Sumida Aquarium Highlights Guide | A Mesmerizing World of Jellyfish and Penguins Right Next to Tokyo Skytree
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Healing the Mind with the Sea. Experience Marine Life in the Sky Tree Town.
After enjoying the breathtaking panoramic view from the Tokyo Skytree at 634 meters, how about a completely different experience—viewing the world underwater?
The mesmerizing glow of jellyfish, the adorable daily life of penguins, and the vibrant goldfish swimming in an Edo-inspired space. As soon as you step in, you’ll be greeted by a healing experience, set in a world of light and water. This is the “Sumida Aquarium,” located within Tokyo Skytree Town’s Solamachi shopping complex.
In this article, we’ll introduce the charm and highlights of Sumida Aquarium, an urban aquarium that will captivate both adults and children.
Sumida Aquarium
Sumida Aquarium is an indoor aquarium located on the 5th and 6th floors of the Tokyo Skytree Town commercial facility, Solamachi. With a comfortable environment unaffected by the weather, it offers a wide variety of exhibits that both children and adults can enjoy. It was opened in 2012 to coincide with the grand opening of Tokyo Skytree.
The unique feature of this aquarium is its closeness to the creatures. The height of the tanks and the layout of the exhibits are designed so that visitors feel as if they are in the same space as the animals.
- Business hours
- Weekdays 10:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Saturdays, Sundays, and Holidays 9:00 am – 9:00 pm
- Regular holiday
- Open all year round
- Telephone number
- +081-3-5619-1821
- Official site
- https://www.sumida-aquarium.com/
- Parking
- Tokyo Skytree Town Parking
- How to visit
- Directly connected to Solamachi from Oshiage Station (Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line, Toei Asakusa Line, Keisei Oshiage Line/Narita Express, Tobu Skytree Line)
- Directly connected to Solamachi from Tokyo Skytree Station (Tobu Skytree Line)
- Address
- 1 - 1-2 Oshiage, Sumida City, Tokyo Skytree Town Solamachi 5th and 6th Floors, Tokyo, 131 - 0045
Spectacular! Approximately 500 Jellyfish Dancing in the Dome of Light and Water
One of the most iconic exhibits at Sumida Aquarium is the “Big Shale,” a giant tank that beautifully showcases jellyfish. In the 7-meter diameter circular tank, approximately 500 moon jellyfish slowly drift, taking viewers into a surreal world.
The ever-changing light show and the soft glow of the jellyfish create an immersive experience as if floating in water.
The Largest Indoor Pool! Penguins Swimming Freely in the Open Pool
One of the biggest attractions at Sumida Aquarium is the open pool where approximately 50 Magellanic penguins live. This indoor pool, one of the largest in Japan, is open to the ceiling, allowing visitors to observe the penguins swimming, calling, and playing freely.
The penguins swim smoothly on the water surface, interact with their companions, and their adorable gestures captivate everyone. It’s a space where visitors can deeply enjoy the penguins’ way of life.
Stunning Scale! The Realistic Marine World of the Ogasawara Islands “Ogasawara Large Tank”
One of the most impressive exhibits at Sumida Aquarium is the “Ogasawara Large Tank.” Home to white-tip reef sharks, spotted eagle rays, and green sea turtles, this tank recreates the rich marine life of the Ogasawara Islands, allowing visitors to experience an immersive sensation, as if they were underwater in the real ocean.
Peering into the giant tank, visitors can see large fish swimming gracefully, carried by ocean currents. The change in terrain and water color gradients, from shallow to deep, are realistically replicated, making it a rare exhibit where visitors can learn about marine ecosystems while experiencing them in three dimensions.
Fun with Beautiful Coral Reefs! Enjoy the Scenic Beauty in Four Tanks
In the Coral Reef area, visitors can enjoy the beautiful coral forests and the variety of creatures that live there, across four different tanks.
Small fish swim between the delicate coral branches, making visitors feel as if they are peering into the Southern Seas.
Popular creatures such as garden eels and trumpetfish can also be observed in this area. Their appearance as they pop their heads out from the sand is a favorite among children and adults alike.
The richness and beauty of coral reef ecosystems are showcased in both a visual and three-dimensional display, making it a space where the colorful lives of these creatures are captivating.
The Beauty of Japanese Culture and Goldfish! “Edo-rium” – A Japanese-Inspired Space
Edo-rium is a unique exhibit at Sumida Aquarium, where around 20 types of goldfish swim elegantly in an Edo-inspired space.
