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Kyoto Aquarium

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Kyoto Aquarium

A large inland aquarium where visitors can see, touch, experience, play, and learn.

3.25 3

Last update :
Supervised by :  ORIX Real Estate Corporation

This large inland aquarium opened in Umekoji Park near Kyoto Station in March 2012. Its 10 areas house approximately 15,000 animals representing around 250 species, including Japanese giant salamanders from the Kamo River, a nationally designated Special Natural Monument, as well as African penguins, spotted seals, fish, and jellyfish. The Kyoto Penguin Relationship Chart, which maps the relationships among the penguins currently at the aquarium, has attracted attention for showing that their complicated social lives are much like those of humans.

One of the most popular attractions is the Kyoto Sea area. Gazing into its enormous tank creates an immersive sensation of being beneath the sea.
Jellyfish Wonder features approximately 5,000 jellyfish of around 30 species, the largest collection in western Japan. Its GURURI tank offers a 360-degree view of moon jellyfish, creating the sensation of floating in the sea alongside them. Also worth seeing is the Jellyfish Wonder Encyclopedia, a series of informative panels that reflects the animal care staff's passion for jellyfish.

Based on the concept “The closer you get, the more you love them,” the aquarium offers many experiences beyond simply observing the animals. These include Feeding Time, featuring commentary from the animal care staff, and hands-on workshops that even young children can join. A wide range of programs allows visitors to learn more about the animals.

Another major advantage is that most areas are indoors, allowing visitors to explore comfortably regardless of the weather. It is a useful option to keep in mind when looking for somewhere to visit on a rainy day.

Highlights

  • Jellyfish Wonder, featuring the largest collection of jellyfish in western Japan.
  • Workshops and Feeding Time, where visitors can watch the animal care staff feed the animals.
  • Informative panels created from the animal care staff's perspective, including the Penguin Relationship Chart and Jellyfish Encyclopedia.

Videos

Photos

  • The large tank in the Kyoto Sea area

    The large tank in the Kyoto Sea area

  • Japanese giant salamanders in the Rivers of Kyoto area

    Japanese giant salamanders in the Rivers of Kyoto area

  • GURURI, offering a 360-degree view of moon jellyfish

    GURURI, offering a 360-degree view of moon jellyfish

  • Feeding Time, where visitors can watch the animal care staff feed the animals

    Feeding Time, where visitors can watch the animal care staff feed the animals

Reviews

3

Some reviews are AI-translated.

  • wendy
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    Kyoto Aquarium is an inland aquarium located in the city. Although it isn't very large, it's a place where you can have fun while learning about marine life.

    The aquarium is clean, bright, and colorful, making it quite comfortable to explore. What impressed me most was the wide variety of jellyfish. Watching all kinds of jellyfish slowly drifting under the lights was truly beautiful and soothing. Anyone who likes jellyfish should really enjoy it!

    There is also a display area similar to a “jellyfish laboratory,” where you can learn about jellyfish up close. This kind of experience is less common at other aquariums.

    Another distinctive feature of Kyoto Aquarium is its salamanders, including the popular star, the “giant salamander.” Seeing it for the first time was truly strange and fascinating!

    The aquarium also places a strong emphasis on energy use, with exhibits explaining some interesting design concepts. The shows focus more on information and explanations, so international visitors may find them a little less interactive and relatable.

    Overall, although the aquarium isn't very large and the admission price feels slightly high compared with the variety of species on display, it's still a good place to include in your plans if you're visiting Kyoto with children.

  • 陳松林
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    The dolphin show was fantastic, and the staff put in a lot of effort. The aquarium's jellyfish displays are a real highlight—so beautiful and relaxing.

  • 雪兒
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    The jellyfish display is definitely a highlight, and there's also a dolphin show.

Details

Name in Japanese
京都水族館
Postal Code
600-8835
Address
35-1 Kankijicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto City, Kyoto Prefecture (in Umekoji Park)
Phone
075-354-3130
Closed on
Open year-round (may close temporarily for facility inspections, weather conditions, or other reasons)
Hours
10:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (last admission is 1 hour before closing)
Hours vary by day; check the official website for details.
Admission
Adults, including university students: ¥2,600 / High school students: ¥2,000 / Elementary and junior high school students: ¥1,400 / Children ages 3 and older: ¥900
Access
1) 7-minute walk from Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station on the JR San-in Main Line
2) 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station
Credit Cards
Accepted
Credit cards cannot be used for experience programs.
Official website
Official website (Japanese)
Hokkaido Tohoku Kanto Chubu Hokuriku Kansai Chugoku Shikoku Kyushu Okinawa