Sunshine Aquarium

• Sunshine Aquarium will remain open but there will be no special performances due to the coronavirus. For updates on the COVID-19 situation in Japan check GaijinPot Blog: https://blog.gaijinpot.com/is-it-safe-to-visit-japan-as-the-coronavirus-cases-increase/

On the top of a building in the heart of Tokyo, the Sunshine Aquarium is a rooftop oasis – where sky, ocean and people meet.

Head up to the 10th floor of sprawling shopping complex Sunshine City in Ikebukuro to reach one of the city’s best aquariums; the penthouse home to approximately 37,000 fish, as well as sea otters, penguins, toucans, snakes and more.

Renewed in 2011, Sunshine Aquarium is split into three sections. Indoors, you’ll find two floors. The first exhibits a journey into the ocean, with fish from the seven seas swimming in a giant tank that holds 120 tons of water. You can watch the fish being fed every half hour from 10:30. The jellyfish tunnel is especially enchanting, with illuminated jellyfish surrounding you completely as you walk through. On the second floor, you’ll venture along rivers and lakes, where you can see a whole array of animals ranging from turtles to clownfish.

Outside is the marine garden where the seals slip and slide in a transparent overhead water tube called the Sunshine Aqua Ring. You can spot penguins here too. There are seal performances outside as well as pelican and penguin feeding shows. Inside, there are diving performances with a staff member talking about the various animals in the main indoor tank (Japanese only). Check the schedule at the ticket counter when you go in.

The marine garden is especially ambient when the sun has just started to set, making it somewhat popular as a date spot for Tokyo’s young couples. Snap arty silhouettes of young love gazing up at the animals as the city reaches out to the horizon.

Part of the aquarium is also available for rent if you want to have a seriously cool underwater-themed party.