JAF Nagasaki: World's Largest Penguin Collection! Exclusive Backstage Tour at Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium – Limited Gift for Participants!

The Japan Automobile Federation (JAF) Nagasaki Branch (Branch Chief: Koji Enda) will host the JAF Day event, 'Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium Backstage Tour,' on Monday, July 27, 2026, at the Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium (Nagasaki City, Nagasaki Prefecture).

This event is a special experiential program offering rare access to the aquarium’s backstage areas, normally closed to the public, and will be held during the summer vacation period.

Participants can learn about penguin health management, husbandry techniques, and the inner workings behind the aquarium tanks, all with guided explanations from experienced keepers.

Additionally, Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium holds the world record for the largest number of penguin species in captivity.

Thanks to its diverse collection of penguins, the aquarium offers deeper insights into each species’ unique ecology, individuality, and the specialized care required to protect their lives.

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'Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium Backstage Tour' Event Overview

【Date】

July 27, 2026 (Monday)

・Morning Group A: 10:30–11:30

・Afternoon Group B: 14:30–15:30　※Choose either A or B

【Capacity】

30 participants per session (minimum 15 required for operation) ※Lottery if oversubscribed

【Eligibility】

At least one JAF member must be in the participating group

【Participation Fee (includes admission)】

・Adults: ¥1,500

・Children (ages 3–middle school): ¥1,000

※Infants under 2: Free (not counted in group size)

※Holders of annual pass:

Adults: ¥860 / Children: ¥720

【How to Apply】

Please check via the 'Event Details Here' button below

【Application Deadline】

July 16, 2026 (Thursday) 23:55

【Important Notes】

・Advance reservation required

・Infants under 2 may attend free of charge under guardian supervision, not counted in group size

・Event may be canceled due to infectious disease outbreaks or other circumstances

・In case of avian influenza, the tour will be changed to an indoor guided tour

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'Environment and Life' – A Lesson from Nagasaki, Surrounded by the Sea

This tour not only covers penguin ecology but also explains how changes in the marine environment affect wildlife.

Nagasaki Prefecture, surrounded by the sea on three sides, has historically developed alongside the ocean.

However, in recent years, issues such as marine plastic pollution and increasing amounts of foreign debris washing ashore have become increasingly severe.

Much of the marine and coastal debris originates from daily human activities, flowing from mountains and cities through rivers into the sea.

To address this, Nagasaki City has launched the 'Marine Plastic Waste Countermeasure Promotion Project,' taking action to minimize the impact of microplastics (plastic fragments under 5mm) on ecosystems.※1

Tsushima City, known for having the highest volume of washed-up debris in Japan, is currently conducting surveys and cleanup operations through collaboration between government and private organizations.※2

These worsening marine conditions also affect penguins living far away, threatening their survival through the decline of fish populations that serve as their food source.

Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium uses penguin exhibits and husbandry practices to raise awareness of these issues, helping visitors recognize marine environmental problems as personal, local challenges.

(※1 Source: Nagasaki City Official Website: https://www.city.nagasaki.lg.jp/page/4754.html)

(※2 Source: Tsushima Marine Litter Information Center: https://tsushima-mltic.com/)

Learning 'Respect for Life' with Family During Summer Vacation

This event also aims to nurture the next generation’s respect for life through direct encounters with penguins.

During the long summer break, shared family experiences naturally spark conversations about 'life' and 'the environment.' By exposing children to authentic, real-world settings not found in schools, the tour creates lasting educational impressions.

Final Message

This summer-themed program is an ideal opportunity for school research projects.

We invite you to join this special experience at the world’s leading penguin aquarium, where you can explore behind-the-scenes areas and reflect on life and environmental issues.

As a commemorative gift, all participants will receive an exclusive, non-sale postcard created by Nagasaki Penguin Aquarium.

We hope this event deepens your understanding of penguins’ lives and the efforts to protect them, as well as Nagasaki’s marine environment. We sincerely look forward to your participation.

Event Details Here

Contact Information

Contact

Project Division, Promotion Section, JAF Nagasaki Branch

Address

2-13 Hakobayamachi, Nagasaki City

Phone Number

095-811-2333 (Weekdays 10:00–17:00)

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