Highlights of Kyoto Aquarium! Top Attractions and Nearby Places to Eat and Explore

Located in Kyoto’s Umekoji Park, Kyoto Aquarium is a unique inland aquarium that opened in 2012. It showcases creatures connected to Kyoto, including one of Japan’s largest Japanese giant salamander tanks. Other popular animals include penguins, garden eels, and daily dolphin shows.

Though compact, this aquarium is filled with creative exhibits and activities, thanks to the dedication of its staff, making it a favorite spot for many repeat visitors.

This guide covers the highlights of Kyoto Aquarium and nearby places to eat and visit. Enjoy planning your trip!

About Kyoto Aquarium

Kyoto Aquarium, which opened in 2012, was built with the concept of “Connecting Life with Water.” Since Kyoto is a city of rivers, the aquarium focuses on river-dwelling creatures, offering local children a fun way to learn about these aquatic animals.

It’s also Japan’s first inland aquarium to use 100% artificial seawater, making it a unique attraction.

Home to around 15,000 creatures from about 250 species, Kyoto Aquarium features animals like the Japanese giant salamander, which is a protected species from the famous Kamo River, as well as garden eels and penguins. Alongside its regular exhibits, the aquarium offers creative, one-of-a-kind displays made by the passionate staff, making it perfect for families and couples alike.

Getting to Kyoto Aquarium

By Train

• About a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station (Central Exit)
• 7 minutes on foot from Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station on the JR Sagano Line

By Bus

Kyoto City Bus

• Get off at “Shichijo-Omiya / Kyoto Aquarium” stop
  • From Kyoto Station: Take bus #205 or #208 from B3 platform, or #103, #104, #110, #86, and #88 (the last two run only on weekends and holidays)
  • From Kyoto Station Hachijo Exit: Take the “Toji / Umekoji Express” from F1 platform (weekends and holidays only)
  • From Shichijo Keihan-mae Station: Take bus #206 or #208, #110, #86, and #88 (weekend and holiday routes)
  • From Shijo-Omiya Station: Take bus #18, #58 (weekend and holiday only), #206, or #207
  • From Katsura Station: Take bus #33 or express #33 from East Exit platform 1

Keihan Kyoto Kotsu Bus

• From Kyoto Station: Take bus #2, #14, #15, #26, #26B, or #28A from C2 or East Exit platform 1, and get off at “Shichijo-Omiya / Kyoto Aquarium”

Getting to Kyoto Station from Other Areas

From JR Wakayama Station: 92 minutes by Super Kuroshio Express
From Kansai International Airport: 75 minutes by JR Haruka Express
From JR Osaka Station: 29 minutes by rapid train
From JR Nara Station: 47 minutes by Miyakoji Express
From JR Matsuiyamate Station: 30 minutes by direct bus
From Osaka International Airport (Itami): 55 minutes by airport limousine bus
From JR Sannomiya Station: 51 minutes by express train

Kyoto Aquarium

Address:35-1 Kankijicho, Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto, 600-8835 (located in Umekoji Park)
Map: [Google Maps]
Phone Number:+81-75-354-3130
Opening Hours:10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. (subject to seasonal changes)
Ticket sales and annual pass registration end one hour before closing.
Closed:Open year-round (may close temporarily for maintenance or weather conditions)
Ticket Prices:
Adults: ¥2,050
University/High School Students: ¥1,550
Elementary/Middle School Students: ¥1,000
Children (Ages 3+): ¥600
Annual Pass Prices:
Adults: ¥4,100
University/High School Students: ¥3,100
Elementary/Middle School Students: ¥2,000
Children (Ages 3+): ¥1,200
Discounted Combo Tickets Available:
Combo tickets and reciprocal discounts with Kyoto Railway Museum
Combo tickets with Kyoto Tower

Highlights of Kyoto Aquarium

Kyoto Aquarium showcases unique exhibits focused on Kyoto’s native creatures and filled with the passion of the dedicated staff. Here’s a look at some of the aquarium’s must-see features.

1. The “Kyoto River Zone” and the Japanese Giant Salamander

Right as you enter, you’ll find the “Kyoto River Zone,” home to the Japanese giant salamander, the largest amphibian in the world. Known as a “living fossil” and designated as a national natural monument, this salamander is fascinating to see up close. The exhibit is designed to resemble the upper Kamo River in Kyoto, and it’s one of the largest displays of its kind in Japan.

