Kyoto Aquarium
Discover the underwater wonders of Kyoto Aquarium, featuring mesmerizing jellyfish, unique giant salamanders, and playful seals.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful viewing
Kyoto Aquarium
Best Time
Fewer crowds, peaceful viewing
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Discover the underwater wonders of Kyoto Aquarium, featuring mesmerizing jellyfish, unique giant salamanders, and playful seals.
"A beautiful escape from the city's busy rhythm, offering a moment of quiet wonder."
🎯 Jellyfish Magic ✨
Don't miss the ethereal jellyfish exhibits; they're a highlight for many visitors.
🦭 Seal Habitat Explained
The seals' cylinder habitat connects to a larger tank, allowing free movement.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Jellyfish Wind Chimes
Jellyfish Lab
Mesmerizing jellyfish displays that create a dreamlike, tranquil atmosphere.
Giant Salamanders
Kyoto River Biotope
Unique to Kyoto, these impressive and sizable amphibians offer a fascinating glimpse into local aquatic life.
Spotted Seals
Seal Exhibit
Watch these adorable and playful seals navigate their unique cylindrical habitat and larger tanks.
Penguin Flowchart
Penguin Exhibit
Discover the surprisingly complex social lives and romantic entanglements of the aquarium's penguins.
Planning Your Visit
Beat the Crowds for a Serene Experience
Tickets and What to Expect
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Jellyfish Magic ✨
Don't miss the ethereal jellyfish exhibits; they're a highlight for many visitors.
🦭 Seal Habitat Explained
The seals' cylinder habitat connects to a larger tank, allowing free movement.
💧 Rainy Day Savior
Perfect indoor activity when the weather turns, offering a break from city exploration.
🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead
Consider online booking to save time, especially during peak seasons.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Jellyfish Magic ✨
Don't miss the ethereal jellyfish exhibits; they're a highlight for many visitors.
🦭 Seal Habitat Explained
The seals' cylinder habitat connects to a larger tank, allowing free movement.
💧 Rainy Day Savior
Perfect indoor activity when the weather turns, offering a break from city exploration.
🎟️ Book Tickets Ahead
Consider online booking to save time, especially during peak seasons.
🚶♀️ Explore Umekoji Park
Combine your aquarium visit with other attractions in the surrounding park.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors praise the Kyoto Aquarium for its beautifully curated exhibits, especially the mesmerizing jellyfish and unique giant salamanders. The playful seals and heartwarming dolphin show are also highlights. While some note the aquarium's size, many appreciate its charm and educational value, making it a delightful escape, particularly on rainy days.
"I was so impressed with the habitats. Especially the one that led to the outside with the water falling down it. The stairs to get in blend it with the rock work it was beautiful. The salamanders were impressive. I just hope they move some from the age cycle tanks to a bigger tank because one looked like he was bored. The seals are so cute and fun. The jellyfish lab was so impressive. I would definitely visit again!"
Alexandra Bowman (Alex)
"If you like fish, go! Lots of swimy things. Also the jellyfish display is in depth as they raise them and show you step by stage, from day one until maturity. But probably the most fun and wildly interesting exhibit are the giant salamanders clocking in around 3ft and 60+ pounds.
Science geeks will nerd out 🫠"
John Norton
"Visiting Kyoto Aquarium was a beautiful escape from the city's busy rhythm. Though not the largest, each exhibit is carefully curated and full of charm. The jellyfish area felt like walking through a dream, while the giant salamander—unique to Kyoto—offered a rare glimpse into local wildlife. The penguins and seals were lively and entertaining, and the dolphin show was heartwarming, not flashy but touching. I especially loved how the aquarium connects nature, education, and art. A perfect place for families, couples, or solo travelers looking for a moment of quiet wonder in Kyoto."
滝ビジネス（店舗管理用）
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kyoto Aquarium is located within Umekoji Park. You can reach it by taking the JR Sagano Line to Kyoto Station and then walking for about 15-20 minutes, or by using local bus routes.
Yes, Kyoto Aquarium is a walkable distance from Kyoto Station, approximately a 15-20 minute stroll.
The most convenient options are walking from Kyoto Station or taking a local bus. The aquarium is well-integrated into the city's public transport network.
Absolutely! Kyoto Aquarium is easily accessible via JR trains to Kyoto Station and various bus lines, making it a convenient destination for tourists.
While specific parking details can vary, Umekoji Park generally offers parking facilities. It's advisable to check the official Kyoto Aquarium or Umekoji Park website for the most current information.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices can vary, but it's recommended to check the official Kyoto Aquarium website for the most up-to-date pricing information. Booking online in advance might offer slight discounts or guarantee entry during busy times.
