Last Updated on June 25, 2024 by Vlad
Discover the wonders of Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise for an unforgettable day out
Hakkeijima is a popular tourist destination located in Yokohama. It is a man-made, island amusement park and resort complex that offers a variety of attractions and entertainment options for visitors of all ages. It is my family’s most popular location to visit in the Greater Tokyo area. If you are looking for a fun family day out, then this is it! Explore my post, and have a look at the photos too (there’s heaps of them).
Table of Contents
Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
The main feature of Hakkeijima island is the Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, which is a large marine-themed park. It consists of several different areas, including Aqua Resorts, Pleasure Land, dining, gift & souvenir shops, as well as accommodation.
Aqua Resorts
Aqua Resorts consists of 4 different areas (or aquariums as some might call it) that showcase a wide range of marine life, including various species of fish, dolphins, and penguins.
Aqua Museum is a large indoor and outdoor aquarium area dividend into several different sections or labs. It has over 700 species (sharks, penguins, polar beers, turtles, sardines, you name it) with well over 100,000 creatures. The Aqua Museum can get really crowded, especially at the opening and it in the lead up to dolphin show times which are housed in the same pyramid-shaped building. The dolphin show is the most popular attraction by far. The whole show lasts about 20 minutes – I personally equally love the Beluga whale performance as well as the dolphin performance. If visiting on weekends, try to arrive 30 minutes before the starting time in order to secure better seats (better seats do make a massive difference to the whole the experience).
Dolphin Fantasy is another large aquarium where you can see dolphins. They do have certain exhibits and interactive displays here from time to time.
Fureai Lagoon area consists of a number of outdoor aquariums, and it allows visitors to pet and feed penguins, dolphins, seals, and walruses (they do switch the programs around). You will need to book at least 1 day in advance. Popular activities like dolphin feeding get booked out quick (we have definitely missed out a few times during the summer months).
The Umi Farm area focuses on sea & food education with it’s sea to the table concept. Catch some fish (fees payable per fish, as well as a small fishing fee), then take your catch to Umi Kitchen, where staff will clean and cook your fish the way you like it – or DIY with the bbq option! This is an amazing activity, and is very popular with younger kids.
Pleasure Land
Pleasure Land is an amusement park within Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, featuring water rides, roller coasters, merry-go-round, Ferris wheel, sea train, paddle boats, cruise boat, Sea Paradise Tower, and others. There are about 19 Pleasure Land attractions in total, spread out across the whole island, so you will need to do some walking, or you can catch the island shuttle bus (fees apply). Height and age restrictions apply for each attraction and are clearly stated in English on notice boards. Adults will need to accompany kids under a certain age on many of the attractions (note – you will only pay for one ticket).
Pleasure Land Ticket Prices for Individual Rides (current as of June 2024)
- Butterfly der 400 yen (approx. USD 2.50/ EUR 2.35/ AUD 3.80 / GBP 2)
- Bubble shooter 400 yen (approx. USD 2.50/ EUR 2.35/ AUD 3.80/ GBP 2)
- Viking 600 yen (approx. USD 3.75/ EUR 3.50/ AUD 5.65/ GBP 3)
- Red Baron 400 yen (approx. USD 2.50/ EUR 2.35/ AUD 3.80/ GBP 2)
- Flight Eagle 500 yen (approx. USD 3.15/ EUR 2.95/ AUD 4.70/ GBP 2.50)
- Marine Cart Fantasia 500 yen (approx. USD 3.15/ EUR 2.95/ AUD 4.70/ GBP 2.50)
- Surf Coast Leviathan (the big roller coaster) 1100 yen
- Aqua Ride II 900 yen (approx. USD 5.65/ EUR 5.25/ AUD 8.50/ GBP 4.45)
- Blue Sky Climbing 900 yen (approx. USD 5.65/ EUR 5.25/ AUD 8.50/ GBP 4.45)
- Three dimensional maze 700 yen (approx. USD 5/ EUR 4.70/ AUD 7.70/ GBP 3.45)
- Sea Boat 600 yen (approx. USD 3.75 / EUR 3.50/ AUD 5.65/ GBP 3)
- Merry-go-round 600 yen (approx. USD 3.75 / EUR 3.50 / AUD 5.65/ GBP 3)
- Sea Paradise Tower 700 yen (approx. USD 4.40/ EUR 4.10/ AUD 6.60/ GBP 3.45)
- Paradise Cruise 700 yen (350 yen for primary school kids) (approx. USD 4.40/ EUR 4.10/ AUD 6.60/ GBP 3.45 for adults)
- Tour Bus 100 yen (approx. USD 0.62/ EUR 0.58/ AUD 0.95/ GBP 0.50)
- Island Train 100 yen (approx. USD 0.62/ EUR 0.58/ AUD 0.95/ GBP 0.50)
Unlimited Rides Pass
- 3200 yen for adults (including high school students)
- 2750 yen for seniors (aged 65 and over)
- 2750 yen for primary and junior high school students
- 1650 yen for toddlers (aged 4 and over)
Tickets can be purchased at ticket booths located throughout. Or online. I personally buy in person at a ticket booth (they are not busy).
