Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium — Attraction in Sendai

This place provides a mixed experience. First of all the pros. There is a reasonable selection of nice animals including otters, octopuses, jellyfish, seals, dolphins and various fish including some rays and sharks. About half the tanks are really nice to look at. Small sized place which I saw all of within an hour and a half going at a leisurely pace, so it's perfect for kids under 5 of which there were many today when I visited. Cons: it's a considerable hike from the train. If you're bringing small kids maybe don't expect them to walk; use a bus or taxi. Not many "wow" animals if you're into spectacle. And of course the biggest con as others have said: the conditions are crowded and many tanks need better maintenance. A fair amount of algae. One or two dead, such as a giant isopod. Pieces of dismembered crab shell in a crab tank so it had been cannibalised. Sea turtle tank pitiful. Coati in a poky space above the little Amazon tank containing huge arapaimas and stuff. Iguana looked deeply depressed in a little box. Little to no enrichment generally. And of course like all aquariums here, there are dolphins performing shows which you no doubt will have an opinion about. But. Guys. This is Japan. Animal rights are not a thing here, really. Especially for cold-blooded animals or animals which are considered edible. The visitors at all aquariums in Japan are always oohing and aahing at how delicious the exhibits look. And to top it all, this is a rural aquarium in a part of the country which sees less tourism than places like Tokyo or Osaka. They are not catering to Westerners here and they don't care about your definition of animal cruelty. If you come here, do so with that in mind. If you want a more modern, bigger, better-kept aquarium, the ones in the big cities are where you...

Here offers a fantastic experience for both nature lovers and Animal Crossing fans. The aquarium’s collaboration with the beloved game brings an extra layer of charm, featuring special exhibits and interactive activities that make the visit even more enjoyable.

The aquarium itself is well-organized, showcasing a wide variety of marine life in beautifully designed tanks that mimic natural habitats. The highlight is the dolphin and sea lion shows, which are both entertaining and educational, making them perfect for visitors of all ages.

After exploring the exhibits, the café at Umino-Mori is a must-visit. The edamame milkshake is a surprising delight—smooth, creamy, and packed with a unique, savory flavor. For something more substantial, the scallop seafood ramen is outstanding, offering rich, umami flavors with perfectly cooked scallops and noodles. It’s a dish that truly reflects the flavors of Sendai’s coastal region.

Whether you’re an Animal Crossing fan or simply looking for a great day out to date or with your children/family, this aquarium is...

I had a really good time and thought that the ticket was worth the price. There is a wide variety of sea creatures and a dolphin/walrus show. It was very crowded due to golden week so I probably spent about 4 hours there in total, and it was difficult to see some exhibits. If it was less busy I likely would have spent less time. There is a good variety of food on both floors and a large souvenir shop. It's about a 15-20 minute walk from the nearest station; there is a shuttle but it only runs about once an hour. I think they could increase this for busier holidays. My only complaint is the welfare of some animals is a bit concerning. Some animals looked as though they were in very. cramped spaces or dirty tanks, especially the sea turtles. I'm not sure if the dolphins have a larger tank between shows or not. I know this is difficult to fix. I bought my ticket in advance and was able to skip the line for entry. They don't have many signs in English but you can still enjoy seeing everything! I would recommend visiting if...