Choose a favourite display, build in a dolphin programme, and leave room to linger at Marinepia Nihonkai. This Niigata City aquarium offers a flexible family outing with indoor displays and outdoor areas.
Why visit
The combination of aquarium displays and interpretive programmes lets you shape the visit around your group. Marine Safari, Penguin Coast and Niigata Field are outdoors, so their place in your day can depend on the weather.
Plan your visit
Allow just under two hours for the visit and programmes, following the aquarium’s estimate, with extra time for meals or longer stops at favourite displays.
Standard hours are 09:00–17:00, with ticket sales ending at 16:30. Individual admission is JPY 1,500 for high-school students and adults, JPY 600 for elementary and junior-high pupils, and JPY 200 for preschool children aged four and older. Children aged three and younger enter free. Group and other discounts have separate conditions.
Buy individual tickets at the aquarium counter or standard-price tickets at convenience stores. Group visits and reserved group facilities have separate procedures.
The address is 5932-445 Nishifunamicho, Chuo Ward, Niigata City. Use the official access link below to plan transport for your date.
Make the most of your visit
Pick one programme to anchor your visit, then keep the rest of the time flexible. The dolphin show lasts about 15 minutes; check the day’s schedule, as times can change and group bookings may fill the stadium.
Families can use the nursing room, changing facilities and warm water for formula. Wheelchairs and strollers are available in limited numbers without reservations; bring your own if essential. For a break outside, get a hand stamp before leaving for same-day re-entry.
Planning notes
Usual closures are 29 December–1 January and the first Thursday of March plus the following day. Busy periods may have different schedules. Outdoor shelter may be insufficient in heavy rain or strong wind.
Dolphin shows are suspended throughout 17 November 2026 for maintenance. Dolphins can still be viewed in the indoor pool; this notice does not announce an aquarium closure.
The notice dated 13 June 2026 concerns partial closures in the Warm Current Zone. See the latest operator notice for affected displays and reopening information.
Useful links
Hours and admission (Japanese)
Getting to the aquarium (Japanese)
Information based on checks dated 2026-09-28.