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Sapporo, with kids, Things to Do
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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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)

Positives:

  • Complimentary shows and exhibits: All marine shows and main tank exhibits are included in admission.
  • Easy baby facilities: Free stroller rental and nursing rooms support families with young children.

Challenges:

  • Steep outdoor paths: The path to the marine mammal park is steep and may be slippery when wet.
  • Limited ride height: Some mini-park rides require minimum height; toddlers may not qualify.

What is so special about Otaru Aquarium for with kids?

  1. Multiple free marine shows appeal to kids of all ages.
  2. Interactive petting area lets children touch sea stars and conchs.
  3. Penguin hikes offer unique up-close wildlife experience.
  4. Paid seal feeding and park rides add extra family fun.
  5. On-site baby facilities make it easy for families with toddlers.
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Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Enough time to see main exhibits, attend shows, feed seals, and try a ride without rushing young children.

(View Otaru Aquarium on Map)

Kids-Friendly Activities in Otaru Aquarium

Dolphin & Sea Lion Shows:

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

Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early for front-row seats.

Penguin Hike:

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

Tip: Check show times at the entrance and arrive early to join.

Sawatte Ezone Petting Area:

Touch starfish, sea urchins, and other sea creatures under staff guidance.

Tip: Have kids wash hands before and after touching.

Seal Feeding Experience:

Buy a bucket of fish to feed harbor seals up close.

Tip: Head there after the morning show to avoid lines.

Mini-Amusement Park Rides:

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

Tip: Buy an 11-ticket strip for 1,000¥ for best value.

Content Notice: Some content on this page may be written with the assistance of AI tools. We regularly update to ensure accuracy and relevance. Help Us Improve

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

ItemCost (Approx.)
Admission (2 adults, 1 child)JPY 3,800
Seal feeding bucketJPY 1,000
Amusement park ride ticketsJPY 1,000
Lunch at aquarium cafeJPY 4,400
Total EstimatedJPY 10,200

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

When is the best time to visit Otaru Aquarium?

Penguin Hike runs March–October. In winter, focus on indoor exhibits like the 360° Okhotsk Sea tank for warmer viewing.

How to Maximize Your Visit to Otaru Aquarium

  1. Check show schedule online: View daily show times on the aquarium website to plan your visit.
  2. Visit petting area early: Arrive when it opens to avoid crowds and ensure a hands-on experience.

Map of Otaru Aquarium

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

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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 ...

← 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

Price starts from

US$ 12.23
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Price starts from

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