The experiential aquarium 'Shimoda Aquarium' (Headquarters: 3-22-31 Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture; General Manager: Mitsuhito Keino) will co-host, together with the Shimoda Maritime Safety Agency, a special event on July 20, 2026 (Monday, national holiday), 'Marine Day,' themed 'Safely and Enjoyably Playing by the Water.'

◇ Learn About Hidden Dangers in the Ocean This 'Marine Day' and Enjoy a Safer Summer Vacation!

The third Monday of every July is celebrated as 'Marine Day'—a national holiday to express gratitude for the ocean’s blessings and to pray for the prosperity of Japan as a maritime nation. In recent years, opportunities to enjoy the sea have rapidly diversified due to marine development, waterfront improvements, and the growing popularity of marine sports. However, this has also led to a rise in water-related accidents. To promote safe and enjoyable ocean experiences, Shimoda Aquarium and the Shimoda Maritime Safety Agency will once again collaborate on a special event this year on July 20, 2026 (Monday, national holiday). Aquarium keepers, temporarily appointed as coast guards for the day, will wear special wet suits used by the Maritime Safety Agency for underwater operations and conduct the fish feeding show 'Discovery Ocean,' during which they will introduce dangerous marine creatures and explain safety precautions. Additionally, at the Marine Stadium, the Shimoda Maritime Safety Agency will host a live demonstration on life jacket usage, offering fun and educational activities to help visitors learn how to stay safe in and around the water. Furthermore, at the aquarium’s entrance porch, visitors can try on children’s versions of Maritime Safety Agency uniforms for commemorative photos. The event will also include a giveaway of original safety awareness goods created by the Shimoda Maritime Safety Agency.

◇ Marine Day Event Overview

【Date & Time】July 20, 2026 (Monday, national holiday)

【Admission】Free (Regular aquarium admission fees apply: Adults 2,500 yen, Children 1,250 yen)

〇 Fish Feeding Show 'Discovery Ocean'

【Time】10:35 / 14:35

【Location】Main tank inside Aqua Dome Perry

〇 Life Jacket Demonstration by Shimoda Maritime Safety Agency

【Time】13:30–

【Location】Marine Stadium

〇 Maritime Safety Agency Uniform Try-On & Safety Awareness Goods Distribution

【Time】10:00–15:30 (Goods distributed while supplies last)

【Location】Aquarium Entrance Porch

Sample of Safety Awareness Goods

◇ About Shimoda Aquarium

Opened in March 1967, Shimoda Aquarium is an experiential facility operated by Shimoda Aqua Service Co., Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of Fujita Kanko. It is one of the few aquariums in Japan built within a natural cove. The aquarium features dolphins, seals, sea lions, penguins, otters, and a wide variety of marine life native to the waters around the Izu Peninsula. It offers interactive programs such as animal feeding and dolphin swimming experiences, with a key highlight being the exceptionally close proximity between visitors and animals.

Address: 415-0023 3-22-31 Shimoda, Shizuoka Prefecture

Access: By train: Take the Izu Kyuko Line to Izu-Kyuko-Shimoda Station, then take a scheduled bus (7 minutes), taxi (5 minutes), or walk (25 minutes). By car: Approximately 40 km from Tsukigase IC on the Izu Chuo Road and Shuzenji Road.

Official Website: https://shimoda-aquarium.com

◇ About Fujita Kanko

Fujita Kanko Co., Ltd. pioneered Japan’s tourism industry, opening 'Hakone Yugawaraen' in 1948 and 'Tsubakiyama Villa' (now Hotel Tsubakiyama Tokyo) in 1952, before officially establishing the company in 1955. By maximizing the use of human resources, cultural assets, and other corporate resources, Fujita Kanko aims to provide restful spaces and warm hospitality to more customers. Through unique content and business development, the company strives to deliver new value that supports customers throughout various stages of their lives and lifestyles, with the ultimate goal of realizing a rich and fulfilling society.

Official Website: https://www.fujita-kanko.co.jp/

Brand Movie Now Available: https://www.fujita-kanko.co.jp/sub/fkmovie

FACT BOX

  • Source: PR TIMES
  • Category: Event