Discover the Wild Beauty of Japan’s Only Wild Dolphin Haven
Amakusa City Dolphin Center, nestled along the scenic National Route 324 on the northern coast of Amakusa Lower Island, stands as a unique roadside station where nature, culture, and marine life converge. This is one of the rare places in the world where over 200 wild dolphins thrive year-round in the pristine waters of the Aso Sea, making it a premier destination for dolphin watching and marine education.
More than just a rest stop, the center offers immersive experiences, from interactive information panels and real-time weather and travel updates to a seaside restaurant serving freshly caught local seafood. Visitors can enjoy panoramic ocean views while savoring a signature sea bream bowl crafted with ingredients sourced directly from the surrounding waters. With EV charging, restrooms, and 24-hour information access, it’s a seamless blend of convenience and natural wonder.
Why Visit
Amakusa City Dolphin Center stands as the only roadside station in Japan where you can witness wild dolphins in their natural habitat year-round. Located along National Route 324, the station overlooks the rare early summer dolphin habitat of the Sashiki Strait, home to over 200 wild dolphins. Visitors can enjoy exclusive dolphin-watching tours and view live footage from the station’s observation deck. The on-site restaurant offers a unique sea-sourced bento featuring only local catch, including fresh sardines and mackerel from the Akaigawa Sea, served with a view of the ocean.
Restaurants & Dining
Savor fresh seafood with ocean views at the roadside station's restaurant.
Seafood Bowl Restaurant
海鮮丼レストラン
Specialty
Fresh seafood bowl made with locally sourced fish
A dining spot on the second floor offering a generous seafood bowl featuring fresh local fish caught from the surrounding waters. Enjoy the ocean view while savoring the rich, authentic flavors of Amakusa's marine bounty.
Shopping Highlights
Discover local treats and handmade goods at the roadside station's shop.
Farmers Market
直売所
A fresh produce market offering locally grown vegetables, fruits, and agricultural products from the Amakusa region.
Products
Must-Try Item
Fresh Amakusa vegetables
Featured Products
Taste the region’s finest with signature seafood and seasonal specialties.
Amakusa Seafood Set
天草海鮮セット
A premium selection of locally caught seafood, carefully packaged for home enjoyment.
Facilities & Amenities
Enjoy convenient amenities including restrooms, parking, and 24-hour information access.
Parking
The roadside station provides parking facilities for visitors.
Located at the roadside station premises
Restroom
Restrooms are available for visitors. There is also a facility for people with disabilities.
Located at the roadside station premises
Wi-Fi
The information corner provides 24-hour Wi-Fi access.
Inside the information corner
Information Corner
A 24-hour accessible information corner with large touch panels and QR code displays providing road information, nearby roadside station details, tourism information, medical information, disaster alerts, weather updates, and local news.
Inside the information corner
Play Area
A play area is available for children, located within the station's facilities.
Located at the roadside station premises
EV Charging Station
Electric vehicle charging station available on-site.
Located at the roadside station premises
Nursing Room
A dedicated nursing room is available for mothers with infants.
Located at the roadside station premises
Activities & Experiences
Join seasonal events, interactive workshops, and wildlife watching experiences.
Wild Dolphin Watching
野生イルカウォッチング
Participants will observe wild dolphins in their natural habitat from a designated viewing area along the coast. The site is known for hosting over 200 wild dolphins year-round in a rare and unique marine environment.
Duration
60 min
Activities may be affected by strong winds or heavy rain. Please check weather conditions before visiting.
Insider Tips
Plan ahead—check hours and seasonal offerings for the best visit.
- Best Arrival Time: Visit between 9:00 AM and 10:00 AM on weekends to secure a seat at the restaurant before the 11:00 AM opening, as the ocean-view seating fills quickly during peak hours.
- Hidden Gems: Check the information corner’s large touch panel at the entrance for real-time updates on wild dolphin sightings along the Satazaki Strait, updated daily based on morning patrols.
- Weekend Special: On weekends, the roadside station’s direct sales shop offers freshly baked milk bread made daily at 9:00 AM—arrive by 9:30 AM to ensure availability, as it sells out by 11:00 AM.
- Best Dining Experience: Order the local sea bream and mackerel-based seafood bowl at the second-floor restaurant between 11:30 AM and 12:30 PM to enjoy the ocean view while avoiding the 1:00 PM lunch rush.
- EV Charging Tip: Use the EV charging station located near the parking area between 10:00 AM and 3:00 PM to avoid peak usage times when other travelers are arriving or departing.
- Information Access: Use the 24-hour accessible information corner to scan QR codes for updated travel advisories, local event schedules, and real-time weather data for the Amakusa region.
- Photography Spot: Head to the viewing platform at the west end of the building just before sunset on weekdays to capture unobstructed views of the Ariake Sea and potential dolphin activity in the Satazaki Strait.
Best Time to Visit
Spring (March-May): Spot wild dolphins along the Aso Sea coast from March through May, with peak viewing in April.
Summer (June-August): Enjoy fresh seafood at the on-site restaurant, featuring local catches from July to August.
Autumn (September-November): Visit during the Oryou Sekitake Autumn Festival in October, celebrating local culture and seasonal produce.
Winter (December-February): Experience serene coastal views and quieter dolphin watching, with the restaurant open daily until 17:00.
Ratings
Family-Friendly Review
The roadside station features a baby care room, stroller-friendly pathways, and a child-friendly viewing area near the dolphin watching spot. While no dedicated play area exists, the educational marine exhibits and interactive touch panels engage children. Family-friendly dining options are available.
Food Lover Review
The roadside station offers a high-quality restaurant serving fresh local seafood, including a signature sea bream bowl made with regional fish. The on-site market provides fresh produce and local specialties. The ocean view enhances the dining experience.
Car Camping Review
The roadside station provides clean restrooms, vending machines, and ample parking. However, it lacks designated overnight camping zones or specific car camping facilities. The area is quiet during off-peak hours, making it suitable for short overnight stops.
Scenic Beauty Review
Located along the scenic Ariake Sea coast, the roadside station offers panoramic ocean views and a dedicated viewing platform. The surrounding natural landscape changes with seasons, and the area is especially beautiful during dolphin watching season, enhancing the overall aesthetic appeal.