Kyoto Aquarium
Kyoto Aquarium
4
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Monday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Tuesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Wednesday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Thursday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Friday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Saturday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
Sunday
10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
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The area
Address
Neighborhood: Shimogyo-ku
Shimogyo-ku is centered around the busy train hub, Kyoto Station. A nexus for commerce, shopping, dining, and hotels, the Shimogyo-ku area is infused with tourists and local business travelers, making it a competitive location for ever-new commercial structures. The shops and cafes here are chic and trendy, as a result, with many recognizable chains. Commuters flood the Shimogyo-ku area twice a day, and with Kyoto Station itself being a modern mega-complex and an architectural marvel, this neighborhood is one of the most contemporary and energetic areas that the city has to offer. Buildings here look futuristic, and huge department stores, shopping arcades, and public meeting spaces provide every possible convenience. It is also nearly the only place in Kyoto where rooftop dining and socializing is available, completing its modern tone.
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2,008 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.0
549 reviews
Excellent
132
Very good
226
Average
136
Poor
38
Terrible
17
kamoshika
Tokyo, Japan63 contributions
Nov 2022
Very disappointed with this aquarium. There was a dolphin birth recently and as a result, the big dolphin show (their main attraction) has been canceled for the time being. Quite deceptively, one learns of this information only after you've paid for your tickets and entered the premises. Even with the dolphin show, I would say this aquarium is overpriced. Other that an extensive jellyfish exhibit, the rest of the place is very meh. People were allowed to enter the dolphin arena and you could sort of see a couple of dolphins swimming in some very, very small enclosures--very depressing. Seems like animal abuse to me.
Written November 17, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
LilyFro
London, UK32 contributions
Aug 2012 • Family
We Planned to go to the Osaka Aquarium but heard about the new Kyoto Aquarium with added extra dolphin show and decided to give it a go. After a short queue to get in we entered a room full of people and so it continued. We got to see the sea lions and then shuffled amongst the crowd in a packed room to see the aquarium from afar. We continued to shuffle and get pushed through the crowd towards the dolphin show. We got seats 45 minutes before the show started.
The dolphin show was good after it finished we went to continue to see further attractions but it was the end and we got to the shop. We left!
In all we saw sea lions, penguins, array of fish from afar and a dolphin show. We planned a half day activity and were at the Aquarium for approx 90 minutes. Way too busy to enjoy.
The dolphin show was good after it finished we went to continue to see further attractions but it was the end and we got to the shop. We left!
In all we saw sea lions, penguins, array of fish from afar and a dolphin show. We planned a half day activity and were at the Aquarium for approx 90 minutes. Way too busy to enjoy.
Written August 26, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
tinytrev
Sydney26 contributions
Apr 2012 • Family
The newly opened (March 2012) Kyoto Aquarium has caused a lot of controversy locally. Residents say that most visitors to Kyoto come to see historical temples and the like in Japan's ancient capital, and it's hard not to disagree. However the final result is nicely done and, if you're in town with children in tow, a visit here might help fend off temple overload in the little ones.
The building itself is hard to find - there's no English language signposting that we could find, and it's not identified on the bus as one of the stops - keep your eye open for a sign saying Umekoji Park on the south side of the road and get off at the next stop and walk back. The aquarium is about a five minute walk from here, through the park in the direction of the main Kyoto station.
The lack of English language information continues inside - there was no English language guidebook or leaflet when we visited. Most of the signage is exclusively Japanese, although all the exhibits do have English name tags at least. If they do want to attract overseas visitors, they'll need to improve this.
The first big exhibit is a large seal pool, partly outdoors, and the seals seem to be really enjoying their new environment. There really good viewing opportunities from top, side and beneath the animals here!
The main tank is a multi--level affair with what looks liks hundreds of fish small and large, sharks, rays and a single lonely clown fish. It's well done and looks pretty, but there's no real context to any of it - do all these species live together in the wild, or have they just been stuck in a tank together for show?
The only really locally relevant exhibit is a small section with some inhabitants of the local Kamogawa river. If you've spotted anything in the river n your time here this might help you identify it (although the coypu we'd seen in it couple of days before wasn't mentioned).
