AOAO SAPPORO Aquarium Guide: Highlights & First-Hand Review (Tanukikoji Shopping Street)

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AOAO SAPPORO: An aquarium in the heart of Sapporo, Hokkaido.

Here’s a first-hand review of AOAO SAPPORO Aquarium. AOAO SAPPORO Aquarium is an urban aquarium that opened in July 2023 in Tanukikoji, Sapporo. With a convenient location you can drop by before or after shopping and meals, it’s ideal not only for families but also for dates—and even solo visitors can have a wonderful, interesting time.

Shopping Tanukikoji and curious about AOAO aquarium—is it actually worth a detour?

It is. This compact city aquarium works for families, dates, or solo visits right on the shopping street.

In this article, we share a first-hand review of AOAO SAPPORO Aquarium.

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Highlights of “AOAO SAPPORO,” an Urban Aquarium Directly Connected to Tanukikoji

An Urban Aquarium Opened in July 2023

幻想的なクラゲの世界

AOAO SAPPORO Aquarium is an urban aquarium that opened in July 2023 in Tanukikoji, Sapporo. Located on the 4th to 6th floors of the commercial facility “moyuk SAPPORO,” it sits in a prime spot where you can casually drop by before or after shopping and dining. It’s great for families as well as dates, and even if you enjoy the aquarium alone, you can have an interesting, wonderful time.

An Aquarium for Adults: A Fantastical World of Jellyfish

An ethereal world of jellyfish

The aquarium has a chic, adult atmosphere. In a comfortable, dim space, you can enjoy the beautiful interplay of tank lights and fish, or immerse yourself in an otherworldly feeling inside the fantastical world of jellyfish.

It feels just like taking a stroll underwater.

Penguins You Can See Up Close

penguin

Being able to see penguins up close is another highlight of AOAO Aquarium. Depending on the time, you can also watch them being fed.

Floor Guide to “AOAO SAPPORO” Aquarium

4th Floor CONNECT “Connecting the Worlds of Humans and Water”

Display tank on the fourth floor

A space themed around “CONNECT,” linking humans and aquatic creatures. On the 4th floor, you can mainly view aquatic creatures living in small tanks shaped like miniature gardens. Because it sits near the entrance and behind the shop, the exhibition room isn’t vast—but it greets your excitement on arrival with a refreshing atmosphere.

5th Floor SCOPE “Gazing at the Unseen World”

A sophisticated atmosphere on the 5th floor

The 5th floor has a thoroughly adult atmosphere—a dark space reminiscent of the deep sea where you can watch beautiful small fish swimming inside larger tanks. It’s also ideal for couple dates.

New Concept Floor

Turning the corner takes you into a brand-new world—a new space where you can appreciate unusual fish, beautifully designed with a white base tone.

A flat fish

Next to a flat fish…

Flat signage

Flat guidance notes are written there.

A huge sea dragon

Turning another corner, a giant sea dragon awaits. Though it’s bones!

6th Floor COMMONS “Sharing One World”

A magical spectacle of jellyfish

On the 6th floor the atmosphere changes once again, into a space that unites the world.

Swimming penguins

An area where you can gaze at the fantastical jellyfish display in a space resembling the sea floor, along with swimming penguins…

Blue Hawaii and Ice Cream

You can also enjoy tea or a drink at the attached café. When I ordered a Blue Hawaii (cocktail) on ice, I froze! The building interior is a bit chilly.

Elephant stuffed animal

Even though it’s an aquarium, for some reason an elephant is also displayed!

Souvenir Shop at “AOAO SAPPORO” That Tempts Impulse Buys

A penguin stuffed animal sold at the souvenir shop.

As usual, a souvenir shop sits at the end. It makes your heart flutter!

Stuffed eel plush toys and objects

The plush garden eels sold as souvenirs are also extremely cute.

Access (Location) and Admission Fees for “AOAO SAPPORO”

The location of “AOAO SAPPORO” is right in the middle of the Tanukikoji Shopping Street.

Location

Operating hours are 10:00 to 22:00, and weekdays are naturally less crowded—recommended.

Same-Day Admission Fees

  • Adults (High school students and above): 2,200 JPY (tax included)
  • Children (Elementary & Junior high school students): 1,100 JPY (tax included)

Buying advance tickets online is slightly cheaper—a good deal.

Bonus: “CAFE LOUNGE mosuke”

Stylish café "CAFE LOUNGE MOSUKE"

On the B1 floor of “moyuk SAPPORO,” the commercial facility housing AOAO SAPPORO, there’s a stylish café called “CAFE LOUNGE mosuke.”

A window seat at "CAFE LOUNGE mosuke"

The window-side seats in particular offer a stylish, relaxing space. Sitting elegantly, gazing outside while calmly sipping coffee makes for another wonderful time.

Photo Gallery of “AOAO SAPPORO”

Enjoy the photos.

Here are some cool Rockhopper penguin plush toys available as souvenirs, all lined up together.

Shot in March 2024: Rockhopper penguin plush souvenirs—cool Rockhopper penguins line the shelf.

This fish is characterized primarily by its habit of swimming vertically, head-down.

Shot in March 2024: A fish whose main trait is swimming vertically with its head pointing down.

A penguin swimming in the tank.

Shot in March 2024: A cute penguin swimming inside the tank.

Footage of the penguins being fed has been released.

Shot in March 2024: The penguin feeding scene is open for visitors to watch.

Frequently Asked Questions for “AOAO SAPPORO”

FAQ

Question

How much is the admission fee?

Answer

It uses “dynamic pricing” that fluctuates by period (weekdays, holidays, and so on). As a guide, general admission (high school students and above) runs about 2,000 JPY to 2,200 JPY.

FAQ

Question

What are the operating hours?

Answer

10:00 to 22:00 (Last entry at 21:00). Its key feature is staying open until late at night.

FAQ

Question

Are there closed days?

Answer

It is basically open year-round, but temporary closures may occur for facility maintenance.

FAQ

Question

Is re-entry allowed?

Answer

As a rule, re-entry is not permitted.

FAQ

Question

How long does it take to tour?

Answer

About 1 to 2 hours for a quick walk-through, or about 2 to 3 hours if you take your time at the café.

A wonderful hotel in Sapporo featuring an all-you-can-eat seafood breakfast.

While there are plenty of hotels in Sapporo, you can choose one that perfectly fits your budget and how you want to enjoy your trip—ranging from budget-friendly accommodations meant simply for sleeping, to hotels featuring hot springs (large public baths) and buffet-style breakfasts with all-you-can-eat seafood. However, it can be quite difficult to make a choice without knowing the best recommendations.

Since you're going out of your way for a special trip, you definitely don't want to regret your hotel choice. You want to carefully weigh your options and stay somewhere wonderful. For anyone feeling this way, our top recommendation is Dormy Inn PREMIUM Sapporo, where you can enjoy seafood bowls to your heart's content for breakfast.

\Recommended Hotel "Dormy Inn PREMIUM Sapporo"/

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Above all, the all-you-can-eat seafood breakfast is simply irresistible! Complete with an onsen (large public bath) and situated in the absolute best location right along Tanukikoji, it’s a hotel you’ll want to stay at at least once to savor the hot spring and breakfast experience.

\Hotel Reservations Are First Come, First Served/

Worried about room availability? Book early!

Sapporo’s Jogai Market and Nijo Market! Which is Recommended? Highlights, How to Go, Points to Note, How to Buy Seafood Skillfully

Sapporo and Hokkaido are overflowing with delicious items, above all. Eating delicious meals at Sapporo restaurants is fun, but going to the “markets” supporting Sapporo’s food is also fun. Eating a seafood bowl using fresh seafood at the market, or having them grill crab or scallops right on the spot—seafood is simply too delicious.

Introducing Sapporo’s representative markets: “Jogai Market” and “Nijo Market.”

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