Closed and Ended Aquariums in Japan【Japan Wide】
Many aquariums in Japan have closed or ended public operations over the past few decades. This page organizes confirmed cases by era using public sources. (Last checked: April 2026)
Recent Closures and Ended Operations (2020s)
The facilities below are cases where closure or ended operations could be confirmed from official sources.
Shima Marineland (Shima, Mie)
It closed in March 2021. The Kintetsu Group history page says the facility opened in 1970 and that operations were suspended on March 31, 2021 after about 50 years.
Keikyu Aburatsubo Marine Park (Miura, Kanagawa)
The park was closed on September 30, 2021. Keikyu's notice said that the buildings and equipment had seriously aged and that continued maintenance was difficult.
Suma Aqualife Park / Suma Seaside Aquarium (Suma, Kobe)
The aquarium closed on May 31, 2023. Kobe City announced that the seaside park redevelopment led to a full reopening on June 1, 2024, including Kobe Suma Sea World.
Tango Uocchi-kan (Miyazu, Kyoto)
The PR facility closed on May 30, 2023. Kansai Electric Power announced the closure together with the retirement of Units 1 and 2 at the Miyazu Energy Research Center.
Tokai University Marine Science Museum (Shimizu, Shizuoka)
Paid admission ended on March 31, 2023 for the Marine Science Museum and the Natural History Museum. After that, the institution moved toward education and research.
Closures in the 2010s
Below are the closures from the 2010s that could be confirmed from official sources.
Inubosaki Marine Park (Choshi, Chiba)
It closed on January 30, 2018. A Choshi City Q&A page confirms the closure date and mentions the handling of the animals after closure.
Marinpia Matsushima Aquarium (Matsushima, Miyagi)
The aquarium closed in May 2015. A feature on the official Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium website explains that the old Marinpia Matsushima Aquarium had already been running firefly displays before closure.
Major Closures Before the 2000s
Below is a confirmed closure from before the 2000s.
Old Enoshima Aquarium (Fujisawa, Kanagawa)
The old aquarium closed in 2004. The official history page of Enoshima Aquarium shows the transition from the old aquarium to the current New Enoshima Aquarium.
Main Background Factors
Public closure notices often point to a few common themes: aging buildings and equipment, the need for major repairs, and the need to review how the facility should be operated after redevelopment.
- Aging buildings and rising repair costs
- Changes in visitor demand and usage patterns
- Local government redevelopment and private-sector operation models
- Profitability and business restructuring for private operators
We only connect a specific facility to a specific reason when an official announcement says so.
Facilities Reopened Through Renewal
Some facilities closed first and then reopened in a new form. The current aquarium pages on this site can be opened from the links below.
Kobe Suma Sea World
It opened on June 1, 2024 as part of the redevelopment of the former Suma Aqualife Park area. Kobe City announced the full reopening after completion of the redevelopment works.
Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium
It opened in 2015. The official site says that the firefly display project continued from the former Marinpia Matsushima Aquarium.
New Enoshima Aquarium
The aquarium reopened in 2004. Its official history page explains that the 1954-era old aquarium led into the current New Enoshima Aquarium.
Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
It opened in 2005 as Epson Shinagawa Aqua Stadium, was renewed in July 2015 as Epson Aqua Park Shinagawa, and has used its current name since December 2017 under naming rights.
FAQ
What happens to the former site of a closed aquarium?
It depends on the facility. Some become new attractions, some are repurposed into commercial or park spaces, and some remain vacant for a while.
How can I find an aquarium before it closes?
When a closure is announced, official websites and social channels usually share the schedule. Visiting earlier is recommended because the final days can be crowded.
How many aquariums are currently open in Japan?
This site currently lists 92 operating aquariums across Japan. See the full list on the aquarium list page.
Public Sources Used
- Kintetsu Group history (Shima Marineland operation suspended)
- Choshi City Q&A on the closure of Inubosaki Marine Park
- Closure notice for Keikyu Aburatsubo Marine Park
- Kobe City FAQ on the Suma redevelopment
- Kobe City Suma seaside park redevelopment page
- Closure notice for Tango Uocchi-kan
- Tokai University announcement on the Marine Science Museum
- Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium: Hotaru no Mori project
- Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium: Floor guide
- Enoshima Aquarium introduction
- Enoshima Aquarium history
- Aqua Park Shinagawa renewal release
- Naming rights release for Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
Summary
This page only lists aquariums whose closure or ended operation could be confirmed from official sources. When available, site or redevelopment notes are based on official announcements only.
As new official information appears, closure dates and redevelopment status will be updated. If you are looking for active aquariums, please also see the aquarium list page.
Next to Read
If you want to look for active aquariums, visit the list page. We also keep an overview of upcoming projects.