Salmon Hometown Chitose Aquarium: A Unique Attraction Near New Chitose Airport

Are you looking for a sightseeing spot near New Chitose Airport?

When I arrived in Chitose, Hokkaido by plane, I wanted to visit one local attraction at Chitose before we go to Sapporo. I discovered an aquarium dedicated to salmon, which sounded unique enough to be worth a visit. That’s how I ended up at Salmon Hometown Chitose Aquarium.

How to Get to Chitose Aquarium

Chitose Aquarium is located next to Salmon Park Chitose, a roadside station (Michi-no-Eki). Because the aquarium is set back from the main road, it can be a little difficult to spot at first glance. If you’re visiting, it’s easier to use Salmon Park Chitose as your landmark.

From New Chitose Airport

By Train

Take a train bound for Sapporo from New Chitose Airport Station and get off at Chitose Station (approximately ¥400, travel time under 10 minutes; please note that limited express trains do not stop here). From the East Exit of Chitose Station, the aquarium is about a 15-minute walk away.

Check the train schedule from New Chitose Airport to Sapporo Station here.

By Car

The drive from New Chitose Airport to Chitose Aquarium takes approximately 15 minutes.

From Sapporo Station

By Train

Take a train bound for New Chitose Airport and get off at Chitose Station (approximately ¥1,000). From the East Exit, it is about a 10-minute walk to the aquarium.

For the train schedule from Sapporo Station to New Chitose Airport, check the “Chitose Line” tab here.

By Car

The drive from Sapporo Station takes approximately one hour.

Admission Fees and Opening Hours

Admission fees are as follows:

Admission fees

Opening Hours

Chitose Aquarium operates under two schedules: regular opening hours and shortened winter hours.

The schedules for 2026 and 2027 are shown below, but opening hours may change. Be sure to check the official website before your visit.

Highlights

The aquarium is divided into eight exhibition zones. Each zone is relatively small, and the exhibits focus primarily on fish and wildlife native to the local area, giving the aquarium a distinctly regional character.

Salmon Zone

The lighting in the corridor leading to the Salmon Zone is beautifully designed. It appears to represent young swimming salmon.

This area contains the largest tank in the aquarium. Many of the fish are larger than my daughter. Since we visited on a weekday, the aquarium was pleasantly uncrowded, and she happily ran from one tank to another. If possible, I highly recommend visiting on a weekday.

Juvenile salmon and one-year-old salmon are also on display.

Lake Shikotsu Zone

After passing through a diorama inspired by the famous Moss Cave (Koke-no-Domon), visitors are greeted by a large tank recreating the underwater scenery of Lake Shikotsu, one of Japan’s clearest lakes and a lake that has repeatedly ranked among the country’s best for water quality.

There is also a small fishing play area for children at the side.

Hands-On Experience Zone

The Hands-On Experience Zone has touch tanks where visitors can try touching live fish. Of course, the fish didn’t let us get close very easily.

The doctor fish, on the other hand, swarmed around our hands a little too eagerly.

A life-sized salmon replica is available, allowing visitors to experience the actual weight of a salmon.

Waterside Creatures Zone

What caught our attention the most in this zone was the little grebe.

There was also an American mink on display. I initially wondered why a mink would be found in Hokkaido, but I learned that American minks were first imported to Japan in 1928 for fur farming.

Chitose River Road

Fish native to the Chitose River are displayed in three separate tanks representing the river’s upper, middle, and lower reaches.

This exhibit feels uniquely suited to Chitose Aquarium, although the display area itself is relatively small.

World Freshwater Fish Zone

This zone showcases a variety of freshwater species from around the world.

During our visit, one of the keepers happened to be maintaining an enclosure and kindly allowed us to observe a veiled chameleon up close.

Underwater Observation Zone

Located underground, the Underwater Observation Zone—undoubtedly the aquarium’s most distinctive feature—allows visitors to observe the Chitose River’s underwater environment in real time.

We visited in July, so only small fish were visible. Even so, it was fascinating to watch the river from beneath the surface and see the movement of the water above.

During autumn, visitors may witness large numbers of salmon migrating upstream. In winter, spawning salmon and even diving waterbirds hunting for salmon eggs can sometimes be observed.

Other Exhibits

Other exhibits include:

“Salmon Room”: Learn about the history of salmon in the Chitose River and the Ainu people’s traditional use of salmon.

Floor Mapping: Stand under the red light to trigger one of around 30 randomly projected animations, including whales, orcas, and seasonal scenes.

Other Facilities

A small number of coin lockers are available. Visitors insert ¥100 when using a locker, and the coin is returned when the locker is unlocked.

There is also a souvenir shop inside the aquarium. However, the space was quite compact.

Nearby Attractions

Salmon Park Chitose

If you’re looking to buy delicious Hokkaido souvenirs or enjoy a local meal, be sure to visit Salmon Park Chitose, located right next to the aquarium. The shop offers a wide selection of seafood products, especially salmon, as well as sweets and fresh local vegetables.

There is also a children’s play area, making it easier for families to enjoy shopping at a relaxed pace.

Seseragi Waterway

Right next to the aquarium is the Seseragi Waterway, a small stream. Since we visited during the hot summer season, it was the perfect place for children to cool off and enjoy playing in the water.

Final Thoughts

Located just 10–15 minutes from New Chitose Airport by train or car, Salmon Hometown Chitose Aquarium stands out for its strong local character, with exhibits centered on the Chitose River and Lake Shikotsu, as well as a unique underground zone where visitors can watch the river in real time. While compact in size, it’s an easy, uncrowded stop on a weekday, even with young children in tow. If you’re traveling between the airport and Sapporo, it’s well worth the short detour.

Chitose Aquarium Visitor Information

Yuu

Living in Japan. Through my experiences and discoveries, I hope to inspire both your travels and your everyday life.