I’m sure many of you are familiar with Aqua World Oarai Aquarium.
But did you know about “NIGHT AQUAWORLD,” held every Saturday from 5:45 PM to 8:00 PM?
In this article, we’ll introduce the “NIGHT AQUAWORLD” event, which was renewed on March 14, 2026.
What is NIGHT AQUAWORLD? Oarai Aquarium’s Night-Only Event
Since December 2020, Aqua World Ibaraki Prefecture Oarai Aquarium has been hosting “NIGHT AQUAWORLD,” a nighttime aquarium event designed to create a new kind of evening charm.
NIGHT AQUAWORLD was renovated on March 14, 2026, and now offers a nighttime aquarium experience that weaves together the concepts of “Tidal Current,” “Interaction,” and “Encounter” into a single narrative, from the exhibits inside the facility to the Ocean Night Live show.
Reference: https://www.aquaworld-oarai.com/guide/night-aquaworld/
To embody the concept of “Tidal Boundary,” lighting effects inspired by warm and cold currents create the sensation of walking through a tidal boundary, offering a fantastical atmosphere unique to the night.
Additionally, the aquarium provides explanations of the ecology of nocturnal creatures and allows visitors to observe them in their natural nighttime state under subdued lighting, helping to deepen your understanding of these animals.
The Appeal of NIGHT AQUAWORLD | Two Must-See Highlights
So, what exactly makes NIGHT AQUAWORLD so appealing?
I actually went to NIGHT AQUAWORLD, so I’ll share my impressions and what makes it so special.
Here are two highlights you absolutely can’t miss.
The “Sea of Encounters” Giant Tank: “Harmony of Sea Life”
First up, one of the must-see highlights of NIGHT AQUAWORLD is the new show “Harmony of Sea Life” in the “Sea of Encounters” zone’s giant tank.
“Harmony of Sea Life” is a nighttime-only tank show themed around “tidal currents,” using healing music and lighting to create a fantastical atmosphere throughout the entire tank.
The colors of the tank shifted from blue to orange in time with the music, creating a truly magical atmosphere. The floor was also illuminated with a “tidal current” concept, making you feel as if you’ve stepped right into the ocean.
The photo above was taken from the second floor, and the one below was taken from the third floor.
Since the "Sea of Encounters" giant aquarium can be viewed from both the second and third floors, you can enjoy it in different ways: from the second floor if you want to see the aquarium up close, or from the third floor if you want to see the entire tank. Please find the viewing experience that suits you best and enjoy the show.
The show runs three times a day at 6:00 PM, 6:40 PM, and 7:20 PM. Each performance is short—about 5 minutes—making it easy to fit into your schedule, so be sure to check out this nighttime-only tank display.
New Ocean Night Live: "FLOW A LIFE - The Pulsating Sea of Life"
And the second must-see attraction is the new Ocean Night Live show, “FLOW A LIFE – The Pulsating Sea of Life,” held at the Ocean Theater in the Surprising Sea Zone.
"FLOW A LIFE - The Pulsating Sea of Life" is a fantastical, night-only performance set against the backdrop of the night sea, featuring sea lions and dolphins, with visuals, sound, and lighting seamlessly integrated.
The revamped Ocean Live now features the introduction of projection mapping.
You can enjoy watching the ocean transform from night to morning alongside the performances of dolphins and sea lions!
There is only one performance at 7:30 PM, lasting approximately 15 minutes. You can enter the Ocean Theater 20 minutes before the show starts (doors open at 7:10 PM).
It gets very crowded, and lines form even before the doors open, so if you have specific seating preferences—such as “I want to watch from the front!” or “I want a seat facing the stage!”—we recommend heading to the Ocean Theater well in advance.
NIGHT AQUAWORLD Exclusive Food Menu | 3rd Floor Café "Mermaid"
The "Mermaid" Relaxation Café on the 3rd floor offers a food menu exclusive to NIGHT AQUAWORLD.
While draft beer and non-alcoholic beer are available during the day, the cocktails, mocktails, and food menu are exclusive to NIGHT AQUAWORLD.
This time, I ordered the Ocean Mocktail!
Made with blue syrup reminiscent of Blue Hawaii shaved ice and pineapple juice, it’s refreshing and really hit the spot after a long day of walking.
Plus, it looks so stylish that it makes for a great photo.
You can even bring it into the Ocean Night Live show, so be sure to enjoy it while watching the performance!
Please note that the food court is not open during NIGHT AQUAWORLD.
How to Purchase NIGHT AQUAWORLD Tickets | Exclusive Sale on Asoview
NIGHT AQUAWORLD tickets are sold exclusively on the website (Asoview!) and are not available at the ticket counter or ticket machines on the day of the event.
Please also note that admission is not permitted with annual passes, advance tickets, or complimentary tickets.
Purchase tickets here: https://www.asoview.com/channel/ticket/qk2rlVYZU2/ticket0000007119/
Summary | Enjoy the Night at Oarai Aquarium with NIGHT AQUAWORLD
At NIGHT AQUAWORLD, you can enjoy a magical aquarium experience unlike the daytime, with far fewer children than during the day, allowing for a more relaxed visit.
Plus, with a food menu exclusive to NIGHT AQUAWORLD, you can fully savor a more sophisticated aquarium experience.
If this sounds interesting to you, please be sure to check it out!