Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise — an island marine complex with aquarium, amusement park, shopping, and dining
Aqua Museum: One of Japan's largest aquariums — polar bears, sea otters, massive main tank, dolphin shows
Dolphin Fantasy: Walk-through tunnel with dolphins swimming overhead
Surf Coaster Leviathan: Roller coaster running over the ocean
Free island access: Pay only for what you want to do
Access: Seaside Line to Hakkeijima Station (35 min from Yokohama)
Hours: Vary by season (typically 10:00–17:00 or later)
Best for: Families, couples, marine life lovers
Combine with: Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum (25 min by train)
Overview
Quick Links
Hakkeijima Sea Paradise sits on a small artificial island in Yokohama's Kanazawa district, connected to the mainland by a bridge and the Seaside Line monorail. Unlike most Japanese theme parks, there is no entrance gate blocking the island — you can walk around the waterfront promenades, browse the shops, and eat at the restaurants without buying any ticket at all. You pay only for the specific attractions you want to experience.
This flexibility makes Sea Paradise a different kind of day out. You can spend the whole day exploring the aquariums and riding coasters, or drop in for a quick dolphin show and a walk along the bay. The complex is large enough to fill a full day but relaxed enough to work as a half-day stop between other Yokohama activities.
For a broader look at Yokohama's attractions, see the Yokohama sightseeing guide. The Ramen Museum and Sea Paradise make an excellent pair for a full day in northern Yokohama.
Introduction: An Island of Marine Entertainment
Sea Paradise opened in 1993 on reclaimed land in Tokyo Bay. The concept was ambitious — build a complete marine leisure destination on its own island, combining state-of-the-art aquarium technology with amusement park rides and retail. Three decades later, it remains one of Yokohama's most popular family destinations, drawing over 4 million visitors annually.
What Makes Sea Paradise Special:
- No entrance fee: Walk onto the island and explore freely
- Flexible ticketing: Choose from aquarium-only, rides-only, or all-inclusive passes
- Oceanfront setting: The bay views are integrated into the experience
- Dolphin interactions: From watching shows to touching dolphins in the lagoon
- Night operations: Summer evenings feature illuminated aquariums and night rides
Aqua Resorts (The Aquarium Complex)
The aquarium complex is the heart of Sea Paradise, comprising four distinct facilities spread across the island.
Aqua Museum
The centrepiece aquarium, housed in a distinctive pyramid-shaped building.
Main Tank:
- Capacity: 5,000 tons of water
- Species: Over 700 types of marine life
- Highlights: Giant groupers, rays, and schools of tuna circling overhead
- Viewing: Floor-to-ceiling windows plus an overhead tunnel section
Polar Bear Exhibit:
One of the few places in Japan where you can see polar bears. The exhibit includes both an underwater viewing window and an above-ground observation area. Feeding times (usually 11:00 and 14:00) draw the biggest crowds.
Sea Otter Pool:
The sea otters are a consistent crowd-pleaser, especially during feeding sessions when they float on their backs cracking shellfish against their chests.
Marine Mammal Arena (Dolphin Show):
| Show | Duration | Times (typical) |
|---|---|---|
| Dolphin & Sea Lion Show | 20 min | 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 |
| Dolphin Jump Performance | 15 min | 12:00, 14:30, 16:00 |
| Night Dolphin Show (seasonal) | 20 min | 18:00–19:00 (summer) |
Shows are included with the Aqua Resorts Pass. Arrive 15 minutes early for good seats — the arena fills up quickly on weekends.
Dolphin Fantasy
A tranquil walk-through aquarium where dolphins swim in a large, naturally lit tank. Visitors walk through a transparent tunnel while dolphins glide overhead, close enough to see the texture of their skin.
Best time to visit: Late afternoon (16:00–17:00) when the light from above creates beautiful patterns in the water. Weekday mornings are quietest.
