2026年8月11日（火） 第214号

ニュースそのものより、ニュースを見た人のこと。

Travel / Kyoto Prefecture

Kyoto Aquarium

An urban aquarium located within Umekoji Park. Known for housing one of Japan's largest exhibits of Japanese giant salamanders, the facility also features a Dolphin Stadium, a jellyfish zone, and a variety of other themed areas.

Exterior view of Kyoto Aquarium

Photo: Own work / CC BY-SA 3.0

Key Facts August 9, 2026 · confirmed on official site
Access
Approx. 7-minute walk from JR San'in Main Line "Umekoji-Kyotonishi" Station; approx. 15-minute walk from JR Kyoto Station Central Exit (〒600-8835, 35-1 Kankiji-cho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto City, within Umekoji Park)
Duration
Approx. 1.5–2 hours (as stated in the official FAQ)
Price
Adults ¥2,600 / High school students ¥2,000 / Junior high & elementary school students ¥1,400 / Toddlers (age 3 and up) ¥900 / Annual pass (adults) ¥5,800 (as of August 2026 per official website; prices are subject to change)
Hours
Varies by day (check the official operating calendar; peak season approx. 9:00 AM–8:00 PM, regular season approx. 10:00 AM–6:00 PM)
Closed
Open year-round (temporary closures may occur for maintenance, events, etc.)
Visit official site ↗

Prices and hours may change. Please check the official site before you go.

A City-Center Aquarium Nestled in Umekoji Park

Kyoto Aquarium is an urban aquarium set amid the greenery of Umekoji Park, just a 7-minute walk from JR San'in Main Line "Umekoji-Kyotonishi" Station. Since opening in 2012, it has been cherished as a place where visitors can experience the world of water and wildlife in Kyoto—a landlocked city with no coastline. The interior is organized into zones themed around Kyoto's natural environment, with a distinctive layout that traces a "journey of water" flowing from the mountains to the sea. Its convenient location—about a 15-minute walk from Kyoto Station's Central Exit—also makes it a great stop during a bullet-train trip. The aquarium has long been popular with families looking to add a nature experience to their Kyoto sightseeing, as well as locals who stop by for a casual stroll. Since Umekoji Park itself has expansive lawns, pairing a visit to the aquarium with a walk through the park is highly recommended.

Up Close with the Japanese Giant Salamander—One of Japan's Largest Exhibits

The star attraction of Kyoto Aquarium is the Japanese giant salamander, found in the "Kyo no Kawa" (Kyoto River) zone. Japanese giant salamanders—designated as a Special Natural Monument of Japan—actually inhabit the Kamo River and Katsura River within Kyoto City, and the aquarium is actively engaged in conservation research. Multiple individuals can be observed up close in the display tanks, and their imposing size and distinctive appearance are enough to stop even adults in their tracks. Known as the world's largest amphibian, adult Japanese giant salamanders can exceed 1 meter in total length. Their movements are slow, yet their presence is overwhelming. The exhibits also convey their natural behavior of hiding beneath riverbed stones. Since encounters in the wild are nearly impossible, meeting them here is a luxury that only an urban aquarium can offer.

Dolphin Stadium, Penguins, Jellyfish—All the Highlights in One Place

The Dolphin Stadium, set in the "Kyo no Umi" (Kyoto Sea) zone, is a large open-air outdoor stadium where visitors can enjoy dolphin performances. The high-flying jumps and synchronized routines with trainers draw cheers from guests of all ages. The surrounding area features a lawn space as well, so waiting for the next performance feels like relaxing in a park. In the Penguin Zone, visitors can watch African penguins swimming through an underwater tunnel, creating the sensation of being completely surrounded by penguins—a particular favorite with young children. Beyond that, the aquarium is packed with diverse zones: a zone where jellyfish drift in atmospheric, glowing light, a coral reef exhibit filled with colorful tropical fish, and much more, ensuring there's never a dull moment.

Admission, Hours, and Getting the Most Out of an Annual Pass

Admission is ¥2,600 for adults, ¥2,000 for high school students, ¥1,400 for junior high and elementary school students, and ¥900 for toddlers age 3 and up (prices as listed on the official website as of August 2026; check the official site before your visit as prices are subject to change). An annual pass for adults is ¥5,800 (same point in time), meaning it pays for itself after just two visits. For a family of four (2 adults + 2 elementary-age children), regular admission comes to ¥8,000, while annual passes cost ¥11,600 for unlimited visits over a full year. According to the official FAQ, the estimated time to tour the aquarium is approximately 1.5–2 hours. If special exhibitions or seasonal events are on, it's a good idea to allow a bit more time. Hours vary by day, so be sure to check the official operating calendar before your visit. There is no on-site parking, so access on foot from Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station or use of a nearby paid parking facility is required.

Kenta Sasaki

How this character would spend the day

Kenta's Recommended Route (Efficient Course for Families with Kids)

  1. 10:00Arrive at Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station and enter right at opening. Head straight to the "Kyo no Kawa" zone before crowds build up and experience the Japanese giant salamander at over 1 meter in length.
  2. 10:30Move to the Penguin Zone's underwater tunnel. It's an exhibit that keeps kids engaged, so take your time observing and make sure to get some photos. A good strategy to get some of their energy out early.
  3. 11:00Head to the Dolphin Stadium. Check the performance schedule in advance and wait on the lawn area. In summer, hats and drinks are essential.
  4. 12:00Lunch break at the café inside the aquarium, or on the lawns of Umekoji Park. Bringing a packed lunch for a park picnic is a great way to save on costs.
  5. 13:00Take a quick pass through the jellyfish zone and coral reef exhibit, then exit. Walk back to Kyoto Station and continue on to your shinkansen or next sightseeing stop.