Himeji City Aquarium is located within Tegara-yama Central Park in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture. Unlike most aquariums in Japan, which are commonly found near the coast or in urban waterfront areas, this aquarium stands high on a hill near the summit of Mount Tegara. This unusual location has earned it the nickname “the aquarium on the mountain.”
Himeji City Aquarium opened on June 12, 1966, on the eastern slope of Mount Tegara. It became particularly well known for pioneering interactive exhibits, including Japan’s first touch pool where visitors could touch turtles. The aquarium has also earned recognition for its research involving sea turtles and Japanese giant salamanders.
The exhibits focus primarily on aquatic life found in the rivers, ponds, wetlands, and coastal waters of the Harima region. Visitors can observe feeding sessions, examine life-size models that recreate the actual dimensions and weight of various creatures, and try an unusual hands-on activity involving a real turtle shell that can be worn on the back. These interactive displays make the aquarium an engaging destination for families and visitors interested in learning about wildlife.
Partial earthquake-resistance improvements were carried out between 1996 and 1999. However, as the facilities continued to age, a comprehensive renovation and expansion became necessary. The aquarium temporarily closed on October 31, 2008, for seismic reinforcement and construction work, with a three-day period of free admission for local residents following the closure announcement.
After two years and eight months of work, the aquarium reopened on July 2, 2011. The renovation nearly doubled its site area, from 4,168 square meters to 8,210 square meters. A connecting passage was built between the third floor of the main building and the first floor of the new building, where the main entrance and ticket machines were installed.
New elevators and ramps were also added from the Himeji Cultural Center parking area and Tegara-yama First Multi-Story Parking Lot, improving accessibility for wheelchair users, older visitors, and people with limited mobility.
The admission fees were revised as part of the redevelopment. The aquarium’s logo was also redesigned to depict a turtle hatching from its egg, reflecting the facility’s longstanding association with turtle conservation and research.
The main building, known as the Harima Satoumi Zone, has three above-ground floors and one basement level. Its exhibits focus on marine and coastal creatures found in Harima-nada, part of the Seto Inland Sea.
The rooftop features a biotope created from the site of a former municipal swimming pool. Solar panels have also been installed, combining environmental education with the aquarium’s efforts to make effective use of its grounds.
The main building includes exhibits on rocky shores and tidal flats, a specimen display area, jellyfish, unusual animal behavior, invertebrates, and fish that inhabit rocky coastal environments. Visitors can also see nutria, penguins, sea turtles, and aquatic animals in the large Harima-nada tank.
Other facilities include a touch pool, a freshwater turtle pond, a special exhibition room, a pond-side biotope, and a shallow stream where visitors can enjoy the sights and sounds of flowing water.
The new building occupies the first and second floors of Tegara-yama Exchange Station. It houses the aquarium’s entrance and ticketing facilities, as well as the Harima Satoyama Zone, which introduces freshwater habitats and the creatures that live in them.
The adjacent former Tegara-yama Station of the Himeji Municipal Monorail was renovated and incorporated into the exchange station. Part of the former railway inspection track was also repurposed to create the inland nature exhibition area.
Exhibits explore the ecosystems of rice fields, irrigation ponds, and freshwater environments from the upper reaches of rivers to their lower courses. Other displays include aquariums designed to show aquatic life from different angles, a firefly-themed exhibit, and the Aqua Lab, where visitors can learn about aquatic science.
The building also features a land tortoise area, displays of amphibians and reptiles native to the Harima region, Japanese giant salamanders, non-native species introduced from other countries, rare freshwater fish, and a gallery devoted to local wildlife and aquatic insects.
June 12, 1966: Himeji City Aquarium opens on the eastern slope of Mount Tegara.
1980: A touch pool is introduced, allowing visitors to interact with turtles.
1987: The aquarium receives a Breeding Award from the Japanese Association of Zoos and Aquariums for the successful captive breeding of the southern Japanese pond turtle.
1993: A second Breeding Award is received for captive breeding of the Australian snake-necked turtle.
October 31, 2008: The aquarium temporarily closes for renovation, earthquake-resistance work, and expansion.
July 2, 2011: The aquarium reopens following the completion of the major redevelopment.
April 26, 2014: Renovation of the touch pool is completed, allowing visitors to touch sea urchins, starfish, small sharks, and rays, in addition to other marine creatures.
The aquarium cares for a diverse collection of marine, freshwater, and land-dwelling animals. Species include green sea turtles, loggerhead sea turtles, African spurred tortoises, alligator snapping turtles, horseshoe crabs, Japanese giant salamanders, Humboldt penguins, and nutria.
Other inhabitants include striped eel catfish, clownfish, red-striped cleaner shrimp, mudskippers, Japanese anchovies, alligator gar, Erabu sea kraits, and sea cucumbers. Together, these species introduce visitors to a wide range of aquatic environments and animal adaptations.
The aquarium is generally open from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., with admission ending at 4:30 p.m. Regular closing days are Tuesdays, as well as December 29 through January 1. Visitors should check the latest schedule before traveling, as operating arrangements may change.
The listed admission fees are ¥520 for adults and ¥210 for elementary and junior high school students. Admission is free for visitors with qualifying disabilities and residents of Himeji aged 65 or older. Holders of eligible local benefit cards, including the Hyogokko Cocoron Card, Donguri Card, and Himeji Senior Citizen Welfare Benefit Card, may also qualify for free admission when presenting their cards.
From JR Himeji Station or Sanyo-Himeji Station, take a Shinki Bus from South Bus Stop No. 3 on route 95, 96, or 97. Get off at Himeji Bunka Center-mae. The ride takes approximately five minutes, and the listed fare is ¥170.
From Tegara Station on the Sanyo Electric Railway, walk approximately 600 meters west. The journey takes about 10 minutes.
Himeji City Aquarium offers a distinctive introduction to the wildlife of the Harima region, from coastal habitats and tidal flats to rivers, ponds, and wetlands. Its interactive exhibits, turtle research heritage, and accessible educational displays make it an appealing destination for families, students, and nature enthusiasts. Set within Tegara-yama Central Park, it is also a worthwhile stop for visitors exploring Himeji’s parks and cultural attractions.