A Hidden Ocean in the Middle of the City: AOAO Sapporo Aquarium and The Panasonic Tower Observatory

Japan has a way of surprising you—not with fireworks or fanfare, but with quiet, unexpected moments that stay with you long after your trip ends. That’s exactly what happened during my recent visit to Sapporo, the capital of Hokkaido, when I spent a laid-back day exploring two of the city’s lesser-hyped gems: AOAO Sapporo, a thoughtfully designed urban aquarium, and the towering Panasonic Observatory, which offered panoramic views that were nothing short of magic.

If you’re someone who enjoys calm, immersive travel experiences—where you can slow down, take in your surroundings, and reconnect with your sense of wonder—this is one vlog (and blog!) you don’t want to skip.

Nestled in the heart of the city, AOAO Sapporo is not your typical aquarium. It doesn’t shout for your attention—it invites you to lean in, take your time, and discover the beauty of marine life at your own pace. From the moment I stepped inside, I could feel the stress of travel melt away. The lighting was dim and peaceful, the tanks softly illuminated like glowing portals into other worlds.

Highlights from the Aquarium:

• Jellyfish tanks that looked like living art installations. They pulsed with hypnotic grace, suspended in water like floating galaxies.

• A penguin habitat that was as playful as it was adorable. One little guy even seemed to pause and “stare” at me—whether it was curiosity or coincidence, it made my day.

• A tunnel of fish that completely surrounded me, creating a fully immersive 360° experience. It was the kind of place that makes you feel small in the best way.

What stood out the most about AOAO was the intimate design. Unlike massive aquariums that can feel overwhelming, this one was cozy and thoughtful. There were no long lines or chaotic crowds. Instead, there were quiet families, couples, and solo travelers like me—all sharing the space in calm appreciation.

If you’re visiting Sapporo, I highly recommend setting aside an hour or two for this hidden gem. It’s not a place you rush through. It’s a place to feel through.

Rising Above It All: The Panasonic Tower Observatory

After leaving AOAO with a sense of calm, I headed to another must-see in the area: the Panasonic Tower. Also known as the Sapporo TV Tower, this observatory is located at the edge of Odori Park, and offers some of the most striking aerial views of the city.

What You’ll See from the Top:

• A bird’s-eye view of Odori Park, stretching in perfect symmetry below.

• Rows of snow-capped buildings blending into distant mountains—if you visit during winter or early spring like I did.

• A glimpse of Sapporo’s mix of old and new architecture, from sleek glass towers to traditional buildings tucked between streets.

What surprised me most wasn’t the height, but the stillness. Even from high above, the city seemed peaceful. Watching the mountains and clouds from the tower, I was reminded of why I love solo travel—it gives you the space to feel connected to a place, even if you’re just passing through.

I filmed a good portion of this moment for my vlog, but no camera can fully capture the feeling of standing up there, looking out at a city that’s both vibrant and quiet, modern and timeless

Why This Day Meant More Than I Expected

At first glance, this might seem like a simple day: aquarium in the morning, tower in the evening. But it became one of my favorite travel memories.

Why? Because it was unhurried. It allowed me to take in beauty in a quiet way—without long queues, without pressure to “do it all,” and without a packed itinerary. It was just me, a camera, and two unforgettable places that made me stop and feel something.

Tips for Visiting:

• AOAO Sapporo Aquarium

• 🕒 Ideal visit time: 1–2 hours

• 🎟️ Entry Fee: Affordable and worth it

• 🌿 Best for: Couples, solo travelers, and families looking for a quiet indoor activity

• Panasonic Tower Observatory

• 📍 Located at Odori Park

• 🕔 Visit during golden hour for best light

• 📸 Don’t forget your camera or phone for wide shots!

Final Thoughts

Traveling through Japan isn’t always about ticking off the major attractions. Sometimes, it’s about choosing moments of stillness. It’s about wandering into an aquarium and meeting a jellyfish for the first time or watching the sun set over a snow-dusted skyline from a quiet tower in Sapporo.

If you’re planning a visit to Hokkaido, let yourself have one of these slow days. You’ll be surprised how deeply it stays with you.

🎥 Watch the full vlog here: AOAO Aquarium & Tower Views – Sapporo Travel Vlog