Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium is one of the largest aquariums in the Tohoku region, located in Takasago Central Park in Miyagino Ward, Sendai, Miyagi Prefecture. Opened on July 1, 2015, it was created as the successor to the much-loved Marinepia Matsushima Aquarium, which had served visitors in Matsushima for many decades.
The name “Umino-Mori”, meaning something like “Forest of the Sea,” expresses the aquarium’s aim of creating a place that connects the ocean, people, and the future of the local community.
With exhibits ranging from the rich marine environment of the Sanriku coast to fascinating creatures from oceans and rivers around the world, the aquarium offers an engaging experience for visitors of all ages. It is also a place where guests can learn about marine ecosystems while enjoying close encounters with a remarkable variety of animals.
The idea of constructing a new aquarium in Sendai emerged in the early 2000s. The original plan envisioned relocating the Marinepia Matsushima Aquarium, but financial difficulties eventually caused the project to be suspended.
The concept was revived following the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, when the idea of creating a new aquarium took on additional significance as part of the region’s recovery.
In 2013, six companies—including Mitsui & Co., Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, and local companies Kamei and Yurtec, as well as Kahoku Shimpo and Sendai Mitsukoshi—jointly established Sendai Aquarium Development Co., Ltd.
The new aquarium was planned for Takasago Central Park near Sendai Port, and its official name, Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium, was announced in 2014.
Marinepia Matsushima Aquarium closed in May 2015 after a long history of welcoming visitors. Many of its keepers and a large number of its animals were transferred to the new aquarium.
After opening on July 1, Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium quickly became a popular attraction. Approximately 220,000 visitors came during its first month, and the cumulative number of visitors exceeded one million by November 2015.
Its popularity continued to grow, and by 2019, the aquarium had welcomed more than five million visitors in total.
The “Sea of Japan” zone recreates the rich marine environment of the Sanriku region. Visitors can discover creatures from tidal flats, deeper waters, and habitats inhabited by rare species.
The centerpiece is the enormous “Sparkling Sea of Life” tank, measuring approximately 13 meters wide and 6.5 meters high, with a capacity of about 990 tons of water.
Because the tank is open to natural light from above, visitors can experience a remarkably atmospheric underwater world. Around 25,000 animals representing approximately 50 species swim through the huge tank, creating an impressive view of the marine ecosystem.
The “Oceans of the World” zone introduces aquatic life from oceans and rivers around the globe.
Among the animals visitors can encounter are Baikal seals, sturgeon, green sea turtles, and adorable garden eels. The diversity of species provides a fascinating look at the different environments in which aquatic animals live around the world.
Umino-Mori Beach is an outdoor exhibit inspired by Boulders Beach in South Africa, a famous coastal habitat for African penguins.
The exhibit is home to several types of penguins, including African penguins, king penguins, and gentoo penguins. The open setting allows visitors to observe the birds in a spacious environment and watch their distinctive movements both on land and in the water.
The Umino-Mori Stadium features a show pool capable of accommodating approximately 1,000 spectators.
Dynamic performances featuring dolphins, sea lions, and birds take place here. The performance area is designed without a conventional barrier between the animals and the audience, creating an especially immersive atmosphere.
Depending on where you sit, you may even feel the spray from the pool as the animals leap and perform.
The semi-outdoor Marine Mammal Plaza provides another opportunity to observe animals at close range. South American sea lions and Humboldt penguins can move through the area, allowing visitors to watch their behavior from nearby.
One of Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium’s notable achievements has been its efforts to maintain blue sharks in captivity for extended periods.
The blue shark is one of the representative fish of the Sanriku region, but maintaining this active open-ocean species in an aquarium environment presents significant challenges.
In 2020, the aquarium achieved a domestic record by successfully keeping a blue shark for 873 days.
This long-term effort has contributed not only to the aquarium’s husbandry techniques but also to a better understanding of the biology and ecology of marine species associated with the Sanriku coastal ecosystem.
Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium is a two-story building with a total floor area of approximately 9,989 square meters. Around 100 aquarium tanks are located throughout the facility, presenting a wide range of marine and freshwater environments.
The building was also designed to function as an emergency evacuation facility and can accommodate up to approximately 1,500 people for this purpose.
Visitors can spend much of the day at the aquarium thanks to its restaurant and museum shop, making it convenient for families and travelers who want to combine sightseeing, dining, and shopping in one location.
The aquarium is located next to the Sendai Port Interchange on the Sendai Tobu Road. A parking lot with space for approximately 800 vehicles is available.
Typical opening hours are 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., although hours may change depending on the season.
Visitors should check the latest operating hours, admission fees, and temporary schedule changes before traveling, particularly when planning a visit around seasonal events or holidays.
Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium is more than a place to look at marine animals. It was created as part of the region’s recovery following the Great East Japan Earthquake and has developed into a cultural and educational facility connecting people with the sea.
The exhibits provide an opportunity to experience the richness of the Sanriku coastline, discover aquatic life from around the world, and learn about the importance of marine ecosystems.
From the enormous aquarium tank and lively dolphin performances to penguins, sea lions, turtles, and the aquarium’s efforts to care for blue sharks, there are plenty of opportunities for memorable encounters with marine life.
For international visitors exploring Sendai, Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium offers an engaging combination of entertainment, education, nature, and regional culture. It is a particularly enjoyable destination for families, animal lovers, and anyone interested in discovering the rich relationship between the people of Tohoku and the sea.