Ren is now at the age (1.5 years old) where he needs to be stimulated in as many ways as possible and he needs be able to move around. He currently has the curiosity of monkey, attention span of goldfish and the mobility of a bat out of hell.
After searching the www, I came across an aquarium in Ikebukuro - or Ikebuks, as the locals call it. What really attracted me to this particular aquarium was that it was on the top floor of a mall! How?!
I promptly put out a call to some of my expat mom-friends and made plans to meet at 10AM.
Now, two things:
1. Early morning rush hour in Tokyo is not an hour. It can last 3 hours - depending on your line and location. We have recently moved to Shimokitazawa and living in the hustle and bustle comes with a price. The morning trains are atrocious.
2. Ren has popped all.four.molars.at.once AND is transitioning between one and two naps so trying to work around his naps is beautiful illusion. Nice idea but it ain't happening.
Arriving at the station, there were announcements of an accident and that meant that the trains are delayed, suspended and when a train arrives, it will be rammed full of commuters. As much I love to think I travel light, I have a foreign-size stroller (and toosh), Ren's backpack and a bag of toys to keep him entertained. As the train appeared, my heart sunk. People's faces were squashed up against the misted windows. I had to laugh or I would have cried. There was not the slightest chance that we would fit and I let three trains pass before I had the courage to squeeze on and I was helped by everyone around me - even when the doors closed on me while Ren was in the carriage! I was prepared for a battle and was pleasantly surprised and appreciative of their gestures.
There are two options when traveling to Sunshine City - that's what the mall and area is really called.
1. Get off at Higashi Ikebukuro station and walk through the underpass which connects to the mall to get to the World Mart Bld and take the elevator to the 9th floor. (Look for the red signs). Use this if the weather is bad as you're always protected.
2. Get off at Ikebukuro st and walk to exit 35 to Sunshine City. This is a bit more tricky but doable with a stroller. Just keep a close eye on the signs to exit 35. Once out the elevator, turn right and at the first traffic light, pass Lotteria on your left and walk to Sunshine City. Walk through the mall to get to the World Mart Bld and take the elevator to the 9th floor. (Look for the red signs).
Tickets are:
High school students or older ¥2,200
Elementary/junior high school students ¥1,200
4 years or older ¥700
HOT TIP: We opted for an annual passport as it lets you visit the Aquarium multiple times for the price of two single admission tickets ¥4400.
The aquarium is a mixture of outdoor and indoor exhibitions. The outdoor exhibitions have some sea-life above you in tanks and at ground level. Ren was in awe (as was I) watching the penguins, seal and pelicans above him. There are some tanks with some seals and a large sea lion that you can get up close and personal with. Check the schedule as we managed to catch a seal show with some magic! You might even be lucky and catch a glimpse of the staff taking an otter for a walk.
You can park your stroller at the entrance to the indoor section and or take it in with you. The indoor areas are spread over two floors and the exhibitions are quite impressive. I really enjoyed the jellyfish and the high panoramic tank (with classical music)!
After a run-around, we had lunch at Tully's which is conveniently situated between the indoor and outdoor section. A much need caffeine-fix for this momma as I had definitely got my 10000 steps in after chasing after my wild-child, Ren!
All in all we spent about two hours - which was sufficient. The aquarium is VERY baby and child friendly and we will definitely be back...again and again.
Comments