Museum
Kyoto Aquarium
京都水族館
An aquarium opened in 2012 in Umekoji Park, about 1 km west of Kyoto Station. Its river zone shows the Japanese giant salamander, and other zones hold jellyfish, penguins and seals, plus a dolphin stadium.
Key facts
- Station
- Umekoji-Kyotonishi (JR Sagano Line)7 min walk
- Admission
- Paid entry
- Typical visit
- 2 h
- Hours
- From 10:00; closing time varies by day (see the official calendar)
- Website
- en.kyoto-aquarium.com
Tip
Japan Guide describes it as small compared with Japan's largest aquariums, so plan about two hours.
01Where to stay
Stay nearby
This place is around Kyoto Station. Median hotel rate in the latest sample: US$293 per night. Where to stay around Kyoto Station
Prices and availability come from the booking sites and can change.
02Map
Nearby places
- Nature Umekoji Park 梅小路公園 A 13.7 ha city park west of Kyoto Station with lawns and a children's play area, and the Kyoto Railway Museum and Kyoto Aquarium at its edges. Free entry 1 h 3 min walk
- Museum Kyoto Railway Museum 京都鉄道博物館 Opened by JR West in 2016, the museum displays over 50 retired trains from steam locomotives to shinkansen across three floors, plus a working roundhouse from 1914. Paid entry 2 h 30 min 3 min walk
- Temple Nishi Hongan-ji 西本願寺 Head temple of the Honganji branch of Jodo Shinshu Buddhism, built in 1591 under Toyotomi Hideyoshi and part of the UNESCO Historic Monuments of Ancient Kyoto. Free entry 45 min 15 min walk
- Market To-ji Kobo-ichi Flea Market 弘法市 A monthly market on the 21st in the grounds around To-ji, with stalls selling second-hand kimono, antiques, pottery, tools, plants and street food. Free entry 1 h 30 min 7 min walk
Sources · Verified 24 September 2026