Sunshine Aquarium, Tokyo - fish in water
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Sunshine Aquarium Tokyo

4.2
·10k reviews·Toshima City, Japan

Tokyo's unique rooftop aquarium offering marine life views against the city skyline, featuring a famous 'Sky-High Pool'.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
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Sunshine Aquarium, Tokyo - fish in water

Sunshine Aquarium Tokyo

Best Time

Weekday mornings

Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Tokyo's unique rooftop aquarium offering marine life views against the city skyline, featuring a famous 'Sky-High Pool'.

4.2
(10k reviews)

"Picture sealions & penguins swimming over your head in an outdoor aquarium, that's how adorable this aquarium was."

Vertical photo
TIP

🎯 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:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Sky-High Aquarium

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!

Instagram+1
Penguin and Sea Lion Show

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!

Instagram+1
Tropical Jungle Zone

Tropical Jungle Zone

Indoor Exhibits

Explore a diverse collection of tropical fish and unique marine creatures in beautifully designed tanks.

Reddit+1

Planning Your Visit

Book Tickets in Advance

To avoid long queues and potential sell-outs, especially during peak seasons, it's highly recommended to purchase your Sunshine Aquarium tickets online beforehand. This ensures a smoother entry and saves valuable time for exploring the exhibits. Reddit

Allocate Sufficient Time

While Sunshine Aquarium is located atop Sunshine City, a large shopping complex, don't underestimate the time needed. Visitors suggest that navigating the mall and fully enjoying the aquarium can easily take half a day. Reddit

Best Times

When
Weekday mornings
Why
Fewer crowds, more relaxed viewing
Crowd
Low
When
Late afternoons
Why
Catch the golden hour light
Crowd
Medium
When
Evenings (check hours)
Why
Unique ambiance, fewer tourists
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

#sunshineaquarium #ikebokuro #tokyo #japan #japantrip2023 #nov23 #เที่ยวญี่ปุ่น #tiktokพาเที่ยว
@baiplu.s
143.7K likes • 1.2M views

🎯 Book tickets online

Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing tickets in advance through the official website. Reddit :admission_tickets:

👟 Wear comfortable shoes

You'll be doing a lot of walking around Sunshine City and the aquarium. :athletic_shoe:

Sunshine Aquarium 太陽城水族館📍東京池袋 有人也喜歡水族館嗎?🥹位在大樓屋頂的sunshine aquarium超級特別,戶外區的天空水道能由下往上看到企鵝的肥肚肚,還有我最喜歡的海豹跟水獺🦦整天躺躺伸懶腰 豪可愛!室內水母隧道也很美,看著他們規律優美的游動,不知不覺就放空了腦袋~~ 東京逛累了很推薦來這個水族館放空一下,吹個冷氣還有超好買的紀念品店🤩我買了水獺杯杯和海豹飯匙回...
foodiechin
25 likes • 1.3K views
[Save this for Tokyo!] Picture sealions & penguins swimming over your head in an outdoor aquarium, that’s how adorable this aquarium was, perfect for my solo unwind date with myself. 🐧🦭Fun fact, it’s ...
theycallmegenny
0 likes • 37K views

📸 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. Reddit

도쿄 수족관 명소, 선샤인 아쿠아리움 (Sunshine Aquarium) 📍 위치 3-1 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo, Japan (Sunshine City Rooftop) 🕒 운영 시간 - 4월~10월: 09:30~20:00 (입장 마감 1시간 전) - 11월~3월: 10:00~18:00 (입장 마감 1시간 전) ※...
realeodigo
2 likes • 422 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🎯 Book tickets online

Save time and guarantee entry by purchasing tickets in advance through the official website. Reddit :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. Reddit

📱 Check operating hours

Hours can vary by season, so confirm before your visit. Instagram :iphone:

What Travellers Say

4.2
(10k reviews)

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

Unique rooftop setting
Sky-High Pool spectacle
Diverse marine life

What People Dislike

Can feel small for price
Facilities could be updated

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. Instagram

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. InstagramReddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

Yes, Sunshine City has extensive parking facilities. However, it can be expensive, and public transportation is often recommended for visitors to the aquarium. Reddit

🎫 🎫 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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

🎫 🐠 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. TikTokInstagram+1

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram+1

🍽️ 🛍️ 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. Reddit

Yes, there is a gift shop at Sunshine Aquarium where you can purchase marine-themed souvenirs, plush toys, and other memorabilia. Instagram

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. Reddit

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. Reddit

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. Instagram

📸 📸 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. TikTokInstagram+1

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. TikTok

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. Instagram

Video recording is usually permitted, similar to photography. Be mindful of other visitors and any specific rules regarding video recording, especially during shows. TikTok

