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Japan/Things to Do in Sapporo, with kids

Otaru Aquarium (with kids)

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How Kids-Friendly is Otaru Aquarium?

89%Kids-Friendly
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What makes it 89% Kids-Friendly: Children up to 12 can touch starfish, feed seals, and cheer dolphin jumps, then spend pocket money on 100-¥ rides, keeping them engaged for half a day. Staff explanations aid safety.

Google
Reviews4.3/ 5
(from 6,904 reviews)
Otaru Aquarium Seal Show - Hokkaido Japan
8 min
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Otaru Aquarium Seal Show - Hokkaido Japan
13.4K views • 9 months ago
OTARU Aqaurium Hokkaido 🇯🇵 JAPAN
8 min
Start from:
0:00
OTARU Aqaurium Hokkaido 🇯🇵 JAPAN
8.5K views • 9 months ago
Otaru Aquarium Sea Lion Show Hokkaido Japan
4 min
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Otaru Aquarium Sea Lion Show Hokkaido Japan
7.8K views • 9 months ago

Positives:

  • Family-Friendly Facilities: Free stroller rental and nursing rooms make it easy to care for young children.
  • Interactive Animal Experiences: Multiple shows and petting areas let kids touch and feed marine animals.

Challenges:

  • Outdoor Paths: The path to the marine-mammal park is steep; bring a stroller or use the cart service.
  • Showtime Crowds: Popular animal shows fill seats quickly; arrive early to secure space.
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🏖️ Explore Otaru Aquarium with a local guide: GetYourGuide's 10 BEST Activities and Tours around Otaru Aquarium. Local guides know the hidden gems you'd otherwise miss, read what other travelers experienced, and book easily.

What is Otaru Aquarium?

  • A seaside aquarium showcasing over 5,000 animals across 250 cold- and temperate-water species
  • A research and conservation facility housing rare marine mammals, including Japan’s only harbor porpoises along with walruses, seals, and sea lions
  • An architectural ensemble combining expansive indoor tanks with outdoor pools and marine mammal stadiums set on the Sea of Japan shoreline

What is so special about Otaru Aquarium for with kids?

  1. Catch daily dolphin, seal, and sea lion performances.
  2. Join Penguin Time March–October for a unique stroll.
  3. Let kids touch sea creatures in the petting area.
  4. Feed seals up close with a small fish bucket.
  5. Enjoy mini-amusement rides just outside the aquarium.

Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours

Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: 3-4 hours lets you catch key shows, explore exhibits, and enjoy the mini-park without rushing.

(View Otaru Aquarium on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in Otaru Aquarium

Dolphin & Sea Lion Show:

Watch dolphins jump and sea lions perform tricks at Dolphin Stadium.

Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early for front-row seats; shows run daily at set times.

Penguin Time:

See Humboldt penguins walk from their pool to the sea in small groups.

Tip: Check the schedule at the info desk and stand along the railing for the best view.

Sawatte Ezone Petting Area:

Touch starfish, sea urchins, and conchs under staff supervision.

Tip: Have kids wear short sleeves and wash hands before and after touching.

Seal Feeding Experience:

Buy a fish bucket to feed seals up close in the Marine Mammal Park.

Tip: Bring a small towel for dripping water and note feeding times posted at the entrance.

Mini-Amusement Park Rides:

Ride the Ferris wheel or Viking ship next to the aquarium for ocean views.

Tip: Purchase tickets at the booth next door; each ride costs ¥100.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Otaru Aquarium

  1. Plan Show Schedule: Pick up the daily event times at the entrance and map out your route to avoid backtracking.
  2. Use Facilities Early: Grab a stroller at the front entrance before crowds build and store jackets in lockers.
  3. Snack Smart: Bring small snacks for kids or eat early at the café overlooking the sea to skip the lunch rush.
🏖️ Tour Otaru Aquarium like a local: GetYourGuide's Top 10 Activities and Tours in Otaru Aquarium. Local experts uncover hidden treasures you'd never find alone, browse authentic traveler reviews, and book your perfect adventure hassle-free.

Reviews of Otaru Aquarium

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Yuki

Yuki

Aug 2025

An interesting aquarium with lots of sea creatures to look at. Penguins and seals were a delight. I kind of feel that the dolphins' pool was too small for these magnificent mammals. Like whales, sharks and sea turtles, they belong in the ocean. There's a good restaurant, but it was loud and crowded. I think it was a holiday or there were simply too many tourists about.

Zoey Zhu

Zoey Zhu

Aug 2025

We regret we just found out this amazing aquarium this summer! I agree with the previous reviews about not too much but everything is excellent! 1. Check their website for activities timetable. 2. The shows are amazing! 3. We get to feed the seals outside of the aquarium. 1000yen vs 500yen 4. Touching areas have a wide variety selections in marine life. 5. If you didn’t get to see all the things s...

Sawit Khosittham

Sawit Khosittham

Aug 2025

Rephrased and Corrected Text This is an old aquarium with a marine mammal area that features shows. While the aquarium itself isn't very big, I was amazed by the size of the animals; they're huge! The marine mammal area has shows with walruses, seals, penguins, and sea lions. Some of the animals seemed too lazy to perform, but the trainers didn't force them, which I thought was a nice touch. They ...

Lixia Day

Lixia Day

Jul 2025

the exhibition is not very big but educational with a good collection of rare species. The shows are entertaining especially the penguins going to picnic. It is a perfect sized aquarium ; you get enough but not exhausted. There are not computer simulations nor games to attract children, only real natural things. So don’t need to worry about screens. 👏

EE -

EE -

Jun 2025

Although it was a little crowded, it was still such a fun experience! You even get to buy fish to feed the sea lion – definitely a highlight. Not to forget the penguin walk, which was super cute to watch! Just a heads-up: people start gathering really early, so it’s hard to get a good spot unless you’re there ahead of time haha. Overall, a fun and memorable visit – great for families and animal ...

When is the best time to visit Otaru Aquarium (Sapporo, Japan)?

Between March and October, catch outdoor Penguin Time; in winter, focus on indoor exhibits and dolphin shows to stay warm.

✈️ Ready to go? Check the latest flight deals to Sapporo on Trip.com

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Admission (2 adults, 1 child 6–12)JPY 4,000
Seal feeding bucket (small)JPY 500
Amusement park rides (4 tickets)JPY 400
Lunch (2 adults, 2 kids)JPY 4,400
Total EstimatedJPY 9,300

Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.

Content Notice: This content combines editorial expertise with AI assistance to ensure comprehensive and up-to-date information. Our team regularly curates and reviews all content for accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

Map of Otaru Aquarium

Address: 3-chōme-303 Shukutsu, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0047, Japan

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Looking for other Things to Do besides Otaru Aquarium (Sapporo)?

← See other Things to Do in Sapporo (with kids)

About Otaru Aquarium

Opening Hours

Monday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Tuesday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Wednesday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Thursday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Friday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Sunday:9:00 AM – 5:00 PM

Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.

Website

Official Website

Phone Number

+81 134-33-1400

Average price

US$ 11.79
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Average price

US$ 11.79
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