Kyoto Aquarium
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Facts & Figures
The modern Kyoto Aquarium is located within the Umekoji Park. You will find there 15000 marine animals of appr. 250 different species. The two-story facility with a total floor area of 10974 square meters includes twelve different themed areas like the Kyoto River Zone, Fur seals, Earless Seals, Penguins, Sea of Kyoto, Fish of the Coral Reef, Jellyfish, Crustacean and the Dolphin Stadium.
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A special highlight for visitors is the display of the Japanese giant salamander. Do not miss the exhibitions with great information about Beauty of Nature and the Countryside of Kyoto. The highlight of the Kyoto Aquarium is a big tank. The tank contains water with a weight of 500 tons and recreates the coastal waters of Japan. My tip: The feeding procedure of the cute Cape Penguins, which last for 20 min, is fun to watch.
- Kyoto Aquarium:
- Opening Hours - 10:00 am to 6:00 pm (last entry 5:00 pm)
- Closed - never, open the whole year
- Admission Fee - 2050 yen (Adults), 1550 yen (High School Students), 1000 yen (Junior High), 600 yen (Child over 3)
My tips for local activities
How about exploring the best parts of my favourite city Kyoto with a local guide? The personalized tour by our partner GetYourGuide can take between 2 - 8 hours. For more details check out this page >
History
The first aquarium in Kyoto opened to the public on the 14th of March in 2012. Responsible for the project was the company TOYO Architects and Engineers office.
Location
Kyoto Aquarium is located within the Umekoji Park near Kyoto Station.
Address: 35-1 Kankijicho Kyoto Shimogyo-ku, 600-8835 Kyoto
How to get to Kyoto Aquarium?
- 15min walk from Kyoto Station or
- 8min from Kyoto Station to Nanajo Omiya Station by Kyoto City bus
Sightseeing spots
Top:
Big Tank - It is a great opportunity to observe marine animals like the green sea turtle, longtooth grouper, pitted stingray, spotted eagle ray from seven different viewing places. The tank recreates the coastal waters of Kyoto.
Dolphin Stadium - Many performances can be watched during the day in an outdoor theater. One show last about 25 min. Funny fact you will see Shinkansen trains passing by in the background.
Different themed areas:
Sea of Kyoto - The tank with a weight of 500 tons shows animals from the shore lines of the northern Kyoto prefecture like the Japanese stingray.
Kyoto River Zone - The Japanese giant salamanders are the number one attraction in this zone. These underwater animals can reach an impressive length of 1.50 meters.
Fur Seals (ottosei) and Earless Seals (azarashi) - Come here for the feeding time and enjoy the show:)
Coral Reef - After the movie Finding Nemo came out everyone loved clownfishes. Enjoy the sight of these cute animals in this Coral Reef zone.
Cape Penguins - These penguins are original from South Africa.
Jellyfish - You will see here 10 different jellyfish species.
Crustacean - The biggest highlight of the zone for species of shrimp and crab are the Japanese spider crabs, which can reach a leg span of more than 3 meters.
Food court - On the second floor you can recharge your batteries and enjoy the good food. There are in total three cafes within the aquarium facility.
Outdoor Area - The whole area is a recreation of the Kyoto countryside with rice terraces and seasonal flowers. It is a nice spot for a relaxing moment.
Festival & Events in Kyoto (dates can change without notice)
April
Miyako Odori (1st - 31th)
The traditional annual spring dance of the Kyoto district Gion Kobu performed by Geiko and Maiko is a must-see on your Kyoto visit. Don't miss the most popular dances the Miyako Odori "Cherry Blossom Dances" or "Dances of the Old Capital" at the Gion Kobu Kaburenjo Theater (located close to Gion Corner).
May
Aoi Matsuri (15th)
The highlight of this festival is a large parade from Imperial Palace through Shimogamo Shrine to the Kamigamo Shrine. More than 500 people wearing aristocratic costumes from the Heian Period (794 - 1185). The Aoi Matsuri belongs with the Gion Matsuri and Jidai Matsuri to the three most famous festivals in Kyoto.
July
Gion Matsuri (whole month)
The month July is full of different events like the Yoiyama - Kyoto's Magical Night (locals in kimonos look at the giant Gion floats the day before the parade) or the famous Yamaboko Junko (float procession on the 17th of July).
October
Jidai Matsuri ("Festival of Ages") (22nd)
People celebrate with a large parade between Imperial Palace to Heian Shrine the anniversary of the foundation of Kyoto. App. 2000 participants wearing historical costumes from different time periods. Enjoy this great festival which last around 2 hours.
Where to stay in Kyoto?
Book your Japan trip and have a great time!
Day trips from Kyoto:
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