Panduan
Ise Sea Paradise is a unique aquarium located in Futami, Ise City, Mie Prefecture. The most striking feature is the "zero distance" concept, where there are almost no fences separating visitors from the marine life. This facility boasts the largest variety of seahorse species in Japan, offering a diverse range of marine creatures to observe. The close proximity to marine mammals allows you to witness their movements and behaviors from an incredibly intimate perspective.
The facility originally opened in 1965 as the "Futamiura Tourism Center." Its history as an aquarium began in 1966, and since then, it has undergone several changes in name and structure. Formerly operated by the Meitetsu Group, it is currently managed by Ise Meoto Iwa Paradise Co., Ltd. In October 2024, it was officially renamed to its current name, "Zero Distance Aquarium Ise Sea Paradise." For many years, it has served as a beloved cornerstone of local tourism.
Inside the aquarium, you can see various pinnipeds such as spotted seals, sea lions, and walruses. One of the biggest highlights is the performance shows, where animals like seals or sea lions climb onto the stage in the visitor area. You can also witness unique moments like a sea otter "shaking hands" with a visitor or a dolphin playing a game of "catch" with a ball. The seahorse exhibition is also extensive, allowing you to see a wide variety of these fascinating creatures up close.
The aquarium is enjoyable year-round, but the animals' activities can change depending on the season and time of day. During the bright daylight hours, you can observe dolphins being active or animals searching for food. To experience the most dynamic performances, it is highly recommended to visit according to the specific event and show schedules. You can check the latest seasonal exhibition details on the official website.
The facility offers special experiences that leverage the close proximity to the animals. For example, seeing a sea otter "shake hands" or watching dolphins play catch with a ball are unique sights found only here. Additionally, there are opportunities for feeding experiences, allowing you to interact directly with the marine life. Observing the natural movements of the animals from such a short distance provides a deeper understanding of their biology and behavior.
The aquarium is adjacent to the scenic Futamiura coast. Nearby, you can enjoy dining and shopping at "Ise Meoto Iwa Meoto Yokocho." The famous "Meoto Iwa" (Married Couple Rocks) are also located in the vicinity, making this a perfect part of a sightseeing route that includes a visit to the Ise Grand Shrine. It is an area where you can truly feel the nature and culture of Ise alongside the beautiful seaside scenery.
You can use cash or credit cards (such as Visa and MasterCard).
The facility provides English signage, and some staff members are available to assist with English-language inquiries.
No advance reservation is required to enter, but you can purchase tickets in advance via the web for convenience.
Since there is a lot of walking involved within the facility, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. When participating in animal interaction activities, please choose clothing suitable for the situation.
Photography is allowed within the exhibition areas; however, the use of flash and any photography that may disturb the animals is strictly prohibited.
While there are some steps and uneven surfaces within the facility, certain areas are accessible for wheelchair users.
To protect the health and safety of the animals, touching the exhibition areas or feeding them without permission is strictly prohibited.