Sunshine Aquarium Tokyo
Tokyo's unique rooftop aquarium offering marine life views against the city skyline, featuring a famous 'Sky-High Pool'.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Sunshine Aquarium Tokyo
Best Time
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Tokyo's unique rooftop aquarium offering marine life views against the city skyline, featuring a famous 'Sky-High Pool'.
"Picture sealions & penguins swimming over your head in an outdoor aquarium, that's how adorable this aquarium was."
🎯 Book tickets online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing tickets in advance through the official website. :admission_tickets:
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around Sunshine City and the aquarium. :athletic_shoe:
Quick Facts
Hours
Rating
4.2 · 10,258 reviews
Type
Aquarium
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Sky-High Aquarium
Rooftop of Sunshine City
Experience marine life with the city skyline as a backdrop in this unique rooftop aquarium. See penguins and sea lions swim above you!
+1
Penguin and Sea Lion Show
Outdoor Sky-High Pool
Witness playful penguins and sea lions in their element, swimming in the open-air pool with the sky above. A truly memorable sight!
+1
Tropical Jungle Zone
Indoor Exhibits
Explore a diverse collection of tropical fish and unique marine creatures in beautifully designed tanks.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Book Tickets in Advance
Allocate Sufficient Time
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book tickets online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing tickets in advance through the official website. :admission_tickets:
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around Sunshine City and the aquarium. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the sky pool
The outdoor pool with animals swimming overhead is a must-photograph spot! :camerawithflash:
⏳ Allow ample time
Plan for at least half a day to explore the aquarium and the surrounding Sunshine City complex.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book tickets online
Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing tickets in advance through the official website. :admission_tickets:
👟 Wear comfortable shoes
You'll be doing a lot of walking around Sunshine City and the aquarium. :athletic_shoe:
📸 Capture the sky pool
The outdoor pool with animals swimming overhead is a must-photograph spot! :camerawithflash:
⏳ Allow ample time
Plan for at least half a day to explore the aquarium and the surrounding Sunshine City complex.
📱 Check operating hours
Hours can vary by season, so confirm before your visit.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Sunshine Aquarium is praised for its unique rooftop location and the captivating 'Sky-High Pool' experience, offering a novel way to view marine life against the Tokyo skyline. While some visitors find it a bit small for the price and note that facilities could be more modern, its distinctive concept and diverse exhibits make it a memorable visit for many.
"I especially loved the outdoor zone — the seals and penguins were so cute and playful! The clear water and transparent glass tanks made it easy to enjoy watching them up close.
The indoor area was nice too. It’s not very big, but I think it’s perfect for young kids and families. The atmosphere was pleasant, and the children around us looked really excited and happy. ☺️"
Kunyong
"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, octopus, sea lions, and otters, all displayed in clean and well-maintained tanks. The sea lion shows and penguin feeding sessions are highlights that entertain both children and adults, while the impressive jellyfish tunnel provides a soothing and mesmerizing atmosphere. The facility is compact compared to some larger aquariums, but the creative exhibits and interactive experiences make up for its size. It can get crowded, especially on weekends and holidays, so visiting on a weekday or booking in advance is recommended. Overall, Sunshine Aquarium delivers a fun, educational, and visually stunning outing in the heart of Tokyo—definitely worth a visit for anyone in the area"
Rav cell
"Fantastic half day trip, lots to see here and plenty of diverse things to mesmerise and intrigue you. It's great value, situated on the top floor of sunshine city so you'll need to take the lift up but it's a beautiful space. Once you're inside, there are a couple of floors to explore and an outdoor area with coffee shop to have a drink. There are regular interactions between the animals and keepers here, so worth saving some time for the outdoor part."
Alisdair Smithies
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Sunshine Aquarium is located on the rooftop of Sunshine City in Ikebukuro. You can reach Ikebukuro Station via JR lines, Tobu Tojo Line, Seibu Ikebukuro Line, Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, Yurakucho Line, and Fukutoshin Line. From Ikebukuro Station, it's about a 10-minute walk to Sunshine City. Alternatively, Higashi-Ikebukuro Station (Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line) is even closer, just a 5-minute walk away.
