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Kyoto Aquarium

, Kyoto, Kyoto

Description

Kyoto Aquarium (京都水族館) is a modern building, including a dolphinarium, that houses aquatic animal species in various themed habitats. These include the rivers of the Kyoto prefecture, featuring the Japanese giant salamander. There are also jellyfish, penguins, seals and a large number of fish species.

Access & Transport

The aquarium is located in Umekoji Park, 1km west of Kyoto Station. It is a 5mins walk from the Umekoji-Kyotonishi Station (JR San-in line) Directions info: https://www.kyoto-aquarium.com/en/about/access/index.html

Instructions & Recommendations

Families may be interested in combining this activity with the Kyoto Railway Museum, only 300m away. For something more cultural, Tō-ji is a 5mins walk away.

Meta review

Average online reviews for this aquarium with regular comments that it is quite small and pricey, not in the same league as that of Osaka. The dolphin show is meant to be a highlight but foreign visitors' experience is damped by the language barrier and there are consistent mentions of the enclosure being too small for the dolphins' wellbeing. The other highlights for most reviewers are the penguins and the extensive jellyfish exhibits.

Environmental & Social

Some breeding of regional endangered species but small tanks on average + captivity issue. Use of solar panel + rainwater collection.

Conclusion

A good family activity, best kept for a rainy day. In our opinion, there is nothing really impressive besides the dolphin show and the jellyfishes; that being said, it is always interesting to discover new animals.

Key positive

Wide range of local river species

Family-friendly and centrally located

Key negative

Mediocre value

Tanks not very impressive

Suitability

Accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

August 2024

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
August hours are 09h00 - 20h00

av. transport time:0h 20m

est. visit time:1h 30m

Regulated hours

Start of Season 1:Apr, 01

Season 1

MONDAY10:00 - 18:00

TUESDAY10:00 - 18:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 18:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 18:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 18:00

SATURDAY09:00 - 19:00

SUNDAY09:00 - 19:00

Start of Season 2:Dec, 01

Season 2

MONDAY10:00 - 17:00

TUESDAY10:00 - 17:00

WEDNESDAY10:00 - 17:00

THURSDAY10:00 - 17:00

FRIDAY10:00 - 17:00

SATURDAY10:00 - 17:00

SUNDAY10:00 - 17:00

Pricing
Age band
Age band
Regular price / pers.
Senior
65 - 99
JP¥2,400
Adult
18 - 64
JP¥2,400
Teen & Young
16 - 17
JP¥1,800
Child
6 - 15
JP¥1,200
Infant
0 - 5
JP¥0
Child aged 3-5yr old is 800yen

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