Sunshine Aquarium

Sunshine Aquarium stands as a pioneering urban aquatic facility perched atop the World Import Mart Building in Tokyo's Ikebukuro district. The aquarium opened in October 1978 and was Japan's first aquarium located on the rooftop of a high-rise building in a city center. Following a comprehensive renovation that kept it closed from September 2010, the facility reopened on August 4, 2011.

The aquarium operates under the concept of an oasis in the sky, offering visitors an escape from the urban bustle while remaining firmly situated within it. The facility houses around 80 tanks containing 37,000 fish representing 750 species. The rooftop setting creates certain limitations for expansion due to structural weight restrictions, yet the aquarium has consistently found creative ways to maximize its impact within these constraints.

Three distinct zones guide visitors through marine and freshwater ecosystems. The Ocean Journey occupies the first floor and recreates various ocean environments, from coastal shallows to open waters. The Sunshine Lagoon serves as the centerpiece, a massive tank holding approximately 240 tonnes of water where zebra sharks, rays, and numerous other species swim in an environment designed to mimic natural conditions. Jellyfish enthusiasts can explore the Kurage Kuukan area, which opened in July 2020 and features six tanks displaying these ethereal creatures, including moon jellyfish with their distinctive four-chambered appearance.

The Waterfront Journey on the second floor showcases creatures from rivers, lakes, and coastal waters around the world. This section presents the diversity of freshwater and brackish habitats, featuring everything from tropical fish to amphibians and reptiles.

The outdoor Marine Garden underwent a significant renovation in 2017 and has become one of the most distinctive features of any aquarium worldwide. Five new exhibits were introduced: Penguins in the Sky, Penguins in the Meadow, Otters in the Water, Sparkling Fountain, and Sky Pass. The Penguins in the Sky exhibit has garnered international attention for its ingenious design. A large overhanging tank approximately 12 metres wide allows Cape penguins to swim overhead against the backdrop of Tokyo's skyline, creating the illusion that the birds are flying through the city. The Sunshine Aqua Ring, a donut-shaped tank installed at a height of about 2.3 metres, provides views of sea lions swimming above visitors, another first for Japan.

The Penguins in the Meadow exhibit recreates the natural habitat of Cape Town, South Africa, where these birds originate. Visitors can observe penguin pairs tending to their nests in an environment closely resembling their wild home. Great white pelicans, Baikal seals, and Asian small-clawed otters also call the Marine Garden home.

Throughout the day, the aquarium presents feeding shows and educational performances featuring various animals. Staff members provide commentary during sea lion, pelican, and penguin feeding sessions, offering insights into animal behavior and biology.

The facility includes Aqua Pocket, a gift shop stocked with aquarium-themed merchandise and original items. A Tully's Coffee location within the premises provides refreshments with an aquatic atmosphere.

Ticket prices vary by date, with adult admission ranging from 2,600 to 3,200 yen depending on when you visit. Children aged 4-6 pay 800 yen, while elementary and junior high school students pay 1,300 yen. Visitors with disability certificates can receive half-price admission upon presenting valid documentation. The Aquarium Club membership program offers dedicated fans discounted repeat visits and exclusive benefits.

Advance ticket purchase through the online system is recommended, particularly for weekends and holidays when admission restrictions may apply.

The aquarium participates in coral reef conservation efforts, running the Sunshine Aquarium Coral Project to support reef restoration initiatives. Sunshine Coral Reef was the first permanent reproduction of a coral reef environment in Japan.