Aquariums in Tokyo and Yokohama differ sharply in character. Some are city venues, such as the Skytree Town and Ikebukuro rooftop aquariums and the one in Shinagawa; on an upper floor of a Ginza department store goldfish are displayed as art; and Hakkeijima is an island theme park with rides. Decide the animals, shows and travel distance you want, then choose among the 8 below.
8 recommended activities8 recommended activities
Tokyo · Skytree Town
A city aquarium in Tokyo Skytree Town where penguins and seals swim in one of Japan's largest open indoor tanks. It has an immersive display inspired by the UNESCO-listed Ogasawara sea, a jellyfish exhibit and a penguin café. Maintenance or events can limit entry, so check hours on the official site; flash, selfie sticks and tripods are not allowed.
Tokyo · Ikebukuro
A rooftop aquarium on the World Import Mart Building at Sunshine City, designed as an "oasis in the sky". It holds 37,000 animals of 750 species, including sea otters and penguins; in the roughly 12 m wide overhanging "Sky Penguin" tank, African penguins seem to fly above the city. There is an outdoor sea lion show, and entry is for a chosen time slot.
Tokyo · Shinagawa
A high-tech entertainment aquarium in central Tokyo that stages a dolphin show with light and sound. It has a Jellyfish Ramble of lit jellyfish, a touch pool for handling sea creatures, and an evening look with changed colours and lighting. Seasonal exhibits change the line-up with each visit.
Tokyo · Ginza
On the 8th floor of Ginza Mitsukoshi (check-in on the 9th floor of the annex), goldfish are shown in spaces styled with traditional Japanese patterns. A "goldfish corridor" of lit pillars reflecting like mirrors, a lantern path, a bamboo forest and a collaboration with a flower artist follow. Entry is for a chosen time slot; tripods, flash and lighting gear are banned.
Kawasaki · Nisshincho
An aquarium on the top floor of a shopping mall in Kawasaki's Nisshincho, covering aquatic ecosystems from the Tama River to the Amazon, Africa and Asia. It uses lighting, sound and projection mapping that change from day to night, an AI underwater-camera exhibit, and a zone for meeting cats, dogs and small animals. Open 10:00–20:00 (last entry 19:00).
Kanagawa · Enoshima
Schools of fish swim in a large tank recreating Sagami Bay, and jellyfish drift through the lit "Jellyfish Fantasy Hall". A dolphin show is staged against the sea and Enoshima island. Hours vary by season within 09:00–18:00, and shows or some exhibits may be suspended.
Yokohama · Hakkeijima
A marine theme park on one island combining an Aqua Museum, dolphin and sea lion shows, a roller coaster and other rides. It features the 107 m free-fall "Blue Fall" and the sea-front "Surf Coaster", and some rides have height or age limits. There is no re-entry once you leave, so plan a full day.
Yokohama · Yamashitacho
An aquarium built around the theme of luck, starting at an entrance wish pond where goldfish and koi swim and visitors toss wish coins. Thousands of jellyfish drift around the 15 m glass "Lucky Tunnel" to light and music. Open 10:00–17:00 on weekdays and 10:00–18:00 on weekends.
In central Tokyo, choose by shortest travel. Sumida Aquarium shows penguins and seals in one of Japan's largest open indoor tanks; Sunshine Aquarium in Ikebukuro has 37,000 animals of 750 species and the roughly 12 m wide overhanging "Sky Penguin" tank; Maxell in Shinagawa features a dolphin show with light and sound.
For something different, Art Aquarium in Ginza suits you, with a goldfish corridor, a lantern path and a bamboo-forest space, entered in a chosen time slot. Yokohama Fortune Aquarium follows a luck theme, starting with a pond for wish coins and passing a 15 m jellyfish tunnel.
With half a day or more, pick Kawasui Kawasaki (top floor of a mall, from the Tama River to the Amazon), Enoshima Aquarium (a Sagami Bay tank and a dolphin show) or, for a full day, Hakkeijima Sea Paradise, which includes the 107 m free-fall ride "Blue Fall".
Rates and availability depend on dates, guests and selected options. Check the terms on the product page.
