Kyoto Aquarium
京都市下京区観喜寺町35番地の1（梅小路公園内）Open in Google Maps ↗Official site ↗
Kyoto Aquarium sits inside Umekoji Park, right by JR Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station (about a 15-minute walk west from Kyoto Station's central exit). Highlights include the dolphin stadium, the 360-degree panoramic jellyfish zone Kurage Wonder, and the aquarium's largest tank, Kyo no Umi. Usually open 10:00 AM–6:00 PM with no regular closing days. Address: 35-1 Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto.
Before you go
An aquarium inside Umekoji Park (operated by ORIX). Across two floors: the dolphin stadium, the 360-degree panoramic jellyfish tank GURURI (about 30 jellyfish species), the aquarium's largest tank Kyo no Umi (about 50 species), the penguin cave, the Japanese giant salamander — a national special natural monument — in the Kyo no Kawa zone, and a satoyama area with an actual rice paddy inside the building. There are also seal/sea-lion and stadium cafes plus a museum shop.
- Dolphin programs at the stadium, with the old capital's scenery as a backdrop
- About 30 jellyfish species in the 360-degree panoramic tank GURURI
- The aquarium's largest tank, Kyo no Umi (about 50 species)
- The Japanese giant salamander (national special natural monument) and the indoor rice paddy of the satoyama zone
- Getting there
- 35-1 Kankijicho, Shimogyo Ward, Kyoto (inside Umekoji Park). About a 7-minute walk from JR Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station; about a 15-minute walk west from Kyoto Station's central exit (per the aquarium's official Facebook).
- Booking
- Tickets can be bought in advance on the official site (a time slot can be chosen only on certain peak dates; otherwise just the date). Same-day tickets are also available from the entrance ticket machines (Japanese and English); you may have to wait at busy times and preferred time slots can sell out.
- Crowds
- Open year-round with no regular closing days; hours may change by season. Weekends and holidays are busier — weekdays are calmer.
- Good for
- Families with children, couples on a date, solo visitors (the official site offers tour guides for all three).
- How it differs
- The dolphin programs, seasonal special exhibitions and staff columns are the core draw — the official site's tour guide suggests routes for families with kids, dates and solo visitors, which first-timers can follow. Plan for about half a day.
What are the opening hours?
Usually 10:00 AM–6:00 PM (per the official English site's daily info; may change by season). Admission and ticket sales end one hour before closing.
Are there closing days?
None — it is open year-round, though it may close temporarily for facility inspections or weather.
Do I need a reservation?
You can buy tickets in advance on the official site (time slots only on certain peak dates); same-day tickets are also sold at the entrance machines, but preferred slots can sell out.
Is English supported?
Yes — there is an official English website, and the entrance ticket machines support Japanese and English.
Sources 京都水族館 公式サイト · Kyoto Aquarium official English site · 公式オンラインチケット案内（Online Tickets）
- Hours change by season — check the official site's daily info before visiting; admission and ticket sales end one hour before closing.
- Dolphin and other programs run on fixed schedules — check the times first to plan your route.
No verified events here right now.