Joetsu Aquarium Umigatari

Widely regarded as the top aquarium in Niigata Prefecture, this place has Beluga Whales and Magellan Penguins on show.

It is located bayside about 15 minutes walk from Naoetsu Station in the center of Joetsu City.

Split over 3 floors, the main pool is the giant Umigatari tank which runs from the 2nd to 3rd floors and has a tunnel passing below it. The pool contains 38,000 fish from over 50 species from the sea of Japan. Ther are veiws from below, aside and above.

Also on the 3rd floor is the Dolphin Show, as well are magnificent views over the Japan Sea.

There are a few interactive ponds where you can feed some of the fish here (extra fee required)

Very popular among Japanese, it is best to visit on a week day.

Entrance is 1,800yen for adults (18+ yrs), 1,100yen for high school students, 900yen for those 6-15, and 500yen for infants.