Located in the Shinagawa Prince Hotel in Takanawa, Minato City, Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa is a modern urban aquarium that offers a breathtaking underwater world right in the heart of Tokyo. With immersive exhibits that combine marine life with light, sound and video, the aquarium changes from day to night and through the seasons, offering something new each time you visit. In this article, we'll highlight the facility's newly opened exhibit areas and upgraded attractions, showing just how much Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa has evolved.

Just a 2-minute walk from Shinagawa Station, Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa brings together the latest technology and the wonders of the sea. During our visit, the spring event titled "NAKED SAKURA AQUARIUM" was underway (running until April 20), offering a unique underwater cherry blossom viewing experience. The aquarium hosts seasonal events year-round, with immersive displays that heighten the sense of wonder for every guest.

Visible from the park's first-floor entrance is the Port of Pirates attraction, where guests board a massive pirate ship for an epic seafaring adventure. The dramatic rocking motion of the ship echoes with the exhilarating screams of the riders.

Already one of the most popular attractions, Port of Pirates has been enhanced with synchronized lighting effects that flash in time with the music and ship movements, creating a more exciting and immersive experience than ever before.

Another popular attraction is the Dolphin Party carousel, which is set in a dreamy atmosphere with glowing blue lights and music. Guests can ride on dolphins, sea otters, seals and other sea creatures.

Next to the Dolphin Party is a 12-meter semi-arched wall, beautifully illuminated with vibrant LED lights. Guests are guided through this luminous corridor to the next exhibit area.

The immersive Patterns area, which changes with the seasons, and the artfully designed Colors area, which resembles an atrium, allow visitors to view a variety of fish up close in a soothing and stylish environment.

One such resident is the longnose hawkfish, identifiable by its mesh-like pattern and protruding mouth, perched atop a cherry blossom decoration inside the tank.

A signature highlight of the aquarium is the Jellyfish Ramble, a dreamlike space measuring 9 meters wide by 35 meters deep. Dozens of jellyfish glide gracefully beneath lights that change color according to the time of day and season. The harmony of glowing lights, sounds, and jellyfish creates an enchanting scene that you could easily lose yourself in for hours.

Just beyond the Jellyfish Ramble lies Little Life, a new exhibit area that opened on August 1, 2023. Here, visitors can explore the life cycles of moon jellyfish and other creatures born at the aquarium—from birth to maturity—through tanks and digital displays.

As part of its mission to support species conservation, Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa is actively involved in breeding programs. In the Little Life area, guests can observe the development of baby fish and jellyfish in various stages.

On the second floor, guests can explore dynamic exhibits such as Little Paradise, a collection of nine themed tanks, and the Wonder Tube, a 20-meter underwater tunnel lit by natural sunlight.

The newest exhibit, Wonder Research, opened on September 21, 2024. This exhibit offers a deeper, more comprehensive look at marine life and their environment. The current theme focuses on how creatures perceive the world through sight, with panels, videos and tanks exploring vision and eyes. The theme will change annually, with future exhibits offering even more in-depth educational content.

In the Aqua Jungle area, guests are transported to recreated jungle environments from all over the world. Home to many tropical species, this area brings out the explorer in all of us. Look for awe-inspiring creatures such as the massive Arapaima, also known as the "living fossil," and the sleek silver Arowana gliding through the water in all their majestic glory.

You'll also encounter rare and intriguing creatures like green iguanas and yellow-banded poison dart frogs—species you rarely get to see up close.

In the Aqua Jungle, don't miss the chance to see the ever-popular capybaras. You might find them stretched out for a nap or happily munching on their meals, living life at their own relaxed pace.

The Wild Street area features animals that roam freely between land and water. Whether it's waddling penguins, seals drifting peacefully on the surface, or playful Asian small-clawed otter darting about, each animal offers a glimpse of its unique personality and plenty of heartwarming moments.

Other highlights on the second floor include the open-air Friendly Square, where guests can get up close and personal with the animals, and The Stadium, a circular pool that hosts spectacular dolphin performances.

Before you head out, be sure to stop by the IN THE BLUE gift shop, which offers a wide variety of Aquarium-exclusive merchandise. From manta ray and sawfish plushies to adorable capybara and otter plushies, these souvenirs will bring a little comfort to your home.

You'll also find fun trinkets like key chains and stationery, and sweet treats like cookies and crunchy chocolates. The jellyfish-themed Jelly Gel Pen has a delightfully squishy texture that's hard to resist. These one-of-a-kind items make perfect gifts for friends and loved ones, or a keepsake to commemorate your visit.

Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa is an aquarium packed with awe-inspiring moments created through state-of-the-art technology and incredible marine life. Right in the heart of the city, it offers an escape into a fantastical world—an ideal place to create your own memories. The aquarium also hosts daily events, from dynamic dolphin performances and penguin mini shows to live feedings with commentary from the keepers. Seasonal events are held throughout the year, and beginning April 25, the Flower Aquarium will showcase a collaboration between early summer blooms and marine life. Visit the official website for more information.

[Please visit the official website below for ticket information and more.]
http://www.aqua-park.jp/