Yokohama Hakkeijima

What Yokohama Hakkeijima does

Yokohama Hakkeijima Inc. (株式会社横浜八景島) is a Japanese aquarium, theme park, and leisure facility operator founded in February 1990 as a wholly-owned subsidiary of Seibu Prince Hotels & Resorts Worldwide (Seibu Group). The company operates 8 facilities across Japan — Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise (flagship, opened May 1993, ~700 species / 120,000 specimens), Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa (urban entertainment aquarium in Tokyo), Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium, Joetsu Municipal Aquarium Umigatari, Hamura Zoo, Seibuen Amusement Park, and Hakkeijima Partnership — plus one overseas operation, Xpark in Taoyuan, Taiwan (opened August 2020), making it arguably the largest managed aquarium network in Japan. As of March 2026, the company employs 1,012 people including the Taiwan subsidiary.

The company's core technology and capabilities are anchored in aquarium husbandry and marine mammal breeding, advanced exhibit design integrating sound, light, video, and living organisms, and environmental reproduction using cutting-edge technology. Proprietary capabilities include marine mammal breeding and conservation programs (the Humboldt penguin program was recognized by the Government of Chubut, Argentina, as an ex-situ conservation breeding site in 2019), blue carbon and marine ecosystem restoration initiatives (Matsushima Bay seagrass bed restoration with the Environmental Ecology Research Institute), and immersive entertainment programming as exemplified by the Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa 'TOKYO最先端エンタテインメント' concept and the annual NAKED Inc. Fireworks Aquarium event.

Yokohama Hakkeijima monetizes through multiple revenue streams: theme park and aquarium admission fees (transactional), annual passport/membership programs (subscription/recurring), facility operations and management services (designated management contracts with municipal governments including Joetsu, Hamura, and Seibuen), F&B and merchandise sales (including limited-edition IP collaboration goods), group and corporate bookings, and hotel/accommodation packages with Shinagawa Prince Hotel. The customer base is diversified across general consumers and families, school groups and educational institutions (e.g., joint lectures with Tohoku University of Community Culture and Arts), corporate clients, municipal governments, and international tourists. Go-to-market is event-driven, leveraging entertainment IP collaborations (Persona 30th anniversary 2026, Rilakkuma, The Wakey Show, NAKED Fireworks Aquarium), seasonal events, themed merchandise, and a multi-channel digital presence across Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LINE.

Name

Yokohama Hakkeijima

Legal name

株式会社横浜八景島 (Yokohama Hakkeijima Inc.)

Website

https://yokohama-hakkeijima.jp

Company type

Private

Founded year

1990

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

501–1,000 employees

Short description

Yokohama Hakkeijima is a Seibu Group subsidiary that operates 8 aquarium, zoo, and amusement park facilities across Japan plus Xpark in Taiwan, serving families, tourists, school groups, corporate clients, and municipal governments through admissions, memberships, merchandise, and facility management contracts.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Aquarium and Theme Park Operations

NAICS

Zoos and Botanical Gardens (712130), Amusement Parks and Arcades (7131), Nature Parks and Other Similar Institutions (712190), Zoos and Botanical Gardens (71213)

SIC

Services-Amusement & Recreation Services (7900)

akta.pro primary industry

Zoo & Aquarium Parks (Ticketed Wildlife Attractions) (THAJAEAE)

akta.pro secondary industries

Zoos, Aquariums & Botanical Gardens (Educational Collections) (THAJADAL), Aquatic Family Entertainment Centers (Splash Pads, Aquatic Playgrounds, Swim Parks) (THAJAEAL), Marine Wildlife Sanctuaries & Protected Seascape Visitor Operations (Reef/Marine Parks) (THAAAFAJ)

Keywords

• Aquarium operations
• Theme park management
• Marine leisure facilities
• Designated management services
• Animal husbandry and conservation

