From urban aquariums to those with unique shows, Hokkaido is home to a fantastic array of unique aquariums! This time, we'll introduce 10 must-visit aquariums in Hokkaido, from popular spots to hidden gems. Perfect for a date with your partner, sightseeing, or a family outing, be sure to explore these diverse aquatic worlds!

This urban aquarium is located on the 4th to 6th floors of "moyuk SAPPORO," which opened in 2023. The main attraction is the adorable penguins, but the jellyfish drifting in fantastical tanks and the garden eels are also popular. Food and drinks are allowed on all floors, and "Shirokuma Bakery &" on the 6th floor serves bread, coffee, and even alcoholic beverages. Since it's open until 10 PM, it's a great place to stop by after work. Why not relax and unwind while gazing at your favorite tank?

Otaru Aquarium, one of Hokkaido's most historic aquariums, celebrated its 50th anniversary in 2024. It exhibits a wide variety of creatures, including the harbor porpoise, which is rare worldwide and can only be seen here in Japan. The marine mammal area, home to sea lions and seals, utilizes the actual sea as its enclosure. This rich natural environment means wild sea lions and seals sometimes wander in, allowing visitors to observe animals living freely. The fun dolphin and penguin shows and feeding experiences are also popular.

Inside a building modeled after a real castle in Denmark, visitors are delighted by a mystical aqua tunnel that feels like a walk underwater, a soothing jellyfish area enveloped in light and music, and the "Galaxy Tank," where about 10,000 sardines swim in a school resembling a starry sky. The penguin parade through the plaza and the dolphin and sea lion performances are also popular attractions.

This urban aquarium has been a beloved symbol of the Shin-Sapporo subcenter since its opening in 1982. Although compact, it offers various special exhibits and opportunities to watch marine staff feed the animals up close. The penguins, seals, and otters are especially popular. With excellent access from JR and subway lines and its location adjacent to a large shopping center, you can enjoy a full day of dining and shopping.

This is one of Japan's largest freshwater aquariums, where you can observe various freshwater creatures from around the world, with a focus on salmon and other freshwater fish from Hokkaido. You can peer into the Chitose River, which flows alongside the facility, through underwater windows and watch salmon as they swim upstream. From around late August each year, you can also see salmon being caught for breeding purposes using the "Indian water wheel" installed in the nearby Chitose River.

Opened in 1953, this is the first aquarium to open in Hokkaido. It houses and displays about 120 species, including the skilfish, which is the aquarium's symbol, as well as rare tropical fish from the Muroran area, other parts of Hokkaido, and the main island of Honshu. There's also an amusement area with a merry-go-round and Ferris wheel, making it a great place for a relaxing family day out.

Located on the grounds of the Onneyu Onsen Roadside Station in Kitami, this freshwater aquarium features impressive, nature-mimicking exhibits, such as the world's first "freezing river tank" and Japan's first "waterfall basin tank." It is also home to many Japanese huchen, the largest freshwater fish in Japan, and you can see large individuals over one meter long.

This "Salmon Aquarium" is unique to Shibetsu Town, which boasts one of the largest salmon catches in Hokkaido. It's a place where you can learn everything there is to know about salmon, with exhibits on salmonid fish focusing on chum salmon, and a fishway tank where you can observe their ecology according to the season and their life cycle.

This is Japan's northernmost aquarium, marked by the Wakkanai Lighthouse. It specializes in breeding and exhibiting fish and aquatic life from northern regions. The 90-ton circular tank offers an impressive 360-degree view. The seal feeding experience and penguin show are also popular.

This is Japan's only specialized marine mammal protection facility, consisting of two facilities: "Azarashi Land" (Seal Land) and "Azarashi Sea Paradise." The name "Tokkari" is a Hokkaido dialect word for "seal," derived from the Ainu language. The center focuses on spotted seals, popularly known as "Goma-chan," and provides treatment and rehabilitation for injured or protected seals to help them return to the wild.

Check these out too!