Fureai Lagoon
An interactive touch pool area where visitors can:
- Touch bottlenose dolphins (guided sessions, ¥500 extra)
- Feed sea lions (¥300 per serving)
- Touch starfish and sea cucumbers (free, included with any aquarium pass)
Note: Dolphin touching sessions have limited capacity and sell out quickly. Register at the lagoon entrance as soon as you arrive.
UMI FARM
A hands-on fishing and cooking experience:
- Fish catching: Catch small fish from a shallow pool (¥500, 15 min)
- Cook and eat: Staff prepare your catch as tempura (¥300 extra)
- Seasonal activities: Net fishing, crab catching, sea creature exploration Good for children who want a more active experience than just looking.
Pleasure Land (Amusement Park)
Surf Coaster Leviathan
A roller coaster that runs partially over the water, with several moments where the track extends beyond the island's edge. The feeling of speeding over open water with the bay stretching beneath you is the ride's signature experience.
| Detail | Info |
|---|---|
| Height | 40 m |
| Top speed | 75 km/h |
| Duration | 2 min 30 sec |
| Minimum height | 110 cm |
Blue Fall
A vertical drop tower — 35 metres of free fall. The seats rotate outward as you rise, so you face the ground during the drop. Not for the faint of heart.
Other Rides
| Ride | Type | Minimum Height |
|---|---|---|
| Carousel | Classic merry-go-round | None (with adult) |
| Ferris Wheel | Bay view wheel (50 m) | None |
| Kids' Adventure | Children's play area | 90 cm |
| Water Battle | Splash boats | 80 cm |
Ride Tickets vs Pass
| Option | Price (adult) | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Individual ride | ¥500–800 each | 1–2 rides only |
| Pleasure Land Pass (unlimited rides) | ¥2,500 | 3+ rides |
| One-Day Pass (aquarium + rides) | ¥4,500–5,500 | Full day |
Ticket Options
Pass Types (Adult Prices)
| Pass | Price (approx) | What's Included |
|---|---|---|
| One-Day Pass | ¥4,500–5,500 | All 4 aquariums + unlimited rides |
| Aqua Resorts Pass | ¥3,000–3,500 | All 4 aquariums only |
| Pleasure Land Pass | ¥2,500 | Unlimited rides only |
| Night Pass | ¥1,800–2,500 | Aquariums + rides after 16:00 |
Note: Prices vary by season. Check the official website for current rates.
Discounts
- Online booking: ¥200–500 discount on most passes
- Combination tickets: Discounted passes available with the Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum
- Group rates: 15+ people, contact the park directly
- Annual pass: ¥8,000 (pays for itself in 2–3 visits)
Practical Information
Hours
| Season | Hours |
|---|---|
| Spring (Mar–May) | 10:00–17:00 |
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | 9:30–18:00 (extended to 20:00 on weekends) |
| Autumn (Sep–Nov) | 10:00–17:00 |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | 10:00–17:00 |
Closed: Occasional maintenance days (check calendar)
Access
From Yokohama Station:
1. JR Negishi Line to Shin-Sugita Station (15 min, ¥230)
2. Transfer to Kanazawa Seaside Line (monorail)
3. Ride to Hakkeijima Station (15 min, ¥330)
Total: ~35 minutes, ¥560 From Shin-Yokohama Station:
1. JR Yokohama Line to Shin-Sugita (20 min, ¥280)
2. Seaside Line to Hakkeijima (15 min, ¥330)
Total: ~40 minutes, ¥610 From Tokyo Station:
1. JR Tokaido Line to Yokohama (25 min, ¥470)
2. Transfer to Negishi Line (15 min, ¥230)
3. Seaside Line to Hakkeijima (15 min, ¥330)
Total: ~60 minutes, ¥1,030Dining
| Restaurant | Type | Price | Location |
|---|---|---|---|
| Aqua Cafe | Light meals, pasta | ¥1,000–1,500 | Aqua Museum 1F |
| Marine Grill | Seafood BBQ (summer) | ¥2,000–3,000 | Waterfront terrace |
| Pleasure Food Court | Burgers, ramen, curry | ¥800–1,200 | Pleasure Land area |
| Bay View Restaurant | Buffet style | ¥1,800–2,500 | Island centre |
When to Visit