Other exhibits include penguins, tiny fish and sea creatures, and a dolphin show which lasts around 20 minutes and is conducted entirely in Japanese. If you've ever seen dolphins perform before, this doesn't contain anything new.
Our visit filled 2 hours on a wet spring morning. Even though it was a weekday outside local school holidays, there were plenty of people here and I'm sure it's packed at weekends, so plan on getting here early if you're coming along. There's a lot of hard selling on the way out - there's a gift shop as you leave the dolphin show, and another as you exit the building a few minutes later.
If you're in the Kansai region and want to visit an aquarium, Osaka has a much bigger and better one that charges the same for entry as this much smaller one. If you're only in Kyoto for a day or two your interests are likely to lie elsewhere; if you're here for longer the trip to Osaka to visit theirs is well worth the time. But if, like us, you have a wet morni to fill, have one or more youngsters with you and need a break from museums and temples, this might just fit the bill.
The building itself is hard to find - there's no English language signposting that we could find, and it's not identified on the bus as one of the stops - keep your eye open for a sign saying Umekoji Park on the south side of the road and get off at the next stop and walk back. The aquarium is about a five minute walk from here, through the park in the direction of the main Kyoto station.
The lack of English language information continues inside - there was no English language guidebook or leaflet when we visited. Most of the signage is exclusively Japanese, although all the exhibits do have English name tags at least. If they do want to attract overseas visitors, they'll need to improve this.
The first big exhibit is a large seal pool, partly outdoors, and the seals seem to be really enjoying their new environment. There really good viewing opportunities from top, side and beneath the animals here!
The main tank is a multi--level affair with what looks liks hundreds of fish small and large, sharks, rays and a single lonely clown fish. It's well done and looks pretty, but there's no real context to any of it - do all these species live together in the wild, or have they just been stuck in a tank together for show?
The only really locally relevant exhibit is a small section with some inhabitants of the local Kamogawa river. If you've spotted anything in the river n your time here this might help you identify it (although the coypu we'd seen in it couple of days before wasn't mentioned).
Other exhibits include penguins, tiny fish and sea creatures, and a dolphin show which lasts around 20 minutes and is conducted entirely in Japanese. If you've ever seen dolphins perform before, this doesn't contain anything new.
Our visit filled 2 hours on a wet spring morning. Even though it was a weekday outside local school holidays, there were plenty of people here and I'm sure it's packed at weekends, so plan on getting here early if you're coming along. There's a lot of hard selling on the way out - there's a gift shop as you leave the dolphin show, and another as you exit the building a few minutes later.
If you're in the Kansai region and want to visit an aquarium, Osaka has a much bigger and better one that charges the same for entry as this much smaller one. If you're only in Kyoto for a day or two your interests are likely to lie elsewhere; if you're here for longer the trip to Osaka to visit theirs is well worth the time. But if, like us, you have a wet morni to fill, have one or more youngsters with you and need a break from museums and temples, this might just fit the bill.
Written April 11, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kylie J
19 contributions
Jul 2017
I loved the jellyfish and giant aquarium but the penguin enclosure made me cry, it is way to small and over crowded , it's animals in a glass box and don't get me started on the dolphin enclosure...
Written July 6, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Susanc123455
Mount Evelyn, Australia13 contributions
Mar 2016 • Couples
Would not recommend going to the Kyoto Aquarium if you are an animal lover. The tanks are too small. The salamander tanks are as big as the animals they house. The seals look bored and definitely don't not have enough room. There didn't seem to be any conservation information around the place. The species signs didn't describe were the animals originate from. And the dolphin enclosure was tiny for the amount of dolphins. Save your money and time and go elsewhere in Kyoto.
Written March 16, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Vitz
New York City, NY7 contributions
Aug 2022 • Family
Although the giant salamander was impressive, exposing them in the shoe box sized tank was shocking! The seals and the penguins areas are definitely unfitted to ensure their well being. The few ice cubes thrown at the viewing window to attract penguins is just an act of animal abuse, particularly under 37C weather…The dolphins basin should be much larger to allow better captivity conditions. And please dont treat the dolphins like fools!
