Top 10 Must-Visit Aquariums in Tokyo & Nearby Areas

Aquariums are popular attractions in Japan, and Tokyo and its surrounding areas offer 10 must-visit aquariums, each with unique charm and seasonal events. As an island nation, Japan has a deep connection to marine life, making these aquariums perfect for exploring this fascinating world. With playful penguins, dolphin and sea lion shows, they are ideal for families, couples, and friends.

Many feature indoor exhibits, so you don’t have to worry about the weather, making them great for cooling off or staying dry during Japan’s hot summers. We’ve selected the top 10 aquariums in Tokyo and nearby areas that are easy to reach and perfect for your sightseeing plans. Even without speaking Japanese, you’ll have a great time, especially with the convenience of purchasing tickets in advance.

Top 6 Must-Visit Aquariums in Tokyo

The aquariums in central Tokyo are conveniently located in popular tourist areas, including Shinagawa, Ikebukuro, Ginza, and the Tokyo Skytree area.

You don’t need to go out of your way to visit an aquarium and shopping, dining, and other attractions are all nearby, making it easy to plan your itinerary. So, let’s set off on an exciting adventure and explore Tokyo’s aquariums!

1. Shinagawa Aquarium

(Photo: LIVE JAPAN article #a0005111)

Shinagawa Aquarium is located in Shinagawa Kumin Park in Tokyo and has been a beloved marine life center since opening in 1991. In addition to marine exhibits, the aquarium features dolphin and sea lion shows, and visitors can even feed seals and otters. It’s a favorite spot among Tokyo locals. A quick tour of the aquarium takes about an hour and a half, and there are also restaurants, cafes, and gift shops where you can enjoy and purchase exclusive Shinagawa Aquarium merchandise. In February 2024, a baby sea lion was born, so don’t miss the chance to see this adorable new arrival!

Getting there is easy: take the Keikyu Main Line to Omori Kaigan Station and walk for 8 minutes. It’s also convenient to reach from Tokyo Station. After visiting the aquarium, you can take a leisurely stroll in Shinagawa Kumin Park for a relaxing break in the bustling city. It’s an ideal outing for families with children.

Note that Shinagawa Aquarium is scheduled to operate until 2026, after which it will undergo major renovations and is expected to reopen with a fresh new look in 2027. During the summer vacation period in August, there are slight changes to the operating hours, so be sure to check the official website for the latest schedule to avoid any inconvenience.

(*There are two aquariums in Shinagawa: Shinagawa Aquarium and Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa. They are different facilities, so make sure you confirm which one you plan to visit.)

2. Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa

(Photo: Klook)

Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa is a modern aquarium that highlights digital displays combining marine life with lights, music, and visuals. The aquarium uses colorful lighting to transform the tanks into moving works of art, creating an magically immersive l experience. A must-see is the dolphin show set on a 360-degree stage, where the light and water choreography change with the dolphins’ leaps — it’s breathtakingly beautiful. There are also smaller shows featuring otters, seals, and penguins, so be sure to check the schedule for each performance when you arrive.

Located on the 1st and 2nd floors of the Shinagawa Prince Hotel, it’s just a 2-minute walk from JR Shinagawa Station’s Takanawa Exit. While the aquarium isn’t very large, it offers a rich, exciting experience and is highly rated by international tourists for its convenience and content. However, note that Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa and Shinagawa Aquarium are different facilities, so make sure you know which one you’re planning to visit to avoid any confusion.

3. Sunshine Aquarium

(Photos: Klook, kkday)

Sunshine Aquarium is a must-visit spot located on the top floor of Ikebukuro’s Sunshine City complex. It’s home to popular marine animals like otters, penguins, sea lions, seals, jellyfish, and garden eels. One of the highlights is the outdoor circular tank, where you can look up and watch penguins and sea lions swimming above you — a particularly fascinating sight on sunny days with just a few clouds, making it seem like they’re flying!

The aquarium regularly hosts special exhibitions, such as the popular “Toxic Exhibit,” which showcases poisonous creatures, and collaborations with well-known Japanese works. Each visit offers something new and exciting. You can also enjoy shopping and exploring within Sunshine City before or after your aquarium visit, making it a perfect location for a full day out.

