Question 1

How do I get there from Kuji Station?

Accepted Answer

About 10 minutes by car from Kuji Station on the Sanriku Railway Rias Line. From the Hachinohe direction, come via National Route 45. There is parking next to the facility.

Question 2

Was it damaged in the Great East Japan Earthquake?

Accepted Answer

It was completely destroyed by the tsunami of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, but thanks to local support and reconstruction efforts it reopened at its present site in April 2016. The disaster-preparedness exhibition room lets you learn about the earthquake.

Question 3

Can I see the Nanbu divers or ama free diving?

Accepted Answer

In the Kuji Sea Tank, free-diving performances by Nanbu divers and ama divers are held on Saturdays, Sundays and public holidays only. It is a rare chance to watch Iwate's traditional fishing skills at close range.

Question 4

What are the opening hours and closed days?

Accepted Answer

9:00-18:00 from April to October and 10:00-16:00 from November to March (last admission 30 minutes before closing). Opening days are published monthly as a calendar on the official website, so please check before visiting.

Question 5

How long should I allow?

Accepted Answer

Allow about 1.5 to 2 hours to see the aquarium, the science museum, the disaster displays and the observation deck. Adding the free-diving performance (weekends and public holidays) and the local produce corner makes it about half a day.

Question 6

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

General 750 yen (550 yen for groups of 20 or more), high school and university students 550 yen (groups 300 yen), elementary and junior high school students 300 yen (groups 200 yen), infants free. Holders of a disability certificate (physical, mental, rehabilitation or war-wounded) are admitted free on presentation; for grade 1 or category A holders, one accompanying person is also free.

Question 7

What is the Sakana-kun corner?

Accepted Answer

It is a popular corner displaying fish paintings and illustrations donated by Sakana-kun, the television personality and visiting associate professor at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology. He also serves as Moguranpia's chief supporter, and this is known as the largest Sakana-kun corner in Japan.

Question 8

Is there anything to see besides the aquarium?

Accepted Answer

There is a science exhibition room on oil and resources, a disaster-preparedness exhibition room on the fourth floor covering the Great East Japan Earthquake, and an observation deck looking over Kuji Bay. There is also a corner selling local produce and Moguranpia goods.

Question 9

What does underground aquarium mean?

Accepted Answer

The aquarium was built in an underground tunnel dug during the construction of the national oil stockpiling base. It is the only underground aquarium and science museum in Japan, where you view the fish in a distinctive space below ground.

Question 10

What creatures are on display?

Accepted Answer

More than 3,000 fish of 200 species. Displays include the Kuji Sea Tank showing creatures of the Sanriku coast, a jellyfish corner, a tunnel tank where Kamekichi, a turtle that survived the earthquake, swims, and a touch tank with rock-pool creatures.

Question 11

Is there parking?

Accepted Answer

Parking is available. Please check the official information for details.

Question 12

What is the address?

Accepted Answer

1-43-7 Mugio, Samuraihama-cho, Kuji City, Iwate Prefecture

Question 13

How much is admission?

Accepted Answer

General 750 yen (groups 550 yen), high school and university students 550 yen (groups 300 yen), elementary and junior high school students 300 yen (groups 200 yen), infants free (groups are 20 or more).

Question 14

When is it closed?

Accepted Answer

Please see the opening calendar on the official website (published monthly).

Question 15

What are the opening hours?

Accepted Answer

April to October 9:00-18:00; November to March 10:00-16:00 (last admission 30 minutes before closing).

Question 16

How do I get there?

Accepted Answer

About 10 minutes by car from Kuji Station on the Sanriku Railway Rias Line, or from the Hachinohe direction via National Route 45.

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