Aquarium ・ Hokkaido · JAZA member

Otaru Aquarium小樽水族館

An aquarium surrounded by the natural setting of a quasi-national park. Its exhibits center on marine mammals, including penguin walks in the snow, seal and Steller sea lion exhibits, and dolphin shows, and it also conducts research activities.

Access
From JR Otaru Station, take a bus from stop 3 at the Otaru Station bus terminal (two routes, via Takashima or via Akaiwa) and get off at Suizokukan.
Parking
1,000 spaces Source
Opened
July 1958 · 68 years of history

Updated: ／ Source: otaru-aq.jp otaru-aq.jp otaru-aq.jp otaru-aq.jp

Exterior of Otaru Aquarium
Photo: NipponiaNippon / CC BY-SA 3.0 / Source / cropped

Basic Information

TypeAquarium
LocationHokkaido
JAZA MembershipJAZA member
OpenedJuly 1958 Source
Official / Social

Highlights

  1. Penguin show

    A performance show featuring penguins. Source

  2. Penguin walk in the snow

    A winter-only event where penguins walk through the snow. Source

  3. Steller sea lion time

    A keeper talk about the Steller sea lions. Source

  4. Touch area "Sawatte Ezone"

    A hands-on area where visitors can touch marine life. Source

Access

From JR Otaru Station, take a bus from stop 3 at the Otaru Station bus terminal (two routes, via Takashima or via Akaiwa) and get off at Suizokukan. An Otaru Aquarium set ticket (JR + bus + admission) is sold at major JR Hokkaido stations. By car, about 60–70 minutes from Sapporo. A seasonal sightseeing boat (Otaru Port Sightseeing Boat Terminal to Shukutsu Port) is also available. Source

Parking

1,000 spaces Source

Hours and Admission

HoursMarch 14–October 15: 9:00–17:00 (last entry 16:30). October 16–November 23: 9:00–16:00 (last entry 15:30). Extended evening hours: 9:00–20:00 (last entry 19:30). Winter season: 10:00–16:00 (last entry 15:30). Closed November 25–December 12 and February 24–March 13. Source
AdmissionIndividuals (1–14 people): adults (16 and over) ¥1,800, children (ages 6–15) ¥700, preschoolers (ages 3–5) ¥350. Groups (15 or more): adults ¥1,500, children ¥500, preschoolers ¥300. Disability discount: adults ¥900, children ¥500, preschoolers ¥300. Fees valid through November 23, 2026. Source

Hours and admission may change.Check the Official Site for the latest information.

Plan your visit

Amenities and accessibility

  • Wheelchair rentalAvailable
  • Stroller rentalAvailable
  • Nursing roomAvailable
  • Food and drinkAvailable
Source

Animals You Can Meet

0 animals

Verified individual animal records will be added as official information becomes available.

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Latest news

8 items

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Show more 5 items

Source links to official sites, official YouTube channels, and news aggregators such as Zoo Ring. Visit the publisher for the full item.

Transferred and Connected Animals

1 animal

Born at this facility and now living at another facility.

No.0122In residence

Tsurara

ツララ

WalrusOdobenus rosmarus

Toba Aquarium

Sex
Female
Born
May 31, 2009
VU— Vulnerable

Events

No resident animal currently has a birthday verified to the day, so there are no birthday events to show.

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Nearby facilities

Japan Rail Pass — official website

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FAQ

Can I bring my pet?
Pets are not allowed, and there is no pet daycare. Source
Is re-entry possible?
Yes, on the same day. Ask the staff at the main entrance ticket counter to stamp your hand with a clear stamp. Source
Are strollers and wheelchairs available to borrow?
About 15 strollers, about 5 wheelchairs, and 2 power-assisted wheelchairs are lent free of charge. Source
Show the remaining questions 2 items
How long does a visit take?
About 2 hours as a guide. Source
Can I take photos freely inside?
Photography for personal enjoyment is allowed, but live streaming is prohibited. Commercial photography requires advance application. Source

Compare nearby facilities

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Operating facilities near Otaru Aquarium
Facility Adult admission Hours Visit time Parking Named residents
Sapporoshimaruyama Doubutsuen ¥800 — — — 6
AOAO SAPPORO ¥2,200 10:00–22:00 — — —
Shinsapporosanpiaza Suizokukan ¥1,200 10:00–17:00 — — —

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Learn More About This Facility’s Animals

Learn More About This Facility’s Animals 350 species

Data attribution

www.jaza.jp www.jaza.jp otaru-aq.jp otaru-aq.jp otaru-aq.jp otaru-aq.jp otaru-aq.jp otaru-aq.jp otaru-aq.jp

Last verified: ／ Source: www.jaza.jp www.jaza.jp