Shikoku Aquarium Travel Guide: Explore Shikoku's Waterscapes in Utazu, Kagawa
Shikoku Aquarium, located in Utazu Town, Ayauta District, Kagawa Prefecture, is an aquarium themed around "Shikoku Suikei" (Shikoku Waterscapes), the seascapes and riverscapes of the Shikoku region.
Opened in 2020, its appeal lies in letting you view the exhibits as if traveling through Shikoku's waterfronts, from the Seto Inland Sea and the Pacific Ocean to clear streams and lakeshores.
The aquarium features tanks of various sizes, allowing you to connect with Shikoku's nature through observing its creatures.
Discover Shikoku's Waterscapes in Utazu, Kagawa
The aquarium is located at 4 Hama Ichiban-chō, Utazu Town, Ayauta District, Kagawa Prefecture, within Utazu Rinkai Park.
It's easy to include in an itinerary when entering Shikoku from the Honshū side, making it a convenient stop before or after sightseeing in Kagawa.
Opening hours are normally 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., with last admission 30 minutes before closing.
The Exhibits Are a Gateway to Understanding the Region's Nature
Inside the aquarium, you can turn your attention not only to the creatures themselves but also to the background of the land, such as Shikoku's ocean currents, islands, rivers, and reservoir ponds.
For overseas travelers, it also serves as an introduction before expanding your trip beyond Kagawa to Tokushima, Ehime, and Kochi.
Enjoying Shikoku Aquarium's Exhibit Areas by Waterscape
Viewing the exhibits by each regional waterscape makes it easier to grasp the differences in the fish and the atmosphere of the tanks.
Even within the same aquarium, the points to look for change between the calm seas, the deep seas, the clear rivers, and the lively outdoor exhibits.
The Seto Inland Sea Area: Picture the Calm Inland Sea
In the Seto Inland Sea area, you can focus on the flow of the water and the movements of the fish, using the environment of the inland sea that spreads across the northern side of Shikoku as a cue.
In "Uzushio no Kei" (Whirlpool View), inspired by the Naruto whirlpools, you can view the scene as if peering at the current from underwater.
The Pacific Ocean Area: See the Expanse of the Kuroshio Current
In the Pacific Ocean area, the large waterscape set against the Kuroshio Current and the Pacific is striking.
In "Watatsumi no Kei" (Sea-God View), Shikoku's largest tank at about 650 cubic meters, turning your attention to the movements of the migrating fish makes it easier to feel the vastness of the sea.
The Clear Stream and Lakeshore Area: Get to Know Shikoku's Rivers
In the clear stream and lakeshore area, images of rivers representative of Shikoku come together, such as the Niyodo River, the Shimanto River, and the Yoshino River.
Viewing the river exhibits after the sea exhibits reveals the connection of water flowing from the mountains to the sea.
The Active Field Zone: Observe the Creatures' Movements Up Close
In the Active Field zone, you'll encounter creatures such as sea lions, penguins, and seals, whose expressions and use of their bodies are easy to read.
This is a place to slowly observe changes that are hard to convey in photos alone, such as their calls, how they swim, and how they move on land.
Organizing how to view the exhibits makes it easier to stay conscious of the differences in the waterscapes even while moving through the aquarium.
| Waterscape | Points to Look For | Impression |
|---|---|---|
| Seto Inland Sea | Currents and island silhouettes | Calm |
| Pacific Ocean | Movement of migrating fish | Vastness |
| Clear stream and lakeshore | Transparency of the water | Stillness |
| Active Field zone | Movement of the body | Closeness |
How to Enjoy Dolphins at Shikoku Aquarium's Sunset View
"Yūgure no Kei" (Sunset View) is an outdoor highlight where dolphins swim against the backdrop of the Seto Inland Sea, consisting of a dolphin pool and a sunset deck.
Since the colors of the sea and sky change with the weather and time of day, the impression varies even in the same spot.
At the Dolphin Pool, Enjoy the Closeness to the Water
The dolphin pool on the second floor of the West Annex has a small gap between the deck and the water's surface, making it a place where you can sense the dolphins' breathing and the rhythm of their swimming.
Keeping calm and maintaining your distance, without calling out loudly or leaning over the tank, makes it easier to observe them.
At the Dolphin Hall, Watch Their Underwater Movements
In the indoor Dolphin Hall (first floor of the West Annex), you can take your time watching the dolphins turn and approach underwater.
Heading indoors after taking in the whole scene outdoors changes how the same dolphin movements appear.
Check the Day's Schedule for Dolphin and Sea Lion Programs
Dolphin and other creature programs may change depending on the animals' condition and operating circumstances.
After entering, it's reassuring to check the postings or the official program schedule and note the programs you want to see in advance.
Photo and Video Etiquette to Keep in Mind at Shikoku Aquarium
At Shikoku Aquarium, personal photo and video shooting is allowed, but consideration for other visitors and the creatures is important.
Since many people stop in front of the tanks, prioritizing the flow of viewing over taking photos makes for a more comfortable visit.
Refrain from Flash Photography
To protect the creatures, flash photography is prohibited in some areas.
