From urban aquariums to unusual shows, Hokkaido is full of unique aquariums! In this issue, we will introduce 10 must-see aquariums in Hokkaido, ranging from the classic to the obscure. Whether you are planning a date with your partner, a sightseeing trip, or a family outing, be sure to visit a variety of aquariums!

An urban aquarium located on the 4th to 6th floors of moyuk SAPPORO, which opened in 2023. The cute penguins that are the main exhibit, as well as the jellyfish and chin sea eels floating in a fantastic aquarium, are popular. All floors are open for eating and drinking, and the "Shirokuma Bakery &" on the 6th floor serves bread and coffee as well as alcohol. Why not relax and heal while gazing at your favorite aquarium?

Otaru Aquarium, a long-established aquarium representing Hokkaido, celebrates its 50th anniversary in 2024. The aquarium exhibits a variety of species of creatures, including the mouse dolphin, which is rare in the world and can only be seen here in Japan. The marine animal area, where Steller's sea lions and seals live, uses the actual sea as a breeding space, and wild Steller's sea lions and seals sometimes wander into the area, allowing visitors to observe these creatures living freely in a rich natural environment. The dolphin and penguin shows and feeding experiences are also popular.

The aquarium is modeled after an actual old castle in Denmark. Visitors can enjoy a mysterious aqua tunnel that looks like an underwater walk, a healing space of jellyfish surrounded by light and music, and a galactic tank where about 10,000 sardines swarm in a cluster, reminding visitors of stars. The penguin parade that marches across the plaza and performances by dolphins and fur seals are also popular.

This urban aquarium has been a familiar symbol of the subcenter Shin-Sapporo since its opening in 1982. Although small in scale, the aquarium offers a variety of special exhibits and marine staff feed the animals up close, with penguins, seals and otters being especially popular. You can enjoy a full day of fun while dining and shopping.

This is one of the largest freshwater fish aquariums in Japan, where visitors can observe a variety of freshwater creatures from around the world, with a focus on salmonids and other freshwater fish from Hokkaido. Visitors can look through windows into the water of the Chitose River that runs beside the facility and observe salmon as they come upstream. From around the end of August every year, visitors can watch the catching of salmon for the propagation project using the "Indian Water Wheel" installed in the Chitose River near the facility.

The aquarium was the first aquarium opened in Hokkaido in 1953. The aquarium breeds and exhibits about 120 species of rare tropical fishes, including the "Abravois," which has become the symbol of the aquarium, and other rare tropical fishes that live near Muroran, in Hokkaido, and in the Honshu area. The aquarium also has a merry-go-round, Ferris wheel, and other playground equipment, making it a fun place for the whole family to relax and have fun.

This freshwater fish aquarium is located on the premises of "Roadside Station Onneyu Onsen" in Kitami City, and features spectacular exhibits that mimic nature, including the world's first "river freezing tank" and Japan's first "waterfall tank. Many of Japan's largest freshwater fish, Itou, are also kept here, and visitors can see large, one-meter-tall individuals.

Shibetsu Salmon Science Museum is a "salmon aquarium" unique to Shibetsu Town, which boasts one of the largest salmon landings in Hokkaido. The aquarium offers a full range of information about salmon, including exhibits of chum salmon and other salmonids, and a fish trail tank where visitors can observe the ecology of salmon in accordance with the seasons and their life cycles.

This aquarium is located at the northernmost tip of Japan and is marked by the Wakkanai Lighthouse. It features the breeding and exhibition of northern fish and other underwater creatures unique to the northernmost part of Japan, and its 90-ton migratory tank offers a powerful 360-degree view of the water. Feeding seals and penguin shows are also popular.

This is Japan's only facility specializing in the protection of marine animals and consists of two facilities: "Seal Land" and "Seal Sea Paradise". Tokkari" is a Hokkaido dialect word derived from the Ainu language meaning "seal. The seals, mainly sesame-footed seals popularly known as "Goma-chan," and other seals protected due to injuries or other reasons are treated and trained in order to return to the wild.

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