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. Instagram+1

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Sunshine Aquarium is a hit with families thanks to its engaging exhibits and the novelty of seeing animals swim overhead in the 'Sky-High Pool'. The 'Tropical Jungle' zone is also a hit with kids, showcasing colorful and unusual marine life. While the aquarium itself might not be the largest, the surrounding Sunshine City complex offers plenty of other kid-friendly activities, like the planetarium and various shops. InstagramReddit

Pro-tip for families: Consider visiting on a weekday morning to avoid the biggest crowds and make navigating with strollers easier. While some reviews mention facilities could be better, the sheer wonder of the rooftop aquarium often makes up for it. Pack snacks and drinks, as options inside the aquarium can be limited, but Sunshine City has numerous dining choices. Reddit

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, Sunshine Aquarium offers unique opportunities. The 'Sky-High Pool' is a prime subject, allowing for shots of penguins and sea lions against the urban landscape. Experiment with angles from below the pool to capture the surreal effect of animals swimming above. Instagram+1 The 'Tropical Jungle' and other indoor exhibits provide opportunities for capturing vibrant colors and intricate details of marine life, though be mindful of flash restrictions. TikTok

Best times for photography are often late afternoons when the light can be softer, especially for the outdoor areas. However, the well-lit indoor tanks are great for photos at any time. Remember to check for any specific rules regarding tripods or professional equipment, as these might be restricted. Instagram

🚶 Solo Travelers

Sunshine Aquarium is a fantastic spot for a solo outing, offering a peaceful escape and a chance to immerse yourself in the underwater world. The rooftop setting provides a unique ambiance for reflection, and the 'Sky-High Pool' offers a mesmerizing spectacle to enjoy at your own pace. Instagram

It's a great way to unwind and enjoy some quiet time amidst the bustling city. You can take your time exploring each exhibit, snapping photos, and simply observing the marine creatures without feeling rushed. The surrounding Sunshine City also offers plenty of opportunities for solo exploration, from shopping to dining. InstagramReddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Unique Rooftop Experience

Sunshine Aquarium's most distinctive feature is its location: perched atop Sunshine City, a massive complex in Ikebukuro. This means visitors can enjoy marine life with the Tokyo skyline as a breathtaking backdrop. The 'Sky-High Pool' is the star attraction, offering a surreal view of penguins and sea lions swimming in an open-air tank above. It's a concept that truly sets this aquarium apart, providing a memorable visual experience that's frequently highlighted by visitors. TikTokInstagram+1

This rooftop setting also means the aquarium is exposed to the elements, which can be a double-edged sword. On sunny days, it's a vibrant and airy space. However, during inclement weather, some outdoor exhibits might be less enjoyable or even inaccessible. It's worth checking the weather forecast before your visit to maximize your enjoyment of the outdoor areas. Instagram

Beyond the iconic pool, the aquarium is divided into themed zones, including a 'Tropical Jungle' and an 'Oasis 21' area, each offering a different glimpse into aquatic ecosystems. The integration of these diverse environments within a high-rise structure is a testament to innovative aquarium design. Reddit

Navigating Sunshine City

Sunshine Aquarium is not an isolated attraction; it's part of the sprawling Sunshine City complex in Ikebukuro. This massive entertainment and shopping hub houses an aquarium, an observatory, a planetarium, a museum, and numerous shops and restaurants. Visitors often find themselves spending a significant amount of time exploring the entire complex, not just the aquarium. Reddit+1

Navigating Sunshine City can be a bit overwhelming due to its size. It's advisable to have a general plan for what you want to see and do. Many visitors suggest that while you can spend a whole day here, a lot of that time might be spent walking around and getting your bearings rather than actively engaging with attractions. Reddit The aquarium itself is well-signposted within the complex, but familiarizing yourself with the mall's layout beforehand can be helpful. Instagram

For those looking to combine their aquarium visit with other activities, Sunshine City offers plenty of options. The Sunshine 60 Observatory provides panoramic views of Tokyo, and the Konica Minolta Planetarium 'Manten' offers immersive celestial shows. This makes Sunshine City a versatile destination for a full day of entertainment. Instagram

Visitor Perspectives and Value

Reviews for Sunshine Aquarium are generally positive, with many praising its unique concept and the variety of marine life. The 'Sky-High Pool' is consistently a crowd-pleaser, offering a novel experience that stands out from traditional aquariums. Visitors appreciate the opportunity to see animals in an open-air environment with the city as a backdrop. TikTokInstagram+1

However, some visitors have noted that the aquarium can feel a bit small for the price, and that the facilities might not be as modern or well-maintained as some other major aquariums. Reddit+1 This sentiment suggests that while the concept is highly valued, the execution in terms of space and upkeep could be improved. It's a trade-off between a unique rooftop experience and the sheer scale of some ground-level aquariums. Reddit

Despite these minor criticisms, the overall consensus is that Sunshine Aquarium offers a worthwhile and memorable experience, especially for those looking for something a little different in Tokyo. It's particularly recommended for its novelty and the engaging displays, making it a popular choice for both locals and tourists. Reddit+1

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