Hokkaido, Japan | Chitose Aquarium , Furusato of Salmon (Tickets)
- Japan's first "underwater observation area" allows visitors to view the natural ecology of the Chitose River in real time through observation windows on the riverbed.
- Salmon migration can be observed in autumn, and different underwater creature behaviors can be observed in each season.
- With salmon and Hokkaido freshwater fish as its theme, and showcasing freshwater creatures from around the world, it combines education with entertainment.
- Book your tickets for a specific date on KKday, show the QR code at the venue for entry, and easily plan your Hokkaido family trip.
Attraction Tickets
| Ticket type | E-ticket (direct entry) |
| Attraction type | Ecology & conservation, Family parks, Aquariums |
| Tour types | None |
Product Info
The content of this product is provided by machine translation and may not reflect the actual information, please take this into consideration before booking.
- Chitose Aquarium, the Furusato of salmon -
"Chitose Aquarium, the Furusato of Salmon" is located on the banks of the Chitose River. It is an aquarium themed around salmon and Hokkaido freshwater fish, and also displays a variety of freshwater creatures from around the world. The aquarium boasts one of the largest freshwater tanks in Japan, allowing visitors to observe large freshwater fish such as sturgeon and salmon swimming up close and learn about the life cycle of salmon from fry to adult.
The aquarium's most distinctive feature is Japan's first "underwater observation area," a 30-meter-long observation space embedded in the left bank of the Chitose River, allowing visitors to directly observe the river's wildlife through observation windows. Salmon migration can be observed in autumn, spawning in winter, and various fish species and waterbirds are active in spring and summer. The aquarium also features a touch pool, allowing visitors to get up close to aquatic life, making it a suitable ecological learning destination for families.
Salmon Zone: In three large tanks, you can observe the process of salmon growing from juveniles to adults, and enjoy cherry trout, coho salmon, giant sturgeon and other fish swimming around. In autumn, you can also see large salmon migrating to spawn.
Lake Shikotsu District: After passing through the model that recreates the "Moss Cave Gate", you will see a large water tank that recreates the famous "Shikotsu Blue" landscape of Lake Shikotsu, where various salmon and lake creatures swim leisurely among the aquatic plants.
Experience Zone: This is a popular experience zone where you can get up close and personal with living creatures. It features a touch pool where you can touch baby sturgeon and a doctor fish experience tank.
Chitose River Road: Through three water tanks—upstream, midstream, and downstream—it showcases the ecology of various fish species inhabiting different waters along the 108-kilometer-long Chitose River.
World Freshwater Fish Zone: This zone showcases creatures from freshwater areas around the world, including Amazonian freshwater rays, alligator gars, and mudskippers that can jump onto land, among other diverse species.
Purchase Notice
- Business hours may vary and some facilities, exhibitions or services may be temporarily suspended; please refer to official announcements before departure.
- Depending on the crowd situation, entry or usage restrictions may be implemented. Please cooperate with the staff's instructions.
- Once purchased, cancellations or changes are not permitted; no refunds will be given even if the product is not used within the validity period.
- Depending on the ticket category, you may be required to show identification; failure to do so may result in a ticket price adjustment or refusal of entry.
- Gang members and related individuals, as well as those who have consumed excessive alcohol, will not be permitted entry.
Reminders
Business hours may vary and some facilities, exhibitions or services may be temporarily suspended; please refer to official announcements before departure.
Depending on the ticket category, you may be required to show identification; failure to do so may result in a ticket price adjustment or refusal of entry.
Once purchased, cancellations or changes are not permitted; no refunds will be given even if the product is not used within the validity period.
How to Redeem Your Voucher
How to Use Your Voucher
- Please present your QR code on-site
Experience Location
Location Name: サケのふるさと Chiji Aquarium
Address: 〒066-0028 2-312 Hanasono, Chitose-shi, Hokkaido
Monday 09:00–17:00
Tuesday 09:00–17:00
Wednesday 09:00–17:00
Thursday 09:00–17:00
Friday 09:00–17:00
Saturday 09:00–17:00
Sunday 09:00–17:00
General business hours (09:00–17:00): 2026/03/01–11/30
Shorter business hours during winter (10:00–16:00): 2026/12/01–12/28, 2027/01/02–01/11, 2027/02/01–02/28
Closed at the end of the year and beginning of the new year: 2026/12/29–2027/01/01
Maintenance and closure: 2027/01/12–01/31
Cancellation Policy
- Once the order has been completed, it cannot be canceled, modified, or refunded
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once the cancellation is confirmed, you will receive your refund within 14 working days.
FAQ
The Hokkaido Salmon Hometown Chitose Aquarium is unique for its direct connection to the Chitose River, allowing visitors to observe salmon in their natural habitat through an underwater observation room. It specifically focuses on the life cycle of salmon and other freshwater fish found in Hokkaido, offering engaging educational exhibitions and diverse aquatic animal displays showcasing the region's ecosystem.
The best time to visit the Hokkaido Salmon Hometown Chitose Aquarium is typically from early September to late November. During this period, visitors can witness salmon returning upstream to spawn in the Chitose River, which is a major highlight viewable from the aquarium's unique underwater observation room. The surrounding autumn foliage also adds to the scenic beauty of the visit.
Visitors can obtain tickets for the Hokkaido Salmon Hometown Chitose Aquarium through various channels. Online booking platforms are a convenient option. For example, by booking through KKday, you can easily secure your tickets in advance and often benefit from a streamlined entry process, ensuring a smooth start to your visit without waiting in long queues. Tickets are also available directly at the aquarium's entrance.
Visitors to the Hokkaido Salmon Hometown Chitose Aquarium can expect an immersive and educational experience centered on aquatic life, particularly salmon. The aquarium features a unique underwater observation room directly connected to the Chitose River, offering a rare glimpse into salmon migration. You can explore various zones showcasing different aquatic animals and engage with educational exhibits about the salmon life cycle and Hokkaido's freshwater ecosystems.
From New Chitose Airport to Sapporo, the most common and efficient transportation is the JR Rapid Airport Express train. This service offers frequent departures, with trains arriving at Sapporo Station in approximately 37 minutes. Alternatively, direct express buses are available, taking about 70-80 minutes depending on traffic conditions, offering a comfortable ride with potential scenic views. Taxis are also an option for direct travel, although typically at a higher expense.
To reach the Hokkaido Salmon Hometown Chitose Aquarium, you can take a train to Chitose Station. From Sapporo, the JR Rapid Airport Express train connects directly to Chitose Station in about 27-30 minutes. Once at Chitose Station, the aquarium is approximately a 10-15 minute walk. Local bus services are also available from Chitose Station, providing a convenient way to reach the aquarium if you prefer not to walk.
From Chitose Station, visitors can reach Lake Shikotsu by taking a local bus. The Shikotsu-ko Line bus, operated by Chuo Bus, departs from Chitose Station and reaches Lake Shikotsu in approximately 45-50 minutes. It's advisable to check the bus schedule in advance, especially during off-peak seasons, as service frequency may vary. Taxis are also an option for more direct travel to the lake.
At the Hokkaido Salmon Hometown Chitose Aquarium, visitors can explore diverse zones. The highlight is the Underwater Observation Room, offering direct views of the Chitose River and its wild salmon population. Other exhibits include the Freshwater Aquarium Zone with various Hokkaido fish, a Touch Pool for interactive experiences, and detailed displays outlining the salmon's remarkable life cycle from egg to ocean and back. Educational panels and videos enhance understanding of the local ecosystem.
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