Otaru Aquarium Penguin Walk 2026: Hours, Tickets & Tips

Sapporo Penguin Walk,

How to Get to Otaru Aquarium & Penguin Walk Schedule

When you're planning a trip to Sapporo,

do you often wonder if you have to go all the way to Asahiyama to see penguins?

To cut to the chase, you absolutely don't need to travel far!

​

That's because you can experience the amazing Penguin Walk

at Otaru Aquarium, just outside Sapporo, during the winter season.

This one post will

cover everything you need to know.

1. Otaru Aquarium Operating Information

How to Get There: All in One Place

Otaru Aquarium is nestled on a coastal cliff,

just a short distance from Otaru city center.

Here's a breakdown of the aquarium's opening hours and operating information:

The amusement park area, complete with exciting rides,

operates from April 23 to October 12,

and is accessible from 10 AM to 5 PM.

You'll find a variety of attractions like a Ferris wheel, Viking ship, go-karts, and sky bikes.

On a clear day, they say you can even spot

Sapporo JR Tower from the Ferris wheel!

Forgot your stroller?

No worries! Otaru Aquarium offers strollers

for rent at no extra charge.

They are available for children up to 48 months old,

so make sure to bring your child's passport for verification.

First, take the JR train from Sapporo to Otaru Station.

From the bus stop in front of Otaru Station, head to Platform 3 and

catch either Bus No. 10 or 11.

(Travel time: approx. 1 hour 30 minutes)

No transfers needed – just ride to the last stop,

and you'll be right at the aquarium!

The bus fare is 240 yen per person (~$2),

and the ride takes about 30 minutes.

In Japan, you board buses from the rear door ->

and pay the fare when you exit from the front.

There's no ticket machine at the back door.

So just hop on!

2. Aquarium Admission Fees

Should You Buy Tickets in Advance?

Here are the admission prices for Otaru Aquarium:

While you can purchase tickets on-site without prior booking, many visitors arrive on the same bus, which can lead to long queues at the ticket counter.

I actually bought my ticket while on the train to Otaru, which meant I could skip the on-site ticket line and enter immediately with my QR code.

If you're planning to visit by public transport instead of a rental car,

I highly recommend booking your tickets online in advance,

rather than queueing up for on-site purchase.

While the price difference isn't huge,

I avoided the need to wait in line,

which meant I could walk right in and catch the dolphin show immediately.

If I had waited in the entrance queue, I would have missed the dolphin show!

You can find the details for the

same-day purchase + entry ticket I personally bought and used

below. 🔻🔻

You can enter anytime within one month of purchase.

Otaru Aquarium Ticket Discounts, Opening Hours, Reviews [2026] | Trip.com3ha.in

3. Sapporo Penguin Walk Schedule

The absolute highlight of Otaru Aquarium is,

without a doubt, the Penguin Walk.

The sight of the penguins waddling out in a line is

even cuter in person than in photos!

One particular penguin even decided to forge its own path,

not following the keeper's lead.

(These quirky moments made it even more entertaining!)

Penguin Walk Schedule

(Each session lasts approximately 10 minutes)

Since the penguins walk a two-lap circuit,

you'll get a good view no matter where you stand.

However, the initial part of their route or the spots where they briefly pause

seem to be the best for taking photos.

Please note that times can change depending on the weather and the animals' condition,

so it's a good idea to double-check the timetable once you enter.

4. Aquarium Dolphin Show Schedule

The reason you won't want to leave after just the Penguin Walk

is definitely the Dolphin Show!

It's held in an indoor performance hall, so you can enjoy the show

comfortably, even on a chilly day.

It's usually scheduled around the Penguin Walk times,

making it easy to plan your route.

The Dolphin Show arena and the Penguin Walk viewing area are right next to each other,

so you have the advantage of moving directly from one show to the next

and watching them consecutively.

However, the Dolphin Show arena is quite small, so you'll need to arrive

at least 15 minutes before the show starts to guarantee entry.

Dolphin Show Timetable (approximately 20 minutes)

5. Why I Recommend the Aquarium as a Must-Visit in Sapporo

When people think of penguins in Sapporo, Asahiyama Zoo often comes to mind,

but it's quite a distance, adding significant travel burden to your itinerary.

A huge advantage of Otaru Aquarium is that it's perfectly doable as a day trip from Sapporo.

The visit itself takes about 2 hours,

and it pairs perfectly with a stroll along the Otaru Canal or a walk through the city afterward,

making for an excellent full-day itinerary.

With a great balance of travel, sightseeing, and relaxation,

it's a destination near Sapporo that has a low chance of disappointing!

Instead of queuing up to buy tickets on-site,

purchase them online in advance to make the most of your precious travel time.

Since you can visit anytime within one month of purchase,

if you're planning a trip to Sapporo, grab your tickets early!

🔻🔻🔻

Otaru Aquarium Ticket Discounts, Opening Hours, Reviews [2026] | Trip.com3ha.in

And that wraps up our guide on the Sapporo Penguin Walk,

how to get to Otaru Aquarium, and the Penguin Walk schedule.