The aquarium's jellyfish research center is one of the few in Japan that actively breeds and raises jellyfish from the local Kujukushima waters.
The main tank is designed without a roof to utilize natural sunlight, which alters the water color and fish behavior throughout the day.
It is the only aquarium in Japan to focus exclusively on the ecosystem of the Kujukushima Islands.
The dolphin pool is uniquely integrated into the harbor landscape, creating the illusion that the dolphins are swimming in the bay.
The facility functions as a research hub for the regional marine biodiversity of the Nagasaki prefecture.
Kujukushima Aquarium Umi Kirara is a specialized marine facility in Sasebo, Nagasaki, centered on the biodiversity of the Kujukushima Islands. The aquarium features an iconic open-air dolphin tank where visitors can view displays against the backdrop of the Kujukushima bay. Its jellyfish exhibit houses over 100 species, highlighted by a specialized laboratory that focuses on the breeding and research of native local jellyfish. The facility maintains a large outdoor pool for its bottlenose dolphins, which are trained for interactive educational demonstrations. A key feature is the massive, multi-story tank that simulates the unique current and environmental conditions of the Kujukushima archipelago. The aquarium includes a dedicated sea turtle viewing area where guests can observe specimens swimming in a large, controlled environment. The architecture emphasizes natural lighting to reflect the coastal setting of the West Kai National Park.
The glass viewing panel of the main tank provides an expansive background of the Kujukushima bay.
Check the daily demonstration schedule upon entry, as dolphin show times change based on weather and animal conditions.
Visit the jellyfish laboratory early in the visit, as the staff frequently provides live commentary on the life stages of the specimens.
Wear comfortable, non-slip footwear as the outdoor viewing decks near the dolphin pool can become wet.
Attempting to touch or feed the animals, as direct contact is prohibited to ensure the health of the marine life.
Refrain from using flash photography near the jellyfish tanks to protect the sensitive organisms; keep voices low in the quiet observation zones.
