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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?

91%Kids-Friendly
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What makes it 91% Kids-Friendly: Kids can touch starfish, feed seals, ride 100-yen Ferris wheel, and cheer at dolphin leaps; flat indoor paths, lockers, and themed kid meals help parents, though the steep marine park slope demands supervision.

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 • 5 months ago
OTARU Aqaurium Hokkaido 🇯🇵 JAPAN
8 min
Start from:
0:00
OTARU Aqaurium Hokkaido 🇯🇵 JAPAN
8.5K views • 5 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 • 5 months ago

Positives:

  • Stroller friendly: Wide indoor aisles and free stroller rentals help families move easily.
  • Show variety: Multiple animal shows run daily, so kids stay engaged between exhibits.

Challenges:

  • Outdoor chill: Windy paths to the Marine Park can be cold; bring windbreakers for kids.
  • Fixed show times: Shows follow strict schedules; missing one means a long wait for the next.
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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. Watch dolphins and sea lions perform exciting tricks.
  2. Join the Penguin Hike for a close-up parade.
  3. Touch sea creatures safely in the interactive pool.
  4. Feed seals and see a comedic walrus feeding.
  5. Ride the nearby Ferris wheel with sea views.

Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours

Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: A 3-4 hour visit covers main exhibits, shows, and a snack break without rushing kids.

(View Otaru Aquarium on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in Otaru Aquarium

Dolphin & Sea Lion Shows:

Watch dolphins leap high and sea lions perform playful tricks.

Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early and grab seats in the shaded front rows.

Penguin Hike:

See Humboldt penguins walk from their pool down to the sea.

Tip: Check the daily schedule at the entrance; shows run March to October.

Touch Pool at Sawatte Ezone:

Let kids touch starfish, sea urchins and other safe sea creatures.

Tip: Have children wash hands before and after and follow staff instructions.

Seal Feeding Experience:

Buy a fish bucket to feed spotted seals up close.

Tip: Get your bucket 15 minutes before feeding time to secure a spot.

Walrus Feeding Time:

Watch staff feed the one-ton walrus with playful commentary.

Tip: Consult the show board for exact feeding times early in the day.

Mini-Amusement Park Rides:

Ride the Ferris wheel or Viking ship next to the aquarium.

Tip: Purchase an 11-ticket booklet for 1,000 ¥ to share across rides.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Otaru Aquarium

  1. Map the schedule: Grab a daily show timetable at the entrance to plan your visit.
  2. Early arrival: Come 30 minutes before opening to beat the crowds at popular tanks.
  3. Lunch timing: Eat at off-peak times around 11 AM or after 1 PM to avoid long lines.
🏖️ 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)?

Penguin Hike runs March–October outdoors. In winter, outdoor areas get icy and windy; dress kids in warm layers.

✈️ 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.)
Adult admission (per person)JPY 1,600
Child admission (per person)JPY 600
Seal feeding bucketJPY 1,000
Kids' lunch plateJPY 1,200
Amusement park ride ticket bookJPY 1,000
Total EstimatedJPY 8,800

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$ 12.23
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Average price

US$ 12.23
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