Maxell AQUAPARK SHINAGAWA

Maxell AQUAPARK SHINAGAWA is an indoor urban aquarium located within Shinagawa Prince Hotel in Tokyo's Minato Ward. The facility integrates digital technology, sound, lighting, and imagery with marine life displays to create what it describes as Tokyo's cutting-edge entertainment experience.

The aquarium houses approximately 20,000 creatures representing around 350 species. The collection includes both commonly exhibited marine life and rare species not frequently displayed elsewhere. The facility operates entirely indoors, allowing visitors to experience the exhibits regardless of weather conditions.

The venue partners with Maxell Co., Ltd. under the corporate philosophy of bringing smiles and excitement to the world through living creatures. The facility is operated by Yokohama Hakkeijima Co., Ltd.

Ground Floor Exhibits

The first floor welcomes visitors with Park Entrance, a space where rainbow-colored schools of fish interact with projected imagery and artwork. This introductory area sets the atmosphere for the zones that follow.

Magical Ground occupies a significant portion of the first floor and divides into three distinct areas. The Patterns immersive area presents seasonal themes where the four seasons harmonize with marine creatures through variable lighting and projection. The Colors atrium area features stylishly arranged aquariums and artwork in an open architectural space. The Attraction area houses two rides: Dolphin Party, a carousel wrapped in LED lights with a 12-meter wall backdrop, and Port of Pirates, a pirate ship ride. These attractions require separate fees beyond general admission.

Jellyfish Rumble anchors the first floor experience. This exhibit occupies a large space measuring 9 meters in width and 35 meters in depth. Jellyfish drift through the tank while sound and lighting effects change according to the time of day and season, creating what the facility describes as a mysterious atmosphere.

Upper Floor Exhibits

The second floor begins with Coral Cafe Bar, where visitors can view nine themed aquariums that change regularly. The tanks contain tropical fish, sharks, and other marine species. Themes rotate to provide different experiences across multiple visits.

Wonder Tube is a 20-meter underwater tunnel illuminated by natural light from a skylight above. The tunnel houses approximately ten species of rays, including the world's only exhibited Dwarf Sawfish and the Nanyo Manta, which appears exclusively at this facility within East Japan. Visitors can observe differences in shape and pattern among the various ray species.

Life Museum displays colorful transparent specimens arranged on wall surfaces. The specimens are preserved and displayed to highlight anatomical details while maintaining aesthetic presentation.

Aqua Jungle recreates jungle environments from around the world. Exhibits include pirarucu, described as a living fossil, freshwater stingrays, and various reptiles. Capybaras typically greet visitors in this zone, though their display may be temporarily suspended for health management purposes.

Wild Street features penguins, fur seals, seals, and Asian short-clawed otters. The exhibit design allows observation of the animals' natural behaviors, including how fur seals regulate body temperature by extending their fins above water and how seals move differently on land versus in water.

Friendly Square provides an outdoor plaza where visitors can interact with popular marine creatures through feeding experiences and close observation opportunities.

The Stadium

The Stadium centers on a circular pool measuring approximately 25 meters in diameter. The 360-degree viewing arrangement allows audiences to watch from any position around the pool. Dolphin performances take place here with programs that vary by season and time of day.

Daytime performances emphasize the dolphins' physical capabilities through dynamic jumps, illuminated by natural light from the skylight. Nighttime performances incorporate water curtain projections with various patterns, combined with lighting and musical elements to create what the facility describes as a fantastic atmosphere. The performances include audience participation elements during day shows and immersive audiovisual experiences during evening shows.

The stadium also implements dolphin enrichment programs by randomly dispensing water from pool fountains, encouraging the animals to play, chase the water streams, and interact with each other.