NAKED SAKURA AQUARIUM

Cherry Blossoms and Marine Life: A Unique Hanami Experience at Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa

The arrival of spring in Japan heralds the blooming of cherry blossoms, a spectacle celebrated through the cherished tradition of hanami (cherry blossom viewing). This cultural phenomenon, increasingly recognized worldwide, fuels a surge in inbound tourism, coinciding with the blossoming of the iconic Someiyoshino cherry trees. Domestically, hanami continues to evolve, with traditional and contemporary approaches intermingling, giving rise to a diverse array of "cherry blossom entertainment" each year.

Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa offers a distinctive hanami experience by merging the beauty of cherry blossoms with the wonders of the marine world. Visitors can immerse themselves in a springtime ambiance, surrounded by a variety of sea creatures and the vibrant hues of cherry blossoms in full bloom. This year’s presentation features digital cherry blossom art and traditional Japanese patterns created by the renowned creative company, NAKED, INC. Furthermore, select areas have been enhanced with floral art and interior trees adorned with cherry blossoms, creating a more immersive and three-dimensional environment.

Being an indoor facility, the Aqua Park provides a comfortable setting, shielded from the unpredictable early spring weather and the concerns of pollen, which is anticipated to be abundant this year. The digital "cherry blossoms" remain perpetually in bloom, allowing visitors to enjoy hanami at their convenience, irrespective of the actual flowering season.

Aquarium Exhibits

The aquarium is divided into several themed zones, each offering a unique perspective on the fusion of cherry blossoms and marine life:

• Sakura Dayori (Cherry Blossom News): This introductory space simulates a blue sky with dancing cherry blossoms, setting the stage for the arrival of spring. A centrally placed tank houses Sakuradai (Cherry Bass), their graceful movements complementing the visual display. Immersive elements, such as cherry blossom art extending to the floor and interactive projections that respond to touch, enhance the experience.

• Maizakura no Niwa (Dancing Cherry Blossom Garden): This expansive exhibition area utilizes 22 projectors to create a dynamic visual spectacle. Themed around a "Japanese garden with dancing cherry blossoms," the space features projections of cherry blossoms and traditional Japanese patterns on the surrounding walls, while the floor displays a karesansui (dry landscape) pattern. This year, approximately 3-meter-tall cherry blossom trees (interior trees) have been added, further enhancing the three-dimensional effect. The tanks within this zone showcase fish reminiscent of cherry blossoms and "Japanese" themes, including Madarahana-dai (Fairy Basslet), Akebono-haze (Sunrise Goby), and a school of "Purple Queen" fish in the "symbolic tank."

• Sakura Komichi (Cherry Blossom Path): This exhibition space presents a "row of cherry blossom trees," creating an immersive environment for visitors. Video projections on the walls and floor, along with five strategically placed cherry blossom trees (interior flowers), create the illusion of strolling beneath a canopy of blooming cherry blossoms. Seven small tanks display creatures such as Kudagonbe (Clown Frogfish) and Bell’s Horned Frog.

• Jellyfish Rumble: This expansive jellyfish exhibition zone, measuring approximately 9 meters wide and 35 meters deep, showcases a variety of jellyfish species, including Purple Striped Jellyfish and Color Jellyfish. The sound and light production, synchronized with the movements of the jellyfish, incorporates Japanese musical instruments and cherry-colored lighting, creating a soothing and captivating atmosphere.

• Hana Akari (Flower Lights): The cafe bar, adorned with luminous coral tanks, is further embellished with cherry blossoms, creating a vibrant and inviting space. Two cylindrical tanks near the bar counter are complemented by red Japanese umbrellas, enhancing the Japanese aesthetic. A special "Sakura Aquarium" limited menu offers four themed items, including matcha-flavored drinks, spring strawberry squash, and cherry blossom-flavored anmitsu. These refreshments can be enjoyed throughout the aquarium.

Dolphin Performances

The aquarium presents two distinct dolphin performances, each offering a unique interpretation of the cherry blossom theme:

• Daytime Performance: "SAKURA YELL": This performance, set on a brightly lit stage with natural light and water effects, features dolphins performing dynamic jumps and underwater dances to uplifting music. The show incorporates "guest participation" elements, such as clapping and simple choreography, fostering a sense of shared celebration.

