Marinepia Matsushima Aquarium

Marinepia Matsushima Aquarium was a public aquarium in Matsushima with over one hundred tanks spread across two floors and a performance pool. The facility housed about four thousand marine animals from local waters and tropical regions that visitors could observe in themed exhibition areas.

The aquarium opened its doors in 1927 and counted among the earliest facilities of this kind in Japan. After 88 years of operation it closed in 2015, making it the second oldest continuously run aquarium in the country.

The institution functioned as an educational center where students participated in guided tours and workshops focused on marine biology and ocean conservation.

The facility was laid out across two floors so visitors could explore all areas within a few hours. The performance area held about one thousand spectators and offered shows with marine mammals several times a day.

Scientists here kept a blue shark alive for over 873 days in captivity, which counted among the longest survival times for this species in any aquarium worldwide. Such success required adapted water quality and carefully controlled feeding methods.

Location: Matsushima

Official opening: April 1, 1927

Website: http://marinepia.co.jp

GPS coordinates: 38.36756,141.05983

Latest update: December 5, 2025 22:30