Sunshine Aquarium

The Sunshine Aquarium is an aquarium based on the concept of an oasis in the sky, located in Sunshine City in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. The modern aquarium is home to around 550 species and a total of 23,000 aquatic animals so can observe a wide variety of creatures, from sea lions and penguins to colorful fish and jellyfish.

It’s on the top floor of Sunshine City’s World Import Mart Building in Ikebukuro, making it a convenient place to visit while you’re in the Ikebukuro area and you could combine your visit with a trip to the SKY CIRCUS Sunshine 60 observatory.

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Key Takeaways

Sunshine Aquarium is located in Tokyo, Japan.
Home to around 550 species and 23,000 aquatic animals.
Observe sea lions, penguins, fish, and jellyfish, among other creatures.
Inside the aquarium, there are shops selling original goods and a café where you can have a light meal.
On the top floor of Sunshine City’s World Import Mart Building in Ikebukuro.
Tickets can be purchased online in advance to save time waiting in line.

Location

Sunshine Aquarium is located on the rooftop of the World Import Mart Building in the heart of Ikebukuro, a bustling district in Toshima-ku, Tokyo. The aquarium is situated in Sunshine City, a large commercial complex that includes a shopping mall, a planetarium, a theater, and restaurants and cafes.

The address of Sunshine Aquarium is 3-1 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0013, Japan. The nearest train station is Ikebukuro Station, which is one of the busiest stations in Tokyo and serves several major train and subway lines, including the JR Yamanote Line, the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line, the Tokyo Metro Yurakucho Line, and the Tobu Tojo Line.

You can reach Sunshine Aquarium via the Skywalk, a pedestrian bridge that connects Sunshine City to Ikebukuro Station. The Skywalk is fully enclosed and air-conditioned, making it a comfortable and convenient way to travel between the two destinations, especially during hot or rainy weather.

Once inside Sunshine City, you can take the elevator or escalator to the 10th floor of the World Import Mart Building, where the aquarium is located. The entrance to the aquarium is marked by a large sign and a colorful display of marine life.

Overall, Sunshine Aquarium is easy to access and conveniently located in one of Tokyo’s most vibrant neighborhoods. Whether you’re a local resident or a tourist visiting Japan, the aquarium is well worth a visit for its fascinating exhibits, stunning views, and unique atmosphere.

Exhibits

Sunshine Aquarium is home to around 550 species and a total of 23,000 aquatic animals. The aquarium has around 70 tanks, each with unique exhibits that offer an immersive and interactive exploration of life under the sea. Here are some of the highlights of the aquarium’s permanent exhibits:

Sunshine Lagoon: This tank holds 240 tons of water and is home to fish, including angelfish, butterflyfish, and surgeonfish. You can watch the fish being fed and learn more about their habitats and behaviors.
Penguins: This exhibit features a colony of adorable penguins swimming in a large tank with glass walls. You can watch the penguins dive, swim, and play, and learn about their unique adaptations and behaviors.
Jellyfish: This exhibit showcases the mesmerizing beauty of jellyfish, with tanks full of different species of these graceful creatures. You can learn about the anatomy and behavior of jellyfish and watch them glow in the dark.

These are just a few of the many exhibits that you can explore at Sunshine Aquarium. The aquarium also offers seasonal exhibits and special events throughout the year, so there’s always something new to discover.

Activities and Events

Sunshine Aquarium offers activities and events throughout the year for visitors of all ages. Here are some of the highlights:

Feeding Time Shows

One of the most popular attractions at Sunshine Aquarium is the feeding time shows, where you can watch as the aquarium’s inhabitants chow down on their meals. From pelicans to penguins to sea lions, there’s always something exciting to see during feeding time.

More ♡ More Exhibition

The More ♡ More Exhibition is a special after-dark event that takes place at Sunshine Aquarium from mid-September to early November. This event is not for children, as it focuses on love and love-making in the sea. You can see marine creatures, including the giant clam, in a whole new light.

Sea Lions

Another popular attraction at Sunshine Aquarium is the sea lions. Watch when is both entertaining and educational, as you can learn about the behaviors and abilities of these intelligent marine mammals.

Night Aquarium

For a unique and unforgettable experience, you can check out the Night Aquarium, where the aquarium is transformed into a magical underwater world illuminated by colorful lights. This event takes place on select evenings throughout the year and is a must-see for anyone visiting Sunshine Aquarium.

Ticket Information

If you’re planning a visit to Sunshine Aquarium, it’s important to know the ticket information in advance to make the most of your experience. Here’s what you need to know:

Ticket Type	Price
Adult (Ages 16+)	2,200 yen
Child (Ages 4-15)	1,200 yen
Senior (Ages 65+)	2,000 yen
Annual Passport (Adult)	6,000 yen

You can purchase tickets online in advance to save time when visiting the museum. For details on how to purchase tickets, please visit the ticket sales company’s website. For any questions or inquiries, please contact the ticket sales company directly.

If you’re driving to the aquarium, there is a 24-hour parking lot with space for 1,800 cars located on the 2nd and 3rd basement floors of Sunshine City. Visitors who paid 2,000 yen or more in admission tickets or who hold an Annual Passport (adult) are offered 2 hours of parking free of charge when visiting the Aquarium. Please present your parking ticket when entering the Aquarium.

There are also several tour packages available that include admission to the aquarium as well as other attractions in the area. Check with your travel agent or tour operator for more information.

The Sum Up

Sunshine Aquarium in Ikebukuro, Tokyo should be on your to-do-list for anyone interested in aquatic life. With over 550 species and 23,000 aquatic animals, the aquarium offers an immersive and interactive experience like no other.

One of the highlights of the aquarium is the Sunshine Lagoon, a large tank that houses marine life, including sharks, rays, and sea turtles. You can even participate in a feeding session and watch as the animals devour their meals.

The aquarium will feature a regular sea lion show, underwater performances by divers, and feeding of sea otters and penguins.

The main attractions of the aquarium are the Sunshine Aqua Ring, a doughnut-shaped tank about 2m30cm high and 8m in diameter, and the Jellyfish Tunnel, which offers a fantastic view of the aquarium.

Located in Toshima-ku, Tokyo, the Sunshine Aquarium is an aqua museum in the city, a 10-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station.

What Can You See At The Sunshine Aquarium?


Australian Ocean ~ Great Barrier Reef	Atlantic Ocean ~ Caribbean Sea	Home of Nemo (clownfish)

Ocean sunfish	Stingrays	Such a big fish!

Bluefin tuna	Stingrays	Mexican salamander

Bluefin reef squid	Weedy sea dragon	Seals living in the lake

Around 60 penguins live at Penguin Beach.	Penguins are so cute when they swim freely.	Cape penguins and rockhopper penguins

Sunshine Aquaring, the symbol of Sunshine Aquarium	Shows and events are held in the outdoor facility.	You can observe the animals from below.

Sea lion performance time	Performing one-shot tricks following the keeper’s instructions	Look at the expression on the sea lion’s face!

Pelican Hill	Giant fish living in a big river (1)	Giant fish living in a big river (2)

Coral reef	Bell’s tree frog	Burmese pond turtle and Burmese tortoise

Stylish indoor lighting	Cafe Lagoon with an image of a tropical resort	Store Aqua Pocket

Aquarium & Planetarium entrance (welcome counter)	Aqua screen	Penguins for commemorative photo