Gardens and Walking Paths
Take a leisurely walk among the many walking paths around the island, and in particular the ones leading towards the top of the hill through lush greenery (or cherry blossoms if you happen to visit at the right time at the end of March usually). At the top of the hill you will find a gorgeous garden with plenty of different plants and flowers that differ based on the season.
Dining
Hakkeijima offers various dining choices to suit different tastes and ages. There are various restaurants, food courts and cafes selling everything from fast food to finer dining.
Souvenirs and Gift Shops
Japanese are big on gifts and shopping, and Hakkeijima is no different. Explore an assortment of shops offering a plethora of souvenirs, unique gifts, and marine-themed merchandise.
Accommodation
Apart from the marine park, Hakkeijima also has a hotel called Hotel Sea Paradise Inn. It offers accommodation with ocean views and convenient access to the attractions on the island.
How to get there
From Yokohama
- Keikyu Bus: Take the Keikyu Limousine Sea Paradise Bus from YCAT (Yokohama City Air Terminal). Departing daily at 9:30am and 10:30am, the journey takes around 45mins and costs 850 yen for an adult or 430 for kids.
- Train:
- Take the Keikyu Main Line from Yokohama Station to Kanazawa-Hakkei Station. From there, transfer to the Kanazawa Seaside Line and take it to Hakkeijima Station. The total journey time is around 50 minutes and costs around ¥600 yen.
- Take the Negishi Line from Yokohama Station to Shin-Sugita Station. From there, transfer to the Seaside Line and take it to Hakkeijima Station. The total journey time is a bit over 50 minutes and costs some ¥550 yen.
From Tokyo
- Train: Take any of the trains running from Tokyo Station to Yokohama Station. From there you will have two options. Either take the Negishi Line to Shin-Sugita and then transfer to Seaside Line and take it to Hakkeijima Station. Or take the Keikyu Main Line Kanazawa-Hakkei Station and then transfer to the Seaside Line and get off at Hakkeijima Station. Either way you are looking at around 1000 yen with the journey roughly taking about 1 hour and 20minutes.
Hakkeijima Sea Paradise Ticket Prices (current as of 2024)
One Day Pass
The one day pass provides admission to all attractions of Hakkeijima Sea Paradise – meaning all four aquariums (Aqua Museum, Dolphin Fantasy, Umi Farm, and Fureai Lagoon), as well as admissions to rides (PleasureLand!).
- 5600 yen for adults (including high school students)
- 4000 yen for seniors (aged 65 and over)
- 4000 yen for primary/elementary and junior high school students
- 2300 yen for toddlers (aged 4 and over)
Aqua Resorts Pass
This ticket lets you into all four aquariums only (Aqua Museum, Dolphin Fantasy, Umi Farm and Fureai Lagoon). This is a better option if you are not into rides.
- 3300 yen for adults (including high school students)
- 2800 yen for seniors (aged 65 and over)
- 2000 yen for primary/elementary and junior high school students
- 1000 yen for toddlers (aged 4 and over)
Annual Pass (Seapara Premium Pass) – current as of June 2024
The annual pass is highly recommended if you plan on visiting more than 2 times a year. It allows for unlimited access to all 4 aquariums throughout the year, one day of unlimited rides on all attractions, as well as access to special events or member-only events held throughout the year.
- 11200 yen for adults (including high school students)
- 8000 yen for seniors (aged 65 and over)
- 8000 yen for primary/elementary and junior high school students
- 4600 yen for toddlers (aged 4 and over)
Tips for visiting Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
- Always check the weather conditions first, especially if visiting during the rainy season
- Wear comfortable clothes and shoes
- Leave plenty of time. There are heaps of things to do and see, so don’t be in a rush. Enjoy.
- Be prepared to wait and be prepared for long ques (you are in Japan after all)
- Bring and apply sunscreen if visiting between May and September. UV can reach 9 on most summer days, even when its cloudy.
- Avoid weekends if possible, and certainly avoid public holidays. Visiting during the week will usually mean less crowds.
- Dispose of rubbish thoughtfully. There are plenty of bins arounds, but do make sure you are disposing off your rubbish in appropriate bins. If unsure take your rubbish home or dispose it into bins marked as combustibles.
- Lockers are available for hire close to the main entrance.
- Staffed first aid clinic is available.
- There are plenty of baby changerooms throughout the island.
- Check the official website at https://www.seaparadise.co.jp/en/index.html for a list of current events, as well as prices.
Hakkeijima Sea Paradise Photo Gallery
Hakkeijima is a popular destination for families, couples, and tourists looking for a day of fun and entertainment. Whether you’re interested in marine life, thrilling rides, or simply enjoying the coastal atmosphere, Hakkeijima offers a range of activities to suit different interests. My family loves it, and I am sure yours will love it too.