An aquarium that inspires curiosity and rewards every return visit

4.5
旅行時期：2026/10（約1ヶ月前）

by Cyberさん（男性）

札幌クチコミ：9件

都市の商業施設内にある水族館とは一線を画した、何度も行きたくなるような工夫が随所に見られる、全く新しいタイプの水族館だと思います。
すすきのという深夜でも煌々と灯りが照らされる繁華街にある水族館であるため、イルカやアザラシ等の大型水棲生物はいません。また、動物とのふれあいコーナーもありません。しかしここは、水棲生物を通して、知的好奇心を刺激し、または広げ、深みを持たせることに特化した水族館と言えます。水族館の職員の日常の作業、オノマトペや普段の生活ぶりから広がる生物の生態や特徴への好奇心、等、この水族館の特徴を挙げると枚挙に暇がありません。
その最たる例が、（全てではありませんが）展示されている生物の水槽の脇に、その生物に関する本が置かれてあること。その本も、専門書から絵本に至るまで様々なジャンルがあり、また随所に本棚が設置され、自由に椅子に座って読み、その本の中の情報や記述と展示されている生物との繋がりや発見を通して、自身の知見を広め、深めることが出来ます。これほど、何度でも来たくなり、また来るたびに新たな発見を見出せる水族館は、そうそう無いと思います。
その分、前述をはじめとする椅子や本棚、寄りかかれる手すり等が多く設置されているように見受けられ、特に小さい子供はあちこち動くと不意にぶつかる可能性があります。小さい子供と訪れる時は、しっかり手をつなぎ、ゆっくりと鑑賞しながら歩くといいでしょう。

I think this is an entirely new kind of aquarium, quite unlike the typical aquariums found inside urban shopping complexes. Throughout the facility, there are thoughtful touches that make visitors want to return again and again.
Located in Susukino, Sapporo's lively entertainment district, where bright lights illuminate the streets even late at night, this aquarium does not house large aquatic animals such as dolphins or seals. Nor does it have areas where visitors can interact directly with animals. Instead, it's an aquarium dedicated to stimulating intellectual curiosity through aquatic life, broadening visitors' interests, and deepening their understanding of the natural world.
There are so many distinctive features that it would be difficult to list them all. These include opportunities to observe the everyday work of aquarium staff, as well as exhibits that encourage visitors to become curious about the behavior, ecology, and characteristics of aquatic creatures through onomatopoeia and insights into their daily lives.
Perhaps the most remarkable example of this approach is the placement of books beside the tanks of some of the animals on display. These books cover a wide range of genres, from specialist scientific publications to illustrated children's books.
Bookshelves are also positioned throughout the aquarium, with chairs where visitors can sit and read at their leisure. By connecting the information and descriptions in these books with the living creatures right in front of them, visitors can make their own discoveries, broaden their knowledge, and develop a deeper understanding of aquatic life.
I can think of very few aquariums that inspire such a strong desire to return, or that offer so many opportunities to discover something new with each visit. Rather than relying on spectacular attractions or large animals, this aquarium encourages visitors to observe, read, think, and explore at their own pace. That, to me, is what makes it particularly special.
There is, however, one practical point worth keeping in mind, especially for families with young children. The aquarium appears to have quite a few chairs, bookshelves, and railings that visitors can lean against, along with other furnishings intended to make it easier to spend time observing and learning. As a result, young children moving around excitedly may accidentally bump into these fixtures.
If you are visiting with small children, I would recommend holding their hands and taking your time as you walk through the exhibits together.