Tucked along the coast east of Nagasaki City, the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium is home to over 180 penguins and offers a rare chance to see them swimming both indoors and outdoors, even in the open sea! It’s compact, stroller-friendly, and full of interactive opportunities for curious kids. Whether you’re watching them waddle up close or feeding them with your own hands, it’s one of the most unique animal experiences in Japan for families.
As you plan your trip to Nagasaki with kids, our resources are here to help! Check out our full Nagasaki Family Travel Guide for cultural stops, fun neighborhoods, and activity-filled itineraries. Then, visit the Nagasaki with Kids Hub to find all our guides, family adventures, and travel tips conveniently in one easy spot.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you click to purchase, it’s at no extra cost to you… when you book through our links, you help support LuNi Travels and the family guides we create!
Why Book Ahead? It’s often quicker, avoids long lines, and helps skip language barriers at the ticket counter. *Prices are subject to change.
Why It’s Great for Families
- It’s smaller and less crowded than larger aquariums, making it manageable for toddlers and relaxing for parents.
- The penguin feeding experiences and open-sea swimming area make this attraction truly stand out.
- There’s a hands-on discovery room and gentle coastal walking path that let kids explore and decompress.
- Easy to combine with a seaside walk or picnic, especially on nice days.
Parent Insight: Observing animals in action is a powerful way to nurture curiosity. Instead of just naming what they see, encourage your kids to ask why animals move, eat, or swim the way they do. These small moments of wonder spark deeper thinking and make learning feel like part of the adventure.
Top Family Highlights
- Outdoor Penguin Beach: See penguins swim, walk, and play near the natural shoreline, some even swim out into the bay!
- Penguin Feeding (limited times): Buy a cup of fish and feed them from a platform, it’s safe and thrilling for kids.
- Indoor Viewing Tunnels: Walk alongside and under swimming penguins in glass-walled tanks.
- Touch Pool & Discovery Room: Hands-on marine life exhibit where kids can touch starfish, shells, and more.
- Seaside Walk & Sand Play Area: Right outside the aquarium is a gentle walking trail, beach, and small playground.
Good to Know
- Cost: ¥
- Best Age Range: All ages
- Stroller-Friendly? Yes, flat paths, elevators, and compact layout
- Rest Areas: Indoor benches, outdoor picnic area, and shaded beachfront
- Food: Vending machines and small shop on-site; beach café nearby (seasonal); bring your own snacks for outdoor areas
Getting There
- Take the train to Katsuyama Station (JR Nagasaki Line) and walk about 10 minutes along a scenic waterfront path.
- By car, it’s about 30 minutes from central Nagasaki with paid parking available.
Luca & Nico’s Tip: Go early to watch them swim in the sea before feeding time, they’re most active when the crowd is still small!
To discover more family fun in Nagasaki, explore our Best Things to Do in Nagasaki with Kids guide. It’s packed with ideas for penguin encounters, mountaintop views, glowing lanterns, and cultural adventures across one of Kyushu’s most fascinating cities.
FAQs: Visiting Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium with Kids
Got questions before your visit? Here are answers to the most common things families want to know about the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium.
A: Yes! During scheduled feeding times, kids and adults can feed penguins from a safe, raised platform. It’s one of the top highlights of the aquarium experience.
A: Absolutely. The compact size, stroller-friendly design, and interactive displays make it one of the best Nagasaki attractions for toddlers.
A: Most families spend 1.5 to 2 hours here. That gives enough time to enjoy the exhibits, penguin feeding, and explore the beachside walk.
A: Mornings are ideal. The penguins are most active before and during feeding time, and crowds tend to be smaller early in the day.
A: Yes! The entire facility is flat and accessible, with ramps, elevators, and wide indoor and outdoor paths.
A: Admission to Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium costs ¥520 for adults and ¥310 for children ages 3–15. Kids under 3 enter for free, making it a budget-friendly attraction for families.
Until Next Time…
From waddling penguins to open-sea swims and gentle hands-on learning, the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium is a quiet gem that offers big joy for little explorers. It’s a perfect stop to balance city sightseeing with coastal fun.
Stay curious, stay adventurous, and keep dreaming!
~ The LuNi Travels Family ~
