Tokyo Sea Life Park

Tokyo Sea Life Park is a public aquarium in Kasai Rinkai Park in Edogawa, Tokyo. More than 500 species live there, from seas around the world and from rivers, ponds and shores close to home. A large glass dome marks the entrance.

History

The aquarium was planned as part of the development of the Tokyo Bay waterfront and to mark the 100th anniversary of Ueno Zoo. It opened on 10 October 1989 as the successor to the aquariums of Ueno Zoo, whose first fish-viewing room dates from 1882.

Highlights

The centrepiece is a 2,200 cubic metre tank where Pacific bluefin tuna swim as a school. It was the first schooling display of bluefin tuna in the world, and in 1999 the fish spawned in the tank, also a world first.

The penguin exhibit is one of the largest in Japan, with more than 100 birds. The World Seas area brings together animals collected around the globe, while the Tokyo Seas area shows the life of the waters from Tokyo Bay out to the Ogasawara Islands.

Renewal

A renewal of the aquarium is planned for 2028. In preparation, the species and numbers on show are changing step by step, and some areas have already closed.