Japan Dolphin Center — Attraction in Sanuki

Definitely one for the bucket list!

We emailed JDC to pre-book for our preferred date, JDC responded with a link which contained a discount, and we prepaid online. Maximum 8 individuals allowed per swim with dolphins session. The swimming with the dolphins activity is a separate cost to the entrance fee (ie you will still need to also pay the entrance fee when you arrive).

On the day, we arrived early, and changed into our wetsuits 20min before our scheduled session. JDC provided us with wetsuits, shoes, and flippers and we began the 40min session. The instructors gave the instructions in Japanese but was easy to follow based on body language (ie only touch the dolphins using your palm, do not use nails or punch the dolphin). The last (and most fun) part is dolphin riding where you can hold on to the dolphin’s fin and they’ll take you for a ride around the pool.

The dolphin pool (which is basically sectioned from the ocean) itself is quite clean, not too small and not too big, ideally sized for a controlled environment without feeling constrictive.

JDC has shower facilities so you can rinse yourself afterwards. Would highly recommend to bring a towel with you so you can rinse and dry yourself off before leaving. Dont forget to bring your bathing suit...

A unique experience. As my kid was just 2 years old, we could only join the programme which you can touch, feed and kiss the dolphin (we only took videos for this part so i didnt post it here). It was great fun interacting with dolphin. Afterwards, there was a short dolphin performance. It was unique too because you could stand right next to them on the floating platofrm. Never been this close to see dolphin jumping out of water.

As we visited on a very cold and windy day in Feb 2025, the walk along the floating platform to the pool was very tough but it's all worth it. We were the only visitors at that time and the staff were very helpful and friendly.

Not sure if my boy will remember it but it was a fascinating experience for us as parents. Will definitely come back years later when my kid is old enough for other...

9/23 at 14:30 we were excited to do the feed and touch experience with dolphines. We were waiting behind an old lady and a group of four girls came and lined up next to us. The staff girl told us they were before us. What? She literally saw us come after the old lady and rejected us before the girls... Really bad attitude, we did not do the experience because of her and the...