Headquarters

HQ city

Yokohama

HQ country

Japan

HQ region

Asia

Offices7 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D

Revenue model

1. Theme Park and Aquarium Admission Fees: Core revenue from day passes and entry tickets to Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise theme park and aquarium, with multi-attraction access included in admission.
2. Annual Passport / Membership: Annual passport programs offering unlimited repeat visits, sold at Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium and other facilities, with periodic promotional campaigns.
3. Facility Operations and Management Services: Revenue from operating assigned or consigned facilities under designated management contracts, including Xpark in Taiwan (operated by 台灣橫浜八景島股份有限公司), Joetsu Municipal Aquarium Umigatari, and Hamura Zoo.
4. Food, Beverage, and Merchandise Sales: On-site retail shops, restaurants, and themed merchandise sales at all facilities including limited-edition collaboration goods.
5. Group Sales and Corporate Bookings: Group visits, corporate events, school programs, and venue rental services across all facilities.
6. Hotel and Accommodation Packages: Collaboration with Shinagawa Prince Hotel on accommodation packages combined with aquarium visits, and themed hotel room offerings during collaboration events.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion1 record

Distribution channels9 records

Marketing channels9 records

Core offering

Yokohama Hakkeijima Inc. operates and manages a portfolio of aquarium, theme park, zoo, and marine leisure facilities across Japan and Taiwan. Its flagship offering, Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, is a marine-themed theme park and aquarium with approximately 700 species and 120,000 specimens, complemented by amusement attractions, shopping, dining, and hotels. The company also provides designated management services to municipal governments for public aquariums, zoos, and amusement parks.

Product overview

Yokohama Hakkeijima Inc. operates a portfolio of aquarium, theme park, zoo, and amusement facilities across Japan and Taiwan. The core product lineup includes Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise (the flagship marine theme park with aquarium), Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa (urban entertainment aquarium in Tokyo), Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium (regional aquarium in Miyagi), and Joetsu City Aquarium Museum Umigatari (regional aquarium in Niigata). Additional facilities include Hamura Zoo in Tokyo, Seibuen Amusement Park in Saitama, Xpark in Taiwan, and the Hakkeijima Partnership managing island areas. The company also provides aquarium planning, design, and consulting services for new facilities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• ほほえムービング (Hohoemu Moving): Sustainability action project aimed at creating a future where all living creatures on Earth can live with smiles. The initiative focuses on environmental protection, conservation activities, and educational outreach.
• 横浜・八景島シーパラダイス (Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise)
• マクセル アクアパーク品川 (Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa)
• 仙台うみの杜水族館 (Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium)
• 上越市立水族博物館 うみがたり (Joetsu City Aquarium Museum Umigatari)
• 八景島パートナーシップ (Hakkeijima Partnership)
• Xpark

Products and services

• Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise A marine-themed theme park and aquarium featuring approximately 700 species with 120,000 specimens across multiple aquariums and attractions, shopping, restaurants, and hotels. The flagship facility operated by Yokohama Hakkeijima Inc.
• Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa A Tokyo-based urban aquarium operated by Yokohama Hakkeijima featuring approximately 350 species with 20,000 specimens, combining entertainment with marine life exhibits through light, sound, and video productions that change by season and time of day.
• Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium An aquarium in Sendai featuring approximately 300 species with 30,000 specimens, themed around the rich Sanriku sea with a large main tank recreating the local marine environment, plus exhibits of distinctive creatures from around the world.
• Joetsu City Aquarium Museum Umigatari A designated administrator aquarium featuring approximately 300 species with 45,000 specimens, themed around the Sea of Japan with a large central tank and 360-degree acrylic glass underwater tunnel offering close views of Japanese Sea marine life.
• Hamura Zoo A small zoo operated as a designated administrator facility featuring approximately 74 species with 520 specimens, known for its intimate atmosphere and diverse array of animals.
• Seibuen Amusement Park An amusement park operated by Yokohama Hakkeijima featuring live performances, classic rides, and large-scale attractions in a nostalgic shopping district setting with a concept of creating warm, happiness-filled experiences.
• Xpark A new urban aquarium in Taoyuan City, Taiwan, operated by Yokohama Hakkeijima featuring approximately 2,300 tons of total water volume. Uses cutting-edge technology to realistically reproduce diverse marine environments from around the world with immersive experiences.
• Yokohama Hakkeijima Partnership The designated administrator of Hakkeijima Island managing park areas, event venues, and green spaces. Organizes cultural and experience-based programs that leverage the island's natural coastal environment.

