Kyoto Aquarium

Shibuya246 · 3 March 2013 · 23 photos

The big main tank, with crowds lined up along the glass.

After the steam locomotives, I walked across Umekoji Park to the Kyoto Aquarium. It opened in 2012, so it was still quite new, and it was busy with families.

It starts with a river scene and works its way out to the sea, with seals, penguins, rays, jellyfish and a dolphin show along the way.

Entrance of the Kyoto Aquarium in Umekoji Park — The entrance, at the edge of Umekoji Park.

A rocky stream display with visitors looking in — The first area is a rocky river scene, like the streams in the hills around Kyoto.

Fish swimming over stones in a shallow river tank — River fish over the stones.

A seal resting its head on a log — The seals were a big hit with everyone watching.

Close-up of a seal looking up — Close enough to see the whiskers.

A seal sleeping on a rock — This one had the right idea for a cold day.

Looking up through rippling water from below — Looking up through the water from below.

Visitors watching a large tank — Plenty of people out on a Sunday.

A silver fish swimming in blue water — A silver jack swimming past.

Tile mosaic of turtles and small red fish — A tile mural of turtles and fish.

A dark hall with a large tank and screens — The dark halls make the tanks glow.

A ray gliding past the rock wall of the main tank — A ray gliding past the rock wall.

Sharks resting on the gravel among yellow fish — Sharks resting on the bottom while the fish swim over them.

A large ray swimming in the main tank — Rays were everywhere in the main tank.

The pale underside of a ray pressed close to the glass — The underside of a ray, right up against the glass. It looks like it's smiling.

Two people looking into a round porthole window — Round windows let you look into the tank at eye level.

Close-up of a penguin — One of the penguins.

Penguins standing on rocks — Penguins out on the rocks.

A crowd in front of a long wide tank — Another busy tank.

Visitors in front of a tank of glowing jellyfish — The jellyfish tank, all glowing blue.

Two dolphins coming up out of the water — The dolphins at the stadium.

A dolphin splashing in the water — And one last splash before heading home.

It is an easy walk from Kyoto Station and a good half day out with children, especially when the weather is cold.

I took these photos in March 2013 and only got round to posting them in 2026.

Visiting today · Kyoto, Kansai

Visiting Kyoto Aquarium, Umekoji Park, Kyoto today

Checked October 2026 · next check January 2027

Added by Shibuya246, separate from the original post above. Facts are checked every quarter against the sources below. Check opening times and prices before you go.

What it is: An inland aquarium in Umekoji Park, opened in 2012, with a Kyoto river zone, seals, penguins, a large main tank, jellyfish and a dolphin stadium.
Getting there: About 15 minutes' walk from Kyoto Station's central exit, or 7 minutes from JR Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station. City Bus 205 or 208 from stop B3 to Shichijo Omiya / Kyoto Aquarium-mae.
Hours: Open every day of the year; opening hours change by season, and ticket sales stop one hour before closing. Check the calendar on the official site.
Admission: From 10 February 2026: ¥2,600 adults, ¥2,000 high school, ¥1,400 junior high and elementary, ¥900 age 3 and up.
Tip: Pair it with the Kyoto Railway Museum on the other side of the park for a full day out.

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Sources: Business hours and access – Kyoto Aquarium (official) · Admission fee revision, 2026 – Kyoto Aquarium (official, PDF)

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