Mimicking the natural bodies of water across the world, Tokyo Sea Life Park is home to over a thousand species of sea creatures. The aquarium boasts a wide variety of displays and the first of its kind cylindrical tank for bluefin tuna to be able to swim in their natural patterns.
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An Aquarium Beyond Borders
One of Japan’s destinations that you should not miss is the Tokyo Sea Life Park located in Kasai Rinkai Park in Edogawa Ward, Tokyo. This world-class aquarium, also known as Kasai Rinkai Aquarium in Japan, is famous for its futuristic and top-of-the-line facilities that provide guests a one-of-a-kind underwater experience. It recently had its 30th anniversary in 2019. This well-designed aquarium is home to more than 1,200 species of sea creatures, not just from Japan, but coming from different parts of the world. If you are obsessed with marine life, then there’s nowhere better to experience a global aquatic paradise but the Tokyo Sea Life Park.
Global Sea Life Experience
Aside from the wide range of marine creatures found in the aquarium, another brilliant feature of Tokyo Sea Life Park is the 12 exhibit sections of the aquarium that replicates the different bodies of water around the world. These include the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Caribbean Sea, Indian Sea, and also the Sea of Tokyo. These sections are well-designed to mimic the natural habitats of the sea creatures and provide them a comfortable sanctuary.
Most of the signs and instructions around the aquarium are written both in English and Japanese so you can read up on the actual animals and their habitats. You can also get pamphlets in several other languages.
Writer's Pick
Aquarium Highlights
Here are some of the sections and activities in Tokyo Sea Life Park that you should not miss:
Glass Dome
Another proud feature of the aquarium is its incredible architectural design. A breath-taking glass dome serves as the symbol and identity of the aquarium which can be seen from afar. Any photo of this aquarium most likely includes this dome - it’s that iconic and unlike any structure seen in Japan. It is also a great sight-seeing location because you can see unobstructedly across Tokyo Bay and the nearby Tokyo Disneyland and Disneysea.
Massive Tuna Tank
Another highlight in Tokyo Sea Life Park is its gigantic donut-shaped tuna tank that holds up to 2,200 tons of water. This section is specifically designed to match the natural swimming patterns of bluefin and yellowfin tunas so that they can swim freely and comfortably. Because of its cylindrical shape, you can have a 360 view of these oceanic fish swimming around you. This giant tuna tank makes Tokyo Sea Life Park the first aquarium ever in the world to exhibit tuna swimming and reproducing freely together inside an artificial habitat.
Touch Station
In Tokyo Sea Life Park, you cannot only watch the sea creatures swimming and playing around their respective sections. However, the aquarium also allows its guests to have a personal and hands-on experience with some of the sea creatures. In the touch pool station, you can have a supervised interaction with stingrays, sea urchins, sharks, and many more. Many kids, or even adults, are so fond of this experience because it provides them the opportunity not just to learn, but also to have a connection with these adorable creatures through personal interaction.
Penguin Exhibit
Tokyo Sea Life Park also boasts of having one of Japan's largest penguin habitats. This penguin enclosure features over 100 of three types of penguins from different parts of the world. The natural habitats of these penguins are also adopted in their section in order to provide these cute birds a comfortable living space. In the penguin exhibit, you will enjoy watching these flightless birds swimming fast underwater and walking adorably on makeshift islands. There are also exhibits that feature other seabirds as well.
More Aquarium Activities
Aside from the mentioned features of Tokyo Sea Life Park in this article, there is so much more you can enjoy in the aquarium, including the other fantastic sections featuring other sea creatures from around the world like nursery fish from the Pacific ocean, golden butterflyfish from the Indian Sea, lumpsucker from the Atlantic Ocean, queen angelfish from the Caribbean Sea and more!
Tokyo Sea Life Park is also a great educational destination especially for kids because there are interactive touch panels that teach guests about the fish, as well as presentations by the staff to educate guests about marine biodiversity. Make sure to check out the onsite library as well!
Pick up a cute souvenir (or several) from not one but two gift shops, Aquamarine and Aquascape, and if you get hungry, there's the restaurant “Seawind” with delicious options like tuna katsu curry.
Getting There
Entrance Fees and Discounts
Tokyo Sea Life Park offers free admission to children 0-12 years old, junior high school students living or studying in Tokyo, and to persons with disabilities and their assistant. The regular entrance fees for adults aging 16-64 is 700 yen, while senior citizens pay only 350 yen and children 13-15 years old pay 250 yen. The park also accepts major credit cards and e-money modes of payment. You can also buy an annual pass for 2800 yen.
The aquarium also offers group discounts and free admissions on specific dates and celebrations. Make sure to check out any available of these offers. The Aquarium is closed on Wednesdays and from December 29 to January 1 for New Year’s. It is usually open from 9:30AM to 5:00PM. Also, keep in mind that the entrance and ticketing office closes one hour prior to closing time, so make sure to be there in time!
※ Tokyo Zoological Park Society, "Tokyo Sea Life Park"
Transportation
Tokyo Sea Life Park is accessible by train or bus.
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The nearest station in the aquarium is the Kasai-Rinkai-Koen Station. You can ride a train using the JR Keiyo Line, stop at the Kasai-Rinkai-Koen Station, and then walk for about 5 minutes to reach the aquarium.
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You can also get there by riding a bus if you are in the Edogawa area. There are Keisei Shuttle Seven buses that will transport you directly to Kasai Kinsai Park.
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If you plan to drive, please note that Tokyo Sea Life does not have parking areas, but there are paid parking stations near the Aquarium. Still, taking trains is recommended especially during holidays and weekends as the park is fully-packed during this time.
An Aquatic Paradise in Tokyo
If you are overwhelmed by the city life in Japan, take a breather and enjoy the gift of nature in one of the largest aquariums in Japan - the Tokyo Sea Life Park. Have a great time with your friends and family in this world-class aquarium and explore the beauty of marine biodiversity.
※ Tokyo Zoological Park Society, "Tokyo Sea Life Park"
