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Sapporo, solo trip, Things to Do
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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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)

Positives:

  • Self-Paced Exploration: Wide indoor exhibits let you move at your own pace without group pressure.
  • Photo-Friendly Layout: Multiple viewing windows and clear signage make solo photography easy.

Challenges:

  • Japanese Announcements: Show explanations are mostly in Japanese; bring a translation app.
  • Icy Outdoor Path: The slope to the Marine Mammal Park can be slippery in winter; wear sturdy shoes.

What is so special about Otaru Aquarium for solo trip?

  1. Explore 50+ diverse species at your own pace.
  2. Catch daily dolphin, sea lion, and penguin performances.
  3. Touch local sea creatures in a guided petting area.
  4. Feed seals up close with a small fish bucket.
  5. Take solo-friendly photos in clear, uncrowded viewing spots.
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Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours

Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Covers key shows, touch pools, and seal feeding without rushing.

(View Otaru Aquarium on Map)

Solo-Friendly Activities in Otaru Aquarium

360° Okhotsk Sea Tank:

Walk through a circular tunnel surrounded by Okhotsk Sea species.

Tip: Visit during quieter morning hours to take clear photos without crowds.

Dolphin & Sea Lion Shows:

Watch dolphins’ jumps and sea lions’ tricks at Dolphin Stadium.

Tip: Arrive 10 minutes early for best front-row seating.

Penguin Time:

Observe Humboldt penguins strolling from their pool to the sea.

Tip: Check the daily schedule at the entrance to plan your visit.

Sawatte Ezone Petting Area:

Touch starfish, sea urchins and other Hokkaido sea creatures.

Tip: Stand on marked spots and follow staff instructions to protect animals.

Seal Feeding Experience:

Buy fish to feed harbor or spotted seals up close.

Tip: Bring a sturdy camera to capture seals mid-splash.

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 Solo Traveler (1 Adult)

ItemCost (Approx.)
Adult admissionJPY 1,300
Seal feeding bucketJPY 500
Lunch at cafeJPY 1,000
SouvenirJPY 500
Total EstimatedJPY 3,300

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?

From April to October, attend Penguin Time at set times. In winter, the outdoor path can be icy—wear non-slip shoes.

How to Maximize Your Visit to Otaru Aquarium

  1. Plan Around Show Times: Check show schedules online before arrival to minimize waiting between events.
  2. Use Weekday Visits: Visit on a weekday to avoid weekend crowds and get quieter views.
  3. Download Venue Map: Pick up or download a map to navigate directly to your top exhibits.

Map of Otaru Aquarium

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

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Reviews of Otaru Aquarium

Powered by Google
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 (solo trip)

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

US$ 12.23
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Book on Trip.com
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