Fukui Sakai
Echizen Matsushima Aquarium
4 penguin species
At a glance
| Address | 74-2-3 Saki, Mikuni-cho, Sakai, Fukui 913-0065 |
|---|---|
| Getting there | About 30 minutes by Keifuku Bus (bound for Tojinbo) from Awara-Onsen Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen; get off at Echizen Matsushima Suizokukan-mae From Fukui Station, about 40 minutes on the Echizen Railway Mikuni-Awara Line to Awara-Yunomachi Station, then about 15 minutes by bus About 20 minutes from Kanazu IC or about 25 minutes from Kaga IC (via Route 305) on the Hokuriku Expressway Free parking for 450 cars |
| Hours | 9:00–17:30 (until 18:00 in summer, Jul 18–Aug 23; until 16:30 in winter, Nov 4–Feb 28; until 20:00 on designated night-opening days). Last entry 30 minutes before closing |
| Closed | Open year-round (may close or change hours for typhoons, heavy snow, etc.) |
| Admission | Adult ¥2,200 Senior (65+) ¥1,980 Elementary / junior high school student ¥1,200 Child (3+) ¥600 Free for children under 3. Discounted rates after 17:00 on night-opening days and within 1 hour of closing |
| Official site | www.echizen-aquarium.com |
| Information checked on | October 16, 2026 |
Penguins you can see
-
Humboldt Penguin
フンボルトペンギン Spheniscus humboldti
IUCN: VU (Vulnerable)
- Where
- Penguin Land
- About 30 birds on display. The heart-shaped overhead tank (Penguin Heart) is drained for cleaning daily from 15:00
-
King Penguin
オウサマペンギン Aptenodytes patagonicus
IUCN: LC (Least Concern)
- Where
- Penguin Pavilion
- Count
- 8
-
Gentoo Penguin
ジェンツーペンギン Pygoscelis papua
IUCN: LC (Least Concern)
- Where
- Penguin Pavilion
- Count
- 3
-
Northern Rockhopper Penguin
キタイワトビペンギン Eudyptes moseleyi
IUCN: EN (Endangered)
- Where
- Penguin Pavilion
- Count
- 6
Parade and feeding times
| Parade and feeding times | When / where | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Humboldt Penguin Walk | Twice daily, about 10 min. Times vary by season (e.g. 11:20 and 15:20 from Mar 1 to Jul 17; 11:20 and 16:00 in summer and Golden Week; 11:20 and 15:30 from Nov 4 to Dec 19; once at 15:30 from Dec 20 to Feb 28). May be cancelled or changed depending on the animals or weather | — |
| King Penguin Walk | Winter only (Dec 20–Feb 28) at 11:20, about 10 min. Starts once temperatures drop; may be suspended if highly pathogenic avian influenza is detected nearby | — |
Highlights
- The heart-shaped overhead tank in Penguin Land lets you watch Humboldt penguins swim right above you, the first exhibit of its kind in Japan
- The chilled Penguin Pavilion (water kept at about 15°C or below) houses King, Gentoo and Northern Rockhopper penguins together, with an underwater tunnel
- Humboldt penguins go for a walk twice a day, and in winter King penguins take their turn
Tickets
Check prices and availability on the ticket page.
Nearby places
FAQ
- How many penguin species are at Echizen Matsushima Aquarium?
- 4 species: Humboldt Penguin, King Penguin, Gentoo Penguin, Northern Rockhopper Penguin.
- How much is admission to Echizen Matsushima Aquarium?
- Adult ¥2,200, Senior (65+) ¥1,980, Elementary / junior high school student ¥1,200, Child (3+) ¥600 (as of October 16, 2026).
- Is there a penguin parade or feeding time at Echizen Matsushima Aquarium?
- Yes: Humboldt Penguin Walk, King Penguin Walk. Times can change from day to day, so check the official schedule.
- How do I get to Echizen Matsushima Aquarium?
- About 30 minutes by Keifuku Bus (bound for Tojinbo) from Awara-Onsen Station on the Hokuriku Shinkansen; get off at Echizen Matsushima Suizokukan-mae, From Fukui Station, about 40 minutes on the Echizen Railway Mikuni-Awara Line to Awara-Yunomachi Station, then about 15 minutes by bus, About 20 minutes from Kanazu IC or about 25 minutes from Kaga IC (via Route 305) on the Hokuriku Expressway, Free parking for 450 cars.
Sources
We checked the official pages below on October 16, 2026. Please confirm the latest details on the official site.