4. Sumida Aquarium at Tokyo Skytree

(Photo: LIVE JAPAN article #a0003372)

You might be surprised to learn that there’s actually an aquarium inside Tokyo Skytree! Sumida Aquarium is located on the 5th and 6th floors of Tokyo Skytree Town and Solamachi. It features a variety of marine life, including penguins, jellyfish, sea lions, rays, coral reefs, and garden eels. One unique highlight is the “Edorium” area, where about 20 types of goldfish are displayed using traditional Japanese techniques, creating a stunning visual with their vibrant, graceful movements.

Sumida Aquarium also provides seating in front of the tanks, so you can sit down and relax while you enjoy the exhibits, making it easy on your feet.

What’s even better is the aquarium’s extended hours: it’s open until 8 PM on weekdays and 9 PM on weekends and holidays. Visiting in the evening allows visitors to see the animals in a more relaxed state, which is a special experience not offered at other aquariums. With Tokyo Skytree Observatory, Sumida Aquarium, and Solamachi all in one place, it’s a superb destination for a full day of fun and exploration — definitely a must-visit!

5. Tokyo Sea Life Park

(Photo: PIXTA)

Tokyo Sea Life Park is nestled along scenic Tokyo Bay and has been a staple attraction for 35 years. The standout feature is its striking glass dome entrance, which looks like a shining gem under the blue sky and white clouds. Inside, the aquarium is divided into various ecological zones, including tropical coral reefs and cold-water areas. The large tank with schools of tuna and the penguin habitat are particularly captivating. While there isn’t a dolphin show, you can still enjoy interactive touch areas with sea cucumbers and starfish, which are a lot of fun.

Admission is quite affordable at just 700 yen for adults, and there’s a large Ferris wheel nearby. You can even get a discount with your Ferris wheel ticket. To get there from Tokyo Station, take the JR Keiyo Line to Kasai Rinkai Park Station, which is just a 5-minute walk away. It’s also close to Tokyo Disney Resort, so if you’re heading to Disney, you can easily fit in a visit to the aquarium before or after your trip.

6. Art Aquarium Museum GINZA

(Photo: LIVE JAPAN article #a0005334)

Art Aquarium Museum GINZA is a trendy new spot that blends art with the aquarium experience. Since opening in May 2022, it has gained widespread attention. The museum combines goldfish with traditional Japanese cultural symbols like origami, screens, kimono, and bonsai. Each exhibit is thoughtfully designed with unique lighting, sounds, and scents, offering a fresh and immersive experience with every step. It’s also a great place for photos, and you can see rare and unusual goldfish, satisfying both visual and emotional senses.

Conveniently located in the Ginza district, it’s on the 9th floor of Ginza Mitsukoshi Department Store. It’s perfect for a visit before or after shopping, or as a great spot to escape the rain. The combination of goldfish and Japanese culture creates a unique experience that feels like strolling through an art exhibition. Whether you’re into snapping Instagram-worthy shots, looking for a stylish spot, or want to explore a different side of Japanese culture, this place is a must-visit.

4 Recommended Aquariums Near Tokyo (Kanagawa and Chiba Prefectures)

Next, let’s explore aquariums that you can reach from Tokyo in under two hours. Popular destinations like Yokohama, Hakone, and Kamakura are already well-known among tourists, and their aquariums offer a different atmosphere compared to those in central Tokyo.

Some even feature rare attractions, drawing plenty of visitors. Whether you’re combining a visit to these areas with other sightseeing plans or making a special trip to explore their marine parks, you’ll have a fantastic time!

7. Yokohama Hakkeijima Sea Paradise (Kanagawa)

(Photos: KKday)

Hakkeijima Sea Paradise in Yokohama is a large, multi-themed park located in Kanagawa Prefecture. It features four aquariums, various amusement park rides, shopping, and dining options. It’s just a little over an hour from Tokyo. Here, you can see popular marine life such as dolphins, sharks, tropical fish, jellyfish, and penguins. The lively dolphin shows and spectacular sardine feeding displays are particularly impressive, making it a great destination for families.

