Complete guide to the highlights of Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium North Building

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The North Building of the Nagoya Port Aquarium features pools for dolphins, orcas (killer whales), and belugas, allowing visitors to observe these magnificent creatures from above and below the water. Additionally, dolphin performance shows are held at the main pool. This article introduces the highlights of the North Building at the Nagoya Port Aquarium.

For a comprehensive overview of the entire Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium, please refer to 「Highlights and access methods of Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium (Aichi Prefecture)」.

(Last modified: 2024-02-26)

Orca Pool

Upon entering the entrance gate of Nagoya Port Aquarium, you find yourself on the second floor of the North Building (the North Building consists only of the second and third floors). A large aquarium is directly in front of you.

To the right, you can see the orca pool. There is another orca pool behind it, but it cannot be seen from the second floor.

By taking the escalator or elevator to the third floor, you can view the orca pool from outside. The orca pool is visible on the right. When orcas are present in the pool, you can also view them from above.

Public training sessions for the orcas can be viewed from in front of the third-floor pool. (The sessions are also broadcast on a large screen in the main pool area). There is another orca pool in the back, and training sessions are conducted in both pools. Note that public training sessions may also take place in the main pool.

Dolphin Pool

Upon entering the Nagoya Port Aquarium, directly in front and to the left, you'll find the dolphin pools; there are two of them. In these pools, you can observe Pacific white-sided dolphins or bottlenose dolphins.

Additionally, there's another smaller pool located between the dolphin and orca pools. It seems to be used for rotating the dolphins, but occasionally, you can also see dolphins in this pool.

If you go up to the third floor using the escalator or elevator, you can view the dolphin pools from the outside.

While there's no scheduled public training event for the dolphins, they are often seen practicing in the dolphin pools.

Beluga Pool

To the left of the orca and dolphin pools, you'll find the beluga whale pool. There's another beluga pool further back, but it's not visible from the second floor.

Outside of public training times, you can always see belugas swimming leisurely.

To view from the third floor, take the escalator or elevator up, and then enter through the next entrance. From here, you can look down into the beluga pool.

You can also observe the beluga whales' public training sessions from this third-floor location. The training often takes place on the water's surface, so it might be difficult to see from the second floor during these sessions.

Main Pool

The main pool at Nagoya Port Aquarium is the largest and is located on the third floor of the North Building. It can accommodate about 3,000 spectators and is equipped with a stadium and a large screen.

There are shops at the entrance to the stadium and along the back corridor, where you can have a simple meal while watching.

Several times a day, dolphin performances are held at the main pool. Orca training sessions are also sometimes conducted in the main pool.

The underwater view of the main pool can also be observed from the second floor. If you walk down the corridor between the dolphin and beluga pools on the second floor and turn right where the whale skeleton and other exhibits are, you'll find the underwater viewing area.

Here, not only can you watch the underwater aspect of the dolphin performances, but outside of performance times, you can also see dolphins swimming in the pool from this viewing area.

While dolphins are often seen swimming in the main pool when no events are occurring, there are times when orcas swim in the main pool as well.

On this day, after the orca appeared in the main pool, it was taken to the scale at the back of the main pool to be weighed.

Shiokaze Plaza

On the second floor of the North Wing, if you turn left where the whale skeleton is displayed, you'll find your way to Shiokaze Plaza.

At Shiokaze Plaza, you can see Cape Penguins. You are also allowed to eat your own packed lunch here.

Currently, due to concerns about bird flu, the event called "Penguin Waddle Walk" is suspended. During this event, a group of Cape Penguins would take a walk together, which is quite a charming sight. It's highly recommended to check it out once the event resumes.

List of photos related to Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium North Building

Please see below for a list of photos related to Port of Nagoya Public Aquarium North Building.

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