Besides being closed a few years during and immediately after WWII, Marinepia Matsushima Aquarium opened its doors in 1927. Located along picturesque Matsushima Bay, this second oldest aquarium in Japan is a local legend and has seen thousands of visitors pass through its gates each year. Inside the main building and outside in the plaza, guests can enjoy viewing over 400 species of marine animal, plant, and mammal life. Favorites on display include American beavers, several types of penguins, seals, dolphins, and crocodiles. Unfortunately, flooding and broken air and water pumps led to some of these marine creatures perishing in the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami that ravaged the Pacific northeast of Japan. Through valiant efforts, and the fact that Matsushima was spared heavier damage because its many islands dispersing the energy of the great wave, the aquarium reopened less than two months after the disaster. Donations of animals and materials were given from other aquariums across Japan to speed recovery.
Walking through the aquarium is a real treat. Unique creatures such as octopuses, crocodiles, beavers, seals, colored dolphins, and turtles make your excursion a memorable experience. At first the aquarium appears small, but with the amazing sea lion show and browsing the gift shop, I spent nearly an hour and a half there. If you plan on eating there, allow more time. The illusion to the aquarium’s size is the outside is surrounded by trees and a hillside, while the interior viewing course is multistory and tucked inside the back building.
In addition to its large collection of marine creatures, the aquarium also features a grand children's area with pay rides and a merry-go-round. The family can enjoy the sea lion show with covered seating to protect against heat, rain, snow, or pooping sea gulls. If you're hungry, there is a fast food corner, a noodle shop, and a restaurant selling freshly caught seafood (scallops, oysters, squid, etc.). From November to March the fast food stand closes and an oyster shack opens, usually featuring all-you-can-eat oysters for a set amount of time.
