Things to Do · Mie

Toba Aquarium: See Japan's Last Sea Otters

Want to see sea otters in Japan? There may be only one place left to do it: Toba Aquarium in Mie Prefecture. I visited, and I really enjoyed it.

A sea otter floating on its back in a pool at Toba Aquarium — A sea otter relaxing on its back. Photo by Kick.

The last sea otters in Japan

As far as I know, Toba Aquarium is now the only aquarium in Japan that keeps sea otters. There are just two of them.

It has become very difficult to bring new sea otters into aquariums, because catching them in the wild is no longer allowed. So these two may be the last sea otters you can see in Japan. They are both getting old, so no one knows how long they will be here. If you want to see them, I recommend going sooner rather than later.

A sea otter looking toward the camera through the glass — One of the sea otters looking right at me.

Walk around in any order

Most aquariums have a set route you follow from start to finish. Toba Aquarium is different: there is no fixed route. You can walk around and see the animals in any order you like. It's nice to go back to your favorites as many times as you want.

Two black-and-white dolphins swimming in a large tank — Black-and-white dolphins swimming in a big tank.

A sea turtle swimming toward the camera in green water — A sea turtle swimming close to the glass.

A penguin swimming at the surface of a blue pool — A curious penguin at the surface.

Getting there: a car is best

I recommend going by rental car or your own car. Toba is easy to combine with other places in Mie, like Ise Jingu and RV Park VISON, and a car makes that kind of trip much easier.

If you don't drive, the aquarium is about a 10-minute walk from Toba Station.

Quick facts

I checked these in October 2026 using travel guides. Hours, prices, and the animals can change, so please check the official website before you go.

Where	3-3-6 Toba, Toba City, Mie Prefecture
Hours	9:30–17:00 (last entry 16:00); longer hours in busy seasons
Admission	Adults ¥2,800 / Elementary & junior high ¥1,600 / Age 3+ ¥800 / Under 3 free
Route	No fixed route; visit the zones in any order
Animals	About 1,200 species
Parking	About 500 cars; about ¥1,000 per day near the aquarium
By train	About 10 minutes on foot from Toba Station (JR / Kintetsu)
By car	About 15 minutes from Ise IC

FAQ

Can I see the sea otters at any time?

The sea otters have their own area, and the aquarium sometimes holds feeding times. Times can change or be canceled, so check the schedule when you arrive.

Is it good for kids?

Yes. With no fixed route, kids can go back to the animals they like most.

Summary

Toba Aquarium is a special place: it may be your last chance to see sea otters in Japan. Take your time, walk around in any order, and visit by car so you can enjoy Ise and the rest of Mie too.