Visiting aquariums is an engaging and informative way to spend time alone or with others. They are a great destination on rainy days and children always enjoy looking at marine life and learning about what happens in the ponds, lakes, seas and oceans around the world. Although Japan has a number of a quariums located in small towns and remote islands, you can also find some wonderful aquariums in and around the Tokyo area. Check out the top 10 aquariums around Tokyo!
1. Sunshine Aquarium
Sunshine Aquarium is located in Sunshine City, a huge multifunctional complex in the Ikebukuro area. Situated on the rooftop of one of the main buildings, it offers exciting experiences that allow you to get a glimpse of marine life while you are in Tokyo. It is designed based on the concept of “the oasis in the sky”, providing visitors with a peaceful time in somewhat of a tropical resort atmosphere. Here you will be able to see a large selection of marine animals, as there are approximately 550 species spread throughout two indoor floors and an outdoor space.
Walk through a transparent tank tunnel that allows you to watch penguins swimming gracefully around and above your head! The sea lion performance is one of the highlights, especially among families and children. “Sunshine Lagoon” refers to a giant tank that stores thousands of small fish and beautiful rays creating an amazing ecosystem with a white sandy beach and coral reefs. Don’t forget to check out their new exhibit featuring countless numbers of jellyfish floating peacefully in the 14-meter-wide tank!
- Hours 10am – 6pm
- Admission ¥2,600~3,200 (adult) *Prices vary depending on the day.
- Website Sunshine Aquarium
- Nearest station: JR Ikebukuro Station
2. Sumida Aquarium
Conveniently located on the 5th and 6th floors of Tokyo Skytree Solamachi, the Sumida Aquarium uses artificial seawater to maintain water quality throughout the year without needing replacement. It also reduces the carbon footprint since frequent transport of seawater from the ocean is not required. Sumida Aquarium provides an ideal environment for marine creatures to thrive in an environment similar to their natural habitat.
Go see the penguins and fur seals swimming in huge indoor pool-type tanks. “Edorium” is a perfect date spot for couples with a memorable display of colorful goldfish. “Water’s Blessing Tokyo Tank” is home to schools of fish that can be found in the sea around the Ogasawara and Izu islands!
- Hours 10am – 8pm (weekday), 9am – 9pm (weekend)
- Admission ¥2,500 (adult)
- Website Sumida Aquarium
- Nearest station Tokyo Skytree Station
3. Maxell Aquapark Shinagawa
A brief walk from JR Shinagawa station, Maxell Aquapark Shinagawa is an exciting theme park that has a variety of marine animals for you to see like the capybara, Cape penguin, bottlenose dolphin and dwarf sawfish! There are also a number of unique exhibits. Enjoy the combination of bright lights and sea life with the merry-go-round “Dolphin Party,” and the thrilling giant pirate ship ride “Port of Pirates.” While you’re there, visit the Coral Cafe Bar and IN THE BLUE CAFÈ for refreshing snacks and drinks.
- Hours 10am – 6.30pm (weekdays), 10am – 8pm (weekend)
- Admission ¥2,300 (adult)
- Website Maxell Aquapark Shinagawa
- Nearest station JR Shinagawa Station
4. Art Aquarium
Art Aquarium is a unique attraction, focusing exclusively on one type of exhibit: goldfish! It began in 2007 as a temporary display held at renowned art museums and historical venues across Japan for limited periods. In the summer of 2020, the “Art Aquarium Museum” opened as a permanent exhibition in Tokyo’s Nihonbashi area. Thousands of vibrant goldfish greet visitors in stunning tanks, beautifully crafted around various themes and concepts. Highlights include the enchanting “Goldfish Corridor” and the serene “Goldfish Bamboo Forest,” which captivate guests daily. To complete the experience, visitors can shop for memorable gifts at the museum’s gift shop and unwind at the cozy café.
- Hours 10am – 7pm
- Admission ¥2,700 (adult)
- Website Art Aquarium
- Nearest station Nihonbashi Station
5. Tokyo Sea Life Park
Tokyo Sea Life Park is a public aquarium situated within Katsushika Rinkai Park. Since its opening in 1989, it has welcomed countless visitors, drawn by its affordable admission and impressive variety of marine life. The iconic glass dome houses a massive tank containing approximately 2,200 tons of water, home to a mesmerizing school of bluefin tuna. Visitors can also observe around 100 penguins frolicking both in the water and on land. After exploring the aquarium, a leisurely stroll through the surrounding park offers a perfect way to unwind.
