Sunshine Aquarium (with kids)
How Kids-Friendly is Sunshine Aquarium?
What makes it 94% Kids-Friendly: Elementary-age children can cheer sea-lion tricks, penguin feeds, and join paid backstage tours; lifts, toilets, and stroller bays help parents, though souvenirs and snacks raise costs.
Positives:
- Family Facilities: Baby-care rooms, stroller parking, and elevators on every floor make visits smoother.
- Indoor Comfort: Most exhibits are climate-controlled, making naps or breaks easy during bad weather.
Challenges:
- Weekend Crowds: Shows fill quickly on weekends—plan arrival times around performance slots.
- Wet Floors: Areas around touch tanks and displays can be slippery—watch younger children closely.
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 with kids?
- Penguins swim overhead in the “Penguin in the Sky” tank
- Sea lions put on kid-friendly performances
- Underwater diver shows bring kids close to marine life
- Indoor paths and baby-care rooms ease visits with young children
Recommended visit duration: 2-3 hours
Why 2-3 hours visit duration is ideal for with kids: Allows time for exhibits, shows, and a relaxed break in the café without rushing the kids.
Kids-Friendly Activities in Sunshine Aquarium
Penguin in the Sky:
Watch African penguins swim in a glass tank that overhangs the city.
Tip: Visit early to avoid crowds and catch penguin feedings at set times.
Sea Lion Performance:
See trainers and sea lions perform tricks on the open stage.
Tip: Check the daily schedule on arrival and arrive 10 minutes early for front-row spots.
Underwater Performance:
Watch divers feed fish inside the large Sunshine Lagoon tank.
Tip: Stand close to the glass at floor level for the best view of divers and fish.
Jellyfish Wonderland:
Walk through a tunnel surrounded by glowing jellyfish.
Tip: Dim lighting makes the display pop—let kids use their phone cameras with flash off.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Sunshine Aquarium
- Buy Tickets Online: Skip the entrance line by purchasing e-tickets in advance.
- Grab the Show Schedule: Pick up the daily performance board on arrival to plan your route.
- Early Visit: Arrive at opening to enjoy quieter exhibits and cooler rooftop views.
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 the rooftop Marine Garden can get hot—visit early or late afternoon. In winter bring a light jacket for the open-air penguin area.
Explore These Activities
Typical Budget for a Family of 4 (2 Adults + 2 Kids)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| 2 Adult tickets | JPY 4,800 |
| 2 Child tickets | JPY 1,400 |
| Snacks at café | JPY 800 |
| Total Estimated | JPY 7,000 |
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
Map will load when you scroll here
Scroll down to view the interactive map
Looking for other Things to Do besides Sunshine Aquarium (Tokyo)?
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
🇺🇸 United States, with kids
🇬🇧 United Kingdom, with kids
How You Can Support Us
If our website helps you, please support us by booking your travel needs through this link: Book Flights, Hotels, Activities on Trip.com - New App User Promo up to 10% OFF. We may earn a small affiliate commission - at no extra cost to you!
It's a simple way to help us keep the site running and improving for everyone. Thanks for your support!