Yes, you can typically purchase tickets at the entrance. However, to avoid potential queues and ensure entry, especially during peak hours or holidays, buying tickets online in advance is a good strategy.
Information on discounts, such as for students, seniors, or group rates, is usually available on the official Kyoto Aquarium website. It's best to check there for current offers.
Opening hours can change seasonally. Always refer to the official Kyoto Aquarium website for the most accurate and current operating hours before your visit.
While not always mandatory, booking tickets in advance for Kyoto Aquarium is advisable, especially during weekends, holidays, or peak tourist seasons, to secure your entry and potentially save time.
🎫 🐠 Onsite Experience
Highlights include the mesmerizing jellyfish displays, the unique giant salamanders, the playful spotted seals, and the entertaining penguin exhibits. +2
Yes, Kyoto Aquarium is a great destination for families, offering engaging exhibits and a heartwarming dolphin program that children often enjoy.
A typical visit can take 1.5 to 3 hours, depending on your interest level, especially if you spend extra time at the jellyfish exhibits or watch the dolphin show.
Kyoto Aquarium features a dolphin program, which is described as heartwarming rather than flashy. Check their official schedule for specific showtimes.
The vertical cylinder habitat for the seals is connected to a larger tank below, allowing them to move freely between the two. They often use the tube for resting.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, photography is allowed in most areas of Kyoto Aquarium for personal use. However, always be mindful of signage and avoid using flash, especially in darker exhibits or near sensitive marine life.
The jellyfish exhibits offer stunning, ethereal shots. The unique seal habitat and the vibrant underwater scenes of the river biotope are also highly photogenic.
Video recording is usually permitted for personal use, similar to photography. Capturing the graceful movement of jellyfish or the playful antics of penguins can make for great memories.
While generally permitted, avoid using flash photography, as it can disturb the animals. Some specific exhibits might have temporary restrictions, so pay attention to any posted signs.
Expect to capture vibrant marine life, from colorful fish and graceful jellyfish to unique creatures like giant salamanders and playful seals. The aquarium's design often provides beautiful backdrops.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
The aquarium's layout is generally easy to navigate, making it manageable with strollers and young children. Consider visiting during off-peak hours to ensure a more relaxed experience for little ones. The Jellyfish Lab can also be a calming and visually captivating area for children, offering a different kind of wonder.
While the aquarium isn't massive, it provides enough engaging exhibits to keep children entertained for a good portion of the day, making it a solid option for a family outing in Kyoto. ☔ Rainy Day Explorers
Visitors often find it a welcome break from the city's busy tourist spots, providing a tranquil environment to observe marine creatures. From the mesmerizing jellyfish to the unique giant salamanders and playful seals, there's plenty to see and do. The aquarium's location within Umekoji Park also means you can easily transition from indoor exploration to outdoor activities if the weather clears up.
❤️ Couples and Solo Travelers
The aquarium's curated exhibits provide a peaceful ambiance, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the underwater world. It's a great place to enjoy a relaxed date or a solo adventure, offering a different pace from the bustling temples and shrines of Kyoto. The dolphin program is noted for being heartwarming, adding a touch of gentle emotion to the visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Enchanting World of Jellyfish
Many visitors describe it as a highlight, offering a moment of quiet wonder amidst the aquarium's other exhibits. The aquarium even showcases the growth process of jellyfish, from young medusae to maturity, providing an educational as well as visually stunning experience. These ethereal creatures are not just beautiful to look at; they are a testament to the aquarium's dedication to showcasing diverse marine life. The way they drift and float in their tanks is often described as magical, making it a must-see for anyone visiting the Kyoto Aquarium. The visual appeal is so strong that it's a popular subject for photography and a calming element of the visit.
For those interested in the science behind these delicate beings, the aquarium offers insights into their life cycle and development. This blend of aesthetic beauty and educational content makes the jellyfish exhibits a truly memorable part of the Kyoto Aquarium experience.
Kyoto's Unique Giant Salamanders
While some discussions on Reddit have raised concerns about the size of certain holding tanks for the giant salamanders, the aquarium emphasizes its role in a specialist breeding program and its efforts in conservation.
Seeing a giant salamander up close offers a rare opportunity to connect with a fascinating part of Japan's natural heritage. The aquarium's commitment to showcasing and potentially breeding these unique animals underscores their importance in the local ecosystem and their appeal to visitors interested in unique wildlife.
The Social Lives of Penguins
This detailed chart, often shared and discussed online, reveals that penguin mating is not always a 'mate for life' scenario, much to the surprise of some visitors.
Observing the penguins' interactions, especially with the context of the flowchart, can be quite amusing and informative. It’s a testament to the aquarium's effort to present animals not just as exhibits, but as individuals with complex social lives.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit