Toba Aquarium

One of Japan's largest marine facilities, the Toba Aquarium on the Shima Peninsula holds more than 1,200 species across twelve themed zones, from coral reefs to river ecosystems. Founded in 1955, it remains one of only a handful of places in the world keeping dugongs in captivity, alongside sea otters, African penguins, and a jellyfish gallery that earns its own following. The deep-sea creatures zone is genuinely strange and worth extra time. Right next door, Mikimoto Pearl Island is where cultured pearls were first developed, and combining both makes for a full, rewarding day on the water.