Kujukushima Aquarium Umi Kirara Admission Ticket

Overview

The Kujukushima Aquarium Umi Kirara Admission Ticket, priced at ¥1,470, offers entry to a unique aquarium within the Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort in Saikai National Park, Nagasaki Prefecture. Known for Japan’s only outdoor water tank, this aquarium showcases the rich marine life of Kujukushima, home to ~1,000 fish species and diverse sea creatures. The ticket includes access to the Kujukushima Bay Large Aquarium, Jellyfish Symphony Dome, dolphin shows, and a pearl harvesting activity (jewelry processing incurs surcharges). Visitors can explore interactive exhibits, feed fish, and enjoy educational shows. Reviews highlight the tranquil setting, natural sunlight, and well-designed routes, though some note its smaller size compared to larger aquariums.

Why Visit

• Affordable Adventure: ¥1,470 for access to unique marine exhibits and activities.
• Unique Features: Japan’s only outdoor tank, dolphin shows, and pearl harvesting experience.
• Educational & Entertaining: Learn about Kujukushima’s ecosystem through interactive displays and shows.
• Scenic Location: Situated in Saikai National Park, surrounded by 208 islands.
• Family-Friendly: Engaging for all ages with feeding tanks and dolphin performances.

Experience Details

Standard Operating Hours

• Location: Kujukushima Aquarium Umi Kirara, 1008 Kashimaecho, Sasebo, Nagasaki, Japan
• Capacity: No strict limit; dolphin shows and pearl harvesting may have limited slots during peak seasons (spring, summer).
• Access: 18-min rapid bus from JR/Matsuura Railway Sasebo Station to Pearl Sea Resort/Kujukushima Aquarium stop (¥300–¥400); 5-min walk. Google Maps: https://maps.app.goo.gl/7XyZ9
• Contact: Kujukushima Aquarium Umi Kirara: +81-956-28-4187; https://www.umikirara.jp/en/
• Accessibility: Wheelchair/stroller lending at entrance; multi-purpose restrooms with baby facilities. Some areas (e.g., pearl harvesting) may have limited access; contact prior.
• Hours:
  • March–October: 9:00 AM–6:00 PM (last entry 5:30 PM).
  • November–February: 9:00 AM–5:00 PM (last entry 4:30 PM).
  • Open daily; check https://www.umikirara.jp/en/ for updates.
• Tickets (tax incl.):
  • Kujukushima Aquarium Umi Kirara Admission Ticket: ¥1,470 (adults, high school and above); ¥730 (children, 4–junior high); free for under 4.
  • Valid for one-time entry, use instantly upon purchase.
• Note: Click Book Now on this page for an e-ticket (direct entry via QR code). Includes access to all exhibits, dolphin shows, and pearl harvesting (jewelry processing extra). Passport may be required for verification. High demand in April (cherry blossoms) and August (summer holidays); book early. Free cancellation 1 day prior.

Experience Highlights

This ticket offers an immersive marine adventure:

• Kujukushima Bay Large Aquarium: Japan’s only outdoor tank under natural sunlight, housing ~13,000 creatures of 120 species, replicating Kujukushima’s diverse ecosystem. Features feeding sessions with staff explanations.
• Jellyfish Symphony Dome: Western Japan’s largest jellyfish exhibit with over 100 species, including rare Kiyohime jellyfish, displayed with lights and music.
• Dolphin Pool: Daily shows (3 times, ~15 min) showcasing dolphins’ intelligence, including Japan’s first “jumping catch ball” performance.
• Pearl Harvesting: Extract a pearl from an Akoya oyster to keep as a souvenir (jewelry processing like straps incurs surcharges, ~¥1,000–¥3,000).
• Feeding Tank: Feed fish and observe playful behaviors (bait provided).
• Duration: ~60–90 min recommended.
• Features: QR code entry; free Wi-Fi in select areas; Aqua Shop Kirara with souvenirs (¥500–¥5,000, e.g., stuffed animals, sweets). Reviews praise the educational setup and serene ambiance but note smaller size.

Ticket Information

Pricing

• Official Prices (tax included):
  • Adult (high school and above): ¥1,470
  • Child (4–junior high): ¥730
  • Under 4: Free
• Note: Includes all exhibits, dolphin shows, and pearl harvesting (jewelry processing extra). No re-entry; hand stamp required for same-day re-entry. JR Kyushu Rail Pass offers discounts (check https://www.jrkyushu.co.jp).[](https://www.umikirara.jp/en/information/)[](https://japantravel.navitime.com/en/area/jp/spot/02301-1600091/)

Sales Period

• Advance Booking: Starts August 30, 2025, valid for one-time use.
• Same-Day Purchase: Available at aquarium ticket counter, subject to availability; queues possible (10–20 min in peak seasons).
• Note: Book early for April and August. Free cancellation 1 day prior.

