The Shikoku Aquarium at Utazu, on the Seto Inland Sea coast, built its reputation on one image: dolphins in a horizon pool that appears to merge with the sea at sunset. Behind that headline is a modern aquarium telling the story of Shikoku’s waters, from whirlpool tanks recreating the Naruto currents to the region’s river fish.
Late afternoon is the play. Work the indoor halls first, then be on the dolphin deck as the sun drops over the Inland Sea. Summer evening hours make this easy; in cooler months check closing times before banking on the sunset shot.
Utazu Station on the JR Yosan Line is about 12 minutes from Marugame or 20 from Takamatsu, with the aquarium a 12 minute walk toward the water. It slots into a Takamatsu or Kotohira day without fuss, all JR Pass territory.
How long? Ninety minutes to two hours.
Best photo? The dolphin horizon pool an hour before sunset.



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