Japan is a country of islands and ocean. Many generations of Japanese people have relied on the ocean for their food and their livelihood. So, it should be no great surprise that Japan has no shortage of world-class aquariums which present the mysteries of the ocean to us. Most major aquariums are built around the iconic fish and marine mammals of the region.

This article compares the major aquariums in western Japan. The number of stars should be taken as relative to each aquarium. All aquariums listed here are well worth a visit.

アクアス

Display Quality
Diversity
Science
Shows
Belugas are amazing creatures but a not very fun ride ruins the score. Amazing location.

Aquas is the largest and offers the most diverse set of experiences of all aquariums in western Japan. The aquarium uses an excellent mixture of unobtrusive science and the wonder of the sea. Each tank is fully labeled in detail about the species. The downside for the English speaking tourist is that it's labeled in Japanese.

The aquarium is located back from the water but it is in the middle of Iwami Seaside Park which is a stunning location on the Sea of Japan (East Sea).

マリンワールド

Display Quality
Diversity
Science
Shows
A throughly well designed aquarium. Incredible location and atmosphere.

Marine World near Fukuoka City on Kyushu has an amazing array of diverse and inventive displays. It is smaller than Aquas but has a more polished and well run feel to it that may appeal more to some people. The aquarium hosts many events during the year. The cafeteria has a simply stunning underwater view of the large dolphin tank.

The aquarium is part of Umino-nakamichi Seaside Park which is on a long narrow and sandy peninsula that shelters Fukuoka City. It is a simply stunning location that makes traveling far from the city center worthwhile just to see the scenery.

城崎マリンワールド

Display Quality
Diversity
Science
Shows
Come for the coast. Stay for the shows.

Kinosaki Marine World is located on the scenic Hiyoriyama Coast in Hyogo Prefecture. The aquarium has made a name for itself with its innovative showcasing of its marine mammals and spectacular effects in its main show. It does come up a bit lacking in the presentation and the number of fish.

The aquarium is over a two hour drive north from Osaka and Kyoto which unfortunately puts it quite far out of the way.

下関海饗館

Display Quality
Diversity
Science
Shows
More fugu than you can shake a stick at. A bit cramped feeling.

The Shimonoseki Kaikyokan was built next to the Kanmon Straits and uses it as borrowed scenery for the backdrops to its tanks and show arena. The aquarium has a wealth of area species and extensive collection of fugu (puffer fish).

The aquarium has an entertaining show and one of the best tropical fish displays. The arena and some of the displays feel too cramped for comfort. There is also much less integration of science into the displays and main route as there is in other aquariums.

海遊館

Display Quality
Diversity
Science
Shows
Diverse sections of ocean. Crowded at times.

Osaka's Kaiyukan Aquarium presents a diverse spread of parts of the world's oceans from the Tasman Sea to the Aleutian Islands. Its star, the whale shark, occupies a gigantic tank which holds 5,400 tons of water. It comes up short in overall appeal due to the vast numbers of people it attracts and the one-way only layout it uses to shuffle people through efficiently.

The aquarium is entirely indoors and has no show arena. If you're not that interested in a science class or watching trained dolphins then this is probably the aquarium for you.

• Display Quality - How well the displays look and how easy they are to view.
• Diversity - The number of different looking and unusual animals. Marks deducted for large numbers of "boring" fish.
• Science - Tank descriptions and other displays showing unique features of the fish. Science booths or shows.
• Shows - Interesting and well produced shows.

If you've been to one of these aquariums or think my ratings are odd then I'd love to here from you.