The full name of Sendai Aquarium is “Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium,” and it stands as the largest aquarium in Japan’s Tohoku region. This spacious two-story facility not only showcases a wide variety of marine life but also features animal performances, a food court, and souvenir shops. If you are following a Sendai travel guide and encounter bad weather or are simply looking for a family-friendly destination, this is a highly recommended spot to visit.
Below is a summary of transportation, ticketing, and exhibit information for Sendai Aquarium. If you are planning a visit, keep reading!
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Transportation to Sendai Aquarium
Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium is located in the Sendai Port area. The most convenient way to get there from the city center is by taking the JR Senseki Line from Sendai Station. Disembark at Nakanosakae Station, from which it is about a 20-minute walk. If you prefer taking a bus, you can take routes 200・J200 or 200・X200 and get off at the Shiratori 1-chome / Keijidosha Kensa Kyokai-mae stop, followed by a 12-minute walk.
Sendai Aquarium Tickets
You can purchase tickets for Sendai Aquarium online in advance to save time queuing at the entrance. Tickets are available on KKday and Klook. Prices are generally the same across platforms, so you can choose based on your preference.
Sendai Aquarium Exhibit Introduction
Spanning an area of 9,900 square meters, Sendai Aquarium is a two-story building housing over 300 species of marine creatures. Since Sendai is known as the “City of Trees,” the aquarium was named “Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium” (Forest of the Sea).
Unlike many other aquariums, Sendai Aquarium focuses on species unique to the seas of Northeastern Japan. The layout is well-planned, allowing visitors to gain a deeper understanding of Japan’s marine life through interactive designs and performances that keep both adults and children entertained.
The Seas of Japan — Tohoku Region Exhibits
Upon entering Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium, the first thing you see is the symbolic “Sea Squirt Forest” (Hoya no Mori). This exhibit showcases sea squirts, of which 80% of Japan’s domestic production comes from this region. The landscape resembles an underwater forest and is truly magnificent.
Next is the aquarium’s most iconic feature: “The Sparkling of Life” giant tank. This tank is 14 meters wide and 7.5 meters deep, perfectly recreating the ecosystem of the Sanriku Coast, one of the world’s three major fishing grounds. The highlight is watching 25,000 Japanese sardines form massive, shimmering schools—a truly breathtaking sight!
Themed Exhibit Zones
Sendai Aquarium also features several themed zones, including “The Cold Sea,” showcasing creatures from frigid waters; “The Sea of Colorful Seaweed,” presenting the beauty of seaweed ecosystems; and “The Sea of Bountiful Treasures,” which focuses on rich local fisheries. Here, you can learn about the aquaculture of Matsushima Bay, such as the famous oyster farming, through interactive displays that make visitors feel immersed in the local culture.
Oceans of the World Zone
The “Oceans of the World” exhibit on the second floor takes you on a global tour. From the Great Barrier Reef in Oceania, where you can see the world’s smallest Little Blue Penguins, to various regions in Europe, Africa, the Americas, and Asia, you will encounter rare marine life. Notable mentions include the African Clawless Otter, Commerson’s dolphins (found in only a few aquariums in Japan), and the incredibly soothing colonies of Spotted Garden Eels in the Asia zone.
Umino-Mori Stadium
As the largest performance venue in the Tohoku region, Sendai Aquarium hosts 5-6 dolphins and sea lion shows daily. Visitors can enjoy high-energy performances from a close distance. At night, a special show titled “Sparkling of Life & Music” combines lighting and sound effects to create a magical visual feast.
Marine Animal Plaza
In the outdoor Marine Animal Plaza, you can observe penguins, South American sea lions, and spotted seals. The facility houses various penguin species, including Humboldt Penguins, African Penguins, and King Penguins. Watching their adorable movements through the transparent glass is an incredibly healing experience.
Attractions Near Sendai Aquarium
Since Sendai Aquarium is not located in the city center, it is a great idea to explore nearby attractions during your visit!
Mitsui Outlet Park Sendai Port
Mitsui Outlet Park Sendai Port is about a 10-minute walk from Sendai Aquarium. While there are food options inside the aquarium, the selection is somewhat limited. It is highly recommended to visit the aquarium in the morning and head to the outlet mall for lunch and shopping afterward.
Kirin Brewery (Sendai)
The famous Kirin Brewery’s Sendai plant is located nearby. If you wish to join a guided tour, you must book in advance via their official website. For only 500 JPY (approx. $3.30 USD), you get an 80-minute guided tour which includes one draft beer, a tasting of three different types of beer, and a snack. Beer lovers should not miss this!
Check some hot tours in Sendai:
📌 Miyagi Sendai | Matsushima Bay Cruise Ticket Combo: KKday
📌 [Tohoku Day Tour] Zao Okama + Fox Village + Lake Choro + Yokokawa Valley (From Sendai): KKday
📌 Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium Tickets: KKday｜Klook
📌 JR Pass Whole Japan Rail Pass: Klook
📌 Ginzan Onsen & Yamagata Zao Frost Covered Trees Tour (Tokyo / Sendai Departure): Klook
📌 Japan SIM Card or eSIM Options: KKday｜Klook
