This aquarium is in the heart of Kyoto, a city visited by tourists from all over Japan and abroad throughout the year. This location is very convenient. The building is so small that you might expect to see the dolphin jumping from the street outside, but there are enough different species and exhibitions at this popular aquarium to keep a visitor satisfied.
Contents
A world of ‘Edutainment’ spread across 12 areas
This aquarium focuses on the concept of ‘edutainment’, aiming to both educate and entertain. Here visitors find the only dolphins, sea lions and penguin shows in Kyoto, as well as creatures such as jellyfish, crabs, shrimp and more that we might be familiar with but not know too much about. There are many different guides to hear and experiences to try, so be sure to check the schedule before you visit so that you can take part in the event of your choice
Get close enough to strike a pose!
There is one experience here where visitors can have their photograph taken while posing with a dolphin or sea lion. You can stand right next to one of these specially-trained dolphin or sea lions and have a picture just the two of you. Dolphins might be mammals, but do they have eyelashes? Do sea lions breath at the same speed as humans? This is a great experience for those visitors who want to feel the full presence of these living creatures without any glass in between.
Learn the secrets of the salamander, a longtime inhabitant of Kyoto
Kyoto is an area with a deep connection with water due to its location near the Kamogawa River, Yura River, the Sea of Japan, and Lake Biwa. The giant salamander is said to only inhabit clean water, and we can find them living in Kyoto. In the Kyoto Aquarium they are exhibited in the ‘Kyoto River’ area. This aquarium is actively involved in research to protect the giant salamander and help avoid their extinction. Be sure to look for the round eyes of the giant salamander. He is a mysterious creature and you can’t be sure where he is looking. Ask the staff here any questions you might have. You might learn some of the salamander’s secrets!
Getting here
| Address | 35-1 Kankijicho Kyoto Shimogyo-ku, Kyoto 600-8835 |
| ☎ | 075-354-3130 |
| Access | The aquarium direction page (English) |
Admission Tickets, Price
Admission Tickets, Price
| Fees | General | One-year pass |
|---|---|---|
| Adult | 2,050 yen | 4,100 yen |
| University and High School Student | 1,550 yen | 3,100 yen |
| Primary and middle school student | 1,000 yen | 2,000 yen |
| Child (3 and over) | 600 yen | 1,200 yen |
Opening Hours & Calendar
| Hours | |
|---|---|
| General | 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. Last entry 5:00 p.m. |
| Days closed | Open throughout the year |
Official website
FAQs
Nursing Lounge
The aquarium has three nursing rooms for babies.
Coin lockers
The aquarium has a coin-operated lockers.
Baby stroller rental service
Not available. The aquarium is stroller friendly.
Wheelchair rental service
Wheelchairs are available free of charge.
