Frequently Asked Questions
English answers are machine-translated from the property's Japanese information. Please confirm important details with the property directly.
Or browse the answers we’ve already prepared below.
These answers were written by AI from the property's official website. The property has not checked them. Collected on August 18, 2026. Prices and times may be out of date, so please confirm anything important with the property.
Access (1)
How do I get there by public transport?
The nearest stop is Kaikyokan-mae on the Sanden Kotsu bus, reached by bus from JR Shimonoseki Station or the Karato area. It is also within walking distance of Karato Market.
Events (1)
Are there special events in the summer holidays or at New Year?
Evening opening events are held during Golden Week and the summer holidays, when you can see the animals at night and watch the dolphin show. Over the New Year period (late December to mid-January) special tanks with creatures linked to the new year are also set up. Please see the official website for details.
ショー (1)
When is the dolphin show held?
A joint dolphin and sea lion presentation is held every day, a combination rarely seen in Japan. Please check the official website for show times.
Accessibility (1)
Are there accessible facilities?
There is extensive provision: accessible parking, tactile paving, escalators, accessible lifts, ramps, automatic doors, accessible and multi-purpose toilets, and wheelchairs to borrow.
Traveling with children (1)
Is it enjoyable with children? Are there baby-changing and feeding facilities?
There is a baby-feeding room and baby-changing facilities (multi-purpose toilets with infant seats), along with escalators and lifts, so families with young children can visit with confidence.
Exhibits (3)
I heard the pufferfish display is distinctive. What is it like?
The aquarium has the world's largest number of pufferfish species on display, about 100 kinds, in keeping with Shimonoseki's famous fugu. It is one of Kaikyokan's signature displays.
How many penguins are there, and what is the display like?
Penguin Village is one of the largest penguin facilities in Japan. An underwater tunnel through a pool up to 6 m deep lets you watch penguins swimming as though flying at close range.
Is the blue whale skeleton real?
Yes, the complete blue whale skeleton on display is genuine, one of only a handful in the world, and its scale is a highlight not to be missed.
Prices (1)
How much is admission to Kaikyokan?
Adults 2,500 yen, elementary and junior high school students 1,200 yen, young children (age 3 and over) 500 yen. Groups of 20 or more pay 2,200 yen, 900 yen and 400 yen respectively. Shimonoseki residents receive a discount: adults 1,000 yen, elementary and junior high school students 450 yen, young children 200 yen.
Facility information (1)
What changed in the 2025 renovation?
The aquarium was renovated in August 2025, opening the sea lion breeding and display facility Hireashi Beach, installing a welcome monument at the main entrance and completely refitting the shop naminowa.
Parking (1)
Is there parking?
Kaikyokan has no car park of its own. There are several paid car parks nearby (information on parking in the area is available through the Machinavi section of the aquarium's official website).
Other (6)
When is it closed?
Closed days vary (please check the official website).
How much is admission?
Adults 2,500 yen (groups 2,200 yen), elementary and junior high school students 1,200 yen (groups 900 yen), young children (age 3 and over) 500 yen (groups 400 yen). Shimonoseki residents: adults 1,000 yen, elementary and junior high school students 450 yen, young children 200 yen.
Is there parking?
Parking is not available.
What are the opening hours?
9:30-17:00 (last admission 16:30). Please check the official website for details.
How do I get there?
About 3 minutes' walk from the Karato bus stop (Sanden Kotsu), or about 20 minutes by car from Shimonoseki IC on the Sanyo Expressway.
What is the address?
6-1 Arukapooto, Shimonoseki City, Yamaguchi Prefecture