• Nighttime Performance: "Sakura Gatari (Cherry Blossom Story)": This performance showcases the synergy between dolphins and digital technology. Surrounded by 360-degree projections of cherry blossoms, the dolphins perform to a fast-paced melody of Japanese musical instruments, depicting various "expressions" of cherry blossoms through their movements. The absence of an MC allows the performance to unfold solely through the visual and auditory elements.

Mini Performances / Educational Programs

In addition to the main exhibits and performances, the aquarium offers a variety of shorter programs:

• Penguin Mini Performance: This program showcases the agility of penguins as they navigate mini hurdles and a balance beam, culminating in a passage through a tunnel of cherry blossoms. The commentary by the breeding staff relates to the Japanese saying "Dumplings over Flowers" (Hana yori dango) and focuses on the penguins’ eating habits.

  • Schedule: March 1st (Sat) – April 20th (Sun), 11:00 AM and 12:30 PM (approximately 10 minutes each).

• Seal and Otter Wild Live Viewing: This program combines live footage from inside the tanks with animal performances. Seals select "cherry blossoms" from a selection of seasonal flower-shaped floats, while otters use their dexterous hands to collect "petal-shaped building blocks." The commentary, themed around "Dumplings over Flowers," focuses on the animals’ dietary habits.

  • Schedule:
    • Seals: March 1st (Sat) – April 20th (Sun), 3:30 PM.
    • Otters: March 20th (Thu/Holiday) – April 20th (Sun), 1:00 PM (approximately 10 minutes each).

• Capybara Cherry Blossom Enrichment: This program involves feeding capybaras with petal-shaped food, allowing visitors to observe their behavior and learn about their ecology.

  • Schedule: March 20th (Thu/Holiday) – 23rd (Sun), 11:00 AM (approximately 10 minutes).

• Sardine Cherry Blossom Feeding: This weekday-only program features a feeding session for approximately 2,000 sardines in a dynamically lit tank, creating a "cherry blossom blizzard" effect.

  • Schedule: Weekdays from March 1st (Sat) to April 20th (Sun), 4:30 PM (approximately 10 minutes).

Special Plan

Limited-Capacity "Night Cherry Blossom Viewing in the Sea World" After Closing:

The "Ohanami Night Aquarium" event offers a unique opportunity to enjoy the "Sakura Aquarium" exhibits and the Night Dolphin Performance in a less crowded setting. This one-night-only event includes live performances of koto and shamisen, as well as Japanese dance, providing a taste of traditional Japanese culture. Attendees are permitted to bring their own chairs and tripods, allowing for a personalized hanami or photography experience.

• Date: March 8th, 2025 (Sat)
• Time: 8:00 PM – 10:00 PM (Last entry 8:45 PM)
• Price: 4,300 yen per person
• Includes: Admission to the aquarium after closing, Night Dolphin Performance "Sakura Gatari," live koto and shamisen performance, Japanese dance performance, and one drink.
• Benefits: Guests may bring their own chairs, rugs, and camera tripods (usage restrictions apply).

Please refer to the official website for detailed information.

Basic Information

• Location/Nearest Station: Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa, Shinagawa Station
• Address: 〒108-8611, 4-10-30 Takanawa, Minato-ku, Tokyo (Inside the Shinagawa Prince Hotel)
  MAP
• Venue: Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa
• Period: March 1st, 2025 (Sat) – April 20th, 2025 (Sun)
• Time: 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Last entry 7:00 PM)
• Price:
  • Adults (high school students and older): 2,500 yen
  • Elementary and junior high school students: 1,300 yen
  • Infants (4 years old and older): 800 yen
  • Attractions (2 types): 500 yen each (per ride)
• Inquiries: Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa <Voice Guidance> 03-5421-1111
• Official Website: https://www.aqua-park.jp/special/sakuraaquarium2025/

Published content is subject to change. Please check the official website of the venue/organizer for the latest information.

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What is Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa?

Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa is an aquarium in Tokyo, notable for its integration of marine life exhibits with digital art. Located near Shinagawa Station, it offers a distinctive experience that extends beyond a typical aquarium visit. Visitors can explore various themed zones, each crafted to engage the senses and enhance understanding of aquatic ecosystems.

The aquarium is known for its dolphin shows, which incorporate light and sound effects to create an engaging display. Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa also collaborates with artists and technology experts for seasonal events and exhibitions, such as the NAKED SAKURA AQUARIUM, which merges cherry blossoms with interactive digital displays. This combination of nature and technology makes it an appealing destination for both locals and tourists interested in a unique experience in Tokyo.