In Niigata City, there is Marinepia Nihonkai, one of the largest aquariums on the Sea of Japan coast, where you can encounter 20,000 aquatic creatures of about 450 species. The aquarium is full of elements that children enjoy, such as fish swimming in a large tank, cute penguins and a powerful dolphin show, making it a great spot for me when I am raising my children. What's more, admission is free for children under four!

The admission fee for adults to Marinepia Nihonkai is 1,500 yen, but an "Annual Passport" is available for 3,500 yen for adults, which allows you to enter the museum as many times as you like for a year!

In fact, many families with children under the age of four living in Niigata City have an annual pass for Marinepia Nihonkai. Even if children are fidgety, they will be in a better mood if they come to the aquarium, it is large enough that they can play all day and not get bored, and above all, it is free for children under 4 years old! Of course, even in bad winter weather, the aquarium is not cold! It's also a great place to bring your children instead of taking a walk.

Niigata Prefecture is home to many aquariums, with the Teradomari Aquarium in Nagaoka City and the Joetsu City Aquarium Umitari in Joetsu City. How about living in a town close to an aquarium?

Marinepia Nihonkai (Niigata City) https://www.marinepia.or.jp/

Terapo Aquarium Museum (Nagaoka City) http://www.aquarium-teradomari.jp/

Umi no tari (Joetsu City) http://www.umigatari.jp/joetsu/index.html