Joetsu Municipal Aquarium Umigatari

Doors swung wide in 2018 for the grand opening of this modern aquarium, a showcase of some 300 different species across 45,000 sea friends, all with a focus on local creatures that hail from the waters near the Sea of Japan.

Make a splash over at the Umigatari Grand Tank, a massive exhibit that replicates the underwater landscape off the Joetsu coast at a 1/10,000 scale. Peer in to find schools of sardines, Asian sheepshead wrasse, starry rays, and over 38,000 marine creatures from 50 different species. Other attractions include dynamic dolphin performances set against the backdrop of the Sea of Japan, an area dedicated to Magellanic penguins (boasting the largest population in Japan), and a charming spotted seal exhibit.

Don't miss the gift shop, a corner for heartwarming finds like plush toys, keychains, and other original items that double as a keepsake of the fun creatures you saw on your visit.
After a while and a chance to drum up an appetite, head to the on-site restaurant, which offers menus crafted with locally sourced ingredients.