Taking a trip to Japan is always fun and informative. Be it at historical museums, popular tourist spots, or massive event venues, the country has a wide array of options for any and every kind of tourist to explore and enjoy.
Among the most commonly visited attractions of Japan, amusement parks and aquariums stand as crowd favorites, given their appeal to tourists of all ages.
For those who want to hit two birds with one stone, a trip to Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, Yokohama’s famous amusement park that houses an impressive aquarium, is highly recommended.
Aquariums of Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
The aquariums of Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise can all be found at the Aqua Resort section. This section is further divided into four different areas that are aimed to help visitors view the sea as a place of relaxation, excitement, and interaction.
Some animals housed at the Aqua Resort include whale sharks, sea otters, seals, sea lions, walruses, polar bears, giant turtles, and dolphins. There are also several sea mammals shows conducted at the Aqua Resort throughout the day.
Aqua Museum
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The Aqua Museum serves as the main learning center of Aqua Resort where visitors can view more than five hundred different kinds of fish and over a hundred thousand sea creatures, in total. Given its massive scale and capacity, the Aqua Museum stands among Japan’s largest aquariums.
It houses six main zones that feature the following themes:
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Zone 1 – animals that have returned to the sea
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Zone 2 – arctic sea creatures and animals
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Zone 3 – large schools of fish
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Zone 4 – the dynamic world of marine life
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Zone 5 – the flowers of the sea
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Zone 6 – the origins of river life and sea life
The Aqua Museum is also home to the Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise’s Whale Sharks, Deep-Seatrium, and Aqua Theater.
Umi Farm
For those looking for something a bit more interactive, the Umi Farm, which is set in the natural sea, serves as a place where visitors can learn more about marine life from a closer perspective.
Some notable points of interest within the section include the Fishing Square, the Hunting Square, the KARATTO Kitchen, the OSAKANA Deck, the KAISO Deck, the Plankton Deck, the Guide Deck, and the Submarine Research Center.
FUREAI Lagoon
Similar to the Umi Farm, the FUREAI Lagoon allows visitors to interact with friendly sea animals such as Beluga Whales and Sea Lions. In the Japanese language, the term fureai literally translates to mean “to interact” in English.
The Whale Ocean, Flapper Beach, Friendly Circle, Sakana/Fish Reef, and Aonyx Cinerea make up the FUREAI Lagoon.
Dolphin Fantasy
Of course, no aquarium would be complete without a section dedicated to the ever-fun and friendly dolphins.
The Dolphin Fantasy of the Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise consists of two main areas – the Arch-Shaped Pool and the Cylindrical Pool. These places provide visitors with the opportunity to view various dolphins from different perspectives and feature some fascinating facts about these animals.
Pleasure Land of Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
The Pleasure Land of Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise serves as the main area where all of the amusement rides can be found. People of all ages will have plenty of options to choose from, the most popular one being the Blue Fall, which is basically a thrilling experience that allows visitors to safely free-fall from an impressive height of 107 meters.
Another exciting ride is the Surf Coaster, which is a roller coaster that features various loops, including one that goes over the sea.
For those who want to enjoy something a bit more relaxing, the Pleasure Land of Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise also houses a charming Merry-Go-Round that is particularly breathtaking during the evenings, when it is illuminated by numerous lights.
Other amusement rides that can be found at the Pleasure Land include the Sea Boar, the Viking, the Octopus, the Splashute, the Aqua Ride II, the Sea Paradise Tower, the Drunken Barrel, the Peter Pan, the Red Baron, the Sea Train, the Island Tour Bus, and the Paradise Cruise.
Restaurants & Shops of Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
After going through areas of the Aqua Resort or the Pleasure Land of Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, it is inevitable for one to feel hungry due to all the excitement and fun.
Fortunately, the massive amusement park/aquarium is also home to a wide array of dining options that range from Japanese to Western cuisines. Restaurants can be located at the Hotel Sea Paradise Inn, Restaurant Plaza, Bay Market, and Center House, among other areas of the Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise.
