Enoshima Aquarium Tickets and Guide

Enoshima Aquarium (新江ノ島水族館, often called "Enosui") is one of the most popular day trip destinations from Tokyo, located about 65 minutes from Shinjuku on the scenic Shonan coastline. Built around the ecosystem of Sagami Bay, the aquarium features 11 themed zones including a two story sardine tank, an ethereal jellyfish hall, a semi open air dolphin arena with Mount Fuji views, and popular exhibits of penguins, otters, capybaras, and sea turtles. Adult tickets cost ¥2,800 (around $19), and advance booking on Trip.com typically saves 15 to 20 percent off the walk in price. This guide covers everything you need to plan your visit, including transport from Tokyo, show times, and how to combine the aquarium with Kamakura.

What Is Enoshima Aquarium?

Enoshima Aquarium sits along the famed Shonan Coast in Fujisawa, with Sagami Bay as its central theme. The aquarium blends the mysteries of the deep sea, an atmospheric jellyfish hall, and a wide range of marine species. It's also known as a filming location for classic Japanese TV dramas including Meteor and There's Someone I Like, and offers one of the best vantage points along the coast for views of Enoshima Island and Mount Fuji.

The aquarium is family friendly, popular with couples, and manageable in half a day, making it an ideal side trip from Tokyo or a natural addition to a Kamakura and Enoshima itinerary.

Enoshima Aquarium Ticket Prices

Standard ticket prices as of 2026:

Buying Online vs Buying On Site

Both options work. Which is better depends on your travel style.

Buy online in advance (recommended):

• Save 15 to 20 percent compared to on site prices
• Skip the ticket line, especially on weekends and Japanese public holidays
• Receive a digital QR code to scan at entry
• Guaranteed entry during peak days (Golden Week, summer break)

Buy on site:

• Full flexibility if plans change
• Only full price adult tickets (¥2,800, around $19) available
• Ticket lines can exceed 30 minutes during peak hours

Book advance tickets on Trip.com for the widest availability and discount pricing.

Enoshima Aquarium Opening Hours

Enoshima Aquarium is open year round, with occasional closures for equipment safety inspections.

• General hours: 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM or 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM depending on season
• Last admission: 1 hour before closing
• Extended holiday hours: Open until 7:00 PM or 8:00 PM during Japanese Golden Week (late April to early May), summer break (August), and the year end holiday period

Check the official website the day before your visit to confirm that day's hours and show times, as they vary seasonally.

Enoshima Aquarium Highlights: The 11 Themed Zones

The aquarium's route guides visitors from shallow coastal habitats to deep sea environments across 11 themed zones. Here's what to expect at each.

Sagami Bay Area

The opening gallery recreates the Sagami Bay ecosystem just outside the aquarium. The centerpiece is a two story tall Sagami Bay Big Tank simulating real tides and swells. A school of 8,000 sardines shifts in silver waves, and graceful giant rays (devil rays) glide through the water alongside local reef species.

Deep Sea Zone

Sagami Bay's seafloor drops into a trench several thousand meters deep. This exhibit, developed in collaboration with the Japan Agency for Marine Earth Science and Technology (JAMSTEC), showcases deep sea creatures including the giant Japanese spider crab and the giant isopod. A model of an unmanned submersible used in real deep sea exploration is on display.

Jellyfish Dreamscape Hall

The most photographed spot in the aquarium. The hall is designed as a hemispherical dome bathed in blue light with ambient music. Thirteen tanks in spherical and cylindrical shapes hold 14 species of jellyfish that float and pulse slowly through the water. A popular date spot and photography destination.

Jellyfish Science Zone

Adjacent to the Dreamscape Hall, this behind the scenes area documents the jellyfish life cycle from larvae (polyps) to graceful adults. Microscopes let visitors observe baby jellies, and aquarists work on site preparing feed and conducting research.

Pacific Zone

A contrast between the cold current (Oyashio) and warm current (Kuroshio) ecosystems. Tropical fish weave through coral reefs (clownfish and blue tang, familiar to fans of Finding Nemo), while nearby tanks house robust cold water species from northern waters.

Dolphin Show Arena

The most electrifying spot in the aquarium. This semi open air outdoor theater faces directly onto Sagami Bay, with Enoshima Island and Mount Fuji as the natural backdrop on clear days. Dolphins and false killer whales perform choreographed shows to music with the ocean as their stage.

