Zoo & Aquarium · Umekoji

Kyoto Aquarium 京都水族館

An inland aquarium beside Kyoto Station focused on rivers and the Kyoto coast, with giant salamanders, a penguin colony whose relationship chart went viral, and a dolphin stadium.

About

Opened in 2012 in Umekoji Park, Kyoto Aquarium is unusual in using artificial seawater as it is far from the sea. Its first gallery recreates the Kamo river, home of the Japanese giant salamander (osanshouo), a Special Natural Monument that can grow over 1 m long, displayed in large numbers alongside its conservation story. A large Kyoto Sea tank, seal and sea lion pools, a jellyfish gallery, a coral reef and a Magellanic penguin colony follow; the penguins' complicated relationships are charted on a famous "penguin relationship diagram" that has been widely shared online. The dolphin stadium holds daily shows. Seasonal events like summer jellyfish and wind chimes and night openings are held.

Highlights

• Japanese giant salamanders in a Kamo river setting
• Penguin relationship diagram
• Dolphin performance stadium
• Jellyfish gallery
• Seasonal night events

Tips

• Prices rose in February 2026; buy online to skip the ticket queue.
• Combine with the Kyoto Railway Museum in the same park.
• Kids love the giant salamander plush in the shop.
• Check daily dolphin show times on arrival.

Open in Google Maps · Info checked 2026-10-09

Nearby

• Umekoji ParkPark · 270 m away
• Kobushi RamenRamen & Noodles · 430 m away
• Kyoto Railway MuseumMuseum · 460 m away
• Nishi Hongan-jiTemple · 570 m away
• Shimabara Omon GatePhoto Spot · 610 m away
• Kaidashimen KitadaRamen & Noodles · 630 m away
• Toji Kobo-ichi Flea MarketMarket · 770 m away
• To-jiTemple · 770 m away