The crystal-clear water allows visitors to watch these giant salamanders as they slowly move around. With their big, round eyes and stone-like patterns, they have an almost mysterious charm. Though they’re usually still, you might catch a special moment when they quickly snap up food during feeding time – a real treat for any visitor!

2. Get Up Close with Seals in the “Marine Animals Zone”

In the “Marine Animals Zone,” you can see seals and sea lions up close. The U-shaped tank lets you watch sea lions swim gracefully from below, and there’s also a unique tube-shaped tank where seals can appear right in front of you, creating an impressive, dynamic viewing experience.

One highlight is the tube tank, where seals sometimes float up from the main tank and give you a close look at their expressions. This spot is exciting for kids and adults alike. Since the seals are a bit unpredictable, they might not appear right away, but patience often leads to a special encounter.

3. The Largest Tank at Kyoto Aquarium: “Kyoto Sea Zone”

The “Kyoto Sea Zone” features Kyoto Aquarium’s largest tank, which holds 500 tons of artificial seawater and spans two floors, reaching a height of 6 meters. This tank recreates the beauty of the Sea of Japan, showcasing local marine life like sardines, rays, sharks, and horse mackerel.

One of the highlights is the mesmerizing school of sardines, a famous delicacy from the Sea of Japan. You’ll also find tilefish, known as “kuchiji,” a premium ingredient in Kyoto cuisine. These displays offer a unique look into the creatures tied to Kyoto’s culinary culture.

Watching the fish swim gracefully under the blue lights creates a magical and relaxing atmosphere. Take a moment to enjoy the soothing view as they glide through the water.

4. Stunning Penguin Zone

The “Penguin Zone” at Kyoto Aquarium is home to over 50 charming Cape penguins from southern Africa, each with its own name, often inspired by Kyoto street names like “Muro” (after Muromachi Street) and “Pon” (after Pontocho Street).

On the first floor, you can watch the penguins swimming gracefully underwater, while the second floor lets you enjoy their adorable waddling on land. The land area is designed with rough terrain, encouraging penguins to slide up from the water, just like they would in the wild.

During breeding season, the aquarium even sets up nests where male penguins collect small stones to build nests as part of their courtship display.

Kyoto Aquarium keeps things fresh and entertaining with unique attractions, like the “Love Penguin General Election,” where visitors vote for their favorite penguin, and the “Penguin Relationship Chart,” which maps out the penguins’ social dynamics. With these creative touches, the Penguin Zone offers plenty of reasons for adults and kids alike to visit again and again.

5. Exciting Garden Eels in the Coral Reef Zone

The “Coral Reef Zone” at Kyoto Aquarium recreates the beauty of a coral reef, featuring colorful fish like clownfish, blue tangs, lyretail anthias, garden eels, and spotted garden eels. The tank is set low, so kids can easily watch these fascinating creatures up close.

One of the main attractions here is the clownfish—six types live in this exhibit, each with its own unique pattern, giving you a chance to see the diversity of clownfish species along Japan’s coastlines.

Another crowd favorite is the garden eels, which peek out from the sand and sway gently in the water. Every so often, you might even catch one of these shy eels fully emerging and swimming around. It’s a delightful spot for both kids and adults to experience the charm of Japan’s marine life!

6. Seasonal Beauty and Exciting Dolphin Shows at the Dolphin Stadium

At the Dolphin Stadium, you can enjoy an exciting dolphin show with the beautiful natural scenery of Umekoji Park as a backdrop. The stadium is home to bottlenose dolphins that perform an impressive, synchronized show.

A unique performance called La La Fin CIRCUS, created by Avex Entertainment, adds storytelling to the usual dolphin show, blending theater with acrobatics. Alongside the dolphins and their trainers, performers dressed as circus members join in to create a captivating story. This show is a must-see for both kids and adults.

The dolphin show runs twice on weekdays and three times on weekends, with extra shows during busy holiday periods. Make sure to check the schedule when you arrive so you don’t miss this unforgettable experience!

7. Unique Souvenirs at the Museum Shop

After exploring the aquarium, be sure to stop by the museum shop for some unique souvenirs. Here, you’ll find a wide range of items, from plush toys of the aquarium’s beloved animals to specialty foods made in collaboration with traditional Kyoto brands.

One highly recommended item is the giant plush of the Japanese giant salamander, the aquarium’s iconic symbol. At around 170 cm (about 5.5 feet) long, this plush costs ¥25,720 (tax included) and is as soft and cozy as a real body pillow—a perfect pick for giant salamander fans!

