The largest aquarium in Kyushu, with a great shark tank, dolphins, sea lions and sea otters; admission around 2.500 ¥.
Marine World Uminonakamichi is the largest aquarium in Kyushu and a great visit for families in Fukuoka. Its main attraction is an enormous tank seven metres deep that recreates the Genkai sea with more than a hundred sharks, as well as areas dedicated to the fauna of the Japanese archipelago and to tropical species. In the outdoor tanks you can watch the feeding and the dolphin and sea-lion shows, with Hakata Bay in the background, and see up close such unusual animals as sea otters. Admission is around 2.500 ¥, with reduced rates for students and children. The aquarium is on the Uminonakamichi peninsula, in Higashi-ku, and is reached by train to Uminonakamichi station or by boat from the centre of Fukuoka across the bay, a pleasant journey in itself. Note that admission to the aquarium is separate from that of the Uminonakamichi park. It is advisable to buy the ticket online and check the show times on arrival to organise your visit well and make the most of the day.
