The aquarium's jellyfish section includes over 100 species, cultivated on-site in specialized tanks.
The name 'Kujukushima' literally translates to '99 islands,' though the archipelago actually contains 208 distinct islands.
The region experiences some of the highest island density per square kilometer in Japan.
The aquarium's 'Kujukushima Bay Big Tank' is unfiltered and directly connected to the external ocean, meaning water conditions reflect the natural environment.
Local pearls are harvested directly from the surrounding waters, with workshops available for visitors to extract their own.
The resort acts as a vital research center for the distinct jellyfish populations found in the Nagasaki coastal ecosystem.
Kujukushima Pearl Sea Resort serves as the primary gateway to the Saikai National Park and its 208 islands. The site features the Umi Kirara Aquarium, which houses one of the few open-air tanks in Japan dedicated to jellyfish research and display. Visitors can access various sightseeing cruises that navigate the intricate channels of the Kujukushima archipelago. The facility integrates marine education with regional retail experiences, offering local Sasebo specialties and seafood. The aquarium utilizes direct seawater filtration to support its large collection of local temperate marine life. Outdoor piers provide immediate boarding access for vessels touring the coastal landscape. On-site infrastructure supports leisure activities including sea kayaking and pearl-harvesting workshops. The resort is situated on the shores of a calm inlet, sheltered from the open sea by the surrounding islands.
The upper observation deck of the Umi Kirara Aquarium offers a panoramic view of the harbor and the starting point of the island cruises.
Check cruise schedules upon arrival as departure times are tide-dependent and vary by season.
Participate in the pearl-harvesting workshop early in the day to ensure availability of high-quality specimens.
Bring binoculars if planning to take a cruise to better observe coastal bird life on the smaller uninhabited islands.
Do not attempt to walk to the islands; they are only accessible via the designated cruise ships or organized watercraft tours.