Yes, Sunshine Aquarium is a key attraction within Sunshine City, a large entertainment and shopping complex in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. It's situated on the rooftop of the main Sunshine City building.
The most convenient way is to take the train to Ikebukuro Station or Higashi-Ikebukuro Station. Both stations offer easy access to Sunshine City. Many visitors find Higashi-Ikebukuro Station to be the closest option.
Yes, you can take a taxi directly to Sunshine City. However, given Tokyo's efficient public transportation system, trains are generally more cost-effective and often faster due to traffic.
Yes, Sunshine City has extensive parking facilities. However, it can be expensive, and public transportation is often recommended for visitors to the aquarium.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but generally, adult admission is around ¥2,600. It's always best to check the official Sunshine Aquarium website for the most up-to-date pricing and any potential discounts.
Yes, it is highly recommended to buy your tickets in advance online. This helps avoid long queues, especially during busy periods, and ensures you can enter without issues.
Opening hours vary by season. Typically, from April to October, it's open from 9:30 AM to 8:00 PM, and from November to March, it's 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM. Always check the official website for the exact hours on your planned visit date.
Refund policies usually depend on where you purchased your tickets. Generally, tickets purchased online may have specific conditions for refunds or exchanges, so review the terms and conditions carefully at the time of purchase.
Sunshine City offers various attractions. While there might not be a single ticket for everything, check for potential package deals or discounts that might include the aquarium and other attractions like the observatory or planetarium.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Don't miss the 'Sky-High Pool' where penguins and sea lions swim overhead, the 'Tropical Jungle' for diverse marine life, and the 'Oasis 21' area. The unique rooftop setting itself is a major highlight.
Yes, Sunshine Aquarium is generally considered family-friendly. The engaging exhibits and the unique rooftop setting are captivating for children. However, some visitors note that the facilities could be better maintained.
Most visitors spend around 2-3 hours inside the aquarium itself. However, considering its location within Sunshine City, many people allocate half a day or more to explore the complex as well.
Yes, Sunshine Aquarium can get quite crowded, especially on weekends and holidays. Visiting on a weekday morning is often recommended to avoid the largest crowds.
The 'Sky-High Pool' is an iconic outdoor exhibit where visitors can see penguins and sea lions swimming in a large pool that appears to be suspended in the sky, with the city skyline as a backdrop.
🍽️ 🛍️ Shopping & Dining
While there might be limited snack options within the aquarium itself, Sunshine City, the complex it's located in, offers a vast array of dining choices, from casual eateries to more upscale restaurants.
Yes, there is a gift shop at Sunshine Aquarium where you can purchase marine-themed souvenirs, plush toys, and other memorabilia.
Sunshine City boasts a wide variety of restaurants catering to all tastes, including Japanese cuisine, international food, cafes, and fast-food options. You'll find plenty of choices for lunch or dinner.
Dining prices in Sunshine City can range from budget-friendly to high-end. You can find affordable meal options, especially in the food courts or casual dining areas.
The official gift shop within the aquarium is your best bet for unique souvenirs. You might also find some marine-themed items in other shops within Sunshine City.
📸 📸 Photography
The 'Sky-High Pool' with animals swimming overhead is a prime photo opportunity. The 'Tropical Jungle' tanks and the overall unique rooftop setting also offer great shots.
Yes, photography is generally allowed inside Sunshine Aquarium, but flash photography might be restricted in certain areas to avoid disturbing the animals. Always check for signage.
Late afternoons can offer beautiful lighting, especially for the outdoor 'Sky-High Pool' as the sun begins to set. However, the indoor exhibits are well-lit throughout the day.
Video recording is usually permitted, similar to photography. Be mindful of other visitors and any specific rules regarding video recording, especially during shows.
Try to capture the animals against the city skyline for a unique perspective. Shooting from slightly below the pool can emphasize the 'swimming overhead' effect.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit