Sumida Aquarium Highlights Guide | A Mesmerizing World of Jellyfish and Penguins Right Next to Tokyo Skytree

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Sumida Aquarium Highlights Guide | A Mesmerizing World of Jellyfish and Penguins Right Next to Tokyo Skytree

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 Entrance

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

Big Shale

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.

Big Shale

Moon Jellyfish Floating

The ever-changing light show and the soft glow of the jellyfish create an immersive experience as if floating in water.

Big Shale

Big Shale

Big Shale

The Largest Indoor Pool! Penguins Swimming Freely in the Open Pool

Penguin 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.

Penguin Pool

Penguins

Penguins

Penguins

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.

Penguin Pool

Stunning Scale! The Realistic Marine World of the Ogasawara Islands “Ogasawara Large Tank”

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.

Ogasawara Large Tank

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.

Ogasawara Large Tank

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.

Coral Reef Area

Small fish swim between the delicate coral branches, making visitors feel as if they are peering into the Southern Seas.

Small Fish

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.

Garden Eels and Trumpetfish

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

Edo-rium is a unique exhibit at Sumida Aquarium, where around 20 types of goldfish swim elegantly in an Edo-inspired space.

Goldfish Lantern

Surrounded by latticework and lanterns, the tanks remind visitors of the nostalgic sights of summer festivals, evoking a peaceful and gentle feeling.

Goldfish

Goldfish

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.

Edo-rium

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.

Aqua Base

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.

Jellyfish Cultivation Tank

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.”

Penguin Café

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.

Shop Interior

Shop Interior

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.

Penguin Plush

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.

Sumida Aquarium Admission Fees
CategoryPrice
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.

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.

Annual Pass Prices
CategoryPrice
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

Aquarium Interior

At Sumida Aquarium, you can experience healing and discovery with mesmerizing jellyfish, freely swimming penguins, beautiful coral reefs, and goldfish.

Aquarium Interior

Jellyfish

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.

Aquarium Interior

Aquarium Interior

Aquarium Interior

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.

Aquarium Entrance

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