Kamogawa Sea World (Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture) is set to run its "Mansen Taiken" (Full Experience) program over 12 days in May 2026. Running since 2007, the program lets participants join five distinct animal encounter activities in a single day, including a handshake with an orca — a rare chance not available during regular admission.
The plan includes admission to the aquarium, a reserved nearby parking space (parking fee of ¥1,200 separately required), lunch at the on-site restaurant "Ocean," and an original muffler towel as a participation gift. A "Mansen Stay Plan" combining the program with a stay at Kamogawa Sea World Hotel is also available, catering to visitors coming from farther away.
The 5 Programs
Orca Handshake
A close-up encounter with the orca, guided by a keeper, where participants can observe the animal at close range and shake hands with it. This is an experience unique to Kamogawa Sea World.
Beluga Touch and Feeding (with commemorative photo)
Participants touch the melon (forehead area) of the all-white belugas while a photographer captures the moment for a commemorative photo. Feeding is also included.
Dolphin Sign Training and Handshake
With guidance from a keeper, participants give hand signals to dolphins, prompting behaviors such as jumping, spinning, and shaking hands — providing an up-close interaction that is not possible during regular shows.
Tropical Island Backstage Tour (machine room, loading entrance, etc.)
A guided tour of the Tropical Island backstage area, which is off-limits to regular visitors. Participants learn about the aquarium's water systems and how fish are transported.
Ray and Shark Feeding
Feeding rays and sharks in the Eco Aqua Loam offshore tank, using a feeding stick method known as "skewer feeding."
"Mansen Taiken" Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | May 9 (Sat), 15 (Fri), 16 (Sat), 23 (Sat), 30 (Sat), 2026 |
| Capacity | 8 participants per day |
| Eligibility | 5th grade (elementary school) and above |
| Meeting time | 10:15 AM (at the information desk inside the aquarium) |
| Fee (Adults, high school and above) | General ¥19,000 / DDC Members ¥18,000 |
| Fee (Elementary and junior high school students) | General ¥17,000 / DDC Members ¥16,000 |
*Admission, lunch, and participation gifts included.
Participation benefits:
- Entry to Kamogawa Sea World from opening time (9:00 AM) on the day of participation
- Original muffler towel gift
- Lunch at restaurant "Ocean" (available between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM)
How to apply:
Reservations accepted via Google Form from 9:00 AM on April 3, 2026 (Fri) to 4:00 PM on April 10, 2026 (Fri).
- https://forms.gle/gncnbDRzzWVekRqi7
- Winners will be notified by email on or after April 14, 2026 (Tue)
- If applications exceed capacity, a lottery will be held
- Payment details will be provided in the winner notification email
*The program may be cancelled due to animal health conditions or severe weather such as typhoons.
"Mansen Stay Plan" Overview
An option for visitors coming from a distance, combining the "Mansen Taiken" experience with accommodation at Kamogawa Sea World Hotel. The experience and lunch take place on the same day as the hotel stay.
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Stay dates | May 10 (Sun), 11 (Mon), 17 (Sun), 18 (Mon), 24 (Sun), 25 (Mon), 31 (Sun), 2026 |
| Capacity | 8 participants per day (first-come, first-served) |
| Eligibility | 5th grade (elementary school) and above |
Pricing:
①May 10 (Sun), 17 (Sun), 24 (Sun), 31 (Sun):
- Adults (junior high school and above): ¥35,150 (1 night with 2 meals + 2-Day Passport + Mansen Taiken)
- Children (elementary school 5th–6th grade): ¥28,200 (1 night with 2 meals + 2-Day Passport + Mansen Taiken)
②May 11 (Mon), 18 (Mon), 25 (Mon):
- Adults (junior high school and above): ¥32,650 (1 night with 2 meals + 2-Day Passport + Mansen Taiken)
- Children (elementary school 5th–6th grade): ¥25,700 (1 night with 2 meals + 2-Day Passport + Mansen Taiken)
*Lunch and participation gifts included.
Participation benefits:
- Admission to Kamogawa Sea World during the stay period
- Complimentary hotel parking for guests arriving by car
- Original muffler towel gift
- Lunch at restaurant "Ocean" (available between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM)
Hotel guests can also enter Kamogawa Sea World free of charge on the checkout day, and optional add-ons such as a "Night Aquarium Exploration" or "Morning Aquarium Walk" are available for further enjoyment.
How to apply:
Reservations accepted via Google Form from 9:00 AM on April 3, 2026 (Fri) to 4:00 PM on April 10, 2026 (Fri).
- https://forms.gle/wVH4T62q3F4eCMeF9
- Winners will be notified by email on or after April 14, 2026 (Tue); a dedicated hotel reservation URL will be sent for online booking
- If applications exceed capacity, a lottery will be held
- Phone reservations not accepted
*The program may be cancelled due to animal health conditions or severe weather such as typhoons.