Purchase Channels

• Official: Click Book Now on this page for an e-ticket (QR code). Ensure email allows “umikirara.jp”.
• In-Person: Ticket counter at Kujukushima Aquarium Umi Kirara.
• Need Assistance?: Contact +81-956-28-4187 (9:00 AM–5:00 PM) for support.

Cancellation Policy

• Standard: Free cancellation 1 day prior (business hours: Mon–Fri, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM). No refunds after use.
• Event Closure: Full refund for unexpected closures; check https://www.umikirara.jp/en/.
• Processing: 7–14 business days.
• Note: No refunds for no-shows or partial use. Non-transferable after activation.

Rules

• Venue: Indoor/outdoor; all ages.
• Prohibited Items: No food/drinks (vending machines in observation lobby; eating allowed there). Lockers at Sasebo Station (¥500–¥1,000). No pets except guide dogs.
• Restrictions: One-time entry; hand stamp for same-day re-entry. Pearl harvesting limited by availability. No food in exhibits.
• Photography: Allowed; no commercial use.
• **No refunds post-use.
• Wheelchair Users: Lending wheelchairs/strollers available; contact +81-956-28-4187 prior. Multi-purpose restrooms with baby facilities.
• Note: Peak seasons (April, August) crowded; arrive early (9:00 AM). Check https://www.umikirara.jp/en/ for updates. English signage available.

Note

Tickets (¥1,470) may sell out during cherry blossom (April) and summer holidays (August). Book early by clicking Book Now on this page. Plan 60–90 min; combine with Kujukushima cruise for a full day. Bring passport/QR backup. Dress comfortably; outdoor tank area weather-dependent (5–30°C). Pearl jewelry processing extra (~¥1,000–¥3,000). Check https://x.com/kujukushima_aqua for updates.

Inquiries

• Contact: Kujukushima Aquarium Umi Kirara: +81-956-28-4187 (9:00 AM–5:00 PM); https://www.umikirara.jp/en/
• Ticket Support: Aquarium ticket counter

Precautions

• No Re-entry: Hand stamp for same-day re-entry; bring all belongings.
• Accessibility: Wheelchair/stroller-friendly; contact prior for pearl harvesting access.
• Weather: Indoor/outdoor; dress for weather (5–30°C). Outdoor tank views best on clear days.
• **Bring passport/QR backup.
• Luggage: Lockers at Sasebo Station (¥500–¥1,000).
• Arrive Early: Avoid crowds; start at 9:00 AM for dolphin shows.
• Dress: Comfortable shoes; layered clothing for outdoor areas.

Additional Information

• Background: Kujukushima Aquarium Umi Kirara showcases ~370 species and 16,000 creatures, reflecting the biodiversity of Kujukushima’s 208 islands.
• Experience: Educational exhibits, dolphin shows, and hands-on pearl harvesting; English signage and staff available.
• Travel Tips:
  • Transportation: JR Pass covers Fukuoka–Sasebo (¥2,500, 2 hr); bus to aquarium (¥300–¥400). https://www.japan-rail-pass.com/
  • Accommodation: Sasebo hotels (¥7,000–¥15,000/night, e.g., Hotel Nikko Huis Ten Bosch, 15-min drive).
  • Dining: On-site café (¥500–¥1,500); nearby Sasebo restaurants (¥800–¥2,000).
  • Etiquette: Queue politely; keep noise low during shows.
  • Weather: Spring cherry blossoms; summer vibrant; winter mild.
• Merchandise: Stuffed animals, sweets at Aqua Shop Kirara (¥500–¥5,000).
• Health/Safety: Masks recommended; follow venue guidelines. Check https://www.umikirara.jp/en/ for updates.

Reviews

• “A very beautiful and well-managed aquarium. This is an educational aquarium designed with the ecology of the Kujukushima Bay as its theme. The large aquarium in the Kujukushima Bay has feeding and explanation services. The aquarium is very beautiful with natural sunlight.”
• “The small aquarium has a rich variety of fish and is both educational and entertaining. I feel very surprised.”
• “There were not many visitors, and it was a very comfortable experience. There were also many fish species and the route was well designed!”