Salmon Hometown Chitose Aquarium

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Salmon Hometown Chitose Aquarium

Hokkaido's largest aquarium specializing in freshwater fish.

4.42 5

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The aquarium has a huge aquarium tank, the largest freshwater aquarium in Hokkaido. The aquarium exhibits about 10,000 freshwater creatures from around the world, including salmon living in the Chitose River, and introduces the ecology of freshwater fish in an easy-to-understand manner. The first highlight is the "Underwater Observation Zone," the first in Japan where visitors can directly observe through glass the inside of an actual river (Chitose River). You can see juvenile salmon in March, sea trout and cherry salmon in June, and salmon returning to spawn from late August through winter right in front of your eyes.

The "Experience Zone" where you can directly interact with freshwater fish, such as an acrylic touch pool with baby sturgeon and a family of sea urchins, and a doctor fish experience, are also popular. The Lake Shikotsu Large Tank, which reproduces the vivid and beautiful lake bottom called " Shikotsuko Blue," is also a must-see.

In addition to the "Carp Feeding Experience" and "Backyard Tour," which can be experienced with advance reservations, various seasonal events are also held, such as the "Salmon Fry Release Experience" from March to May, the "Summer Special Exhibition" in summer, and the "Salmon Egg Collection Experience" in September (various events are available in Japanese).

Highlights

  • One of the largest freshwater fish aquariums in Hokkaido.
  • The "Underwater Observation Zone," the first of its kind in Japan, is a must-see.
  • In addition to regular events, a variety of events are held throughout the year.

Photos

  • It is also easily accessible from Sapporo, a 60-minute drive.

    It is also easily accessible from Sapporo, a 60-minute drive.

  • "Salmon Zone," a series of three large tanks

    "Salmon Zone," a series of three large tanks

  • "Underwater Observation Zone" for up-close observation of the Chitose River

    "Underwater Observation Zone" for up-close observation of the Chitose River

  • The "touch pool" where you can touch a baby sturgeon is also popular.

    The "touch pool" where you can touch a baby sturgeon is also popular.

  • There are a variety of events such as feeding experiences and bag yard tours.

    There are a variety of events such as feeding experiences and bag yard tours.

Official FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions have been vetted and answered directly by each listing.

Q

Do you have pamphlets in other languages? (If so, please also inform us of the supported languages)

A

Brochures are available in English, Korean, traditional Chinese, and simplified Chinese.
In addition, we also offer a service that allows you to download a dedicated application to your smartphone to view aquarium caption information in multiple languages.

Q

Is it possible to re-enter the premises?

A

Yes, by re-presenting the admission ticket of the day.

Q

Is free WiFi available in the facility?

A

Yes, it is.

Q

Are coin lockers available?

A

Free coin lockers are located next to the ticket counter.

Reviews

5

If the original text is in another language, the AI will automatically translate and display it.

  • You can feed dolphins, penguins, and other animals by hand here—super fun! The kids were so excited.

  • The aquarium creates a natural-like environment with flowing water, rocks, and plants, so the salmon can live just like in their natural habitat—it's really nice. Besides watching the exhibits, there are interactive experiences like feeding the fish and trying out fishing, so you can get up close and learn more about these aquatic creatures.

  • There's a model of a fishing waterwheel at the aquarium entrance. When the salmon swim upstream in autumn, they use this waterwheel to catch lots of returning salmon. It's really unique and interesting! 👏

  • The main exhibit at the aquarium is this huge freshwater tank with all kinds of fish swimming around. They look so happy gliding through the water! This is definitely my favorite part of the aquarium.

  • Finally got a chance to visit Chitose, so I stopped by the Chitose Aquarium, which is said to be one of the largest freshwater aquariums in Japan. Saw lots of unique fish—really cool place!

Details

Name in Japanese
サケのふるさと千歳水族館
Postal Code
066-0028
Address
2-312Hanazono, Chitose City, Hokkaido
Telephone
0123-42-3001
Closed
Year-end and New Year holidays and maintenance closures
Business Hours
9:00 am - 5:00 pm
December to February 10:00 am - 4:00 pm
Admission
800 yen for adults, 500 yen for high school students, 300 yen for elementary and junior high school students, free for children under elementary school age
Directions
About 10 minutes walk from JR Chitose Station
Credit Cards
Accepted
Official Website
Official Website (Japanese)