Overview of Shikoku Aquarium
Operating Hours
9 am to 6 pm. However, it may extend or shorten due to unpredicted circumstances or vacations. For newest information refer to the official website.
Location
Japanese Address:
〒769-0201 香川県綾歌郡宇多津町浜一番丁4
English Address:
〒769-0201 Kagawa, Ayauta District, Utazu, Hama1bancho, ４
Access and Transportations
Nearest Exit:
10 mins drive from Sakaide IC (Japanese Name: 坂出IC）
Parking:
Multiple parking lots are available nearby, but I recommend the parking lot that is operated directly by the aquarium.
* Link for a list of parking lots nearby (created by me) and the link for the aquarium website parking info (only available in japanese)
It is around 12 mins walk from JR Utazu station
* There is a shuttle service that operates between JR Utazu station north exit and the Aquarium for 300 yen (more information)
Around 40 mins drive from Takamatsu Airport
Main Attractions
Dolphin Shows
The aquarium offers a spectacular dolphin show at a close distance with the ocean on the background. If you want to get the best spots, you will need to go early, as it tends to fill up quite fast.
Oval shaped tank
A very uniqued style tank that allows you to capture a great photo of your family/friends!
Interactive Performances
The aquarium offers a large number of fun performances by different species, such as penguins and seals. The performance time for each performance is released on its website in Japanese.
What I Noticed:
Accessibility at the Center
When visited, I observed many great accessibility features that allowed all population regardless of their age or physical disability to get the most out of the aquarium (In fact, I saw 10+ visitors who were on wheelchairs) . Few of the features provided at the aquarium include:
Visitors with Physical Limitations
- 4 bathrooms available for visitors with physical limitations (image).
- Multiple ramps and elevator
- Space reserved for visitors with needs (e.g. wheelchair space at dolphin shows)
- Wheelchair rentals
- Assistance dogs are permitted
- Multiple spaces reserved for baby diaper change (image)
- Few nursing room available with water heater (image)
A sense of Intimacy
When I visited the Shikoku Aquarium, I was struck by the unique sense of intimacy it fosters with visitors, distinguishing it from other aquariums. This connection is primarily nurtured through proactive social media engagement and various educational programs that spotlight the stories behind the sea creatures. For example, the aquarium features handcrafted boards, personally illustrated by the animal keepers, which narrate the histories and lives of the individual species on display (image on the right). This personal touch not only enriches the visitor experience but also deepens the understanding of marine life.
Q&A
Ticket
The ticket can be purchased at the ticket counter of the Aquarium.
They accept various methods, including VISA, MASTERCARD, JCB, AMEX, DISCOVERY, DINERS, IC CARDS (e.g. Suica, Icoca, etc.), WAON, iD, nanaco, edy, and Unionpay
- [As of 2024 June]
- Individuals
Adult [Ages 16+]
JPY 2,400
Student [Ages 7-15]
JPY 1,300
Child [Ages 3-6]
JPY 600
Two and under
Free
- Regular groups(20 persons or more)
Adult [Ages 16+]
JPY 2,160
Student [Ages 7-15]
JPY 1,170
Child [Ages 3-6]
JPY 540
Two and under
Free
Dining
When visited, I observed multiple catering space (e.g. hotdogs) and a food court that served various needs of the visitors.
There were multiple vending machines available on site, and the price did not deviate extremely from the outside market, but definitely more expensive than grocery store.
Others
Unfortunately, the website states that pet is not allowed. However, please contact the facility if need special accommodation (e.g. service pet).
Smoking is not permitted at the facility.
The facility offers a number of coin lockers at a certain price:
- Small: 400 yen (36 cm x 43 cm x 31.5 cm)
- Medium: 500 yen (36 cm x 43 cm x 53 cm)
- Large: 700 yen (36 cm x 49 cm x 80 cm)
For more information visit their official website, which is offered in 5 different languages. However, it seems that the Japanese original website offers the most comprehensive information on the facility, so I would recommend you to use google translating function to browse the japanese website.