Visit the fishes in the midst of the city

At one point or another, we’ve all pondered what it must be like to be a fish. Haven’t we? If so, and even if you haven’t, get along to Sunshine International Aquarium this summer for a look at how our sea and river borne ancestors live out their lives.

Arguably the best aquarium Tokyo has to offer, in terms of location relative to other sites as Ikebukuro is one of the thriving hearts of this huge city, the sea life on display at Sunshine International Aquarium – and the way in which it is displayed – and of course price; just 1800 yen for adults, 900 yen for kids over the age of four.

Located near the top of the Sunshine City building in the Ikebukuro area of the city, the lower of the two floor aquarium displays include numerous Japanese sardines swimming as if controlled by one inner thought process, a rare Baikal seal with its huge, welcoming eyes, ever popular sea otters forever floating on their backs, and a number of large, 1m plus, fish in around six to eight large tanks.

The second, upper floor has a selection of excellent displays replicating life in the Congo River basin, the Mekong Delta, Australian Great Barrier Reef to name just a few of the global environments brought into the heart of Tokyo – as well as the ubiquitous souvenir shops / rest area perfect for refueling the kiddies and taking a break yourself.

Outside, the enclosed two floors of the inner-aquarium, stands a large roof-type area overlooked by several of the areas taller buildings. Home to an ‘Otter Village’ and small structures containing several forms of land based animal life – pelicans, penguins and, oddly, Southern Tamanduas – as well as the ever popular ‘OH-OH Stage’ on which the resident sea lions perform tricks and poses for hundreds of onlookers every day, this open-air half of the aquarium might not overly impress those more concerned with animal welfare as things can get a little pungent on warmer days.

Another café (Marine), well posted information boards giving show timings and more than enough toilets (disabled access also unusually well provided for) make the aquarium a visitor friendly place for all; one to go out of your way to see in a city offering so many, far less impressive aquariums.

Access: via Ikebukuro Station (JR / several subway lines). Leave the East Exit of he station, walk up Sunshine 60 Dori and enter the Sunshine City Underground Entrance in Tokyu Hands to avoid having to cross National Expressway #5. (approx 10 mins on foot)

Hours: 10:00 – 18:00 (20:30 in summer vacation) / please enter 30 mins before closing.

Link - www.sunshinecity.co.jp