Surrounded by latticework and lanterns, the tanks remind visitors of the nostalgic sights of summer festivals, evoking a peaceful and gentle feeling.
The delicate movements of the goldfish, the shimmering water, and the lighting create a harmonious space where beauty stands out in the calm.
In this tranquil atmosphere, visitors can slow down and deeply appreciate the beauty of Japanese culture.
Behind the Scenes at the Aquarium: “Aqua Base,” Where You Can See the Work of the Staff
Aqua Base is another stage behind the exhibits of Sumida Aquarium. Here, visitors can see the aquarium staff taking care of jellyfish and fish up close, without glass between them.
With jellyfish cultivation tanks and experimental equipment, it has a research-lab-like atmosphere. The informative panels allow visitors to learn about breeding, care techniques, and growth processes as they observe.
By understanding the meticulous work that supports the aquarium, visitors can feel the seriousness and kindness of the staff as they care for the creatures’ lives.
Adorable and Authentic! Penguin Café & Sumida Aquarium Exclusive Shop
Inside Sumida Aquarium, visitors can take a break at the ”Penguin Café.”
The penguin- and jellyfish-themed sweets and drinks are not only cute but also have a focus on taste. The food includes unique items like penguin- and sea lion-shaped donuts and a garden eel-shaped bread, nearly the same length (35cm) as a real garden eel.
The exclusive shop at the exit of the aquarium offers various souvenirs, including plush toys, stationery, and miscellaneous items unique to Sumida Aquarium.
Penguin- and jellyfish-themed products are so adorable that visitors of all ages will be tempted to take them home. They make perfect gifts or personal souvenirs.
Ticket Prices, Discounts, and Purchase Methods
Tickets for Sumida Aquarium can be purchased at the official website or at the aquarium entrance ticket machines. During peak seasons and holidays, the ticket machines may be crowded, so it’s recommended to buy tickets online in advance.
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | ¥2,500 |
| High School Students | ¥1,800 |
| Elementary and Junior High School Students | ¥1,200 |
| Toddlers (3 years and older) | ¥800 |
- Payment Methods at Entrance Ticket Machines
- Cash
- IC Cards (Suica, PASMO, etc.)
- Credit Cards
- Electronic Money (iD, QUICPay, etc.)
- Barcode Payment (PayPay, LINE Pay, Rakuten Pay, etc.)
Ticket Purchase | Sumida Aquarium
Skip the Line with Pre-Sale Web Tickets
By purchasing tickets in advance from the official website, visitors can enter smoothly on the day of their visit.
Sumida Aquarium Pre - Sale Web Ticket
- Payment Methods for Pre-Sale Web Tickets
- Credit Cards (VISA, MasterCard, JCB)
- PayPay
Save with Discounted Set Tickets! Enjoy the Aquarium and More
If you plan to visit other attractions like Tokyo Skytree, Asakusa kimono rentals, or Skybus tours, purchasing set tickets is a great way to save.
Set tickets offer high discounts, making it an excellent way to enjoy both the aquarium and Tokyo sightseeing.
- Sumida Aquarium Admission + Tokyo Skytree (Sky Tree Enjoy Pack)
- Sumida Aquarium Admission + Kimono Rental (Asakusa)
- Sumida Aquarium + Rickshaw (Asakusa)
- Sumida Aquarium + Skybus Tokyo
For example, the “Sumida Aquarium Admission + Tokyo Skytree” set ticket offers up to ¥1,400 off.
Read more about Sky Tree Enjoy Pack
Annual Passes Are the Best Value for Frequent Visitors!
If you plan to visit Sumida Aquarium more than three times a year, an annual pass is the best value. It costs approximately two times the regular admission fee, and allows unlimited visits for one year from the date of purchase.
| Category | Price |
|---|---|
| Adults | ¥5,500 |
| High School Students | ¥4,000 |
| Elementary and Junior High School Students | ¥2,700 |
| Toddlers (3 years and older) | ¥1,800 |
Both Children and Adults Will Be Healed by the Cuteness and Beauty
At Sumida Aquarium, you can experience healing and discovery with mesmerizing jellyfish, freely swimming penguins, beautiful coral reefs, and goldfish.
Being fully indoors, it’s an attractive space where you can enjoy a comfortable experience regardless of the weather. Located just a 1-minute walk from Tokyo Skytree, it’s very easy to access, and you can combine it with sightseeing at Skytree. It’s also easy to stop by while shopping or dining in Solamachi.
When you need a brief break in Tokyo, or just want a peaceful time, visit Sumida Aquarium. The adorable animals, with their gentle movements in the water, will heal you.
