Chitose Salmon Aquarium: Everything You Need Before Visiting

Overview

Things to do

Hotels

4.9 /5

16K+ reviews

Read all reviews

LI ********

2 Nov 2025

Instant confirmation upon ordering. Redeem train tickets at the service counter with a QR code. Simple and easy to use. Will continue to order.

Kian ********

1 Nov 2025

great value to buy a pass to travel around Hokkaido, seat reservations are free and easy to book

클룩 회원

31 Oct 2025

It's a bit further from the station than I thought. There's a Seiko + Seven and a dessert shop, as well as a steakhouse nearby, so accessibility is quite high. Breakfast was also satisfactory. There's a gym, but for some reason it's currently unavailable, which was a little disappointing. A park and shrine are about a 15-minute walk away, making it a good post-meal stroll.

Nontawat *********

28 Oct 2025

It's practical, convenient for travel, and covers all the main routes in Hokkaido. Very impressed! Booking is confirmed via email, which is super convenient. Highly recommend!

Leung *******

20 Oct 2025

What a wonderfully packed itinerary! Our tour guide, Mr. Chou Cheng, was incredibly enthusiastic, professional, and meticulously arranged and explained every detail! I'm so grateful and thankful to him for making my autumn foliage tour such a joyful day!

陳 **

8 Oct 2025

This was my first time staying at this hotel. It was decent and the staff were friendly enough. Unfortunately, the pillows were too hard. There were many Asian guests and plenty of convenience stores nearby.

Klook 用戶

4 Oct 2025

This aquarium is well worth a visit, offering a great opportunity to learn more about the life cycle of salmon. The most impressive part is being able to directly observe the salmon migrating upstream in the Chitose River! Purchasing tickets through Klook allows for instant use (¥600) and is cheaper than buying them on-site (¥800). I recommend purchasing through Klook. The adjacent parking lot is large, and you can also see planes landing at New Chitose Airport, which is a nice bonus.

Klook会員

29 Sep 2025

This was my second time staying here. We stayed in a different, larger room than last time, and it was very comfortable 😊. It was a 2LDK (2 bedrooms, living room, dining room, and kitchen), so the kids had their own room to sleep in, and we slept in the other room. The kids were so happy about how spacious it was. We cooked dinner and enjoyed drinks like we were at home. There was a bathtub and a separate shower room, so I took a shower while the kids and my boyfriend were using the bathtub. We had a little trouble checking in because the confirmation number wasn't sent to my email, but the staff kindly helped us via video call. There's not much around, but there's a supermarket a few minutes away by car, so it's totally fine to do some shopping and then relax at the hotel. There's also a soba noodle shop diagonally across the street that caught my eye. I just thought it would be nice to have plastic wrap and a peeler. I ended up buying plastic wrap, and I brought my own peeler since many places don't have them. Also, I think it would be better if toothbrushes were provided as a standard amenity instead of being charged extra. Well, I don't use hotel toothbrushes anyway 😂. Almost all the appliances you need are there. There's a microwave, a kettle, and even a rice cooker so you can cook rice 🍚. There's also a washing machine. We only stayed one night, so I didn't do any laundry, but there's detergent, a place to hang clothes, and hangers. If it had been a washer/dryer combo, I might have done laundry that day. There's also a vacuum cleaner and an air purifier. The lighting was a little dim, and I wish it were a bit brighter, although the kitchen was very bright 🤣. It's about a 13-minute walk from Minami-Chitose Station, and the location isn't ideal for shopping if you're walking, but the room itself was excellent. I'd like to stay here again if I have the chance. Transportation Access: 13-minute walk from Minami-Chitose Station

Rinku Park

282K+ visitors

Chitose Outlet Mall Rera

282K+ visitors

New Chitose Airport

196K+ visitors

Lake Shikotsu

11K+ visitors

Lake Shikotsuko Visitor Center

1K+ visitors

Mitsui Outlet Park Sapporo-Kitahiroshima

25K+ visitors

F VILLAGE Snow Park

94K+ visitors

What is the best time to visit the Chitose Salmon Aquarium?

How can I get to the Chitose Salmon Aquarium from New Chitose Airport?

What transportation options are available to reach the Chitose Salmon Aquarium?

Where can I find the latest visitor information for the Chitose Salmon Aquarium?

Dive into the mesmerizing world of the Chitose Salmon Aquarium, a unique destination nestled in the heart of Chitose City, Hokkaido, Japan. Just a short drive from New Chitose Airport, this captivating aquarium offers an unparalleled opportunity to witness the awe-inspiring salmon migration and explore the vibrant aquatic life of the Chitose River. Known as the 'Salmon Hometown,' the aquarium provides a profound connection between humans and fish, revealing the extraordinary journey and life cycle of salmon as they voyage across the North Pacific Ocean. Whether you're a nature enthusiast or a curious traveler, the Chitose Salmon Aquarium promises an unforgettable experience, showcasing the wonders of the northern ecosystem and the incredible stories of salmon and sturgeon.

2-chōme-4-312 Hanasono, Chitose, Hokkaido 066-0028, Japan

Remarkable Landmarks and Must-Visit Sights

Underwater Observation Room

Dive into an unparalleled aquatic adventure at Japan’s first 'underwater observation room.' Here, you can get up close and personal with the majestic salmon as they embark on their upstream migration. From September to October, witness these incredible fish pressing against the glass, offering a front-row seat to their awe-inspiring journey and winter spawning period. It's an experience that brings you face-to-face with nature's wonders!

Chitose River Underwater Observation Room

Step into the Chitose River Underwater Observation Room and immerse yourself in the natural world of wild salmon. Since its completion in 1991, this facility has provided visitors with a unique opportunity to observe the salmon's majestic journey during the spawning season. It's a rare chance to see these incredible creatures in their natural habitat, offering an intimate and unforgettable experience.

Salmon Fry Release

Join in the heartwarming tradition of the Salmon Fry Release, a seasonal event that takes place from March to May. This unique experience allows you to play a part in the life journey of baby salmon as you release them into the river. It's a symbolic baptism and send-off ceremony, where you can feel the excitement and hope as these young fish begin their epic voyage. It's a must-do for anyone looking to connect with nature and contribute to the cycle of life.

Cultural and Historical Significance

Chitose City has been at the forefront of salmon hatching and raising since the 1870s. The Chitose Salmon Aquarium, established in 1994, is a testament to this rich history and the city's commitment to salmon conservation. The aquarium's fish wheel is a fascinating feature that captures adult fish during the salmon run, showcasing the city's dedication to preserving this vital part of their heritage. Recognized as a museum-equivalent facility, the aquarium reflects the region's educational and cultural importance.

Cultural Significance

The Ainu people have revered salmon for thousands of years, with their fishing practices carefully regulated to ensure the species' survival. In the Ainu language, the word 'chep' is synonymous with both fish and salmon, underscoring their cultural importance. This deep connection to salmon is a significant aspect of the local heritage and is beautifully highlighted at the Chitose Salmon Aquarium.

Educational Insights

At the Chitose Salmon Aquarium, visitors can gain valuable insights into the salmon's life cycle and the challenges they face from predators and environmental factors. The aquarium's breeding program is designed to maximize their survival rate, offering a deeper understanding of nature's delicate balance. It's an educational experience that enriches your appreciation for these remarkable creatures and the efforts to conserve them.

Chitose Salmon Aquarium

Chitose Salmon Aquarium Reviews

Popular places near Chitose Salmon Aquarium

FAQs about Chitose Salmon Aquarium