Guida
Noboribetsu Marine Park Nixe is a unique aquarium located in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido. The facility is centered around the stunning Nixe Castle, which features an 8-meter-high Crystal Tower tank and two immersive aqua-tunnels. Beyond the marine life, the facility includes 'Nixe Land,' an amusement park with attractions like a Ferris wheel and merry-go-round. The atmosphere is further enhanced by the nostalgic sounds of European hand organs playing throughout the grounds.
Since its opening in 1990, the facility has established itself as one of Hokkaido's largest aquariums in terms of species diversity and exhibition scale. The architecture is inspired by the aesthetic of a European castle, specifically the Nixe Castle motif. The facility is highly regarded for its expertise in marine biology, having received several awards from the Japan Association for Zoological Gardens and Aquariums for its successful breeding programs.
The park offers a wide variety of exhibition areas and interactive experiences. Inside Nixe Castle, visitors can marvel at the 8m-tall Crystal Tower and walk through two underwater tunnels for a unique perspective of marine life. For a hands-on experience, the touch pools allow visitors to interact with starfish, sea cucumbers, rays, and horseshoe crabs. Other key facilities include the Dolphin Showroom, Sea Lion Showroom, Penguin House, and the Land Species Hall. The 'Nixe Land' amusement area provides fun for all ages with a Ferris wheel, merry-go-round, whale-themed train, Poltergeist House, and battery cars.
The facility hosts penguin parades year-round, with the species of penguins (such as King, Gentoo, or African penguins) changing depending on the season. In July, the front garden area, Noboribetsu Beach Park, hosts the 'Waku Waku Hiroba Noboribetsu' festival for two days. While the standard operating hours are 9:00 to 17:00, please note that the facility typically closes for maintenance for about five days in early April.
Visitors can enjoy high-energy performances such as dolphin and sea lion shows. The penguin parade, held in the plaza in front of Nixe Castle, is a beloved program. For those looking for more than just marine life, the Nixe Land amusement area offers various rides, ensuring a full day of entertainment combining biological education and classic carnival fun.
The front garden, Noboribetsu Beach Park, hosts seasonal events throughout the year. Nearby, you can also visit other famous local attractions like the Noboribetsu Bear Park.
Cash and credit cards are accepted on-site. Please be mindful of rules regarding photography and touching the animals. Since you will be moving between the aquarium and the outdoor amusement park, we highly recommend wearing comfortable walking shoes. No advanced reservations are required for entry. English-language guidance and signage are available to assist international visitors.