Kamogawa Sea World (Kamogawa City, Chiba Prefecture) is set to run its "Mankitsu Taiken" (Full Experience) program over 13 days in October 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, lunch at the on-site restaurant "Ocean," and a beluga jacquard face towel as a participation gift. A "Mankitsu Stay Plan" combining the program with a stay at Kamogawa Sea World Hotel is also available, catering to visitors coming from farther away.
Getting close to an animal far larger than yourself — an orca often called the "king of the sea" — is an experience rarely available in everyday life, making the Mankitsu Taiken and Mankitsu Stay Plan an especially memorable one-day outing.
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 — an up-close interaction 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 brought in.
Ray and Shark Feeding
Feeding rays and sharks in the Eco Aquaroam offshore tank, using a feeding-stick method known as "sashi-e" (skewer feeding).
"Mankitsu Taiken" Overview
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Dates | October 3 (Sat), 10 (Sat), 17 (Sat), 24 (Sat), 31 (Sat), 2026 |
| Capacity | 8 participants per day |
| Eligibility | 5th grade (elementary school) and above |
| Meeting time | 10:15 AM (next to the information desk inside the aquarium) |
| Fee (Adults, high school and above) | General ¥21,000 / DDC Members ¥20,000 |
| Fee (Elementary and junior high school students) | General ¥19,000 / DDC Members ¥18,000 |
*Admission, lunch, and participation gifts included.
Participation benefits:
- Entry to Kamogawa Sea World from opening time (9:00 AM) on the day of participation
- Beluga jacquard face towel gift
- Lunch at restaurant "Ocean" featuring the "2026 Premium Plate (Beluga 50th Anniversary)" (available between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM)
How to apply:
Reservations accepted via Google Form from 9:00 AM on September 5, 2026 (Sat) to 4:00 PM on September 10 (Thu).
- https://forms.gle/5QBbx2A8fCKwy7aq6
- Winners will be notified by email on or after September 14, 2026 (Mon)
- 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.
"Mankitsu Stay Plan" Overview
An option for visitors coming from a distance, combining the "Mankitsu 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 | October 5 (Mon), 12 (Mon, holiday), 13 (Tue), 18 (Sun), 19 (Mon), 25 (Sun), 26 (Mon), 30 (Fri), 2026 |
| Capacity | 8 participants per day (first-come, first-served) |
| Eligibility | 5th grade (elementary school) and above |
Pricing:
①October 12 (Mon, holiday), 18 (Sun), 25 (Sun), 30 (Fri):
- Adults (junior high school and above): ¥37,650 (1 night with 2 meals + 2-Day Ticket + Mankitsu Taiken)
- Children (elementary school 5th–6th grade): ¥30,700 (1 night with 2 meals + 2-Day Ticket + Mankitsu Taiken)
②October 5 (Mon), 13 (Tue), 19 (Mon), 26 (Mon):
- Adults (junior high school and above): ¥35,150 (1 night with 2 meals + 2-Day Ticket + Mankitsu Taiken)
- Children (elementary school 5th–6th grade): ¥28,950 (1 night with 2 meals + 2-Day Ticket + Mankitsu Taiken)
*Lunch and participation gifts included.
Participation benefits:
- Admission to Kamogawa Sea World during the stay period
- Complimentary hotel parking reserved for guests arriving by car
- Beluga face towel gift
- Lunch at restaurant "Ocean" featuring the "2026 Premium Plate (Beluga 50th Anniversary)" (available between 11:30 AM and 1:30 PM)
How to apply:
Reservations accepted via Google Form from 9:00 AM on September 5, 2026 (Sat) to 4:00 PM on September 10 (Thu).
- https://forms.gle/q8HrYNaEW8KdFj786
- Winners will be notified by email on or after September 14, 2026 (Mon); a dedicated hotel reservation URL will be sent for online booking
- If applications exceed capacity, a lottery will be held
- Phone reservations not accepted
- If cancellations create availability, the plan may be resold via the official Kamogawa Sea World Hotel website
*The program may be cancelled due to animal health conditions or severe weather such as typhoons.
Hotel-Only Perks
Staying at the official hotel also allows free admission to Kamogawa Sea World on the checkout day.
Even if you get soaked during an orca performance, having a room at the adjoining hotel makes it easy to freshen up and keep enjoying the day. Guests can also spend time exploring the aquarium outside the plan's scheduled hours, with optional add-ons such as a "Night Aquarium Exploration" or "Morning Aquarium Walk" available. Visitors seeking the fullest experience may want to consider the "Mankitsu Stay Plan."
