Sumida Aquarium
Located on the 5th and 6th floors of the Tokyo Solamachi complex, Sumida Aquarium is a masterclass in modern, urban aquarium design. Since its opening in 2012 alongside the Tokyo Skytree, it has distinguished itself by eschewing the traditional “linear” museum path in favor of a more immersive, open-plan layout. The facility is entirely indoors and utilizes advanced artificial seawater production technology, allowing it to maintain a vibrant marine ecosystem in the heart of a vertical city.
The Cradle of Jellyfish and the Big Schale
Upon entering, visitors are greeted by the “Cradle of Jellyfish,” an ethereal zone where thousands of jellyfish pulse in illuminated tanks. The highlight of this section is the Big Schale, a massive, saucer-shaped open-topped tank that allows guests to look directly down onto the jellyfish without the barrier of glass reflections. This area also includes the “Aqua Lab,” where visitors can observe the various stages of jellyfish growth and speak with staff about the breeding processes. The lighting in these zones is carefully choreographed to shift throughout the day, mimicking the natural transitions from dawn to dusk.
The Penguin Pool and Ogasawara Legacy
The undisputed centerpiece of the aquarium is the Penguin Pool, one of the largest indoor open-pool tanks in Japan. Containing approximately 350 tons of water, it houses a colony of Magellanic penguins and several fur seals. The tank is designed with two levels of viewing: an upper balcony for a panoramic view of the social dynamics of the colony, and a lower level where visitors can watch the penguins dive and swim at high speeds through the glass. The “Penguin Cafe” located nearby offers themed snacks, allowing guests to relax while watching the animals play in a space that feels more like a communal plaza than a traditional exhibit.
Edorium: The Goldfish of Edo
Reflecting the cultural heritage of the surrounding Sumida ward, the “Edorium” is a specialized zone dedicated to kingyo (goldfish). During the Edo period, goldfish breeding became a sophisticated art form in Tokyo, and this exhibit honors that history with dozens of varieties displayed in ornate, traditional-style tanks. The area is decorated with Japanese lanterns and Edo-period motifs, creating a festive atmosphere that links the biological diversity of the fish to the artistic history of the city. Additionally, the Ogasawara Tank reproduces the unique “Tokyo Blue” sea of the Ogasawara Islands—a UNESCO World Heritage site—bringing a slice of the remote Pacific to the bustling metropolis.
| Visitor Information | |
|---|---|
| Address | 5-6F, Tokyo Solamachi, 1-1-2 Oshiage, Sumida-ku, Tokyo 131-0045 (Google Maps) |
| Opening Hours | 10:00 AM – 8:00 PM (Weekdays) / 9:00 AM – 9:00 PM (Weekends & Holidays) Closed: Open daily |
| Price | Adults: ¥2,500 / High School: ¥1,800 / Junior High & Elem: ¥1,200 |
| Website | Visit Website |
| Access | ||
|---|---|---|
| Station | Line(s) | Access Details |
| Oshiage Station | Hanzomon, Asakusa, Keisei, Tobu | Directly connected via the Solamachi elevators |
| Tokyo Skytree Station | Tobu Skytree Line | Immediate access to the West Yard entrance |