You can feed dolphins, penguins, and other animals by hand here—super fun! The kids were so excited.
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Salmon Hometown Chitose Aquarium
Hokkaido's largest aquarium specializing in freshwater fish.
4.42
5
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
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One of the largest freshwater fish aquariums in Hokkaido.
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The "Underwater Observation Zone," the first of its kind in Japan, is a must-see.
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In addition to regular events, a variety of events are held throughout the year.
Photos
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It is also easily accessible from Sapporo, a 60-minute drive.
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"Salmon Zone," a series of three large tanks
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"Underwater Observation Zone" for up-close observation of the Chitose River
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The "touch pool" where you can touch a baby sturgeon is also popular.
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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
Some reviews are AI-translated.
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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.
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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! 👏
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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.
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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
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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)