Written August 2, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
traveler57286
Edmonton, Canada1 contribution
Oct 2018 • Solo
This place left me with sadness. The sea lions and penguins were in very tight, uncomfortable spaces. There were two sea lions in a very small container, almost like a display. I would very much like it, if the staff take the animals well being to heart.
Written July 16, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
dutchiedonuts
Toronto, Canada989 contributions
Sep 2017 • Solo
I was on my way to see the Kyoto Railroad Museum & I came across the Kyoto Aquarium.
I thought, what the heck, I'm here, why not.
It is around a 20min. walk from Kyoto Station.
The building from the outside looks very nice.
Upon entering you'll see in English on how much the rates are for age groups.
You'll be looking at around $20.00, but keep the ticket. You get a discount if you go to the Railroad Museum afterwards, but show them the ticket stub when you get there.
The price might seem steep but really no different in prices with Aquariums around the world.
You'll enjoy all the different areas for all the different types of sea life in this facility.
You may want to check the times for when they do the dolphin show.
I got to admit this is very entertaining. The staff really get the audience involved & really make a nice show out of it, with the dolphins doing tricks.
FYI...the commentary will be in Japanese but it's still was a awesome experience.
Once you're leaving, there'll be a little cafe you can go to relax & get a drink or bite to eat. Outside they have a nice sitting area with gardens & waterfalls.
The layout of this place is really nice, the staff are very friendly/ helpful, & the place is spotless.
In my opinion I think it's worth checking out.
I thought, what the heck, I'm here, why not.
It is around a 20min. walk from Kyoto Station.
The building from the outside looks very nice.
Upon entering you'll see in English on how much the rates are for age groups.
You'll be looking at around $20.00, but keep the ticket. You get a discount if you go to the Railroad Museum afterwards, but show them the ticket stub when you get there.
The price might seem steep but really no different in prices with Aquariums around the world.
You'll enjoy all the different areas for all the different types of sea life in this facility.
You may want to check the times for when they do the dolphin show.
I got to admit this is very entertaining. The staff really get the audience involved & really make a nice show out of it, with the dolphins doing tricks.
FYI...the commentary will be in Japanese but it's still was a awesome experience.
Once you're leaving, there'll be a little cafe you can go to relax & get a drink or bite to eat. Outside they have a nice sitting area with gardens & waterfalls.
The layout of this place is really nice, the staff are very friendly/ helpful, & the place is spotless.
In my opinion I think it's worth checking out.
Written September 30, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Frederikke I
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina, United States20 contributions
Aug 2016 • Couples
The animals, especially the dolphins, live under terrible conditions and are forced to perform several times a day. The sea turtles live in a small fenced area where children are allowed to come and play with them.
They show no respect for the animals at all.
They show no respect for the animals at all.
Written September 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JUSTIN C
Brisbane, Australia2 contributions
Aug 2015 • Solo
My wife and I went to the aquarium it was ok but the salamander enclosure was too small. There is a full size seal in a enclosure the size of its body with no space to move or turn round. I am very disgusted at this aquarium on how they treat their animals I wouldn't advise going there
Written September 3, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
victoriasmpsn s
London, UK11 contributions
What times are the dolphin shows?
