Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai, Public aquarium in Chuo District, Niigata, Japan
Niigata City Aquarium Marinepia Nihonkai displays marine creatures from the Sea of Japan arranged across multiple floors with viewing corridors and tank displays. The building features a large dolphin tank alongside various exhibition sections for different ocean inhabitants.
This facility opened in 1967 and became a key center for marine education on the western coast of Niigata Prefecture. Its creation shaped how locals engage with ocean research and understanding of the Sea of Japan.
The facility reflects Niigata's connection to the sea and shows how locals regard the underwater world. Visitors can see why the ocean matters to this coastal region and its communities.
The facility is easy to navigate with excellent viewing angles from the visitor pathways to all tanks. Plan for several hours to explore all sections at a comfortable pace.
Visitors can operate remote-controlled submarines to explore the depths of the Sea of Japan, something usually limited to specialists. This hands-on program lets people discover deep-sea habitats from an entirely new perspective.
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