Beppu’s waterfront aquarium sits right on the Beppu Bay shoreline with admission around 2,200 yen ($15 USD) for adults and 1,100 yen ($7 USD) for children ages 4 to 12. Open 9am to 5pm daily with extended evening hours during summer school holidays in July and August. The dolphin and sea lion shows run two to three times daily and are the highlight for kids ages 4 and up — check the show schedule at the entrance and aim to be seated 10 minutes early. The facility is fully stroller-accessible with elevators between floors and the attached outdoor beach plaza gives kids room to run between exhibits. A strong rainy-day backup in Beppu since nearly the entire experience is indoors or under cover.

Address: 2267-1 Shiroyama, Beppu, Oita 874-0842, Japan

Google Maps: Click here for directions

Cost: Paid $$