My little guy and I visited this aquarium in Ikebukuro back when he was little and I’ve returned with bigger kids. I must say that we still do love Sumida Aquarium more but … this place is fun for a rainy day if you’re in the area.
Please note that I don’t believe that a visit to this aquarium is a must for anyone on a holiday to Japan. It’s not bad and my kids have a great time here – but it can get crowded and there are many other better options for kids in Tokyo, in my opinion.
One thing that has changed since covid, is that online bookings are required – especially on weekends.
This newly renovated aquarium is well-known for the rooftop section – and it is impressive (in particular the over-head “water rotary” section. The seals and penguins are up there.
As for my little guy, he is all about the indoor tropical fish tanks… and oh my goodness….it’s just so beautiful. There are even light projections on some walls. As well as fish you’ll find crabs and turtles too.
There are plenty of change tables and feeding rooms. If these rooms are busy, I recommend making your way to the 2nd or 3rd floor of the Sunshine City Complex (the aquarium allows pass outs/re-entry) for more baby room options.
I would expect to spend around 1.5 -2 hours here with kids.
Because the aquarium is on the top floor, be prepared to line up for the elevator. But , in true organized Japan form, the line is “policed” closely and moves quickly.
If going on the weekend, make sure you are there for opening times or the line will be much longer. This place is very popular at the moment.
Admission is 2,400 yen for 16 year olds +, 7-15 year olds 1,200 yen, 4-6 year olds are 700 yen.
The Sunshine City Aquarium has free wifi ( the password is 20160401)
SUNSHINE AQUARIUM
豊島区東池袋3-1-1
ROOFTOP, SUNSHINE CITY COMPLEX, 3-1-1 HIGASHI-IKEBUKURO, TOSHIMA-KU
OPEN 10AM-6PM (UNTIL 8PM APRIL-OCTOBER)
SUNSHINE AQUARIUM ENGLISH WEBSITE
Just near the entrance to the aquarium, near the coin lockers, is a little room with some arcade games. My kids are obsessed with the fishing arcade game here (kind of weird to have a fishing game next to an aquarium – but it is what it is….)
For other things to do in this immediate area see my Ikebukuro with kids blogpost here.