For those only looking to grab a quick bite, several fast food stalls and stores can be found near the Aqua Museum, the Open Market, the Bay Market, the Center House, and the Blue Fall. These shops sell food items such as crepes, ice cream, coffee, fries, burgers, and refreshments.
Once one’s strength has been replenished, circling back to the various sections of the Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is highly recommended, given the various shopping stores that can be found within the property.
These stores offer unique Yokohama-themed gifts, candies, and toys, among other items, all of which work great as souvenirs. Some of the best stores can be located at the FUREAI Lagoon, Bay Market, Dolphin Fantasy, and Center House.
Other Things to Expect at Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
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Paying the Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is not something that one would regret, regardless of proper planning or not. But, of course, it is always best to be prepared for anything so tourists should make it a point to first check out the expected weather and climate of the area to be able to fully enjoy their visit.
In general, Yokohama features a relatively warm and temperate climate, with significant amounts of rainfall all throughout the year, particularly during the month of September. The hottest month for the region is August, while the coldest month is February.
According to previous weather news reports, the following averages can be expected for Yokohama every month:
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January – 2 to 10 degrees Celsius; 50 mm of precipitation over 9 days
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February – 2 to 9 degrees Celsius; 90 mm of precipitation over 9 days
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March – 5 to 12 degrees Celsius; 150 mm of precipitation over 14 days
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April – 11 to 18 degrees Celsius; 170 mm of precipitation over 14 days
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May – 15 to 22 degrees Celsius; 140 mm of precipitation over 14 days
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June – 19 to 24 degrees Celsius; 190 mm of precipitation over 16 days
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July – 22 to 28 degrees Celsius; 130 mm of precipitation over 14 days
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August – 24 to 30 degrees Celsius; 170 mm of precipitation over 11 days
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September – 20 to 26 degrees Celsius; 240 mm of precipitation over 15 days
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October – 15 to 21 degrees Celsius; 190 mm of precipitation over 14 days
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November – 9 to 16 degrees Celsius; 110 mm of precipitation over 10 days
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December – 5 to 12 degrees Celsius; 40 mm of precipitation over 7 days
Other things tourists may want to consider when planning a trip to Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is the fireworks schedule. Every year, the park features several fireworks and video projection displays typically held during the months of July, August, September, October, and December.
For the year 2017, the shows are scheduled on the following dates: July 29, 2017; August 3, 2017; August 5, 2017; August 11 – 19, 2017; September 16 – 17, 2017; October 7 – 8, 2017; October 29, 2017; and December 23 – 24, 2017. In case of rain, the show will automatically be canceled.
Fortunately, a trip to Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is made easier and more convenient thanks to the park’s on-site hotel known as Hotel Sea Paradise Inn. Here, visitors can enjoy a pleasant ocean view from any of the guest rooms available.
Choosing to stay a night or two at the Hotel Sea Paradise Inn is a great idea for those who want to follow a slightly less hectic itinerary and want to maximize their trip to the massive park.
Map & Access to Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
The Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise is about thirty minutes away from downtown Yokohama by train. Tourists can take one of the following railway systems to the Hakkeijima Station of the Kanazawa Seaside Line:
Through the Keikyu Railway System
From Yokohama, tourists can take a train on the Keikyu Main Line and head on to Kanazawa-Hakkei. The one-way trip takes about twenty minutes and costs 280 yen per person.
Afterward, tourists need to get on the Kanazawa Seaside Line to be able to reach Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, which is just seven minutes more away from there and costs about 260 yen per person, one-way.
Through the Japan Railways
Alternatively, tourists can choose to take a train on the JR Negishi Line from the Yokohama Station and head to Shin-Sugita Station. This initial trip takes about fifteen minutes of travel time from one end to the other and costs 220 yen per person.
Upon reaching the Shin-Sugita Station, tourists then need to take a train on the Kanazawa Seaside Line to make their way to the Hakkeijima Station. The one-way trip from Shin-Sugita to Hakkeijima takes about eighteen minutes to reach the destination and costs 310 yen per person.
