especially if treated with their favorite foods. So - they giggle, wag their fins, pass through rings, kick a ball and what’s more, they even throw a tantrum!

Look at that seal performing!

What’s particularly striking though is the amazing rapport they share with the audience! The audience is held captive by the humor and the clever skill of the artistes and burst for an encore every now and then. And all that I am left wishing for is a translator so that I could pick up the jokes being cracked.

The conclusion of this show takes you to the final highlight of the aquarium which is another show – The dolphin show.

The Dolphin Show

Four trainers stand at 4 points of the pool each having 2 dolphins to play with. Amid loud cheers and claps resounding in the hall, it is fascinating to see these charming and friendly creatures twirl, dive and perform somersault – all at a slightest snap of their master’s finger! For all this, they are well rewarded too, in the form of food!

The Dolphin Show

Tips and Fast Facts

1. The tickets are a bit expensive. So visit it only if you really like visiting aquariums. Also, do take care of the show timings and reach the venue at the appropriate time.

2. The two shows last for about 20 minutes each. Once you purchase the tickets, you are free to roam around anywhere in the aquarium.

3. The seal show is in Japanese language and does not offer any kind of translation facilities. Be prepared to miss out on all the verbal fun, in the seal show particularly, if you do not understand the language. The dolphin show on the other hand is still more or less a purely visual delight!

Price: 1800 Yen (for adults)

How to Reach: 2 minute walk from Shinagawa metro station (Takanawa entrance).

Evening Show Timing: 5.00 PM JST

More information here: http://aquastadium.jp

Previous Posts from the Japan Trip -

1. Planning for Japan: Visa, Flight Bookings, Hotel Reservations, etc.

2. Sunrise pictures from the flight to Japan

3. Review of Hotel Villa Fontaine Roppongi, Tokyo

4. Expedia Japan Office Meet: An Afternoon to Remember

5. SensoJi temple, Asakusa - Tokyo

6. Nakamise Dori Shopping Arcade in Tokyo

7. Sumida River Cruise, Tokyo

8. A Stroll in the Hibiya Gardens

9. Imperial Palace and East Gardens

10. The Tokyo Tower, Japan

11. Meiji Jingu Shrine, Tokyo

12. ISKCON Temple, Funabori in Tokyo