Kavee P
Bangkok, Thailand32 contributions
At the time I went there it was held at about 4 in the evening and lasted for about an hour. Sorry for answering late though:)
abab204
京都7 contributions
僕の周りは、
「入場料高い割に小さい」
「イルカショーがしょーもなかった」
「人がいっぱいで何も見られへんわ」
「食べる場所無い」
「海遊館の方がよっぽど楽しいわ」
と言うのですが本当ですか。
kojishiomi
Hong Kong, null, Hong Kong922 contributions
ご質問を頂戴いたしました件につきまして、私なりに回答を示したいと思います。至りませんが、参考になるようでしたら幸いです。
1.入場料高い割に小さい
入場料は大人2050円、子供1000円でした。京都水族館は海遊館や美ら海水族館、鳥羽水族館のように海に面して建設されていません。京都市内は海がありませんから内陸型水族館ということになります。従って、海水を作り出すことなどいろいろな面で技術的に困難を克服してできた水族館のように思います。そのためかか、やや小さいかもしれません。しかしながら、京都に生きる渓流、河川の生き物に焦点を当てて室内、室外に見どころを設けるなど京都水族館だけの魅力もあると思います。入場料設定については、いろいろと意見もあるかと思いますが、京都市民や水族館の好きな人たちからは大歓迎を受けているように感じています。実際、修学旅行や遠足など教育行事での活用もされていますし、お休みの日には多くの市民に利用されています。個人差はあると思いますが、おおむね支持されている入場なのではないでしょうか。
2.イルカショーがしょーもなかった
イルカショーについても見る人の経験や価値観などから、個人差があるものだと思います。私は心のこもった子供たちの喜ぶショーのように感じています。私は香港にもう移住をしたので、京都水族館には2回しか行ったことがありません。それでも、香港のオーシャンパークのイルカショーに比べたら、京都水族館はレベルが高く、お客とのふれあいを大切にしたショーのように思いました。また、スタッフのイルカたちへの愛情もひとしおだと感じました。個人差はあると思いますが、京都のような内陸部でもイルカのショーが見られる、しかも、ふれあいものあるということで、ほのぼのとしますし、うれしい思いがしました。子供は大喜びでした。
3.人がいっぱいで何も見られへんわ
私が行ったときもやはり混雑していました。人気があるスポットですから混雑しているのは普通かもしれません。ガラガラの水族館を想像するほうがむつかしいですが、どうでしょうか。ガラガラの海遊館、がらがらの美ら海水族案、この京都水族館にしても人気のある新名所として確立ているようで混雑するのはむしろ当たり前のように思います。しかしながら、混雑しない状況で思う存分水族館を楽しみたいというのが人の心でしょう、そういう場合は平日を狙っていくといいかもしれませんね。年間パスポートも4100円でしたから、これを買って、定期的に訪問すれば、必ず堪能できると思います。水族館ファンが多い日本では、シェアーの気持ちが必要ですね。
4.食べる場所無い
館内にはカフェしかないといえばそうですが、このカフェも工夫を凝らして頑張っていますよ。パンの形など楽ししい商品を販売しています。もちろん、お腹がいっぱいになるようなレストランはないかもしれませんが、ここは京都ですから、メインの食事は外に探したほうが旅行を楽しめると思いますよ。すべてを水族館で済ませますか?軽食程度でいいのじゃないでしょうか。
5.海遊館の方がよっぽど楽しいわ
これは人の好き好きだと思います。海遊館も日によっては超混雑の日も多いと思います。ランキングは人それぞれなので、私は何とも言えません。それぞれの水族館に持ち味というか特徴があると思います。
以上です。参考になれば幸いです。
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Claim your listingKyoto Aquarium - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (with Photos)
Frequently Asked Questions about Kyoto Aquarium
- Kyoto Aquarium is open:
- Sun - Sat 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
- Hotels near Kyoto Aquarium:
- (0.10 mi) HARUYA Umekoji
- (0.08 mi) Umekoji Potel Kyoto
- (0.11 mi) East by Root2 hostel
- (0.11 mi) Guest Apartment Kyoto Ann
- (0.11 mi) Root2 Coffee & Hostel
- Restaurants near Kyoto Aquarium:
- (0.03 mi) Sanshi Suimei Cafe
- (0.09 mi) Miyako Yasai Kamo Kyoto Ekimae
- (0.07 mi) Shiden Cafe
- (0.09 mi) Minamo
- (0.09 mi) Naritaya
- Attractions near Kyoto Aquarium:
- (0.15 mi) Umekoji Park
- (0.28 mi) Kyoto Railway Museum
- (0.38 mi) Kyoto Cycling Tour Project
- (0.20 mi) Ryukoku University Omiya Campus
- (0.19 mi) Suzaku Garden
Kyoto Aquarium Information
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