【Sapporo Aquarium】What is AOAO SAPPORO?｜Details including admission fees

Here we introduce AOAO SAPPORO, the aquarium that has appeared in the heart of Sapporo, including details such as the immersive world inside and admission fees!
Sapporo, one of the leading cities in Hokkaido. At "AOAO SAPPORO," marine creatures live in what feels like “a vast natural world within the city.”

Of course, there are typical aquarium exhibits like penguins, but also digital art installations that let you experience the vast ocean world, and even a mini botanical garden filled with lush tropical greenery—offering an experience that feels nothing like being in the middle of a city!

Let’s take a closer look in this article at what makes it so captivating.

What is AOAO SAPPORO?

AOAO SAPPORO is an urban-style aquarium located inside the multi-purpose facility “moyuk SAPPORO” in Sapporo City. This facility opened on July 20, 2023, and is situated along Sapporo Ekimae Street—right in the heart of the city.

At first glance, it may seem far removed from nature due to its urban setting, but at AOAO SAPPORO, visitors can experience the wonders of nature right in the city center! Inside the spotlessly clean facility, you’ll be immersed in a captivating environment where you can encounter a wide variety of living creatures.

AOAO SAPPORO Same-Day Tickets, Admission Fees, and How to Purchase

The same-day ticket prices for AOAO SAPPORO are ¥2,200 for adults, ¥1,100 for children, and ¥200 for infants. (Prices may vary by season.) In addition, you can optionally purchase the “Wonder Book,” AOAO SAPPORO’s official guidebook, for ¥300 per copy.

These same-day tickets can be purchased at the entrance counter.

Tickets are also available for purchase online via the official website. This allows you to check admission prices, number of people, and options, making for a smooth entry on the day of your visit.

It’s also recommended to check the ongoing events scheduled for your planned visit date when purchasing tickets online.

For those who wish to visit multiple times, AOAO SAPPORO also offers a 90-day pass called the "Suizokukan Club." There are two types: the daytime pass ("Nichinichi Pass") and the nighttime pass ("Yonayona Pass"). Residents of Hokkaido can receive a “local discount” on the Nichinichi Pass, so it’s worth considering!

Highlight #1 of AOAO SAPPORO – Penguins You Can Meet in the Middle of the City

When you think of aquarium icons, many people immediately think of penguins!

At AOAO SAPPORO, even indoors, a comfortable environment has been created for the penguins, and numerous Northern Rockhopper Penguins await your visit. The viewing tanks are close enough for you to watch the penguins swim dynamically right in front of you.

These penguins move by "hopping," and the hexagonal land structures inside the tank are designed to make observing this behavior easier. These hexagonal platforms are also easily movable, allowing the exhibit environment to constantly change—another interesting aspect of the aquarium. Near the ticketing area, you’ll find the Museum Shop, which sells original AOAO SAPPORO merchandise—including a variety of plush Northern Rockhopper Penguins. Don’t miss it!

AOAO SAPPORO Highlight #2: A Globally Rare Aquarium

The highlights of AOAO SAPPORO aren’t limited to just animal exhibits! One of its major attractions is the "Nature Aquarium," the third of its kind in the world following Tokyo and Portugal.

A Nature Aquarium recreates natural environments inside aquariums by cultivating aquatic plants and nurturing fish, shrimp, and other creatures in a well-maintained ecosystem. The beautifully crafted nature scenes within the tanks truly make it a "living aquarium."

There are four aquatic landscapes in the aquarium: "Aromatic Wind Stone Landscape," "Garden of Light and Water Lilies," "Ancient Forest," and "Autumn Leaves Beneath the Water." Each lets visitors carefully observe the intricate ecosystems within the tanks.

AOAO SAPPORO Highlight #3: A Plankton Observation Corner Appears!

The "PLANKTON ROOM" at AOAO SAPPORO is a special exhibit area where visitors can observe plankton, the tiny organisms that drift on or in the water. Plankton vary in size and type, with familiar examples including small shrimp and jellyfish.

In the PLANKTON ROOM, countless moon jellyfish and colored jellyfish drift gracefully in various tanks of different sizes. The soft, floating movement of these creatures creates a dreamy, almost surreal atmosphere that is sure to captivate visitors.

AOAO SAPPORO Highlight #4: What is the Digital Art Aquarium?

AOAO SAPPORO offers even more impressive features. In a tank called the "Blue Room," an enormous orca appears—despite being in the middle of the city!

This ultra-realistic orca is actually a digital art projection. The lifelike visuals are displayed on a 20-meter-wide screen, immersing viewers in an underwater world. It provides an exhilarating and powerful "undersea story" experience without leaving the city.

AOAO SAPPORO Highlight #5: A Botanical Garden Where You Can Meet Penguins?

Next up among the AOAO SAPPORO highlights is the "Green Room," a fitting contrast to the previously mentioned "Blue Room."

Instead of digital art, the Green Room features a display of tropical plants. Even though it’s inside an aquarium, it rivals that of a full-scale botanical garden. The exhibit includes more than 20 species of tropical flora, some reaching over 2 meters in height. After observing marine life, visitors can relax in the embrace of lush greenery.

In the Green Room, fairy penguins—the smallest species of penguin—make an appearance. This marks the first permanent exhibit of fairy penguins in Hokkaido. These tiny penguins are notably smaller than emperor penguins and are known for moving in groups, often referred to as a "penguin parade." If you're lucky, you might be able to catch them in action.

Access Information for AOAO SAPPORO

Here’s how to access AOAO SAPPORO. As mentioned earlier, AOAO SAPPORO is located along "Sapporo Ekimae Street." It’s just a 1-minute walk from the nearest tram stop, "Tanukikoji Station" on the Sapporo Streetcar, and a 3-minute walk from "Odori Station" on the Sapporo Municipal Subway.

From Sapporo Station, the city’s main hub, you can walk straight for about 20 minutes to reach the aquarium.

Its proximity to Sapporo Station also makes it extremely accessible from popular tourist spots and areas like the Sapporo Clock Tower and Susukino. The building is connected to the "Sapporo Underground Pole Town" shopping street, so you can also visit via the underground walkway.

However, as it's located in the city center, there is no parking available. Those planning to drive using private cars or rental vehicles should take note of this.

https://maps.google.com/maps?ll=43.057565,141.353169&z=16&t=m&hl=ja&gl=JP&mapclient=embed&cid=13694692182328527696

Summary of AOAO SAPPORO Tourist Information

This was an introduction to AOAO SAPPORO. Opened in recent years, AOAO SAPPORO is a popular urban-style aquarium that continues to gain attention through its unique approaches and innovations.

Located in the heart of Sapporo, it offers a rare opportunity to connect with the richness of nature and the wonder of animals without leaving the city. With convenient access and plenty of nearby attractions, it’s easy to include in your Sapporo travel itinerary.

If you’re sightseeing in Sapporo, be sure to pay it a visit!

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【Sapporo Aquarium】What is AOAO SAPPORO?｜Details including admission fees