Sunshine Aquarium

photo by Motokoka · CC BY-SA 4.0

Japan's first rooftop aquarium, opened on 5 October 1978

Outside, on the roof of the building, penguins swim in a raised tank while visitors walk around it, with the Ikebukuro skyline in the background: this is the image the aquarium uses to present itself today, the ‘sky oasis’. When it opened on 5 October 1978, inside the new Sunshine City complex, it was the first aquarium in Japan built on a roof.

Opened on 5 October 1978 on the roof of the World Import Mart building, as part of the new Sunshine City complex built on the site of the former Sugamo Prison, it was the first aquarium in Japan built on a roof, according to a press release from the company that runs it. The current concept, the ‘sky oasis’, focuses on the open view of the sky and the skyline, unlike traditional enclosed aquariums. In 2024 it came third in the Kantō tourist facilities section of the ‘Jalan Asobi Taiken Ranking’.

ℹ️ Opening hours vary by day according to the calendar published on the official website, last entry 30 minutes before closing; scheduled closures on 12/11/2026 and 14/1/2027 (sunshinecity.jp/aquarium/). Tickets: adults (high school and up) 2,600–3,200 yen depending on the day (date- and time-specific ticket), elementary and junior high school children 1,300 yen, from 4 years 800 yen; 50% discount with a disability card. At weekends entry may require a timed booking. ⚠️ From 24 September to 4 November 2026 the ‘marine ring’ tank is closed for maintenance; the rest of the route remains open to visitors.

🚉 Higashi-ikebukuro · 10 min walk

Sources: sunshinecity.jp · sunshinecity.jp · sunshinecity.jp · ja.wikipedia.org

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