In dark exhibits, paying attention to the brightness of your smartphone screen and shutter sounds also helps avoid disturbing others' viewing.
Refrain from Using Tripods and Selfie Sticks
Within the grounds, there is guidance asking visitors to refrain from using selfie sticks, and during crowded times, visitors are also asked to refrain from camera support equipment such as tripods.
It's important to adopt the attitude of not occupying the space in front of the tanks for long and yielding to the next person after taking your photo.
Be Considerate of People Appearing in Your Social Media Posts
Since there are many families and tour groups in the aquarium, other visitors may appear in your photos.
If you post to social media, it's reassuring to choose photos where faces and personally identifiable information are not prominent.
Please note that commercial photography and the use of drones are not permitted.
Behaviors that are easy to be unsure about when shooting become easier to judge when divided up as follows.
| Situation | Recommended | Best Avoided |
|---|---|---|
| In front of tanks | Keep it brief | Occupying the space |
| Dark exhibits | Adjust brightness | Flash |
| Outdoor exhibits | Check your surroundings | Leaning over |
| Social media posts | Check for people in frame | Careless posting |
Preparing for Shikoku Aquarium on Rainy Days, with Luggage, and with Children
Since Shikoku Aquarium has not only indoor exhibits but also some outdoor ones, preparing for the weather is helpful.
Because there are also rules for bringing in large luggage and food and drink, sorting out your belongings in advance makes it easier to move around when stopping by during a trip.
Consider Rain Gear Since There Are Some Outdoor Exhibits
On rainy days, it's reassuring to have an umbrella or rain gear ready, anticipating moving through the outdoor exhibits.
On windy days, keeping papers bundled so they don't blow away in the outdoor areas is also considerate of those around you.
Sort Out Large Luggage Before Viewing
Viewing while carrying large luggage such as a suitcase can disturb other visitors, so there is guidance asking visitors to refrain from doing so.
Paid coin lockers (small 400 yen, medium 500 yen, large 700 yen) are available in the aquarium, but since their number and size are limited, it's worth also considering the option of leaving luggage at a station or your accommodation.
Also, since there is no space inside the aquarium to eat brought-in food such as boxed lunches, the guidance asks visitors to refrain from bringing them in.
With Children, Be Mindful of Sightlines and Safety
You can enter with a stroller, but creatures may be hard to see from a low sightline.
During crowded times, be careful not to bump into others; at tanks you especially want to see, help children get a better view while maintaining a safe distance.
Wheelchair entry is also possible, and although the number is limited, wheelchairs can be borrowed at the information desk.
Here are the points to keep in mind in advance, organized by travelers' situations.
| Traveler | Points to Keep in Mind | Reason |
|---|---|---|
| Rainy days | Bring rain gear | There are outdoor exhibits |
| Large luggage | Store it first | Easier to view |
| With children | Adjust sightlines | Better visibility |
| Wheelchair users | Check with staff | Move around with peace of mind |
How to Get to Shikoku Aquarium and Combine It with a Trip Through Utazu and Kagawa
Shikoku Aquarium is located in a spot that's easy to reach from JR Utazu Station and the Seto Ōhashi Bridge area.
If you're fitting it into a Kagawa trip, deciding on your transport and how to handle your luggage in advance makes the day's flow smoother.
By Train, About a 12-Minute Walk from JR Utazu Station
According to the official guidance, it's about a 12-minute walk from the north exit of JR Utazu Station.
If walking from the station, it's reassuring to head over in comfortable walking shoes, taking the weather and amount of luggage into account.
From Honshū and the Okayama Area, Check Your Connections
From the Okayama area, you can consider using the Marine Liner rapid train or limited express trains and checking your connections at Sakaide Station or Utazu Station.
Since the frequency and timetable of trains vary by day, check the operating information from the transport operators on the day of your trip.
By Car, Watch Out for Parking and Crowds
The directly managed parking lot holds 223 cars at a rate of 600 yen per day, and it's about a 10-minute drive from Sakaide IC and about 5 minutes from Sakaide-kita IC.
On days when crowds are expected, visitors are encouraged to use public transportation, so avoid unauthorized parking at neighboring facilities or on the street, and use the designated parking lot.
Summary: Get to Know Shikoku's Waterscapes from Utazu, Kagawa at Shikoku Aquarium
Shikoku Aquarium is a spot in Utazu Town, Kagawa Prefecture, where you can experience Shikoku's seas, rivers, and lakeshores all together.
Touring with the Seto Inland Sea, the Pacific Ocean, the clear stream and lakeshore, and the Active Field zone in mind reveals not only the creatures themselves but also the diversity of Shikoku's nature.
Admission is 2,600 yen for adults (high school students and those 16 and older), 1,400 yen for elementary and junior high students, and 700 yen for young children (age 3 and over), with children under 3 admitted free.
By keeping in mind the points about photography, luggage, rainy days, and access, even first-time overseas travelers can enjoy it at a relaxed pace.
Since fees, opening hours, and program content can vary depending on the season and the creatures' condition, check the official website before heading out.
