Otaru Aquarium that is usually closed in winter opens temporarily from January 29(Sat.)-February 13(Sun.) coinciding with the dates of Sapporo Snow Festival and Otaru Snow Gleaming Festival.
The performance by seals and dolphins take place at the Dolphin Stadium at 11:00, 13:00, 15:00 respectively, and Penguins' Walk can be seen at the place in front of Dolphin Stadium at 11:30 and 13:30 during the opening period.
You can also see Pelicans' Walk in the Aquarium building at noon and 14:00.
If you are interested in Backyard Tour, you can apply for it at the Aquarium shop on the 1F. The first 10 people are acceptable. The tour is available at 10:30, 12:30 and 14:30. The tour duration is about 30 minutes. Please note that the tour from 10:30 is available only on Saturdays, Sundays and national holiday.
However, from the next season (19 March-), Otaru Aquarium is due to open all the year around.
You can find some brief information about the Aquarium on their web site in English, Chinese, Korean and Russian. http://www.otaru-aq.jp/
Admission: 800 yen for adults, 400 yen for primary school and junior high school students, 200 yen for the children of 3-year-old and over
The admissions are less expensive compared with those of summer, because all the facilities are not available in winter.
The period of Sapporo snow Festival 2011
7(Mon.)-13(Sun.) February
The period of Otaru Snow Gleaming Festival 2011
4(Fri.)-13(Sun.) 17:00-21:00
Please visit Otaru Aquarium while enjoying the wonderful winter festivals above.
