Sunshine Aquarium (couple trip)
How Couple-Friendly is Sunshine Aquarium?
What makes it 88% Couple-Friendly: Couples enjoy the glowing jellyfish hall and skyline penguin pool for photos, climate-proof indoor routes, and seated café breaks; only peak-hour crowds slightly cut romantic ambience.
Positives:
- Romantic Photo Spots: Dim galleries and rooftop views offer unique couple selfies.
- Skyline Backdrop: Rooftop exhibits showcase Tokyo’s skyline behind marine life.
Challenges:
- Weekend Crowds: Lines form at peak times—expect waits at popular tanks.
- Limited Seating: Few benches near larger tanks—plan to stand or rotate viewing.
What is Sunshine Aquarium?
- A high-rise aquarium positioned atop the Sunshine City complex in Ikebukuro, Tokyo
- A facility that houses some 37,000 marine creatures representing over 750 species, from deep-sea fish to coral reef and subtropical inhabitants
- An architectural concept embodying “Oasis in the Sky,” merging rooftop design with immersive marine habitats against the Tokyo skyline
What is so special about Sunshine Aquarium for couple trip?
- Experience penguins swimming above a city street
- Catch entertaining sea lion and feeding shows
- Enjoy intimate lighting in the Jellyfish Wonderland
- Relax with coffee while watching fish in motion
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for couple trip: Covers main exhibits, shows, and a coffee break without rushing.
Couple-Friendly Activities in Sunshine Aquarium
Penguin in the Sky:
Watch African penguins swim in a 12 m overhanging tank above city streets.
Tip: Visit before sunset for warm light and fewer crowds.
Sea Lion Performance:
See sea lions hoop, somersault, and greet trainers on the open stage.
Tip: Check the daily schedule on arrival and arrive 10 minutes early.
Jellyfish Wonderland:
View glowing jellyfish in a dim gallery—perfect for romantic photos.
Tip: Use your phone’s night mode or a small tripod for sharper shots.
Tully’s Coffee Overlooking Fish:
Enjoy coffee or light bites while watching fish swim by.
Tip: Grab a window seat on the second floor inside the aquarium.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Sunshine Aquarium
- Buy Tickets Online: Skip the ticket queue by purchasing e-tickets in advance.
- Off-Peak Visits: Arrive after 3 pm on weekdays for smaller crowds.
- Check Show Board: Note feeding and performance times on the board near the entrance.
Reviews of Sunshine Aquarium
Shahriar Mohammad Nowshad
Awesome place to enjoy a day with sea creatures inside Tokyo. I loved the big aquarium with different types of fish. It's really nice to see such amazing creatures up close. Recommend for parents with small kids as this would be a fun place to explore for the little humans.
Rav cell
Sunshine Aquarium in Ikebukuro is a unique and enjoyable destination, perfect for families and marine life enthusiasts alike. The rooftop location offers a memorable experience, especially with the “Penguin in the Sky” exhibit where penguins appear to swim through the air with the Tokyo skyline as a backdrop. The aquarium features a diverse collection of over 750 species, including jellyfish, octo...
Enan Riordan
My visit to sunshine aquarium was an extremely depressing experience due to the cruel treatment of their animals. The large animals are kept in enclosures far too small for their size, the sea lion is kept in a glass ring too small for it to turn around in. The pelicans spend their entire time picking at their own feathers, and all of them have their wings clipped to prevent them from flying. All...
Milanie Joy Lee
This is one of the nicest aquariums I have seen. The glasses are very clean so you can clearly see the animals inside the aquarium. There is one area where you can see the penguins swim against a backdrop of buildings across the aquarium. You can also see the pelicans moving around, which was very unique. The aquarium is not that big but houses a good number of species and is just perfect for litt...
Sharanya
Penguins had rashes and were not healthy. Extremely crowded on the weekends and public holiday. Tickets were too expensive. Too many people and cannot view exhibits properly. Need limitation.
When is the best time to visit Sunshine Aquarium (Tokyo, Japan)?
In summer, explore indoor exhibits first to avoid rooftop heat. In winter, visit mid-afternoon when natural light enhances the Penguin in the Sky view.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Couple (2 Adults)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 Adult tickets | JPY 4,800 |
| Premium Feeding Experience (optional) | JPY 2,000 |
| Coffee at Tully’s (2 drinks) | JPY 1,600 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 8,400 |
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 Sunshine Aquarium
Address: Japan, 〒170-8630 Tokyo, Toshima City, Higashiikebukuro, 3-chōme−1−１ サンシャインシティワールドインポートマートビル 屋上
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About Sunshine Aquarium
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Website
Official WebsitePhone Number
+81 3-3989-3466Explore Popular Things to Do
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