Best time:
- Weekday mornings (shortest queues for both aquarium and rides)
- Late afternoon for Night Pass (best value)
- Summer weekdays (longest hours, dolphin shows run more frequently) Avoid:
- Weekends during school holidays (August, Golden Week)
- Rainy days (rides close in bad weather)
- National holidays Strategy for a full day:
9:30 – Arrive, buy One-Day Pass online
10:00 – Dolphin show (arrive early for seats)
10:30 – Aqua Museum (main tank, polar bears)
12:00 – Lunch at Marine Grill
13:00 – Surf Coaster + Blue Fall (lighter queues after lunch)
14:00 – Dolphin Fantasy + Fureai Lagoon
15:00 – UMI FARM activities
16:00 – Last dolphin show
16:30 – Ferris Wheel for bay views
17:00 – DepartNearby Attractions
Sea Paradise is well-positioned for combination with other Yokohama destinations:
- Shin-Yokohama Ramen Museum — 25 min by train (see our Ramen Museum guide)
- Yokohama English Garden — 30 min by train
- Kanazawa Hakkei — nearby scenic area with temples and gardens
- Yokohama Hakkeijima Marina — waterfront dining and walking
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I bring my own food into the park?
A: Yes. Picnics are allowed in designated areas. The waterfront promenade has several benches and shaded spots.
Q: Are there lockers for luggage?
A: Yes. Coin lockers are available near the Seaside Line station exit and at the Aqua Museum entrance. Sizes range from small (¥300) to large (¥700).
Q: Is the park wheelchair accessible?
A: Yes. All aquarium buildings and most rides are wheelchair accessible. The Surf Coaster and Blue Fall require transferring from a wheelchair to the ride seat.
Q: Can I leave and re-enter?
A: Yes. Get a hand stamp at the exit and you can re-enter the same day. Your pass remains valid.
Q: What happens if it rains?
A: The aquarium sections (Aqua Museum, Dolphin Fantasy) are fully indoors. Rides close during rain. Umbrellas are available at the information counter.
Q: How long does it take to see everything?
A: A full day (9:30–17:00) is enough to see all aquariums, one dolphin show, and a handful of rides. For a relaxed pace with multiple shows and all rides, plan 8–9 hours.
Last Updated: June 4, 2026 Written by: Anaba OffJapan Editorial Team
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Visited Sea Paradise? Tips for combining it with other Yokohama attractions? Join our community forum to share your recommendations!
Anaba OffJapan — Avoid the Crowds, Go Deeper into Japan.
Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is one of those rare attractions that works for almost everyone — families with young children, couples on a date, solo travellers passing through Yokohama. The flexibility of the free island access means you can tailor the experience to your budget and schedule, and the quality of the aquariums rivals purpose-built marine parks across Japan.
⏰ Best Time to Visit
Early morning (8–10 AM): Peaceful atmosphere, fewer crowds, perfect for photos Late afternoon (4–6 PM): Beautiful lighting, local life, less crowded than midday
What I Recommend
- Don't rush: Take your time to explore the side streets and hidden spots
- Talk to locals: They often know the best hidden gems that aren't in guidebooks
- Try the local specialties: Each area has its own unique food and souvenirs
Things to Watch Out For
- Some shops close on weekdays or have irregular hours
- Parking can be challenging during peak seasons
- Cash is still king at many smaller establishments
Conclusion
hakkeijima sea paradise offers a unique window into the diverse attractions of Kanagawa Prefecture. Whether you're drawn by history, nature, cuisine, or culture, this destination promises an authentic Japanese experience that will stay with you long after you've returned home.