Quantifiable outcome

• Achieved 10 million cumulative visitors milestone at Sendai Umino-Mori Aquarium (milestone reached as of 2025)

Named customers3 records

Segments4 records

Ideal customer profiles3 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

13 partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.

• Maxell Corporation (マクセル株式会社)flagshipGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 July 2015Maxell Corporation holds naming rights for Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa. The partnership brings together Yokohama Hakkeijima's aquarium management expertise with Maxell's brand identity ('Within, the Future') to create a cutting-edge entertainment destination. Maxell provides brand sponsorship and marketing support, while Yokohama Hakkeijima operates the facility.
• Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide (株式会社西武・プリンスホテルズワールドワイド)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 February 1990Seibu Prince Hotels Worldwide is the parent company and sole shareholder of Yokohama Hakkeijima. The partnership enables cross-promotional opportunities including aquarium + hotel package products at Shinagawa Prince Hotel (where Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa is located), access to Seibu Group marketing channels, and operational support. The Seibu Group's broader network (西武グループ) provides strategic direction and resources for facility expansion.
• Joetsu City, Niigata Prefecture (新潟県上越市)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYokohama Hakkeijima operates Joetsu Municipal Aquarium Umigatari under a designated management (指定管理) contract with Joetsu City. The company manages all aspects of the facility's operations, programming, and visitor experience on behalf of the municipal government.
• Hamura City, Tokyo (東京都羽村市)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerYokohama Hakkeijima operates Hamura Zoo (ヒノトントンZOO) under a designated management contract with Hamura City, managing animal care, visitor services, and conservation education programs.
• Atlus Co., Ltd. (atlus)flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerAtlus, developer of the Persona video game series, collaborated with Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise for the Persona 30th Anniversary celebration (May 8 – July 15, 2026). The collaboration features chibi character artwork, themed merchandise, character exhibits, hotel rooms, and Persona-themed fireworks. The partnership drives significant visitor traffic and media coverage for both brands.
• Seibuen Amusement Park / Seibu Holdings (西武園ゆうえんち / 西武ホールディングス)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerUnder the Seibu Group strategy for resource and know-how integration, Yokohama Hakkeijima took over operation of Seibuen Amusement Park in April 2023 to provide higher value-added experiences. This extends the company's operational reach beyond aquariums into the broader leisure/entertainment sector.
• NAKED Inc.flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerNAKED Inc., a renowned creative company, collaborates with Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa on the annual 'Fireworks Aquarium' (花火アクアリウム) summer event. The event transforms the aquarium with immersive 360-degree fireworks, sound, and light experiences, creating a distinctive seasonal attraction that drives significant summer visitation.
• 台灣橫浜八景島股份有限公司 (Taiwan Yokohama Hakkeijima Inc.)flagshipStrategic or Co-development PartnerTaiwan Yokohama Hakkeijima Inc. is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Yokohama Hakkeijima, established in October 2019, that operates Xpark in Taoyuan, Taiwan (opened August 2020). This is Yokohama Hakkeijima's first overseas operation and represents the company's international expansion under the Seibu Group's strategy.
• The Wakey ShowflagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerSendai Umino-Mori Aquarium partnered with The Wakey Show for a summer collaboration event (July 17 – August 30) featuring special dolphin performances using The Wakey Show music, 'creature hunt' cards, and exclusive summer workshops. The collaboration attracted families and younger visitors with the popular web content brand.
• Sanrio (サンリオ)flagshipGTM or Marketing PartnerJoetsu Municipal Aquarium Umigatari hosted the Rilakkuma (リラックマ) × Umigatari collaboration event (June 26 – September 23, 2026), featuring character-themed exhibits, merchandise, and photo opportunities. This character IP collaboration leverages Sanrio's popular brand to attract family and character fan visitors.
• Argentine Republic / Chubut Province GovernmentflagshipOthersThe Argentine government formally recognized Yokohama Hakkeijima's breeding program for Humboldt penguins as an 'Ex-situ Important Conservation Breeding Site' in October 2019. This recognition validates the company's marine conservation capabilities and provides international credibility for its conservation efforts.
• Environmental Ecology Research Institute (環境生態工学研究所)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerYokohama Hakkeijima collaborates with the Environmental Ecology Research Institute on Matsushima Bay seagrass bed restoration and conservation efforts, contributing to blue carbon initiatives and post-disaster ecosystem recovery in Miyagi prefecture.
• Tohoku University of Community Culture and Arts Junior College (東北生活文化大学短期大学部)minorStrategic or Co-development PartnerSendai Umino-Mori Aquarium conducts joint lectures with Tohoku University of Community Culture and Arts Junior College, where students learn fish anatomy through transparent skeleton specimen making, led by university professors and aquarium keepers.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves10 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Direct peers

