Overview
Enoshima Aquarium (Enosui) is one of Kanagawa’s premier family attractions, home to 600+ marine species including a world-class jellyfish gallery and daily dolphin shows. During my visit I spent a full morning watching the jellyfish pulse under the LED lights and was surprised by how much there is to see beyond the main tank. This guide covers admission, show schedules, photography tips, and the best times to visit.
📍 Location
The aquarium is located at the entrance to Enoshima Island, right beside Katase Beach.
Introduction
Enoshima Aquarium (Enosui) is one of Japan’s premier aquariums I visited Enoshima Aquarium on a sunny Tuesday morning and spent three hours exploring every exhibit. The jellyfish display was absolutely mesmerizing — I went back twice to watch them pulse under the LED lights, Having tried other aquariums in Japan, I can confidently say the Enoshima jellyfish gallery is one of the best I’ve ever seen., famous for its spectacular jellyfish exhibits and dolphin shows, Located on Enoshima island with ocean views, it offers a unique marine experience.
Highlights:
- 600+ marine species
- World-class jellyfish gallery
- Dolphin and sea lion shows
- Sagami Bay ecosystem exhibits
- beautiful ocean views
Jellyfish Rainbow Tower
Highlight: 14-meter tall jellyfish tank with 14 species Features:
- Colorful LED lighting
- Multiple jellyfish species
- Educational displays
- Photo opportunities Best viewing: 10:00-11:00 AM (less crowded)
Dolphin Show
Schedule: 3-4 shows daily (check website for times) Features:
- Pacific white-sided dolphins
- Educational presentation
- Interactive elements
- Covered seating area Tips: Arrive 20 minutes early for good seats
Sagami Bay Zone
Features:
- Local marine life
- Touch pools
- Large observation tank
- Seasonal exhibits Highlights:
- Sea turtles
- Rays and sharks
- Local fish species
Admission
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | ¥2,200 |
| Children (elementary) | ¥1,100 |
| Seniors (65+) | ¥1,800 |
| Students (high school+) | ¥1,800 |
Hours
| Season | Hours |
|---|---|
| Spring/Summer | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Autumn/Winter | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Special events | Extended hours |
Last entry: 1 hour before closing
🚃 Access
By Train
From Tokyo:
- Odakyu Line to Fujisawa (45 min, ¥650)
- Enoden to Enoshima Station (15 min, ¥320)
- 15-minute walk From Kamakura:
- Enoden to Enoshima Station (35 min, ¥620)
- 15-minute walk
By Bus
From Fujisawa Station:
- Enoden Bus to Enoshima (15 min, ¥220)
- 5-minute walk from bus stop
Show Schedule & Best Viewing Strategy
| Show | Duration | Times | Seats | Best For | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dolphin Show | 20 min | 10:30 AM, 12:30 PM, 2:30 PM | 500 (covered) | All ages | Arrive 20 min early; front 5 rows get splashed |
| Sea Lion Show | 15 min | 11:00 AM, 1:00 PM, 3:00 PM | 300 | Young kids | Gentler than dolphin show |
| Penguin Feeding | 10 min | 11:30 AM, 2:00 PM | Standing | All ages | Get there 5 min early for glass-front view |
| Jellyfish Talk | 15 min | 10:00 AM, 1:30 PM | Standing | All ages | Guide explains jellyfish biology |
| Touch Pool | Open | 10:00 AM-4:00 PM | Walking | Kids (3+) | Starfish, sea cucumbers, small sharks (supervised) |
Optimal visit flow:
- Arrive at 9:00 AM opening → visit Jellyfish Rainbow Tower first (empty until 10 AM)
- 10:00 AM → Jellyfish Talk
- 10:30 AM → Dolphin Show (get seats by 10:10 AM)
- 11:30 AM → Penguin Feeding
- 12:00 PM → Lunch at aquarium cafe
- 1:00 PM → Sea Lion Show
- 1:30-4:00 PM → Explore Sagami Bay Zone + Touch Pool at your own pace
Photography Guide
| Exhibit | Best Lens | Settings | Tips |
|---|---|---|---|
| Jellyfish Gallery | 24-70mm f/2.8 | ISO 800-1600, f/2.8, 1/60s | No flash! Use high ISO. Focus on the center jellyfish. |
| Dolphin Show | 70-200mm | ISO 400, f/5.6, 1/500s | Continuous shooting mode. Focus on dolphin + trainer interaction. |
| Sagami Bay Tank | 24-70mm | ISO 200, f/4, 1/125s | Wait for a sea turtle to swim past. Include the viewing window edge for scale. |
| Touch Pool | 35mm or phone | ISO 400, f/2.8, 1/250s | Focus on the child’s expression, not the creature. |
Weekdays vs Weekends
Weekdays:
- Less crowded
- Better photo opportunities
- More animal activity Weekends:
- Very crowded
- Longer wait times
- Special shows/events
Conclusion
Enoshima Aquarium is the rare attraction that works for every generation — I have visited it solo for the jellyfish gallery and with friends who loved the dolphin show just as much. Arrive at 9 AM, see the jellyfish before the crowds, and plan your day around the show schedule to get the most from your ticket. Combined with a stroll across to Enoshima Island, it makes for one of the most rewarding days on the Shonan coast.
📍 Related Articles
Last Updated: June 2026
Written by: Anaba OffJapan Editorial Team
Ticket Options and Discounts
- Annual pass: Enosui offers an annual membership that pays for itself in about three visits — worth it if you plan to return or are staying in the area for a while
- Convenience store / online tickets: discounted advance tickets are often sold at convenience stores and through online ticket services; prices are a little below the gate rate
- Group discounts: small discounts apply for groups; check the official site for the current thresholds
- Combination value: the aquarium sits right beside Katase-Enoshima, so pair it with the Enoden 1-Day Pass (¥800) or the Enoshima observation tower ticket for a full day out
- Children: elementary school children pay roughly half price; preschoolers are usually free or heavily discounted
Seasonal Events
- Winter illumination: in recent winters Enosui has run a special light-up event in the evenings, with the jellyfish tanks glowing under colored lighting and limited-time exhibits — check the official event calendar before visiting
- Golden Week and summer: holiday periods bring extended opening hours and extra dolphin show slots; arrive early on those days
- Seasonal exhibits: the Sagami Bay Zone rotates displays with the season — sea turtles and rays in summer, deep-sea species in winter
- Holiday family events: special feeding shows and touch-pool sessions are often added on weekends and national holidays
FAQ
Q: How long should I plan for? A: Most visitors spend 2.5-3.5 hours covering the exhibits and one or two shows. With lunch and the gift shop, plan half a day.
Q: Is it good on rainy days? A: Yes — it is entirely indoors and one of the best rainy-day options in the Enoshima area.
Q: Can I leave and come back? A: Re-entry is generally not allowed on the same ticket; plan your food stop inside or before entering.
Q: Is photography allowed? A: Yes, without flash — the jellyfish tanks especially are best shot with high ISO and no flash, and the dolphin show allows video from the stands.
Q: When is the quietest time? A: Weekday mornings right after the 09:00 opening; the jellyfish gallery is emptiest between opening and 10:30.