The park also offers a range of thrilling rides, including a marine-themed roller coaster, a pirate ship, and white-water rafting, which are perfect for adventure seekers. In the summer, there’s a fantastic fireworks display. It’s less crowded than typical city fireworks events, so it’s definitely worth checking out. Additionally, the park itself is free to enter; you’ll only need to pay if you want to visit the aquariums or go on the rides. It’s a great spot just to wander around and enjoy the atmosphere.

8. Enoshima Aquarium (Kanagawa)

(Photos: Klook)

Located in Kamakura, Enoshima Aquarium is a local favorite in Kanagawa, that celebrated its 20th anniversary in April 2024. It features various themed exhibits, including the Sagami Bay marine life, the mysteries of the deep sea in Deep Sea I, and the stunning jellyfish display in the Jellyfish Fantasy Hall. There’s also a dolphin performance area and opportunities to get up close with adorable animals like capybaras and otters. The interactive animal zones add even more to explore.

The views from the aquarium are beautiful, and on clear days, you might even catch a glimpse of Mount Fuji!

You can reach the aquarium conveniently by taking a rapid train from Shinjuku Station in Tokyo, which takes about 62 minutes. From Katase-Enoshima Station, it’s just a 3-minute walk. It’s easy to combine a visit with a stroll through Kamakura’s old streets or a tour of local temples. Whether you’re visiting with kids or on a date, it’s a great addition to your Kamakura itinerary.

9. Hakone-en Aquarium (Kanagawa)

(Photos: Klook)

Hakone-en Aquarium is a hidden gem nestled in nature at an elevation of 723 meters. The aquarium is divided into three areas: the Freshwater Hall, the Marine Hall, and the Baikal Seal Plaza. It features a diverse range of marine life, including green sea turtles, manta rays, emperor penguins, jellyfish, and otters.

The feeding shows in the large tanks are a highlight, as divers enter the water to feed the fish, augmented by the beautiful, sparkling effect of the sunlight. There’s also a unique seal feeding show, where the seals look as if they’re soaking in hot springs, offering a super cute and therapeutic scene.

Nearby attractions include Lake Ashi cruise boats, the Hakone Prince Shopping Plaza, the Hakone Komagatake Ropeway, and the Kuzuryu Shrine. Exploring these spots is highly recommended too.

Aquarium admission is reasonably priced (1,600 yen for adults and 800 yen for children ages 4 and up), and you can get a discount if you stay at the Hakone Lake Ashi Prince Hotel. It’s an excellent destination for a family outing. Just remember that Hakone’s higher altitude means it can be a bit cooler, so be sure to bring a jacket.

10. Kamogawa Sea World (Chiba)

(Photo: LIVE JAPAN article #a0005110)

Located on the Boso Peninsula in Chiba Prefecture, Kamogawa Sea World is one of the most famous marine parks in the Kanto region. It’s not only known for its diverse range of animals but also for its rare orca shows. The massive orcas perform impressive jumps guided by their trainers, creating huge splashes that really engage the audience — definitely a must-see at Kamogawa Sea World.

In addition to the orcas, the park offers classic Japanese aquarium attractions like dolphin and sea lion shows and other interactive experiences. There’s also a themed restaurant where you can dine while watching the orcas and a souvenir shop. It’s a fun experience for visitors of all ages, and there’s a themed hotel nearby, making it a great option for a relaxing overnight stay.

Getting to Kamogawa Sea World from Tokyo is fairly straightforward. It takes about 2 hours by train: take the JR line from Tokyo Station to Awa-Kamogawa Station, then transfer to a free shuttle bus. Alternatively, you can join a day tour that includes transportation to Kamogawa Sea World, which is convenient for a hassle-free, laid-back outing.

Don’t Let the Weather Ruin Your Tokyo Trip! Enjoy the Beauty and Fun of Marine Life Even if You Don’t Speak the Language

Even though some aquariums have outdoor areas, most are mainly indoors so you won’t have to worry about bad weather ruining your plans. In the summer, you can enjoy the cool air conditioning, and in the winter, you’ll stay warm inside. For families and those concerned about the weather, these aquariums are fantastic spots that are both reliable and fun! Many of the recommended aquariums offer online ticket purchases, which not only saves time but are often discounted compared to buying at the gate.

*This information is current as of June 2024 and may vary from actual conditions.

*Animal exhibits and show details are for reference only; please check on-site for the latest information.