Penguin and Seal Zone

Home to Humboldt penguins and spotted seals. Watch the penguins waddle on land and dart through water. The seal area features a transparent cylindrical tunnel where curious seals often approach visitors.

Otter Exhibit

Asian small clawed otters live in a recreated stream and woodland environment. Their nimble forepaws grab food, play, and cuddle together in daily activities. A crowd favorite for kids and adults.

Capybara Exhibit

The world's largest rodents, known for their calm temperament, sunbathe and munch hay in a specially designed exhibit that lets visitors observe them up close. Embodies the slow living rhythm of the Shonan coast.

Turtle Beach

An outdoor man made beach connecting directly to Sagami Bay, home to endangered loggerhead and green sea turtles. During breeding season, the turtles come up onto the artificial beach to lay eggs, a real life demonstration of marine conservation.

Deep Sea Lab

The final stop is a working research facility featuring high tech analytical instruments, deep sea samplers, and pressurized tanks for keeping specimens. Regular workshops explain how researchers recreate deep sea conditions on land to care for extreme environment creatures.

Daily Shows at Enoshima Aquarium

Live shows are one of the aquarium's biggest draws. Grab a schedule when you enter.

• Dolphin Show (Dolferia). The signature show. Around 3 to 4 performances daily, typically at 10:30 AM, 1:30 PM, and 4:00 PM. Around 20 minutes per show.
• Underwater Show (Fins). Weekend and public holiday only. Divers descend into the Sagami Bay Big Tank with cameras, streaming close ups of fish and hidden creatures to a screen outside the tank. Around 10:00 AM, 1:00 PM, and 4:30 PM.
• Penguin Feeding Show. Interactive show with keepers feeding penguins.
• Sea Turtle Encounter. Learn about sea turtles and watch them feed up close.

Show times vary by season. Check the daily schedule on arrival or the official app before planning your visit.

Must-see! The "Dolferia" Dolphin Show

The dolphin show arena at the New Enoshima Aquarium boasts one of the best views in all of Japan! This semi-open-air outdoor theater faces directly onto Sagami Bay, and on clear days, Enoshima Island, the endless coastline, and even snow-capped Mount Fuji in the distance become the stage’s natural backdrop.

This show isn’t just about dolphins leaping; it’s a musical crafted by trainers together with dolphins and false killer whales.

Fun fact: back in 1950s, the predecessor of this aquarium pioneered Japan’s first true dolphin show. Sit here and watch these clever dolphins soar into the air as the waves roll in, set against the majesty of Mt. Fuji, and you’ll get goosebumps!

Weekend Exclusive! "Fins" Underwater Show

If you're visiting on a weekend or a Japanese public holiday, don’t miss the special program at the Sagami Bay Big Tank—the underwater show "Fins."

During the show, professional divers plunge right into the giant tank. The coolest part is that they carry a specially designed underwater camera and point the lens straight at the fish’s teeth and scales, or at creatures tucked into rocky crevices, with the live feed broadcast on the big screen outside the hall. On the dry side, the host chats with the divers in real time and leads a Q&A, revealing "tank secrets" you’d never spot on an ordinary visit—fun and educational in equal measure!

Interactive Experiences for Families

Enoshima Aquarium runs several hands on experiences popular with families with children.

• Capybara feeding. Hand feed vegetables to the capybaras and watch them chomp with their large front teeth.
• Fish feeding. Special feed lets you experience being surrounded by hundreds of small fish.

Interactive experiences have limited spots each day, and animal feed sells out fast. Head to the experience area right after entering the aquarium to check ticketing times and get in line early.

Food at Enoshima Aquarium

The on site Shonan Cafe serves dishes using local ingredients from Kamakura and the Shonan area.

• Shirasu and Bonito Rice Bowl. Made with Shonan's famous shirasu (young sardines), the number one must try local specialty. Around ¥1,500 (around $10).
• Signature Japanese fried chicken. Crispy outside, juicy inside. Popular with kids.
• Jellyfish shaped seasonal soft serve ice cream. Photogenic and flavorful, a good choice on hot days.

Dining while looking out at the ocean is part of the experience.

