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Japan/Things to Do in Sapporo, solo trip

Otaru Aquarium (solo trip)

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How Solo-Friendly is Otaru Aquarium?

80%Solo-Friendly
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What makes it 80% Solo-Friendly: A solo visitor can linger at rare porpoise tanks, catch dolphin, penguin, and seal shows, and buy a seal-feeding bucket freely, but limited English signs and family crowds may reduce depth of learning.

Google
Reviews4.3/ 5
(from 6,904 reviews)
Otaru Aquarium Seal Show - Hokkaido Japan
8 min
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0:00
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
Start from:
0:00
Otaru Aquarium Sea Lion Show Hokkaido Japan
7.8K views • 5 months ago

Positives:

  • Easy Solo Navigation: Clear one-way routes let you move at your own pace without lines.
  • English Signage: Most tanks and show times are labeled in English and Japanese.

Challenges:

  • Steep Outdoor Path: The walk to the Marine Mammal Park is uphill and can be slippery when wet.
  • Limited Solo Dining: Café seating is mostly tables for groups; bring a small snack for breaks.
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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 solo trip?

  1. Explore unique cold-sea species in quiet solo sessions
  2. Enjoy close-up animal shows with front-row opportunities
  3. Interact hands-on at the Petting Area
  4. Join the Penguin Hike for a coastal wildlife walk
  5. Feed seals for memorable solo photo moments

Recommended visit duration: 3-4 hours

Why 3-4 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Gives time to explore exhibits and enjoy animal shows without hurrying.

(View Otaru Aquarium on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in Otaru Aquarium

Main Aquarium Exhibits:

Explore 50 indoor tanks with 250 local and cold-water species.

Tip: Start at the Okhotsk Sea tank to avoid crowds later in the day.

Dolphin & Sea Lion Shows:

Watch trainers demonstrate high jumps and tricks at Dolphin Stadium.

Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early for a front-row camera-friendly spot.

Penguin Hike:

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

Tip: Check times on the notice board; the path is short and scenic.

Sawatte Ezone Petting Area:

Touch starfish and sea urchins under staff guidance.

Tip: Join the 1:45 PM session for quieter interaction with creatures.

Seal Feeding Experience:

Buy a bucket of fish to feed seals in the outdoor Marine Mammal Park.

Tip: Use 500 ¥ bucket for better photo angles with one seal at a time.

How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Otaru Aquarium

  1. Use Early Entry: Arrive at opening to catch the first shows with fewer visitors.
  2. Follow the Show Schedule: Grab a printed schedule at the entrance to plan your route efficiently.
🏖️ 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)?

April–October offers daily Penguin Hike events. In winter, focus on indoor exhibits like the 360° Okhotsk Sea tank and harbor porpoises for a warmer visit.

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

Explore These Activities

Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Admission (Adult)JPY 1,300
Seal feeding bucketJPY 500
Snack at caféJPY 500
Total EstimatedJPY 2,300

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)?

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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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