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 and a Special Natural Monument—up close. The exhibit also houses Chinese giant salamanders and hybrids. One tank reproduces the upper, middle, and lower reaches of the Yura River, where char, yamame, dace, carp, and other fish swim.

The U‑shaped tank lets you step into a recessed space and feel as if you are swimming alongside 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—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 delight visitors as they lounge on the artificial hillside and dart dynamically through the water. The intentionally uneven slope, designed to be hard to climb, recreates their natural habitat and lets you glimpse their wild behavior.

About 30 species and 5,000 jellyfish 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 thrive in this spacious stadium, roaming freely at their own pace. Depending on the time and day, you may spot them sprinting through the water, calling back and forth to one another, enjoying a meal, or playing interactive games with their 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 keeps stroller movement stress‑free throughout the building.

At the second‑floor “Communication Hall” workshop space, hands‑on programs are offered every day. On our visit, a limited‑time session let guests craft an “Ephyra Lamp Shade” that makes baby jellyfish (ephyrae) appear to float in water. Other seasonal options include designing a fish mask or creating a jellyfish mobile—activities available only here. (Workshop themes change with the seasons.)

During “P.E. Class,” you watch trainers exercise with the dolphins while they explain how they monitor the animals’ health. “Lunch Time,” where you can watch the dolphins being fed, is another crowd‑pleaser.

The Daily Lesson is a program in which a keeper selects guests from the audience to go backstage, observe the dolphins up close, hear explanations about their behaviour—such as how they communicate and their social relationships—and ask questions.