Yamaguchi Shimonoseki
Shimonoseki Aquarium Kaikyokan
5 penguin species
At a glance
| Address | 6-1 Arcaport, Shimonoseki, Yamaguchi 750-0036 |
|---|---|
| Getting there | About 5 minutes by bus from JR Shimonoseki Station to the Kaikyokan-mae stop About 30 minutes by bus from JR Shin-Shimonoseki Station to the Kaikyokan-mae stop About 5 minutes by Kanmon Kisen ferry from Mojiko (Kitakyushu) to Karato By car, use nearby paid lots such as Mirai Park (about 55 m away, 395 cars) |
| Hours | 9:30–17:30 (last entry 17:00; may vary by day) |
| Closed | Open year-round |
| Admission | Adult (incl. high school) ¥2,500 Elementary and junior high ¥1,200 Child (3+) ¥500 Under 3 free; discounted rates for Shimonoseki residents and annual passes available |
| Official site | www.kaikyokan.com |
| Information checked on | October 16, 2026 |
Penguins you can see
-
King Penguin
オウサマペンギン Aptenodytes patagonicus
IUCN: LC (Least Concern)
- Where
- Penguin Village, Sub-Antarctic Zone
-
Gentoo Penguin
ジェンツーペンギン Pygoscelis papua
IUCN: LC (Least Concern)
- Where
- Penguin Village, Sub-Antarctic Zone
-
Macaroni Penguin
マカロニペンギン Eudyptes chrysolophus
IUCN: VU (Vulnerable)
- Where
- Penguin Village
-
Southern Rockhopper Penguin
ミナミイワトビペンギン Eudyptes chrysocome
IUCN: VU (Vulnerable)
- Where
- Penguin Village
-
Humboldt Penguin
フンボルトペンギン Spheniscus humboldti
IUCN: VU (Vulnerable)
- Where
- Penguin Village, Temperate Zone (Humboldt Penguin Special Protected Area)
Parade and feeding times
| Parade and feeding times | When / where | Fee |
|---|---|---|
| Penguin Grand Formation | 11:00 and 16:00 (about 10 min; starts on land at Penguin Village 1F, ends at the B1F underwater viewing area; times may vary by day) | Free (no reservation) |
| Penguin Field Talk | 11:15 and 16:15 (about 10 min; Humboldt Penguin Special Protected Area, Penguin Village 2F; times may vary by day) | Free (no reservation) |
| Penguin Workshop | 11:45 and 14:00 (30 min; Penguin Village 2F; 4 groups of up to 4 per session, elementary school age and up; online reservation required from one week ahead) | Free (admission only) |
Highlights
- Penguin Village is one of Japan's largest penguin exhibits, split into a Sub-Antarctic Zone and a Temperate Zone with five species
- The Sub-Antarctic pool is 6 m deep with about 700 m³ of water; watch the birds swim in formation from the underwater tunnel
- The Temperate Zone's Humboldt Penguin Special Protected Area is designated an important ex-situ breeding site under an agreement with Chile's Santiago Metropolitan Park
Tickets
Check prices and availability on the ticket page.
Nearby places
FAQ
- How many penguin species are at Shimonoseki Aquarium Kaikyokan?
- 5 species: King Penguin, Gentoo Penguin, Macaroni Penguin, Southern Rockhopper Penguin, Humboldt Penguin.
- How much is admission to Shimonoseki Aquarium Kaikyokan?
- Adult (incl. high school) ¥2,500, Elementary and junior high ¥1,200, Child (3+) ¥500 (as of October 16, 2026).
- Is there a penguin parade or feeding time at Shimonoseki Aquarium Kaikyokan?
- Yes: Penguin Grand Formation, Penguin Field Talk, Penguin Workshop. Times can change from day to day, so check the official schedule.
- How do I get to Shimonoseki Aquarium Kaikyokan?
- About 5 minutes by bus from JR Shimonoseki Station to the Kaikyokan-mae stop, About 30 minutes by bus from JR Shin-Shimonoseki Station to the Kaikyokan-mae stop, About 5 minutes by Kanmon Kisen ferry from Mojiko (Kitakyushu) to Karato, By car, use nearby paid lots such as Mirai Park (about 55 m away, 395 cars).
Sources
We checked the official pages below on October 16, 2026. Please confirm the latest details on the official site.
- Official: Top page (today's hours)
- Official: Exhibits (Penguin Village)
- Official: About Kaikyokan
- Official: Admission
- Official: Hours and access
- Official: Q&A (closed days)
- Official: Event schedule
- Official: Penguin Grand Formation
- Official: Penguin Field Talk
- Official: Penguin Workshop
- Official: Animal blog (Macaroni penguin moult)
- Official: Animal blog (Southern rockhopper moult)