📝 1. Overview
Perched on a cliffside overlooking Ishikari Bay, Otaru Aquarium is a family-friendly attraction blending marine education with outdoor charm. Unlike modern glassy aquariums, this one has a nostalgic feel—with vintage signage, close-up animal encounters, and seasonal outdoor zones. Featuring over 70 species from Hokkaido’s icy waters and beyond, it’s also home to unique outdoor exhibits like penguins waddling through snow and seals swimming in natural tide pools. Perfect for kids, couples, and wildlife lovers seeking a more intimate marine experience.
🌟 2. Highlights
🐧 Penguin Walks (Winter) – Watch adorable penguins waddle outdoors in the snow
🦭 Seal Pool by the Sea – Seals swim in natural seawater tanks with ocean views
🎪 Daily Animal Shows – Dolphins, sea lions, and penguins perform with trainers
🐟 Coldwater Fish Tanks – Salmon, wolffish, and species native to Hokkaido
🦈 Shark & Ray Tank – See deep-sea predators from below
🦐 Touch Pools – Hands-on experience with sea stars and crabs
🌅 Cliffside Ocean Views – Scenic photo spots overlooking the bay
💡 3. Tips
📸 Best Photo Spots:
- Outdoor penguin trail in winter – snow + penguins = 🐧❄️✨
- Seal pool at sunset with ocean backdrop
- Dolphin show with splash zone excitement
🕰️ Best time to visit:
- Winter (Dec–Feb) for penguin walks
- Weekdays for fewer crowds
- Summer for access to outdoor Marine Park zone
🧤 Dress warmly in colder months—some exhibits are outside
🍱 Bring snacks or eat at the on-site cafeteria
🎫 Combo tickets with nearby attractions sometimes available
🍽️ 4. Nearby Eats – Top 3 Around the Aquarium Area
- Marine Café (on-site)
🍛 Curry rice, udon, and kid-friendly meals
📍 Inside Otaru Aquarium
🕒 10:00 AM – 4:30 PM
🚶 Best for lunch during your visit - Otaru Shokudo Misaki
🍣 Fresh seafood rice bowls with ocean views
📍3-228 Shukutsu, Otaru
🕒 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🚶 5 min walk from the aquarium - Shukutsu Panorama Café
🍰 Cakes & coffee with panoramic bay views
📍3-226 Shukutsu, Otaru
🕒 10:00 AM – 5:00 PM
🚶 7 min walk from the aquarium
🍽️ 4B. Sub-Zone Picks – Explore Around the Aquarium
🌊 Aquarium Grounds
- Main Indoor Aquarium – Over 70 species in themed tanks
- Outdoor Marine Park (summer only) – Sea lions & feeding shows
- Natural Tide Pools – Seal exhibit using real seawater
🧭 Shukutsu Area
- Otaru Lighthouse Viewpoint – Iconic coastal shot
- Nishin Goten (Herring Mansion) – Historical fishing industry museum
- Shukutsu Panorama Café – Hidden gem with a view
🎟️ Kid-Friendly Zone
- Touch Pool – Safe and fun marine encounters
- Seal & Penguin Zones – Close-up views great for kids
- Dolphin Show – Interactive fun with splash warning zones
🚗 5. Access
📍 From Otaru Station
🚌 25-min ride on the Chuo Bus #10 to Otaru Aquarium stop
🚗 ~20 minutes by car
📍 From Otaru Canal / Sakaimachi Street
🚌 Bus available near Marchen Cross area
🚗 ~15–20 minutes drive
📍 From Sapporo
🚆 Train to Otaru Station → Bus to Aquarium (~1.5 hours total)
🚗 ~1 hour 20 minutes drive
📍 Local Travel
🚶 Walking not recommended from city center (too far)
🚗 Free parking available on-site
🚌 Bus runs regularly during open season