Ise Sea Paradise is an interactive aquarium where visitors can enjoy remarkably close encounters with marine animals. From walruses and spotted seals to otters and seahorses, the aquarium offers opportunities to observe and interact with a wide variety of fascinating creatures. With numerous events and hands-on activities, it is a place where visitors of all ages can have fun while learning about marine life.
Located beside the scenic Futamiura coastline, the aquarium is particularly known for its collection of marine mammals, including spotted seals, sea lions, and walruses, as well as a diverse range of fish and other aquatic animals. Its emphasis on close interaction distinguishes it from many traditional aquariums.
Since the 1990s, the aquarium has presented animal performances in open visitor areas, featuring walruses and, until the first half of 2013, southern elephant seals. These shows have allowed visitors to watch the animals demonstrate their abilities at close range and take commemorative photographs, helping establish Ise Sea Paradise as a distinctive hands-on aquarium.
One of the aquarium’s signature experiences is shaking hands with an African clawless otter. Introduced in 2000, this activity was developed by aquarium staff using a PVC pipe to encourage the otter to reach out its paw in anticipation of receiving food, making a handshake possible.
The experience became so popular that similar activities were later adopted by other aquariums. Ise Sea Paradise is credited with pioneering this memorable form of animal interaction, which allows visitors to appreciate the curiosity and dexterity of these playful mammals up close.
Visitors may also have the chance to see a dolphin spontaneously play catch with a ball. The dolphin sometimes brings a ball to visitors and engages with them without being prompted as part of a scheduled performance.
Because this behavior depends on the dolphin’s own initiative, there is no guarantee of seeing it during a visit. However, when it happens, it can become one of the most delightful and unforgettable moments of the aquarium experience.
Ise Sea Paradise has also earned recognition through animal popularity contests organized by Ikimono AZ, a social media initiative run by Sunshine Aquarium. The aquarium’s African clawless otters and walruses achieved the highest number of votes nationwide in the respective contests, helping the facility secure a remarkable three-title achievement.
The animals’ popularity contributed to a significant increase in visitors during Golden Week in 2018, when attendance rose by approximately 40 percent compared with the previous year. In recognition of the walrus Himawari’s contribution to the aquarium’s popularity, the mayor of Ise presented the animal with a letter of appreciation.
With its emphasis on close encounters, engaging demonstrations, and opportunities to learn about marine animals through direct experience, Ise Sea Paradise offers a lively and memorable alternative to a conventional aquarium visit.