Otaru Aquarium

Otaru Aquarium (おたる水族館), also known as Otaru Marine Palace Aquarium, is a popular tourist attraction located in Otaru, Hokkaido, Japan. The aquarium is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan and offers visitors the chance to see a wide variety of marine life from the region.

The aquarium features several exhibits that showcase the diverse marine life found in the Sea of Japan, including sea otters, seals, dolphins, and various species of fish and sea creatures. One of the highlights of the aquarium is the dolphin show, which is a popular attraction among visitors of all ages.

In addition to the exhibits, the Aquarium also offers several interactive experiences for visitors. The aquarium offers a “touch pool” where visitors can touch and interact with sea creatures such as starfish and sea cucumbers. There is also a “feeding time” program, where visitors can watch as aquarium staff feed the marine animals and learn more about their diets and behaviors.

The Aquarium is also home to a restaurant that offers a variety of seafood dishes, including sushi and sashimi, as well as other Japanese and Western-style cuisine. The restaurant has a beautiful ocean view, making it a popular spot for visitors to relax and enjoy a meal while taking in the scenic surroundings.

Getting there

By Train and Bus

From Sapporo:

1. Take JR train from Sapporo Station to Otaru Station (40 minutes)
2. From Otaru Station, take a bus bound for Otaru Aquarium (25 minutes)
3. Get off at the last stop and walk a short distance to the aquarium

• Total journey time from Sapporo: About 1 hour 15 minutes

By Car

• About 20 minutes drive from Otaru IC on the Sasson Expressway
• Parking available (1,000 spaces, 600 yen fee)

By Bus from Sapporo

• Take an express bus from Sapporo to Otaru Station
• Transfer to a local bus bound for the aquarium

Details

Hours	Regular business hours: Saturday, March 16, 2024 – Sunday, November 24, 2024 Winter hours: Saturday, December 14, 2024 – Monday, February 24, 2025 Extended night hours July 13 (Sat) – July 15 (Mon) September 14 (Saturday) – September 16 (Monday, holiday) September 21 (Saturday) – September 23 (Monday, holiday) Closed Monday, February 26, 2024 – Friday, March 15, 2024 November 25, 2024 (Monday) – December 13, 2024 (Friday)
Admission	Adults: 1,800 yen Children: 700 yen Infants: 350 yen
Phone	+81 134-33-1400
Address	3 Chome-303 Shukutsu, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0047
Official Website	https://otaru-aq.jp/