The shop also offers adorable treats shaped like the aquarium’s animals, along with sweets from collaborations with Kyoto’s long-established brands like Izutsu Yatsuhashi Honpo and Shogoin Yatsuhashi Sohonten. These make thoughtful gifts and are sure to delight anyone back home.

Recommended Sightseeing Spots Around Kyoto Aquarium

Since it only takes about two hours to fully explore the Kyoto Aquarium, why not make the most of your visit by checking out some nearby attractions? Here are a few great spots to visit close to the aquarium:

1. Umekoji Park

Located right next to the aquarium, Umekoji Park is a spacious urban park covering 13.7 hectares. This beautiful area has lots to offer, including a large grassy field perfect for relaxing, a river playground for kids in summer, and the traditional “Suzaku Garden” with a Japanese garden theme.

The park’s highlight is its grassy field—a perfect place to unwind. Surrounded by seasonal flowers and trees, it’s a rare chance to connect with nature right in the city. On weekends, families, friends, and couples come here to relax, enjoy picnics, and bask in the sun.

After a fun time at the aquarium, take a break at Umekoji Park and enjoy a peaceful afternoon.

2. Kyoto Railway Museum

Opened in April 2016 within Umekoji Park, the Kyoto Railway Museum was created with the concept of a “railway cultural hub rooted in the community.” It aims to support regional development while serving as an educational space for children.

The museum displays 53 historic trains, from steam locomotives to bullet trains, showing the evolution of Japanese railways. It features interactive exhibits like a railway diorama, a hands-on steam locomotive ride, and a section that recreates ticket gates from early Showa-era stations and today—making it a truly “see, touch, and experience” museum.

On weekends, there’s even a “Railway Work Experience” where visitors can try out jobs of real JR West employees, like train drivers and station staff. Activities vary daily, so be sure to check the official site for the schedule.

3. Kyoto Tower

Kyoto Tower is a beloved landmark located right in front of JR Kyoto Station. This popular spot features an observation deck, restaurants, and even a public bath, making it a great choice for families and couples alike.

The main attraction is the observation deck, offering a 360-degree panoramic view of Kyoto. From here, you can see famous historical sites, including UNESCO World Heritage sites like Toji Temple, Kiyomizu-dera, and Nishi Hongan-ji. In the evening, it’s a perfect spot to enjoy Kyoto’s sunset and night views, adding a romantic touch to any day out.

Don’t miss “Kyoto Tower Sando” either. This area offers a variety of experiences unique to Kyoto, such as food stalls serving local cuisine, shops with souvenirs, and workshops for making traditional sweets or crafts. Just a 16-minute walk from Kyoto Aquarium, Kyoto Tower is a convenient and memorable addition to your itinerary.

Recommended Food Spots Near Kyoto Aquarium

One of the must-try treats at the Kyoto Aquarium is the adorable “Suizoku Bread” (¥330 each), sold at the KAIJU CAFE. Shaped like the creatures in the aquarium—such as the Japanese giant salamander, turtles, and garden eels—these unique breads are crafted by Furunii Kyoto, a bakery in Kyoto’s Minami Ward, and delivered fresh daily to the aquarium. With seven different designs and flavors, it’s fun to try a few during your visit!

1. Kyo-Yasai Restaurant Umekoji Park

Located inside Umekoji Park, where Kyoto Aquarium also resides, Kyo-Yasai Restaurant Umekoji Park offers a dining experience with a view. Its glass-walled design allows you to enjoy views of the park’s greenery from every seat, and they also have terrace seating—perfect for a picnic-style lunch on sunny days.

This restaurant specializes in dishes made with seasonal Kyoto vegetables. Highlights include the “Kyo-Yasai Gorogoro Pizza” topped with an array of local veggies, and the “Kujo Green Onion & Smoked Duck Salad,” which combines Kyoto’s famous Kujo green onions with rich duck flavors.

The restaurant is popular for lunch, with standout menu options like the Chef’s Choice 3-Item Plate (¥1,000) and the Seasonal Umekoji Set (¥1,200; limited to 20 sets on weekdays and 30 on weekends). They also offer banquet and course meals, accommodating groups from 2 to 100 people, making it a versatile spot to savor Kyoto’s local vegetables.

At the Kyoto Aquarium, in addition to the permanent exhibits, you’ll find special events created with a lot of love by the aquarium staff, as well as limited-edition sweets inspired by the animals.

There’s always something new, making it a place you’ll want to visit again and again. Be sure to enjoy Kyoto to the fullest by exploring the aquarium along with nearby attractions!

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