The Kyoto Aquarium, opened in 2012 in Umekoji Park near Kyoto Station, is unusual for a large aquarium in being entirely inland, and it makes a virtue of it: the visit begins not with the sea but with the rivers of Kyoto, starring the giant Japanese salamander, a strange and ancient amphibian native to the region’s waterways. From there it moves through jellyfish tanks, a large open penguin and seal zone, a big tank recreating the seas off Kyoto, and a dolphin stadium with regular shows. Compact, well-designed and right beside the railway museum, it is one of the easiest family outings in the city.
🗓️ At a Glance
| Location | Shimogyo, Kyoto |
| Hours | ~10:00–18:00 (seasonal) |
| Admission | ~¥2,400 adults |
| Time needed | 2–3 hours |
| Best time | Year-round; a great rainy-day choice |
What to See
- The giant Japanese salamander of Kyoto’s rivers.
- A large open penguin and seal zone.
- Jellyfish tanks and a big Kyoto-sea tank.
- A dolphin stadium with regular shows.
Combine Your Visit
- Combine with the Kyoto Railway Museum in the same park.
- Pair with Toji temple and Kyoto Station nearby.
- Read our Kyoto overview .
Getting There
- On foot: about 15 minutes from Kyoto Station through Umekoji Park.
- By train: Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station (JR), a few minutes' walk.
Tips
Buy tickets online to skip the queue at busy times, and check the dolphin show schedule when you arrive so you can plan around it. It’s an ideal rainy-day or with-children option, pairs perfectly with the Kyoto Railway Museum next door for a full day in Umekoji Park, and the giant salamander tank near the entrance is the genuinely unusual highlight most rush past.
