Hakkeijima is a seaside leisure island in Yokohama, known for its aquarium, amusement park, shopping facilities, hotel and marina. Centered around the popular Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, the island is a large entertainment destination where visitors can enjoy marine life, thrilling rides, shopping and time by the sea.
Hakkeijima is an artificial island in Tokyo Bay, located in Kanazawa Ward, Yokohama. Developed as a destination combining tourism, recreation and commercial facilities, it has become one of the city’s best-known leisure areas.
Development of the island began in the 1980s. It was initially planned for industrial use, but the project was later redirected toward creating a destination for tourism and recreation. A range of facilities and attractions were incorporated into the development, and Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise opened in 1993.
Today, the island brings together attractions for families, couples and visitors of all ages. Its combination of marine exhibits, amusement rides, restaurants, shops and waterfront scenery makes it possible to spend an entire day exploring the area.
The island’s main attraction is Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, a marine entertainment complex featuring aquariums and amusement facilities. Its aquarium area, known as Aqua Resorts, is divided into four themed zones that introduce visitors to the diversity of marine life.
Aqua Museum is home to approximately 100,000 marine creatures representing around 500 species. Its extensive collection offers an opportunity to discover the variety of life found in the world’s oceans.
The facility also includes Aqua Theater, a marine-themed video theater equipped with a 720-inch digital high-definition screen and seating for 130 people. Visitors can enjoy large-scale ocean imagery in an immersive setting.
Dolphin Fantasy is a fantastical aquarium devoted to dolphins. Its design features a tunnel-shaped tank and a cylindrical tank, allowing visitors to observe the dolphins from distinctive perspectives while surrounded by the underwater environment.
Fureai Lagoon offers opportunities to encounter and learn about marine animals. It is divided into several zones according to the types of creatures on display.
Whale Ocean – Cetacean Zone: This area introduces cetaceans, including beluga whales, short-finned pilot whales and bottlenose dolphins.
Fin-footed Beach – Pinniped Zone: Visitors can see animals such as walruses, harbor seals, South American sea lions and Cape penguins.
Fish Reef – Fish Zone: This zone features marine life found in Tokyo Bay, including fish, echinoderms and mollusks. It provides a closer look at the variety of creatures living in the waters near Yokohama.
Umi Farm is designed around the concept of learning about the sea through play and food. Visitors can observe fish kept in enclosures as well as seaweed and other marine organisms.
One of its distinctive activities is fishing. Fishing equipment is available, so visitors can enjoy the experience without bringing their own gear. Fish caught at the facility can be taken to its kitchen, where they are prepared for visitors to eat. This hands-on experience connects recreation with learning about marine resources and food.
Pleasure Land is the island’s amusement park, with a variety of rides and attractions. Highlights include Blue Fall, a dramatic vertical-drop attraction, and the Surf Coaster, a roller coaster that extends out over the sea. A merry-go-round and other rides provide options for visitors who prefer gentler entertainment.
The island also features attractions such as a Ferris wheel and thrilling roller coasters, making it an enjoyable destination for families and couples. With the aquarium and amusement park in the same complex, visitors can combine encounters with marine animals and amusement rides throughout the day.
Beyond its main aquarium and amusement park, Hakkeijima includes areas where visitors can enjoy the natural surroundings. Forest Park provides a place to relax and take a leisurely walk amid greenery, offering a quieter contrast to the island’s more energetic attractions.
The island also has a marina, shopping facilities, hotels and restaurants. Visitors can take a break for a meal, browse the shops or enjoy the waterfront atmosphere between activities.
Hakkeijima is part of the wider southern Yokohama area, where visitors can explore other places of interest, including the scenic Kanazawa Hakkei area and parts of Isogo. Kanazawa Hakkei is particularly known for its attractive natural scenery and is suitable for walking and outdoor leisure.
Before visiting, it is worth checking the opening schedules of individual facilities and the latest event information. Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise regularly holds animal shows and special exhibitions, and checking the program in advance can help visitors plan their day.
Weekends and public holidays can be busy, so visitors seeking a more relaxed experience may prefer to come on a weekday. Restaurants and shops on the island make it convenient to enjoy meals and purchase souvenirs during the visit.
Hakkeijima brings together the attractions of a marine leisure resort in one destination. Visitors can observe a wide range of sea creatures, encounter dolphins and other animals, try fishing, enjoy amusement rides and relax in green spaces by the water.
With its combination of marine life, entertainment and seaside scenery, the island is a popular destination for families and couples. A visit offers a chance to experience both the lively attractions of Sea Paradise and the calmer atmosphere of the surrounding waterfront.
Open year-round
Free of charge
Aqua Resorts Pass
Adults and high school students 3,300 yen
Senior (65 and over) 2,800 yen
Elementary/Junior high school students 2,000 yen
4 years old and up 1,000 yen
One Day Pass
Adults and high school students 5,600 yen
Senior (65 and over) 4,000 yen
Elementary/junior high school student 4,000 yen
Infants (4 years old and up) 2,300 yen
A short walk from Hakkeijima Station on the Seaside Line