Urban aquarium next to Umekoji park with penguins, seals and a large marine tank; adult admission around 2.600 ¥.
The Kyoto Aquarium is a modern and very well-designed aquarium, perfect for a family visit or a rainy day, located within Umekoji park a short distance from Kyoto station. It is organised into themed zones that range from the rivers and lakes of the Kyoto region, with the rare Japanese giant salamander, to a large marine tank with rays and sharks, a colony of penguins, seals and illuminated jellyfish. Throughout the day, dolphin presentations and animal feeding are scheduled, which it is advisable to check on arrival to organise the visit. Adult admission is around 2.600 ¥, with reduced prices for students and children. It normally opens from 10:00 to 18:00, with extended hours in high season. It is reached on foot in about 15 minutes from Kyoto station crossing Umekoji park, which lets you combine the visit with the Railway Museum, which is right next door. Buy the ticket online to avoid queues on busy days.
