Shinagawa Aquarium: Shinagawa
They're wet. They're slippery. And frequently, they're delicious. Yes, fish, squid and other treasures of the sea are vital to life in Japan, but there's more to their story than what comes on your plate. A good place to learn more and see flippers in action is the Shinagawa Aquarium, where sharks, jellyfish, penguins and other ocean dwellers are all on prominent display.

Dozens of gargantuan tanks re-create many of the world's water environments: from the Amazon River to Tokyo Bay. The largest and most impressive of these tanks weighs in at 500 tons, with a 22-meter glass tunnel along the bottom. Here manta rays and sea turtles swoop bewilderingly close overhead.

Just past the tunnel is a hands-on area where kids can touch live starfish and hermit crabs. Little ones may also enjoy the dolphin and sea lion shows, but be warned: these fill up quickly and you are asked not to save seats with your belongings. I recommend arriving at least 15 minutes before show time.

One floor below the performance area you'll find restrooms, diaper-changing facilities, drink machines and cushioned steps facing a large underwater window into the dolphin tank - an ideal spot to rest or nurse younger ones.

The man-made pond outside has several foamy, nasty spots, but ducks and giant carp await your breadcrumbs in the cleaner area near the boardwalk. As for your lunch, the corndog/yakisoba variety is available outside, with a family restaurant-style eatery positioned near a whale-fin sculpture.

If you've still got energy to burn, head over to Shinagawa Kumin Park (Keep your Aquarium ticket, though. Re-entry is permitted). Just follow the bicycle path away from the Aquarium with the pond on your right. You'll pass lots of playground equipment (and mosquitoes, so be prepared), a fountain/courtyard space and a public pool. There's also a baseball diamond where you can sometimes catch local teams playing pickup games.

If you have time after your visit, I suggest taking the waterbus (see map) to Odaiba for a sunset in the sand. What better way to end the day than getting your feet wet?

by Jason Jenkins



Shinagawa Aquarium

3-2-1 Katsushima, Shinagawa-ku
03-3762-3433

Hours: 10:00-17:00 (last admission at 16:30)
Closed on Tuesdays (except during school holidays) and January 1st
Website (Japanese only): http://www.aquarium.gr.jp/
Map: http://www.aquarium.gr.jp/frame4.html

Admission: Adults - 1100 yen
Elementary/Junior High Students - 600 yen
Preschoolers 4 and above - 300 yen
Children under 4 - Free

Directions:
From Omori-Kaigan Station (Keihin Kyuko line): About a 3-minute walk.
From JR Omori Station: About a 15-minute walk. It's best to go out the North Exit and find the map facing you. There are many signs and white pavement squares in the sidewalk pointing the way, but they disappear if you stray from the path. Check the map first.
From Oimachi Station (Rinkai line): Take the Central East Exit to the bus rotary and take bus #6. It's free, and takes about 15 minutes.