SPOT
An aquarium surrounded by nature where seals and sea lions are kept in an enclosed environment just like the Sea of Japan.
The aquarium exhibits about 250 species of creatures, including porpoises, which are the only ones kept at Otaru Aquarium in Japan. There are also plenty of performances by penguins, seals, dolphins, and more. There is also an amusement park and restaurant, so you can have fun all day with your family and friends.
公式サイト おたるぽーたる｜小樽観光協会Business Hours
■Regular period: March 15th (Sat) - November 24th (Mon)
・March 15th (Sat) - October 15th (Wed) 9:00-17:00
・October 16th (Thursday) - November 24th (Monday) 9:00 - 16:00
■Night extension
July 19th (Saturday) - July 21st (Monday), September 13th (Saturday) - September 15th (Monday), September 20th (Saturday) - September 21st (Sunday)
9:00～20:00
■Winter: December 13th (Saturday) - February 23rd (Monday), 2026 10:00-16:00
*Last admission is 30 minutes before closing
*Business hours may change during Golden Week, Obon, etc.
<Amusement park> April 24th (Thursday) - October 13th (Monday/holiday) 10:00-17:00
regular closing day
February 25th (Tuesday) - March 14th (Friday), November 25th (Monday) - December 12th (Friday)
*Open every day during business hours and during the New Year holidays
*The marine mammal park and amusement park are closed during the winter season.
Fee
・Regular tickets: High school students and above 1,800 yen / Elementary and junior high school students 700 yen / 3 years old and above 350 yen
・Winter: High school students and above 1,300 yen / Elementary and junior high school students 500 yen / 3 years old and above 300 yen
parking lot
Available (charged)
*Free during winter operating period
Location
3-303 Shukutsu, Otaru City
Access
・About 60-70 minutes by car from Sapporo
・About 20 minutes by car from Otaru
・After getting off at JR Otaru Station, transfer to the Hokkaido Chuo Bus bound for the Aquarium
*Otaru Aquarium set tickets (JR + bus + admission ticket) are on sale at major JR Hokkaido station travel centers (Twinkle Plaza).
■Hokkaido Chuo Bus
Departing from JR Otaru Station → Aquarium bound. Departing from bus stop 3 at Otaru Station Bus Terminal, there are two routes: one around the sea and one around the mountains.
*The aquarium admission fee is discounted when you use an Otaru City 1-Day Pass. There is also a discounted set ticket that includes a round-trip bus ticket from Sapporo and admission ticket.
*The information listed is current as of May 2025.
*The information posted may be subject to change, so please check the official website for details.
