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 around 250 different species of creatures, including porpoises, which are the only species kept at Otaru Aquarium in Japan. In addition to performances by penguins, seals, dolphins, and sea lions, there are also plenty of shows, such as sea lion diving.
Otaru Aquarium will celebrate its 50th anniversary on July 14, 2024. It also has an amusement park and restaurant, so you can enjoy the whole day with your family and friends.
Recently, the zoo has been getting a lot of attention for its humorous initiatives, such as the "Seasonal Delicious Food Tank," which displays edible creatures, and a penguin show in which the penguins refuse to listen to anything the zookeepers say.
Business Hours
■Winter: December 14th (Saturday) - February 24th, 2025 (Monday, holiday) 10:00 - 16:00
■Regular period: March 15, 2025 (Saturday) to November 24, 2025 (Monday/Sunday)
・March 15, 2025 (Sat) - October 15, 2025 (Wed) 9:00-17:00
・October 16, 2025 (Thursday) - November 24, 2025 (Monday) 9:00 - 16:00
*Last admission is 30 minutes before closing
*Business hours may change during Golden Week, Obon, etc.
regular closing day
*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
・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 is free
・Normal: High school students and above 1,800 yen / Elementary and junior high school students 700 yen / 3 years old and above 350 yen *Parking fee applies
parking lot
Available (charged)
*Free during winter operating period
Location
Otaru Aquarium, 3-303 Shukutsu, Otaru City
・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 ticket sets (JR + bus + admission ticket) are on sale at major JR Hokkaido station travel centers (Twinkle Plaza).
■Hokkaido Chuo Bus: Otaru (0134)25-3333 Sapporo (011)231-0500
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.
*Information listed is current as of December 2024.
*The information posted may be subject to change, so please check the official website for details.