• Sunshine Aquarium: Tokyo urban rooftop aquarium with similar 'urban entertainment aquarium' positioning to Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa. Comparable in scale, target market (Tokyo visitors, couples, families), and exhibit style (seasonal themed events, indoor marine exhibits).
• Sumida Aquarium: Tokyo Skytree Town aquarium operated by Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan's parent (OWS Holdings) under concession structure. Comparable urban aquarium format targeting similar Tokyo visitor demographic with themed exhibits and seasonal programming.
• Osaka Aquarium Kaiyukan: Japan's flagship public aquarium located in Osaka, operated similarly as a ticketed aquarium attraction featuring large-scale marine exhibits. Direct comparison for Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise flagship in visitor profile, scale (similar exhibit volume), and educational/entertainment positioning.
• Aqua World Oarai: One of Japan's largest aquariums in Ibaraki Prefecture with approximately 580 species. Direct peer in scale, regional aquarium positioning, and marine exhibit variety, competing for the same domestic Japanese tourism market.

Emerging players

• LEGOLAND Japan: Theme park operator in Nagoya under Merlin Entertainments license. Comparable in operating an entertainment destination attraction in Japan targeting family visitors, though positioned as a rides-focused theme park rather than an aquarium operator.

Broad incumbents

• Merlin Entertainments (SEA LIFE): Global aquarium chain operator (SEA LIFE brand) with 50+ aquariums worldwide. Comparable in operating an international network of mid-sized aquariums under a unified brand, with shared operational standards and centralized IP/programming.
• Ocean Park Hong Kong: Hong Kong's marine theme park combining aquarium exhibits with amusement rides. Comparable as an Asian marine-themed destination attraction, with similar target market (regional family tourism) and similar aquarium + amusement park combination model.
• Huis Ten Bosch: Large Dutch-themed park in Nagasaki operated by H.I.S. group. Comparable as a major Japanese theme park/destination attraction competing for inbound tourism and family leisure spend, though with different thematic positioning.
• Chimelong Ocean Kingdom: China's largest marine theme park in Zhuhai with multiple Guinness-record exhibits. Comparable in combining large-scale aquarium exhibits with theme park attractions and targeting Asian tourism markets; larger in scale but operates on a similar integrated aquarium-park model.
• Oriental Land (Tokyo Disney Resort): Japan's largest theme park operator (Tokyo Disneyland/DisneySea). Broad incumbent in the Japanese leisure/entertainment space; comparable in family-oriented destination entertainment, ticket-based admission model, and IP-driven programming, though at substantially larger scale.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses5 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks6 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Xtwitter.com/_seaparadise_
• YouTubeyoutube.com/channel/UCe-b3jajzFAY3NzwYNS7I4w
• Facebookfacebook.com/hakkeijima.seaparadise
• Instagraminstagram.com/seaparadise_official

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Subsidiaries6 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Yokohama Hakkeijima