HOME > Japan’s Local Treasures > Aoao Aquarium in Sapporo
Meet penguins and see the sea come to life with digital art at this aquarium in Sapporo City
Sapporo City, Hokkaido
Aoao Sapporo, an aquarium located in Hokkaido’s prefectural capital, opened in July 2023.
There are two main attractions to discover, the first being the northern rockhopper penguin habitat, which houses a colony of the adorable flightless birds known for their hopping movements. The penguins’ habitat is composed of movable hexagonal blocks, allowing the layout of their terrestrial area to be changed for enrichment. Within this space, visitors can interact and spend time with the penguins to gain an appreciation for these fascinating creatures.
The second highlight is a digital art exhibit dedicated to the Shiretoko Sea, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Realistic marine creatures elegantly swim by, projected not only on a large 20-meter screen, but also onto the floor space, creating an immersive experience that makes you feel as if you are underwater with them.
To ensure the well-being of the sea life, the aquarium has an onsite plant dedicated to producing artificial seawater, which is used to fill and refresh the various exhibit tanks across the aquarium.
How to get there
From New Chitose Airport, take the JR Rapid Airport Line to Sapporo Station (about 40 minutes), then take the subway Namboku Line or Toho Line to Odori Station. Aoao Sapporo is about 3 minutes on foot from Odori Station.
moyuk SAPPORO 4-6F, 20 Minami 2-jo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo-shi, Hokkaido
