Most aquariums are in basements or beside the sea; this one is on a rooftop. Sunshine Aquarium sits on the top floor of the World Import Mart Building in Sunshine City, Ikebukuro, one of Tokyo's biggest hubs. Its signature attraction is the Sunshine Aqua Ring, a fully transparent donut-shaped tank in the outdoor Marine Garden, where sea lions swim overhead against a backdrop of buildings and sky. Penguins also swim in overhead tanks that appear to fly over the city, and there are six jellyfish tanks. The first floor focuses on marine life, and the second floor has a lakes-and-rivers theme with turtles, frogs and freshwater fish. According to the operator's listing, the venue is open daily from 10:00 to 18:00. The venue has hundreds of species and many thousands of animals, English information is available through QR codes and there is a coffee shop on site. It is a 10-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station or about five minutes on foot from Higashi-Ikebukuro Station on the Yurakucho Line.
Why it works
The combination of outdoor and indoor spaces gives it variety, and seeing sea lions and penguins swim above you against the sky is the sort of photograph that makes the aquarium memorable. It is a good place for children, who enjoy the overhead tanks, and for adults who want a short, easy stop in an area with plenty of shopping and dining.
The outdoor Marine Garden is weather dependent, so check conditions, and bring a light layer in winter. The operator also lists a ticket for the Sunshine 60 Observatory Tenbou-Park, a separate attraction in the same building complex, if you want to add views.
Plan for crowds. Weekends, school holidays and rainy days are busy, since families flock to indoor attractions, and the overhead tanks are popular for photos. Go early or on a weekday afternoon if you can. The aquarium is part of a shopping and entertainment complex, so you can combine it with lunch, a stroll through Ikebukuro and its manga and anime shops, and shopping at Sunshine City. English information is available, but the exhibits are not heavily text-based, so it works well for visitors who do not read Japanese.
Fit it into your plan. Ikebukuro is on the Yamanote Line, so it links easily with Shinjuku, Ueno and Akihabara. If you are staying in Ikebukuro or arriving late, it makes a relaxed afternoon activity. It is also a counterpart to Sumida Aquarium on the east side of the city: Sumida has the jellyfish and penguin pool at Skytree Town, while Sunshine offers the rooftop sea lions. If you only have time for one aquarium, choose based on where you are staying and which neighborhoods you plan to visit.
What to expect
The experience
A rooftop aquarium on the top floor of the World Import Mart Building in Sunshine City, Ikebukuro, with an outdoor Marine Garden, overhead sea lion and penguin tanks and jellyfish displays.
Best time
Weekday afternoons. The ticket page lists daily hours of 10:00 to 18:00.
How long
One and a half to two hours.
Tips
English information is available by QR code. The outdoor Marine Garden depends on weather. A separate ticket exists for the Sunshine 60 Observatory in the same complex.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Families and visitors staying near Ikebukuro or the Yamanote Line who want a sky-high aquarium.
- Families
- Excellent: overhead sea lions and penguins fascinate children.
- Couples
- A relaxed afternoon combined with shopping and dining in Sunshine City.
- Pair with
- Sunshine City shopping, Ikebukuro's anime shops or Sumida Aquarium on another day.
- Time needed
- Two hours.
Good questions
Where is Sunshine Aquarium?+
On the top floor of the World Import Mart Building in Sunshine City, Ikebukuro, about a 10-minute walk from Ikebukuro Station or five minutes from Higashi-Ikebukuro Station.
What are the highlights?+
The Sunshine Aqua Ring, where sea lions swim overhead, penguins in overhead tanks, an outdoor Marine Garden and six jellyfish tanks.
What are the opening hours?+
The ticket page lists daily hours of 10:00 to 18:00. Check the venue for seasonal changes and special closures.
Is there English information?+
Yes. English information is available through QR codes around the aquarium.
Can I visit the observatory too?+
A separate ticket for the Sunshine 60 Observatory Tenbou-Park, in the same building complex, is listed alongside the aquarium.