- Hours 9.30am – 5pm
- Admission ¥700 (adult)
- Website Tokyo Sea Life Park
- Nearest station JR Katsushika Rinkai Park Station
6. Enoshima Aquarium
Enoshima is a picturesque island and a popular day trip destination from Tokyo. While visiting, don’t miss Enoshima Aquarium, renowned for its extensive collection of marine life exhibits! The aquarium seamlessly blends sightseeing with education, offering visitors an opportunity to explore and learn about aquatic creatures. Highlights include the captivating dolphin show, “Wave – I Want to Be Your Wave,” and the stunning 3D projection-mapped jellyfish show, “Jellyfish Sky.” For an additional fee, you can participate in interactive experiences like feeding capybaras or “Shake Hands With Dolphins,” making your visit even more memorable.
- Hours 9am – 5pm (Mar-Nov), 10am – 5pm (Dec-Feb)
- Admission ¥2,500 (adult)
- Website Enoshima Aquarium
- Nearest station Katase Enoshima Station
7. Kasai Rinkai Koen
Kasai Rinkai Koen, a sprawling park in Tokyo’s Edogawa ward, is a harmonious blend of nature, recreation, and stunning attractions. Opened in 1989, it is the second-largest park in Tokyo’s 23 wards, boasting highlights like the Tokyo Sea Life Park and the breathtaking Diamond and Flower Ferris Wheel, Japan’s second-tallest Ferris wheel! Visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo Bay, Mount Fuji, and even Tokyo Disneyland on clear days. A third of the park is a protected sea bird sanctuary, home to a Sea Bird Centre and designated as a Ramsar site. The park’s two artificial islands feature beaches and scenic spots, with the west island connected by the Kasai-Nagisa Bridge, a favorite for relaxation and recreation.
Popular year-round, the park truly comes alive during spring’s hanami season, when crowds gather to enjoy the blooming cherry blossoms. Conveniently accessible by JR East and water buses, it’s a serene escape in the heart of Tokyo.
- Hours 9am – 5pm
- Admission Free (some facilities require payment)
- Website Kasai Rinkai Koen
- Nearest station Kasai Rinkai Park Station
8. Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
Hakkeijima is an artificial island located in Yokohama, Kanagawa Prefecture, and home to Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, an amusement park featuring a wide range of attractions, including aquariums, amusement rides, a shopping mall, and hotels. The park boasts four distinct aquariums, each offering unique and memorable experiences. At “Fureai Lagoon,” visitors can interact closely with marine animals like dolphins and penguins. The “Aqua Museum” amazes guests with its impressive collection of 700 marine species. For a hands-on adventure, try fishing and cooking your catch at “Umi Farm.” Lastly, “Dolphin Fantasy” enchants visitors with its arch-shaped aquarium, where graceful dolphins swim overhead in a stunning display.
- Hours 10am – 5pm (weekdays), 10am – 7pm (weekends)
- Admission (※Aquarium Only) ¥3,500 (adult)
- Website Hakkeijima Sea Paradise
- Nearest station Hakkeijima Station
9. Shinagawa Aquarium
Since its opening in 1991, Shinagawa Aquarium has been a beloved destination for locals. Conveniently located near Omori Kaigan Station—just a 10-minute train ride from Shinagawa station—it’s easily accessible for visitors. The first floor features a dolphin and sea lion stadium, where charming performances by these adorable creatures delight audiences. While not a large aquarium, it showcases a variety of unique fish, seals, penguins, and other marine animals. Daily talking sessions hosted by staff in front of the water tanks provide engaging insights into the sea creatures. For dining, Dolphin, a family-friendly restaurant by the water, offers lunch, light meals, and drinks. Alternatively, you can enjoy takeout meals while relaxing in the park.
- Hours 10am – 7pm
- Admission ¥1,350 (adult)
- Website Shinagawa Aquarium
- Nearest station Omori Kaigan Station
10. Kamogawa Sea World
Kamogawa Sea World is a popular tourist attraction which can be described as a comprehensive marine leisure center. It is located in Chiba prefecture and attracts a number of visitors as a symbolic aquarium offering a range of experiences and educational opportunities to understand the marine life. Don’t miss the great shows and performances by dolphins and orcas which welcome visitors with refreshing splashes! Walk around the exhibits of sea animals and valuable creatures showcased according to their natural habitats varying from a beautiful river to the tropical islands. You might happen to come across the divers feeding walruses or penguins as well!
- Hours 9am – 5pm
- Admission ¥3,300 (adult)
- Website Kamogawa Sea World
- Nearest station JR Awakamogawa Station (free shuttle bus)
Some may think aquariums are only for families with young children, but they offer entertainment for everyone, regardless of age. Visit a romantic aquarium for a memorable date or unwind at conveniently located aquariums in the heart of big cities to escape the stress of work life. You don’t need a special occasion to experience the magic of marine life up close—every visit can be a refreshing and inspiring adventure!
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