Zero Distance Aquarium Ise Sea Paradise

Zero Distance Aquarium Ise Sea Paradise is a public aquarium in the city of Ise in Mie Prefecture, Japan, specializing in close encounters with marine mammals such as seals, sea lions, and walruses. The pools are designed so that visitors can approach the animals closely and sometimes even touch them, which is not possible at many other facilities.

The aquarium opened its doors in July 1966 and was one of the first facilities in Japan to actively bring visitors closer to marine life. Over the following decades, it expanded its collection and introduced programs that allow direct contact with different species.

In the Ise region, people have long valued their connection to the sea, and this facility allows visitors to meet marine animals in a way that is rare in Japan. The animals here are not just displayed but live in areas that visitors can enter directly to see them up close.

The aquarium is located in the Futami-cho district and opens in the morning around half past nine and closes in the late afternoon around five. It is advisable to come early, as some programs with the animals take place only at set times and groups are often small.

One of the few aquariums worldwide offers a program here where visitors can gently hold seahorses in their hands. These delicate creatures are usually hard to handle, but the staff shows how to touch them safely without causing harm.