#Japan #Tokyo #Sunshine Aquarium #2026 Lucky Bag #Exclusive Tours

Unveiling the 2026 Lucky Bags at Sunshine Aquarium

Sunshine Aquarium, located in Ikebukuro, Tokyo, is set to launch its highly coveted original lucky bags for 2026, which will go on sale on December 20th at noon. Available exclusively through their online shop, only 120 lucky bags will be sold, with avid fans eagerly awaiting this annual event that often sells out in mere moments. This year’s offerings include exclusive experiences and unique merchandise that you can only find at the aquarium.

Special Experiences Inside the Lucky Bags

The lucky bags come with exclusive access to special programs that allow you to go behind the scenes of the aquarium. One highlight is the “Obscure Tour,” where participants can explore areas off-limits to the public, alongside staff who will share unique insights into the aquarium's operations. This captivating tour adds a layer of understanding of the intricate details that ensure the animals' well-being.

Another exciting opportunity is the “Zookeeper Experience,” where lucky bag purchasers can engage in hands-on activities such as making feeders for otters, providing a glimpse into the everyday challenges and joys that come with caring for marine life. Each lucky bag will also include unique items like the “stingray tooth” and “penguin feather,” which have been affectionately dubbed “lucky draws” from the aquarium’s animals. Notably, in some cultures, stingrays are eaten during special occasions symbolizing a good new year, while penguins signify lifelong partnerships.

The Lucky Bags Available

This year, Sunshine Aquarium is offering two distinct types of lucky bags:
1. Special Pack
- Price: ¥25,000
- Availability: Limited to 10 bags (one per customer)
- Contents: Includes a premium experience (one of six unique options) plus approximately nine exclusive merchandise items.

2. Casual Pack
- Price: ¥11,000
- Availability: Limited to 110 bags (one per customer)
- Contents: Includes the same unique items from the animals and about nine exclusive merchandise items.

Both options promise a blend of enchanting experiences and delightful surprises that can only be experienced at Sunshine Aquarium.

New Experiences Highlighted for 2026

The lucky bags are not just about merchandise; they offer a variety of exclusive experiences:

• - Ride on the Live Fish Truck: Customers can take pictures with the specialized truck used to transport live fish to the aquarium. Entering the backstage of the “Skyward Swordfish” exhibit gives visitors insight into how fish are collected and transported.
• - Deep Dive into Maintenance: The Geek Tour explores areas typically inaccessible, showcasing the essential maintenance work that keeps the aquarium running smoothly, including visits to technical rooms filled with equipment crucial for the care of aquatic life.
• - Private After-Hours Tours: The chance to experience a completely private aquarium after hours allows customers to observe animals as they transition into their nocturnal behavior. This unique opportunity provides insights into the creatures' activities during the nighttime.

• - Jellyfish Keeper Experience: Participants will experience feeding jellyfish and even help with relocating jellyfish into an exhibit tank using specialized tools, providing a fascinating insight into the delicate care of these beautiful creatures.

• - Otter Keeper Experience: Here, guests can create feeders designed for otters, enhancing their hunting instincts while getting up close with these playful animals.

A Trend Towards Experiential Lucky Bags

The 2026 offerings reflect a growing trend in department stores to include more experiential elements in their lucky bags. Sunshine Aquarium aims to provide a specially curated experience combining exclusive items with unforgettable hands-on activities. With the addition of the animals’ lucky draws, the contents of this year's bags reflect a commitment to providing something truly unique and meaningful.

Notable Merchandise Inside the Lucky Bags

Some of the exclusive merchandise included in the lucky bags are:

• - Baikal Seal Plushies: Featuring large eyes and a round physique, these plush toys are favorites among aquarium visitors, crafted with significant attention to detail by the zookeepers.
• - Unique Lucky Draws: Participants will receive lucky items sourced from the aquarium’s animal inhabitants, including stingray teeth, penguin feathers, and pelican feathers, all serving as tokens of good fortune and connection to the animals.

Closing Thoughts from Kohei Osawa, Planning Coordinator

After the previous year's success, where the higher-priced lucky bags sold out quickly, we are excited to return with new experiences that resonate with our dedicated fans. The team at Sunshine Aquarium is committed to continuing offering unique experiences that can only be found here, making your 2026 memorable. We look forward to sharing these special lucky bags with everyone!

For more information and to purchase the lucky bags, visit the Sunshine Aquarium's official online store starting December 20th. Don’t miss your chance to experience these unique offerings that promise to create lasting memories!