Kyoto Aquarium Complete Guide: A Perfect Location Within Walking Distance of Kyoto Station, Surrounded by Nature

View the Japanese giant salamander—the world’s largest amphibian—up close in a large exhibit. One tank reproduces the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the Yura River, where char, yamame, dace, carp, and others swim.

A U‑shaped tank lets you step into a recessed space and feel as if you are swimming with energetic fur seals.

In addition to the fur‑seal tank, a tube‑shaped tank allows spotted seals to glide freely back and forth.

The largest tank, filled with about 500 tons of artificial seawater, houses some 50 species, including Asian sheepshead wrasse and various sharks and rays. View it up close or from a distance to feel the mystical atmosphere.

Cape penguins charm visitors with their relaxed hillside poses and dynamic swimming. The sloped terrain, designed so the birds cannot easily climb up, mimics their natural habitat and reveals their wild behavior.

About 5,000 jellyfish of many sizes, colors, and motions drift or rest. Observe their mysterious lives in the 360‑degree tank “GURURI.” At the adjacent Kyoto Jellyfish Research Club, husbandry staff conduct breeding and research in an open workspace.

Garden eels sway gently, and six species of anemone fish native to Japan live among coral reefs. Locker‑style “STAFF STATION” doors reveal keepers’ essential tools, offering a unique behind‑the‑scenes feel.

Bottlenose dolphins live freely here. Depending on the time and day, you may see them swimming swiftly, vocalizing with each other, eating, or playing with trainers.

Exhibits waterside creatures unique to Kyoto, including endangered species such as the oyanirami and hotoke loach, while conveying information on local environmental conservation.

In this outdoor area of rice fields and vegetable patches, you may spot small fish swimming through waterways during planting season. Stroll in the pleasant sunlight and feel the connection between people and waterside life.

There are two nursing rooms on the first floor and one on the second. Eight diaper‑changing stations and hot‑water sinks for formula are also provided. Barrier‑free design with ramps and elevators allows strollers to move around easily, except during very crowded times.

Hands‑on activities are offered every day. On the day of our visit, the main craft was making a lampshade that makes baby jellyfish look as if they are floating in water; other options included designing a fish mask and creating a jellyfish mobile—programs you can experience only here.

During “P.E. Class,” you watch trainers exercise with the dolphins while they explain how they monitor the animals’ health. You can also observe feeding during “Lunch Time,” and be sure to see the “Daily Lesson” held at 2:50 p.m.

In these lessons, staff answer questions such as:
・ “How do dolphins and trainers communicate?” (Language Arts)
・ “What are the social relationships among dolphins living in a group?” (Social Studies)
If you are lucky enough to be chosen by staff, you may be invited to join the lesson up close.