Echizen Matsushima Aquarium

Echizen Matsushima Aquarium is an aquarium in Sakai City, Fukui Prefecture. Located within the Echizen-Kaga Coast Quasi-National Park—including Tojinbo—it is a popular Fukui sightseeing spot that welcomes many visitors every day from Japan and overseas. Its motto is "See, Touch, and Learn with Fun," and it truly offers hands-on encounters with marine life. Dolphin shows are held daily, and you can also enjoy feeding experiences and close interaction with animals such as Pacific white-sided dolphins, spotted seals, and doctor fish. It is also known as a tourist attraction where you can get remarkably close to animals like hammerhead sharks and penguins. A 3D movie is screened every day and is full of impact. There is also a sea-surface floating experience where you stand on glass to look straight down at sea creatures below, and you can touch not only starfish and sea urchins but also sharks and rays. With behind-the-scenes guided tours as well, it offers plenty for adults to enjoy—not just families with children. To get to Echizen Matsushima Aquarium, take a Keifuku bus from JR Awaraonsen Station for about 30 minutes and get off at "Matsushima Suizokukan-mae," right by the entrance.