More Information – Hours, Ticket Price Review, Parking Availability, Etc.
The Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise features varying hours during the months of January, February, November, and December. On other days of the year, the park opens at 10:00 AM and closes at 6:00 PM, except on weekends and holidays when it follows longer operating hours.
For the year 2017, the following opening and closing hours for January, February, November, and December can be expected:
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Weekdays of November – 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM
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Weekends of November – 8:30 AM to 10:30 PM
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Weekdays of December (Except 25 – 29) – 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM
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Weekends of December (Except 23 – 24 & 30 – 31) – 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM
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December 23 – 24, 2017 – 9:00 AM to 11:00 PM
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December 25 – 30, 2017 – 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM
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December 31, 2017 to January 1, 2017 – 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM
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January 2 – 3, 2017 – 8:30 AM to 9:30 PM
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Weekdays of January (Except 1 – 3 & 8) – 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM
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Weekends of January – 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM
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Weekdays of February (Except 12) – 9:00 AM to 9:30 PM
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February 12, 2017 – 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM
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Weekends of February – 9:00 AM to 10:30 PM
All visitors ages 4 and up are required to buy a ticket to explore the different areas of the Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise. Tourists can purchase different types of tickets, depending on how they want to spend their time in the park. The tickets and corresponding prices are as follows:
One Day Pass – access to four aquariums and all amusement rides
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4 – 5 years old – 2,050 yen per person
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6 – 15 years old – 3,600 yen per person
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16 – 64 years old – 5,050 yen per person
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65 years old and over – 3,600 yen per person
Sea Paradise Premium Pass – year-long access to Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
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4 – 5 years old – 4,100 yen per person
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6 – 15 years old – 7,200 yen per person
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16 – 64 years old – 10,100 yen per person
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65 years old and over – 7,200 yen per person
Aqua Resort Pass – access to four aquariums
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4 – 5 years old – 850 yen per person
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6 – 15 years old – 1,750 yen per person
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16 – 64 years old – 3,000 yen per person
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65 years old and over – 2,450 yen per person
Aqua Resort Pass & Aqua Theater – access to four aquariums and aqua theater
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4 – 5 years old – 1,050 yen per person
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6 – 15 years old – 1,950 yen per person
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16 – 64 years old – 3,200 yen per person
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65 years old and over – 2,650 yen per person
Aqua Resort Pass & Paradise Cruise Set Ticket – access to four aquariums and the Paradise Cruise
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4 – 5 years old – N/A
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6 – 15 years old – 1,950 yen per person
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16 – 64 years old – 3,200 yen per person
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65 years old and over – 2,650 yen per person
Pleasure Land Pass – access to amusement rides
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4 – 5 years old – 1,550 yen per person
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6 – 15 years old – 2,650 yen per person
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16 – 64 years old – 3,000 yen per person
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65 years old and over – 3,000 yen per person
A Happy Parent & Child Set for Pleasure Land – promo deal for five tickets for access to amusement rides
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2,000 yen per person
Paradise Night Pass – access to aquariums and amusement rides during the evening
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4 – 5 years old – 1,600 yen per person
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6 – 15 years old – 2,200 yen per person
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16 – 64 years old – 3,300 yen per person
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65 years old and over – 2,200 yen per person
Night Aqua Resort Pass – access to the aquariums during the evening
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4 – 5 years old – 800 yen per person
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6 – 15 years old – 1,500 yen per person
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16 – 64 years old – 2,500 yen per person
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65 years old and over – 1,500 yen per person
For convenience, the Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise features the following facilities within its property: AED-equipped locations, lost children center, first-aid center, Seniors’ Rest Area, Baby Care Area, Wheelchair Rental, Baby Pram Rental, Restrooms, Wi-Fi Spots, Smoking Areas, Coin Lockets, Yokohama Bank Credit Service Corners, and Public Phones.
There is also a parking area available near the Hakkeijima Station, for those who will be bringing their own private cars.