Planning a family-friendly itinerary for your Hokkaido free trip? Noboribetsu Marine Park NIXE could be a great option to consider. This marine theme park, designed with a Northern European castle motif, combines penguin parades, dolphin and sardine shows, a kids' amusement area, and shopping zones, making it a one-stop destination for the whole family. This guide will give you a detailed rundown of the park's introduction, access, ticket information, and six highlights.
Noboribetsu Marine Park NIXE
Address: 1-22 Noboribetsu Higashimachi, Noboribetsu, Hokkaido
Phone: 0143-83-3800
Opening Hours: 9:00 – 17:00
Admission: Adults 3,000 yen / Children 1,500 yen
Parking: Paid parking lot available
About Noboribetsu Marine Park NIXE
Noboribetsu Marine Park NIXE is located in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido, and is a representative theme park in the area. The entire park centers around a Nordic-style castle, inspired by Nykøbing Castle in Copenhagen, Denmark, giving it a strong exotic atmosphere. Inside, it integrates a traditional aquarium, animal interaction shows, an amusement park, and shopping areas, making it one of the few truly "all-ages" leisure facilities in Hokkaido.
It not only features rich marine life exhibits, including jellyfish, sardines, tropical fish, and various aquatic zones, but also offers animal performances like the penguin parade and dolphin show, held daily at set times, very popular with families and international tourists.
That said, it's worth mentioning not to have overly high expectations for Noboribetsu Marine Park NIXE — the park is a bit small and somewhat dated. Aquariums like the National Museum of Marine Biology and Aquarium in Pingtung (Taiwan), Okinawa Churaumi Aquarium, and Nagoya Aquarium are all far more impressive. However, if you have kids and want to mix a family-friendly spot into a Hokkaido itinerary focused mainly on scenery and hot springs, it's still a decent addition.
How to Get to Noboribetsu Marine Park NIXE
The park is very conveniently located, right across from "JR Noboribetsu Station," only about a 1-minute walk, so whether you're taking the train or driving, it's easy to arrange:
From Sapporo:
Take the JR limited express "Hokuto" for about 1 hour and 15 minutes, get off at Noboribetsu Station, and it's about a five-minute walk to the entrance. JR PASS (Sapporo-Noboribetsu area rail pass) can be used.
From New Chitose Airport:
Take the JR Rapid to Minami-Chitose Station, then transfer to the limited express to Noboribetsu Station. The entire journey takes about 1.5 hours. Alternatively, you can arrange an airport shuttle through your Noboribetsu onsen hotel, which is suitable for seniors or larger groups.
Car rental/driving suggestions:
Car rental in Hokkaido is quite convenient, with many rental companies available at New Chitose Airport and in Sapporo city. Whether you pick up a car right after arriving in Hokkaido or rent one later in Sapporo, from Sapporo take the Doto Expressway to the Noboribetsu-Higashi IC, then drive about 10 minutes to the park. The park offers a paid parking lot (500 yen for regular cars).
Hotel shuttle bus:
If you're staying at certain Noboribetsu onsen hotels (e.g., Dai-ichi Takimotokan), you can ask if they offer shuttle service to Noboribetsu Station or the park. For more Noboribetsu onsen accommodations, see: [Top 8 Popular Onsen Hotels + Must-Read Free Travel Guide] (link placeholder).
The connections are very smooth, especially recommended for travelers using public transport and moving around with children, as it effectively saves time on transfers and luggage hauling.
Noboribetsu Marine Park NIXE Admission Tickets
Noboribetsu Marine Park NIXE is a full-day facility. Admission includes the aquarium, outdoor performances, and the kids' amusement area. Plan at least 3–4 hours for your visit.
| Tickets | Adults (junior high school graduates and above) | Children (4 years old to primary school age) | children under 3 years old |
| on site | 3,000 yen | 1,500 yen | free |
| on-line | 599 yuan | 299 yuan | free |
Must-See Highlights at Noboribetsu Marine Park NIXE
Noboribetsu Marine Park NIXE is not only eye-catching with its Nordic-style architecture, but also offers a rich variety of spectacular aquatic shows, making it an ideal spot for family trips and photography enthusiasts. Daily programs include classic events such as the penguin parade, dolphin and sea lion shows, seal feeding, and sardine dances. The schedule is packed, so it's a good idea to plan your viewing times in advance. There is also a kids' amusement area and a wide range of souvenirs. On weekends and holidays, additional shows are offered, making it an unmissable stop on your Noboribetsu itinerary.
