Kagoshima Aquarium

Kagoshima Aquarium, commonly known as ‘Io World Kagoshima Aquarium,’ is an aquarium in Kagoshima City. Its theme is the ‘Kuroshio Romantic Highway,’ and it mainly exhibits marine life from the Kagoshima coast and Kagoshima Bay. Its headline attractions are whale sharks and the Satsuma-harimushi (Satsuma tubeworm). The building is designed with a ray (stingray) motif and is recognizable even from a distance. Connected to Kinko Bay, it has a dolphin channel where you can sometimes see dolphins swimming. A popular event is ‘Blue Sky Dolphin Watching,’ where you can observe dolphin training. The aquarium also offers many other events, allowing visitors to follow programs while exploring exhibits. The facility spans from the 5th floor down to B2 and showcases about 500 species and 30,000 specimens, ranging from Kinko Bay to the Nansei Islands. The amusement shop sells souvenirs you can only buy here. Access: about a 15-minute walk from Kagoshima Station.