A summertime trip to one of Japan’s many aquariums is becoming an annual tradition of ours. This visit marks our third year in a row.
Today’s aquarium is located at the top of Sunshine City. In fact, quite a few aquariums in Tokyo are not at ground level.
Rooftop access means outdoor exhibits, like this cool loop for seals to do laps.
When the seals aren’t doing reps they check out onlookers in the adjacent pool.
Inside, a big tropical fish tank sits in the center of the main hall.
Many people make use of the seating in front of the big tank to relax. After watching the fish for a while, you can check out the other exhibits.
Fish dart back and forth in unison when bigger fish plow through their school.
Sea dragons meander along the sandy bottom of their habitat.
A tiny puffer fish shows off its spots.
Giant spider crabs sit motionless but still manage to creep me out. They remind me too much of headcrabs.
On the other hand, the slow movement of the jellyfish is quite calming.
An orb in the ceiling gives you a 360 degree view of the fish, when present.
A small open basin attracts a crowd. On closer inspection, it is full of small hermit crabs and mudskippers.
The aquarium also houses amphibians and reptiles.
Back outside, it’s penguin time! A staff member talks about the various aspects of penguin life.
The penguins wait for the end of the speech, because they know that snack time follows.
Even though Sunshine aquarium is not particularly large it has a good variety, all in the heart of Ikebukuro. Check it out if you’re looking for a place to escape the summer heat.