Aquariums & zoos
Kyoto Aquarium
京都水族館
Umekoji / Shimogyo · near Umekoji-Kyotonishi (JR Sagano Line) (2 min walk)
Kyoto Aquarium in Umekoji / Shimogyo. Kids press right up to the penguin pool, a giant jellyfish gallery and playful seals in a see-through tube tank.
Why children love it: Kids press right up to the penguin pool, a giant jellyfish gallery and playful seals in a see-through tube tank.
Honest drawbacks: One of Kyoto's pricier family outings and it gets very crowded on weekends and holidays.
Kyoto Aquarium
- Best for
- Babies (0–1), Toddlers (2–4), Primary (5–11), Teens (12–17)
- Time to allow
- 2h
- Opening hours
- Typically 10:00-18:00; hours vary by day, check the annual calendar (last entry 1hr before close)
- Price
- From 10 Feb 2026: adults ¥2,600, high school ¥2,000, elementary/JHS ¥1,400, ages 3+ ¥900 (official site)
- Booking
- Usually walk-in
- English
- ★★★☆☆
- Indoor / weather
- indoor · rainy-day ok
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