ARTICLES
Spring Has Arrived at AOAO SAPPORO! Experience the Ocean and Cherry Blossoms with All Your Senses at the 'Spring at the Aquarium' Exhibition, Starting March 26
At AOAO SAPPORO, the urban aquarium in Sapporo's Tanukikoji, the special exhibition "Spring at the Aquarium" will be held from Wednesday, March 26 to Wednesday, April 23. The event will feature the first-ever exhibit of seaweed that comes into season in spring and the Palette Surgeonfish, the sale of lucky charms made from the decorative feathers of Northern Rockhopper Penguins, and a new spring item for the "Seasonal Shime Parfait" menu. It's a lineup of events perfect for a spring break outing, making memories with loved ones, or taking a refreshing break as you start a new chapter in life.
Details of the Main Features of the "Spring at the Aquarium" Exhibition
As the snow melts, spring is gradually approaching in Sapporo. During this season when we eagerly await the cherry blossoms, AOAO SAPPORO is holding a special exhibition where you can experience spring in a way that only an aquarium can offer.
"Wonders of Algae" Exhibit Featuring Algae in Season in Spring
AOAO SAPPORO is known for its focus on algae, even cultivating *Ulva prolifera* in a row of tanks. In the 4th-floor "LABORATORY," two types of seaweed that are in season in spring and the algivorous Palette Surgeonfish will be on display for the first time.
■Dates: March 26 (Wed) - April 23 (Wed), 2025
10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Last admission at 9:00 PM)
■Location: 4F "LABORATORY"
■Fee: Admission fee only
Craft Aquarium "Let's Find a Pearl!"
This is a program where you can learn about the Akoya pearl oyster, a bivalve used in pearl farming, and actually extract a pearl yourself.
■Dates: March 26 (Wed) - April 23 (Wed), 2025
11:00 AM - 4:00 PM (Last entry at 3:00 PM)
■Location: 5F "CO-WORKING"
■Fee: General 1,500 JPY (tax incl.) / AOAO & Nichinichi Members 2,000 JPY (tax incl.)
*Separate admission ticket required
*Additional fees apply for processing into accessories
Special Experience Program "Spring AOAO NIGHT"
This is a collaborative event featuring a night at the aquarium and a live music performance by "THE CHARM PARK." You can participate with just the AOAO SAPPORO admission fee.
■Date & Time: April 18 (Fri), 2025 at 7:00 PM / 8:00 PM
■Location: 6F "BLUE ROOM"
■Fee: Free *Separate admission ticket required
■Performer: THE CHARM PARK
Lucky Charm "Feather of Fortune"
For those who want to attract good luck for their new start in life, this power item is made from the decorative feathers of a Northern Rockhopper Penguin. It would also make a great good luck gift! Limited to only 10 items.
■Sales Period: From March 15 (Sat), 2025, for the first 10 customers *While supplies last
■Location: 4F "Museum Marche"
■Price: 777 JPY (tax incl.)
Full of Springtime Charm! Cherry Blossom-Themed Gourmet Treats Arrive
The gourmet food available at "Shirokuma Bakery &" inside the aquarium is another one of AOAO SAPPORO's delights. With the cherry blossoms in Sapporo forecast to bloom around April 24, cherry blossom-themed treats are making an appearance. Let's get a head start on spring!
Seasonal Shime Parfait "Spring-Scented Yozakura Parfait"
Available for a limited time and only after 5:00 PM, the "Yozakura Parfait" is inspired by cherry blossoms at night. As a "Shime Parfait," a specialty of Sapporo, this is a must-try for tourists.
■Sales Period: March 21 (Fri) - May 31 (Sat), 2025
■Sales Hours: 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM (Last Order)
■Location: 6F "Shirokuma Bakery &"
■Price: 1,000 JPY (tax incl.)
Glowing Jellyfish Cherry Blossom Drinks (Sour & Soda)
The popular nighttime series of glowing drinks now has a spring-filled cherry blossom version. In addition to a cherry blossom soda float and cherry blossom soda, there's also an alcoholic cherry blossom sour.
■Sales Period: March 21 (Fri) - May 10 (Sat), 2025
■Sales Hours: All day (Last Order 9:30 PM)
■Location: 6F "Shirokuma Bakery &"
■Price:
Glowing Jellyfish Sakura Sour (Alcoholic) 890 JPY (tax incl.)
Glowing Jellyfish Sakura Soda 790 JPY (tax incl.)
Sakura Soda Float 690 JPY (tax incl.)
Perfect for a Spring Break Outing! Reservation-Only Events Also Available
There are also events that require purchasing tickets in advance. The museum tour for elementary school students is perfect for making spring break memories.
Museum Tour "'MISSION' Investigate the Behind-the-Scenes of the Aquarium! (Algae Edition)"
This popular tour takes you behind the scenes of the aquarium. The content will also focus on the newly exhibited algae.
■Dates & Time: March 26 (Wed) - April 6 (Sun) at 3:00 PM (Meeting time: 2:50 PM) *Duration approx. 45 minutes
■Fee:
・General 1,300 JPY (tax incl.) *Includes admission fee
・AOAO & Nichinichi Members 200 JPY (tax incl.)
■Capacity: Up to 6 people per session
■Target Audience: 3rd to 6th-grade elementary school students
■How to Participate: Purchase tickets from the official AOAO SAPPORO website
*Sales scheduled to start from 10:00 AM on March 20 (Thu), 2025
First Mini Paludarium "GLASS POT MARU95 SIMPLE"
A paludarium is an enclosure that recreates environments like rainforests and wetlands. This is a hands-on event where you can create your own small paludarium and take it home.
■Dates: To be announced on the reservation page
■Time: 11:30 AM / 2:00 PM / 4:00 PM *Duration from 30 minutes
■Location: 4F "Museum Marche (inside ADA LAB ssp. SAPPORO)"
■Fee: 6,600 JPY (tax incl.)
■How to Participate: Purchase tickets from the official AOAO SAPPORO website
Feel the Changing Seasons at AOAO SAPPORO
Since its opening in July 2023, the urban aquarium "AOAO SAPPORO" has been loved by locals and tourists as a landmark of the Tanukikoji Shopping Street. Be sure to enjoy the 2025 spring special exhibition "Spring at the Aquarium," where you can feel the changing of the seasons.
AOAO SAPPORO
■Hours: 10:00 AM - 10:00 PM (Last admission 9:00 PM)
■Location: AOAO SAPPORO (moyuk SAPPORO 4F, 20 Minami 2-jo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo)