Hokkaido Otaru

Otaru Aquarium

2 penguin species

At a glance

Address 3-303 Shukutsu, Otaru, Hokkaido 047-0047
Getting there Hokkaido Chuo Bus bound for the aquarium from stop 3 at the JR Otaru Station bus terminal (via Takashima or via Akaiwa)
About 60–70 minutes by car from Sapporo. Parking for about 1,000 cars (paid in the regular season, free in the winter season)
Sightseeing boats run from the Otaru Port terminal to Shukutsu Port (Apr 18–Oct 18 in 2026)
Hours Regular season (Mar 14–Nov 23) 9:00–17:00, or 9:00–16:00 from Oct 16. Winter season (Dec 12–Feb 23) 10:00–16:00. Last entry 30 minutes before closing. Open until 20:00 on summer late-opening days (FY2026 dates)
Closed Open every day during each season, including New Year in winter. Closed between the regular and winter seasons (Nov 24–Dec 11 in 2026) and from the end of the winter season until mid-March (Feb 24–Mar 13 in 2026)
Admission Adult (high school and up / 16+) ¥1,800
Child (elementary and junior high / 6–15) ¥700
Preschooler (3–5) ¥350
Regular-season individual rates. In the winter season: adult ¥1,300, child ¥500, preschooler ¥300 (the Marine Mammal Park and amusement park are closed). Annual passport ¥3,600 for adults
Official site otaru-aq.jp
Information checked on October 19, 2026

Penguins you can see

  • Humboldt Penguin

    フンボルトペンギン Spheniscus humboldti

    IUCN: VU (Vulnerable)

    Where
    Marine Mammal Park (some birds in Funboru Island, Apr–Nov)
    Not on view in the winter season

  • Gentoo Penguin

    ジェンツーペンギン Pygoscelis papua

    IUCN: LC (Least Concern)

    Where
    Marine Mammal Park (Funboru Island in winter)

Parade and feeding times

Parade and feeding times When / where
Penguin Time Marine Mammal Park, about 10 min. 11:30 and 14:30 from Oct 16 to Nov 23; 13:30 and 15:30 from Mar 14 to May 31 and Sep 1 to Oct 15; 12:40, 13:50 and 15:30 from Jun 1 to Aug 31 (FY2026). Times vary by period; not held in winter
Penguin Picnic to the Sea Humboldt penguins walk out to a pool partitioned off from the open sea in the Marine Mammal Park, about 30 min. 12:00 from Mar 14 to May 31 and Sep 1 to Oct 15; 11:10 from Jun 1 to Jul 31 (FY2026). Not held in August (molting), from Oct 16, or in winter
Penguin Snow Walk Winter season only (Dec 12, 2026–Feb 23, 2027). Gentoo penguins walk on the snow at Penguin Plaza. 11:30, 12:40, 13:30 and 14:40, about 10 min

Highlights

Tickets

Buy on the official site

Check prices and availability on the ticket page.

Nearby places

Noboribetsu Marine Park NIXE

Hokkaido Noboribetsu · about 88 km

3 penguin species

Asahiyama Zoo

Hokkaido Asahikawa · about 132 km

4 penguin species

Oga Aquarium GAO

Akita Oga · about 382 km

2 penguin species

FAQ

How many penguin species are at Otaru Aquarium?
2 species: Humboldt Penguin, Gentoo Penguin.
How much is admission to Otaru Aquarium?
Adult (high school and up / 16+) ¥1,800, Child (elementary and junior high / 6–15) ¥700, Preschooler (3–5) ¥350 (as of October 19, 2026).
Is there a penguin parade or feeding time at Otaru Aquarium?
Yes: Penguin Time, Penguin Picnic to the Sea, Penguin Snow Walk. Times can change from day to day, so check the official schedule.
How do I get to Otaru Aquarium?
Hokkaido Chuo Bus bound for the aquarium from stop 3 at the JR Otaru Station bus terminal (via Takashima or via Akaiwa), About 60–70 minutes by car from Sapporo. Parking for about 1,000 cars (paid in the regular season, free in the winter season), Sightseeing boats run from the Otaru Port terminal to Shukutsu Port (Apr 18–Oct 18 in 2026).

Sources

We checked the official pages below on October 19, 2026. Please confirm the latest details on the official site.