Guida
Iwo World Kagoshima Aquarium is a municipal aquarium located in Minato Shinmachi, Kagoshima City. The name "Iwo" means "fish" in the local Kagoshima dialect. The facility focuses on the marine life of the Kagoshima coast and Kagoshima Bay, featuring rare species such as Whale Sharks and the Satsuma Silk Moth. The building itself is an iconic landmark, designed with an aesthetic inspired by a stingray.
Opened on May 30, 1997, the aquarium operates under the concept of the "Kuroshio Romantic Highway." It has achieved significant milestones in marine biology, including being the first in Japan to successfully feed a Characiformes species and successfully exhibiting the Satsuma Silk Moth. The aquarium plays a vital role in promoting biodiversity and the protection of rare species. At the end of the exhibition route, there is a dedicated space designed by the first director to encourage visitors to reflect on the marine environment.
The aquarium consists of five floors above ground and two basement levels, designed for a one-way viewing flow. The centerpiece is the massive "Kuroshio Grand Tank," containing 1,500 tons of water, where visitors can observe Whale Sharks, Tiger Sharks, Bluefin Tuna, and Skipjack Tuna. Other areas recreate the seas of the Nansei Islands, featuring corals, garden eels, and damselfish. You can also explore tanks replicating Kagoshima's coastal seaweed beds, a mangrove tank, a seal tank, an electric eel and Piranha tank, and a dolphin pool. From the observation hall, you can enjoy a breathtaking view of Sakurajima volcano across the water.
The aquarium is open year-round, with July and August being peak tourist seasons. During busy periods like Golden Week, summer vacations, or Obon, the aquarium may offer extended night hours until 21:00. Additionally, you can watch dolphin feeding sessions (approx. 10 minutes) for free at the nearby canal waterway. Scheduled times are 10:30, 12:30, and 15:00 on weekdays, and 11:30, 13:30, and 15:00 on Sundays, holidays, and during summer vacations.
Visitors can use the official app "My Yuuyu" to experience raising a virtual Whale Shark. For a tactile experience, the touch pool allows you to interact with starfish and sea cucumbers. You can also purchase a "Fish Inkan" (fish-themed stamp/seal) as a unique souvenir, with motifs like the Mola Mola (Sunfish) to commemorate your visit.
The aquarium is situated near the Kagoshima city port, offering scenic views of the surrounding canals. The area near the water is a great spot to watch the free dolphin feeding sessions.
As the exhibition follows a specific path, we recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. Payments can be made via credit cards or transport IC cards. English information is available through the official app and various displays. No prior reservation is required, but checking crowd status is advised. Please follow all signage regarding photography within the exhibition areas.