Sunshine Aquarium

Sunshine Aquarium is Japan’s first urban high-rise aquarium, located on the rooftop of the World Import Mart Building within the Sunshine City complex in Ikebukuro, Tokyo. Reopened in 2011 with the concept of a “Sky Oasis,” it offers the chance to enjoy a wide variety of living creatures in an extraordinary space where sky, light, water, and greenery come together in harmony. Even while in the middle of the city, its appeal lies in an experience filled with relaxation and wonder, as if you were visiting a resort.

Highlights of the Outdoor Area
Sunshine Aqua Ring
“Sunshine Aqua Ring” is Japan’s first unique exhibit in which sea lions swim through a ring-shaped tank installed overhead. The sight of the sea lions swimming as if flying through the sky is truly impressive and draws the attention of many visitors.

Penguins in the Sky
“Penguins in the Sky” makes the most of its rooftop location. Here, you can watch penguins swimming comfortably against the backdrop of the urban sky, as if they were flying through the air. This photogenic spot has also become a popular topic on social media.

The Appeal of the Indoor Exhibits
Sea of Jellyfish
In the dreamlike jellyfish exhibit area “Sea of Jellyfish,” which opened in 2020, one of the highlights is a tank with one of the widest dimensions in Japan. Floating moon jellyfish are beautifully illuminated, creating an immersive experience that makes you feel as though you are surrounded by jellyfish. The space, full of a sense of weightlessness and relaxation, gently calms the hearts of visitors.

Popular Creatures and Their Highlights
Asian Small-Clawed Otter
The Asian small-clawed otter, the smallest otter species in the world, is known for its adorable gestures and dexterous paws. Watching family members communicate with one another and skillfully handle food is irresistibly cute and captures the hearts of visitors.

Cape Penguin
Cape penguins are the only penguin species native to southern Africa, and about 50 of them live at Sunshine Aquarium. In “Penguins in the Sky,” you can watch them swimming against the sky, while in the “Penguins of the Grasslands” area, you can observe them relaxing in their burrows and showing a variety of expressions.

Sea Lions
Two species are kept here: California sea lions and South American sea lions. The training sessions held on an open stage viewable from 360 degrees are full of power, and the appeal lies in being close enough to feel their energetic movements and even hear their breathing.

Moon Jellyfish and Other Jellyfish
About five species of jellyfish are displayed in “Sea of Jellyfish,” where light and sound blend together to create a fantastical and mysterious jellyfish world. Their gently drifting forms are so soothing that simply watching them is said to bring comfort.

Garden Eels
Garden eels, which live with only their necks extended from the sand, are popular for their charming swaying motion in groups. The more closely you observe them, including their changing expressions and the way they tangle with neighboring individuals, the more their cuteness stands out.

Baikal Seal
This seal is found only in Lake Baikal, the world’s only freshwater lake habitat for seals. Its round body and large eyes are its defining features. Its adorable appearance provides comfort to visitors and also makes it a popular photo spot.

Giant Isopod
A relative of the pill bug that lives in the deep sea, the giant isopod is one of the largest of its kind in the world. Because it feeds on carcasses and weakened creatures, it is also called the “cleaner of the sea.” It is a fascinating presence that evokes the mystery of the deep ocean.

Frogs
A variety of frogs with diverse appearances and lifestyles, such as poison dart frogs and rusty tomato frogs, are on display. Their unique expressions, camouflage, and toxins make this an intriguing exhibit where you can observe each species’ individuality up close.

Deep-Sea Fish
Deep-sea fish collected through bottom trawling and research are also exhibited, introducing their diverse forms and still-unknown biology. The use of research equipment such as underwater drones is also explained, allowing visitors to experience a part of deep-sea research through the exhibits.

Lizards
Rare species of lizards, such as the Philippine sailfin lizard and the Guyanan caiman lizard, are on display. Visitors can observe behaviors that embody evolutionary ingenuity, such as tail regeneration and shedding, making this an educational exhibit as well.

Sharks
A variety of shark species are exhibited, reminding us that “shark” is far too broad a term to describe their diversity. Some species that look frightening are actually gentle, and creatures with “shark” in their names are not necessarily sharks at all, revealing a surprisingly deep and fascinating world.

Sunshine Aquarium is a special space in the heart of the city where nature, relaxation, and wonder are in perfect balance. With exhibits that can be enjoyed by everyone from children to adults, it is ideal for dates, sightseeing, and family outings. Why not immerse yourself in this fantastical setting and discover the魅力 of creatures you don’t often get to encounter in everyday life?