Zoo & Aquarium

Otaru Aquarium

📍 3-303 Shukutsu, Otaru, Hokkaido

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3.4/ 5.0

★★★☆☆

Quick Facts

Location: Japan, Otaru
Category: Zoo & Aquarium
Duration: About 1.5-2 hours
Opening Hours: Early Apr-Oct 15: 9:00-17:00; Oct 16-Nov 23: 9:00-16:00; winter Dec 12-Feb 23: 10:00-16:00; closed late Nov-early Dec
Ticket Price: Adult: JPY 1,800 · Student: JPY 700 · Under 3 free; winter JPY 1,300/500/300
Address: 3-303 Shukutsu, Otaru, Hokkaido
Coordinates: 43.2370, 141.0114

Introduction

Otaru Aquarium (Otaru Suizokukan) sits on the Japan Sea side of Shukutsu in Otaru, themed on northern seas and rivers with some 250 species and 5,000 animals. Seals, sea lions, walruses and penguins are shown in the Marine Mammal Park, separated from the open sea only by a low wall, while the Dolphin Stadium hosts shows; inside are a panoramic roaming tank, small-clawed otters and a touch pool, with the Herring Mansion five minutes away on foot.

✨ Highlights

Northern life

Some 250 species and 5,000 animals, cold-water focus.

Marine park

Seals, sea lions and penguins beyond a low seawall.

Dolphin shows

Dolphins and sea lions at the Dolphin Stadium.

Roaming tank

A panoramic tank with underwater views.

Small-clawed otters

Beloved otters and the Touch Zone.

National park

Set on the natural coast of the Niseko-Shakotan-Otaru park.

🛈 Practical Info

→Location：3-303 Shukutsu, Otaru, Hokkaido

→Time needed：about 1.5-2 hours

→Highlights：Marine park, dolphin shows, otters

→Nearby：Herring Mansion, Shukutsu Panorama Deck

→Opening Hours：Early Apr-Oct 15: 9:00-17:00; Oct 16-Nov 23: 9:00-16:00; winter Dec 12-Feb 23: 10:00-16:00; closed late Nov-early Dec

Ticket Information

Ticket Information
Adult	JPY 1,800
Student	JPY 700
Child	JPY 350

Under 3 free; winter JPY 1,300/500/300

Transportation

Bus

Hokkaido Chuo Bus Otaru Aquarium Line from platform 3 at JR Otaru Station, about 25 min to the terminus

Driving/Parking

About 20 min from Otaru IC on the Sasson Expressway; parking on site

💡 Tips

• Hokkaido Chuo Bus Otaru Aquarium Line from platform 3 at JR Otaru Station, about 25 min to the terminus.

• From April to October a sightseeing boat runs from Pier 3 (about 20 min) to Shukutsu Port, then 10 min on foot.

• Peak season early April-Oct 15 is 9:00-17:00; Oct 16-Nov 23 is 9:00-16:00; last entry 30 min before closing.

• Winter operation runs Dec 12-Feb 23, 10:00-16:00, with the marine park and amusement park closed.

• The Herring Mansion is a 5-minute walk (open April-October) for a half-day plan.

FAQ

What are the opening hours of Otaru Aquarium?

Early Apr-Oct 15: 9:00-17:00; Oct 16-Nov 23: 9:00-16:00; winter Dec 12-Feb 23: 10:00-16:00; closed late Nov-early Dec

How much is the admission for Otaru Aquarium?

Adult: JPY 1,800; Student: JPY 700; Child: JPY 350; Under 3 free; winter JPY 1,300/500/300

Any practical tips for visiting Otaru Aquarium?

Hokkaido Chuo Bus Otaru Aquarium Line from platform 3 at JR Otaru Station, about 25 min to the terminus. From April to October a sightseeing boat runs from Pier 3 (about 20 min) to Shukutsu Port, then 10 min on foot.

How long should I spend at Otaru Aquarium?

A typical visit takes About 1.5-2 hours.

How do I get to Otaru Aquarium?

Bus: Hokkaido Chuo Bus Otaru Aquarium Line from platform 3 at JR Otaru Station, about 25 min to the terminus; Driving/Parking: About 20 min from Otaru IC on the Sasson Expressway; parking on site