How to Get to Enoshima Aquarium from Tokyo

The aquarium is served by three train stations within walking distance:

• Katase Enoshima Station (Odakyu Enoshima Line). 3 minute walk. The closest option, with a distinctive dragon palace inspired station building.
• Enoshima Station (Enoshima Electric Railway, Enoden). 10 minute walk. Approaches through a retro shopping street.
• Shonan Enoshima Station (Shonan Monorail). 10 minute walk.

From Central Tokyo

From Shinjuku (recommended, most direct):

• Odakyu Romancecar Limited Express. 65 minutes direct to Katase Enoshima Station. Around ¥1,300 (around $9) plus a limited express supplement.
• Odakyu Rapid Express with transfer. 75 minutes with a change at Fujisawa Station to the Odakyu Enoshima Line. Around ¥650 to ¥700 (around $4 to $5). Best value option.

From Shibuya:

• JR Shonan Shinjuku Line to Fujisawa, then transfer to Odakyu Enoshima Line to Katase Enoshima. About 60 to 70 minutes total.

From Kamakura:

• Enoshima Electric Railway (Enoden) to Enoshima Station. About 25 minutes. A scenic coastal ride perfect for combining Kamakura and the aquarium in the same day.

Important Notes for International Travelers

• JR Pass does not cover the Odakyu Line or Enoden. These are private railways. If you're using a JR Pass, take JR to Fujisawa Station and buy an Odakyu ticket separately, or use an alternative route.
• IC cards (Suica, Pasmo, Welcome Suica) work on all lines. The easiest way to pay for local transport.
• Odakyu Kamakura Enoshima Free Pass. Around ¥1,900 (around $13). Covers round trip from Shinjuku plus unlimited rides on the Odakyu Enoshima Line and Enoden. Best value for a full day Kamakura and Enoshima itinerary.

Best Time to Visit Enoshima Aquarium

The aquarium is enjoyable year round, but a few windows stand out.

• Weekdays outside Japanese school holidays. Least crowded. Show viewing is easier and photo spots less congested.
• Autumn (October to November). Comfortable weather and clearer views of Mount Fuji from the Dolphin Show Arena.
• Winter (December to February). Clearer air often reveals Mount Fuji with snow cover, ideal for photos.
• Cherry blossom season (late March to early April). Coastal cherry trees add scenery to the visit.

Times to avoid for crowds:

• Golden Week (late April to early May). Japan's largest domestic travel period.
• Summer break (August). Peak family travel season, extended hours but very busy.
• Weekends and Japanese public holidays year round.

Where to Stay Near Enoshima Aquarium

Most travelers visit as a day trip from Tokyo. For a slower experience with sunrise or sunset ocean views, consider staying overnight.

• Fujisawa Station area. The most convenient location for transport, with easy Odakyu and JR access. Good value hotels including business chains and boutique options. Browse Fujisawa hotels on Trip.com.
• Enoshima and Katase Beach area. Ocean views right outside the window, a top vacation choice. Range from budget guesthouses to boutique seaside inns.
• Kamakura area. Traditional artsy vibe with old temples and tranquil settings. Ideal if you're combining the aquarium with Kamakura sightseeing.

For Tokyo based travelers wanting a same day visit, Tokyo hotels around Shinjuku, Shibuya, or Yokohama offer good access.

Practical Tips for Visiting Enoshima Aquarium

• Luggage storage. Coin lockers are available inside the venue for smaller bags. Larger luggage can be stored at the ticket counter on request.
• Accessibility. Elevators and ramps throughout. Free wheelchair rentals at the front desk. Suitable for visitors with strollers or reduced mobility.
• Photography. Photography and video allowed throughout, but flash is strictly prohibited to protect the animals.
• Re entry. Ask staff at the exit for a stamp on your hand. Same day re entry is allowed as many times as you like.
• Smoking. Prohibited throughout indoor and outdoor exhibit areas.
• Duration. Plan 3 to 4 hours for a comprehensive visit including one or two shows.
• Cash and card. All major credit cards accepted at ticket counter, gift shop, and cafe. IC cards (Suica, Pasmo) accepted at select points.
• English signage. All exhibits have English translations. Show announcements are primarily in Japanese; visual demonstrations make them accessible to non Japanese speakers.
• Combining with Kamakura. The Enoden train makes it easy to visit Kamakura's Great Buddha, Hasedera Temple, and Kotoku in Temple in the same day.