The Ultimate Guide to Experiencing Sumida Aquarium
Sumida Aquarium is a fully indoor aquarium located within Tokyo Skytree Town®︎.
It’s a relaxing space, much like a park, where you can drop by after enjoying shopping and dining in Tokyo Skytree Town.
This article introduces the highlights and must-know tips for visiting Sumida Aquarium.
Check it out before your trip to make the most of your visit!
Features of Sumida Aquarium
Located on the 5th and 6th floors of Tokyo Skytree Town®︎, directly connected to Tokyo Skytree Station on the Tobu Skytree Line and Oshiage Station on the Toei Asakusa, Tokyo Metro Hanzomon, Keisei, and Tobu Lines, Sumida Aquarium is a fully indoor aquarium exhibiting 260 species and 7,000 creatures under the concept of “The closer you get, the more you’ll love them.”
The aquarium features various zones, including “Natural Aquascape,” “Jellyfish,” “Coral Reefs,” “Penguins,” “Aqua Base,” “Ogasawara Sea Life,” “Edorium,” and “Fur Seals.”
Its two-story layout includes open, atrium-style exhibits, allowing visitors to observe creatures both up close and from above.
Top 5 Highlights of Sumida Aquarium
1. Captivating and Dreamlike “Jellyfish Zone”
This area showcases approximately 14 species of jellyfish, varying in size and type.
Every jellyfish in this zone was born at Sumida Aquarium, making it a unique attraction.
One of the highlights is the “Big Shallow,” a flat tank where about 500 moon jellyfish glide elegantly beneath your feet. The dynamic lighting, which changes colors, accentuates the jellyfish’s beauty and creates a dreamlike atmosphere.
Additionally, the Kaleidoscope Tunnel connecting the 5th and 6th floors also features jellyfish displays.
Visitors can sit and observe them at their leisure or take photos in this stunning space, which is highly praised as a photo spot.
2. The Playful and Adorable “Penguin Pool”
The Penguin Pool is a fully indoor, open exhibit where over 50 Magellanic penguins reside.
The two-story, open space allows you to observe the penguins from various angles—up, down, and sideways.
The lighting system mimics natural conditions by transitioning between morning, afternoon, and evening, as well as adjusting to seasonal daylight hours. During the day, you can watch the penguins swim actively, while at night, you’ll see them resting peacefully, showcasing their various expressions throughout the day.
Enhance your penguin-watching experience with the “Sumida Penguin Relationship Chart” board.
This board introduces each penguin’s name, photo, personality, and relationships, including couples and even former partners. It’s an entertaining glimpse into the “penguin dynamics” that will captivate visitors.
3. The “Water’s Blessing Tokyo Tank” Inspired by the Seas of the Ogasawara Islands
The Ogasawara Islands are a group of about 30 islands located 1,000 kilometers south of central Tokyo. Known for their unique ecosystems, they were designated a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 2011.
The Water’s Blessing Tokyo Tank replicates the vibrant marine life and the stunning “Bonin Blue” color of the Ogasawara seas. It houses approximately 450 creatures from 45 species, including grey nurse sharks and round ribbontail rays. The massive tank offers an immersive experience, making you feel as though you are peering into the ocean itself.
The recently established “Ogasawara Base” in 2023 features two adorable baby green sea turtles. Sumida Aquarium has collaborated with Ogasawara Village since its opening to engage in conservation efforts for green sea turtles. These turtles are raised here for about a year, allowing them to grow large enough to avoid predators before being released back into their native seas.
4. Up-Close Observation of Animal Care at “Aqua Base”
Aqua Base is an open space where visitors can observe animal care up close.
It consists of two sections: the “Kitchen” and the “Lab.”
In the “Kitchen,” you can watch staff prepare food for the animals.
In the “Lab,” you can observe the facilities used for jellyfish breeding, the growth stages of jellyfish, and their reproduction processes.
Through these interactions, you can deepen your understanding of the creatures and the work that goes into their care.
5. The “Natural Aquascape” Crafted by ADA
This zone features aquariums created and managed by Aqua Design Amano (ADA), a pioneer in nature aquariums.
Every detail, from the placement of rocks and driftwood to the arrangement of aquatic plants, is meticulously crafted, resulting in stunning aquatic landscapes that resemble natural art.
There are only three aquariums in the world featuring ADA-designed tanks: Sumida Aquarium in Tokyo, an aquarium in Portugal, and one in Sapporo. This makes it a must-see spot for aquarium enthusiasts and ADA fans alike.
Photo Spots at Sumida Aquarium
Capture the Perfect Shot at the “Edorium”
The Edorium showcases around 15 varieties of goldfish, including Wakin, known as the origin of goldfish, Ryukin with its elegant, flowing fins, and Ranchu with its distinctive head bump. The decorations are inspired by Edo-period aesthetics, providing a uniquely Japanese atmosphere that makes for stunning photographs.
Exclusive Gourmet Delights at Sumida Aquarium
Take a Break with Adorable Sweets at “Penguin Café”
Located on the 5th floor of the aquarium, the Penguin Café offers a variety of light meals like Napolitan pasta and cheese dogs, as well as drinks and desserts inspired by marine life.
There’s also a dining area with tables and chairs next to the penguin pool, where you can relax and enjoy watching the penguins swim as you take a break.
Discover Even More! Aquatic Creatures Await
Marvel at the Elegant Swimming of South American Fur Seals
In the open indoor tank, you can observe South American Fur Seals.
These charming creatures can be seen lounging at ease or gracefully turning and swimming in the water from various angles.
Admire their elegant movements as they glide through the sparkling waters.
Adorable Garden Eels Peeking from Their Burrows
On the 6th floor, you’ll find the Coral Reefs Zone, which features the Garden Eel Tank.
Here, you can observe three types of eels: spotted garden eels, splendid garden eels, and white-spotted garden eels.
Each type has its own unique appearance, so why not look for your favorite?
Find Unique Souvenirs After Visiting Sumida Aquarium
Get Original Goods at the “Museum Shop”
After enjoying the wide variety of creatures, don’t forget to visit the adjacent Museum Shop.
The shop is packed with fun items such as plush toys, small trinkets, capsule toys, and plush toy lotteries. You’ll also find collaborative items with traditional Japanese crafts like Edo Kiriko glassware and woodgrain dolls.
Many original items are exclusively available here, so be sure to check them out!
Wrap-up
We’ve introduced the highlights and charms of Sumida Aquarium—what did you think?
It’s a relaxing spot where you can encounter the beauty of nature and diverse marine life while still being in the heart of the city.
Sumida Aquarium is a place you’ll want to visit again and again, offering fresh discoveries with every visit.