Nixe Castle Aquarium
The centrally located Nixe Castle Aquarium looks like a lavish European castle. Inside, it exhibits about 400 species and over 10,000 marine creatures. Each tank is clean and beautiful, and there's an underwater tunnel where you can watch fish swim overhead. However, it's a bit disappointing that you won't see star animals like whale sharks, belugas, or manta rays.
Penguin Parade
A must-see for social media
The penguins waddle slowly in front of the white Gothic-style building, looking adorably clumsy — it's the park's most popular activity. The parade route brings them very close to the audience, making it a perfect moment for parents to snap cute photos of their kids. Held daily from 11:00 to 11:15, it's recommended to arrive ten minutes early to secure a good viewing spot, especially if you plan this as your first stop after entering in the morning to avoid the afternoon crowds.
Dolphin Show
Weekend-only Splash version
The dolphin show, known for its dynamic moves and skillful tricks, is held three to four times daily, including a weekend-only "Splash" version with extra splash-zone interaction. Showtimes are 10:00, 11:25, 13:30 (Splash version – Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays only), and 15:30. It's a good idea to bring a waterproof jacket or raincoat if you're watching an afternoon show, especially for energetic kids.
Sea Lion Show
Humorous and heartwarming
The sea lions show off their signature salutes, claps, and ball-balancing skills — a delightful program full of laughter and cheers. The show moves at a brisk pace, and there's even a chance to be selected for an adorable interaction with the sea lions. Held daily at 10:30, 13:00, and 14:45, it's best to intersperse this with other shows so you don't end up waiting around too much.
Sardine Performance
A stunning vortex spectacle
Thousands of sardines swirl like an underwater whirlpool in time with the lights, offering a visual impact that rivals the main shows of larger aquariums. It's held only twice daily: 11:50–12:00 and 15:10–15:20. Arrive early to get the best shooting angles. Anyone who loves underwater light plays and schooling fish should definitely set aside time for this; it's one of the most photogenic moments.
Seal Feeding
Up-close observation and interaction
During feeding time, keepers explain seal behavior, and visitors can observe their chubby bodies and playful reactions up close, making for a great parent-child educational moment. Feeding times are at 10:45 and 14:30 — if you schedule them alongside the sea lion or sardine shows, the timing works out well without feeling rushed.
Souvenirs & Gift Items
Nordic-inspired selection
The park's gift shop offers cute marine animal plush toys (penguins, dolphins, etc.), stationery, and limited-edition snacks, as well as original merchandise themed around the Nordic architecture — perfect for taking home as mementos. The designs are tasteful, prices are reasonable, and it's a great place for a final shopping spree before leaving the park.
Nixe Kids' Amusement Park
Separate ride tickets required
Inside the park, there's also a small amusement area featuring rides like a carousel, a Ferris wheel, and a miniature train, suitable for children aged three and up.
Ride tickets are sold separately (100 yen per ticket; 1,000 yen for 11 tickets). Each ride requires a different number of tickets, e.g., the Ferris wheel needs 4 tickets, the carousel 3. Officially, this area operates only on Saturdays, Sundays, and holidays, but during the summer break (July 19 – August 24), it's open daily. Be sure to check the official website for operational announcements before your visit to avoid disappointment.
Overall, Noboribetsu Marine Park NIXE combines Nordic architectural aesthetics, rich marine knowledge, and entertainment interaction, making it a theme park you can enjoy rain or snow. It's not overly packed yet still full of pleasant surprises.
Given its convenient access and frequent show schedule, it makes a great midway stop during a free trip to Noboribetsu Onsen and Lake Toya. Whether you're planning a family trip, a romantic getaway, or just looking for a half-day stopover, consider adding NIXE Marine Park to your itinerary.