The Kuroshio Tank holds approximately 1,500 tons of water to simulate the migration route of the Kuroshio Current.
The aquarium participates in a collaborative release program for whale sharks once they reach a specific growth milestone.
The outdoor dolphin pool is physically connected to the ocean, allowing for a natural tidal flow within the dolphin enclosure.
The facility contains a dedicated lab for the study of deep-sea creatures found in the nearby Kagoshima Bay, one of the few places in the world with such deep water near a city.
It is one of the few aquariums globally that conducts real-time observation of the 'irukahana' or dolphin communication patterns.
Kagoshima City Aquarium, also known as Ioworld, is located directly on the waterfront of Kinko Bay. The facility is renowned for its Kuroshio Tank, which replicates the deep waters off the southern coast of Japan using a massive volume of water. The aquarium houses the Whale Shark, a centerpiece species that is rehabilitated and eventually released back into the wild. Interactive exhibits include touch pools where visitors can handle sea cucumbers and starfish. The facility hosts daily dolphin performances in an outdoor canal environment that utilizes the natural bay water. It features a dedicated gallery showcasing the unique biodiversity of the Nansei Islands. The architecture of the building mimics the local landscape, integrating with the surrounding harbor area. Research and conservation efforts focus on the marine ecology of the Kagoshima coastline.
The glass tunnel beneath the Kuroshio Tank offers the most dramatic perspective of the whale sharks swimming overhead.
Check the daily schedule upon arrival to time your visit with the outdoor dolphin 'ocean passage' performance.
Spend time on the observation deck for unobstructed views of Sakurajima volcano across the bay.
Visit the feeding sessions at the main Kuroshio tank to see the whale shark's unique vertical feeding posture.
Do not rush through the lower floors; the deep-sea exhibits are often missed by visitors heading straight to the main tank.
Closed for several consecutive days in early December for facility maintenance.
Flash photography is strictly prohibited in the deep-sea zones to protect sensitive marine eyes.
