Penguins can now be seen “flying” over the Tokyo cityscape at Sunshine Aquarium in Toshima Ward after recently completed renovations at the sky-high attraction.
The roughly 1,050-square-meter outdoor area was opened to the public on July 12. The transparent acrylic used for parts of the 12-meter-wide penguin tank’s walls allows the vistas outside to merge seamlessly with the watery scene within. This creates the illusion that the some 40 African penguins are flying across the backdrop of Tokyo’s high-rise apartment buildings as they swim.
A representative for the aquarium boasted, “We would like visitors to experience an even more lively sight than ever before.”
Penguins cannot fly, but when they swim in the tank, it looks as if they are flying between skyscrapers and above the spectators’ heads.
Sunshine Aquarium Access:
Address: Japan 〒170-0013 Tokyo, Toyohashi Higashiikebukuro, ３丁目1−１番
Tel: +81 3-3989-3466
Business Hours:
■ April 1 ~ October 31: 10AM~8PM (No entry after 7PM)
■ November 1 ~ March 31: 10AM~6PM(No entry after 5PM)
Summer
■ July 12 ~ September 3
Weekday: 10AM~9PM (No entry after 8PM)
Weekend/Holiday: 9AM~9PM (No entry after 8PM)
■August 11 ~ August 16: 8: 30AM~9PM
■ September 4 ~ September 27: 10AM~9PM
※ Last admission is one hour before closing time.
※ Business hours may change.
Tickets:
Adults (age 16+) 2,200 yen
Youths (age 7-15) 1,200 yen
Children (age 4-6) 700 yen
Sunshine Aquarium Official Website
Watch Video Flying Penguins