Iwami Region - Aquarium, AQUAS
The Chugoku region's largest aquarium is the Shimane Aquarium Aquas, at the Iwami Seaside Park just a short stroll from the Japan Sea coast.
The aquarium has a wonderful collection, including a huge shark tank with a glass tunnel running through it. An artificial tide pool is a favorite with children, letting them reach into the water and pick up starfish and other odd creatures. But the biggest draw here is the show put on by the aquarium's beluga whales. These wonderful animals seem to smile at their audience, swimming in choreographed patterns, gesturing with their fins and singing. But the high point for Japanese visitors seems to be the show's climax, when the whales blow bubble rings that roll a meter or more through the water, expanding until they burst.
The aquarium is also surrounded by a large park, which includes play areas for children, several restaurants and a stage where local kagura dances are performed. And of course, there's always the beach, crowded with blissed-out kids and their parents, located just across the giant wave-shaped Hasshi tower bridge. A great side trip, especially if your children are starting to burn out on shrines and hot springs.
More Info.(Iwami Region):
Tsuwano
Aquas
Iwami Kagura
The aquarium has a wonderful collection, including a huge shark tank with a glass tunnel running through it. An artificial tide pool is a favorite with children, letting them reach into the water and pick up starfish and other odd creatures. But the biggest draw here is the show put on by the aquarium's beluga whales. These wonderful animals seem to smile at their audience, swimming in choreographed patterns, gesturing with their fins and singing. But the high point for Japanese visitors seems to be the show's climax, when the whales blow bubble rings that roll a meter or more through the water, expanding until they burst.
The aquarium is also surrounded by a large park, which includes play areas for children, several restaurants and a stage where local kagura dances are performed. And of course, there's always the beach, crowded with blissed-out kids and their parents, located just across the giant wave-shaped Hasshi tower bridge. A great side trip, especially if your children are starting to burn out on shrines and hot springs.
More Info.(Iwami Region):
Tsuwano
Aquas
Iwami Kagura
1117-2 Kushirocho Hamada-shi, Shimane
By car: 6 minutes( 5km ) from Hamada-higashi IC 90 minutes from Hiroshima IC.
By train: 10 minutes walk from JR Hashi station.
By bus: 15 minutes from JR Hamada station.
By train: 10 minutes walk from JR Hashi station.
By bus: 15 minutes from JR Hamada station.
Open Hours:
9:00-17:00(7/20-8/31 9:00-18:00) Closed Every Tuesday
9:00-17:00(7/20-8/31 9:00-18:00) Closed Every Tuesday
Adult: 1500 yen
Child (Elementary-Highschool student): 500 yen
Child (Elementary-Highschool student): 500 yen
Shimane Aquarium, AQUAS: http://www.aquas.or.jp/
Sightseeing in Shimane: http://www.kankou.pref.shimane.jp/index.html
Sightseeing in Shimane: http://www.kankou.pref.shimane.jp/index.html
