Sep. 03, 2020 UPDATE
Kyoto Aquarium
- 京都水族館 -Traveler Friendly
The official website has 5 different languages
Information
English brochure is available
Languages spoken
Japanese and English
Story & Recommendation
Kyoto Aquarium; Fresh Water Animals
Only about 15-minutes’ walk from Kyoto Station, Kyoto Aquarium is located in Umeko-ji Park which is enjoyed by friends, families and children. You may wonder why there is an aquarium in Kyoto as it does not face the ocean. However, Kyoto is blessed with various rivers such as River, Katsura River, and Uji River which are all class-A rivers. Therefore, Kyoto Aquarium is especially focused on fresh water creatures. Occasionally, workshops are held in which children and even adults can experience and enjoy interacting with living creatures in the water.
1Highlight
Dolphin Performance
When you visit Kyoto Aquarium, it is highly recommend that you go see the dolphin performance! This is a participatory show in which the aquarium staff distribute whistles for all the guests. When the performers give the signal, you blow the whistle so that the dolphins will react and do their performance. Their dynamic performance will amaze you. There is a cute penguin visitor during the show, so please check them out too!
2Highlight
Giant Salamander
Giant salamanders are known as the biggest amphibian in the world! It is also designated as a Special Natural Monument in Japan and only a few have been observed in the western part of Japan including Kyoto. In the Kyoto Aquarium, there is a big tank that has a motif of Kamo River. As giant salamanders are nocturnal animals, they barely move during the day time. However, they sometimes move and give people a nice surprise!
3Good Experiences
Enjoy Jellyfish
If you like various kinds of jellyfish please check out this zone! It looks like you’re in space! Jellyfish move slowly and look like they’re bouncing. You might feel your stress float away with them. As the room is dimly lit, you can see the details of the jellyfish.
4Good Experiences
Huge Fish Tank
If you stand in front of this huge fish tank, you can feel like you’re in the ocean. There are a variety of creatures such as fish that inhabit Kyoto's sea. You can enjoy this huge fish tank from the 2nd floor, the fisheye lens spot, the cave-like area, and the 1st floor right in front of the tank. It may feel different depending on where you are.
