If you’re a fan of marine life and want to explore a diverse and fascinating underwater world, Sumida Aquarium is a great place to check out either while visiting the SkyTree Observation decks or as a destination on its own.
Located right next to the Tokyo SkyTree, this aquarium is home to a wide variety of marine creatures, from penguins to jellyfish, and offers visitors a unique and immersive experience.
In this guide, we’ll provide you with everything you need to know about Sumida Aquarium, including what to expect, how to get there, ticket prices, and some of the must-see exhibits.
Key Takeaways:
- Easily accessible by train, right next to the Tokyo Skytree in the Oshiage district.
- Plan to spend around 1-2 hours exploring the aquarium and all of its exhibits to get the most out of your visit.
- Don’t miss the 52-meter-long tunnel surrounded by sharks, rays, and other sea creatures.
- You can buy tickets at the entrance or online in advance
- Take advantage of the combo ticket option, which provides access to both Sumida Aquarium and Tokyo Skytree for a discounted price.
- Check out the aquarium’s themed zones to experience diverse marine life, including penguins, jellyfish, and deep sea creatures.
- Don’t miss the mesmerizing display of colorful jellyfish in the Jellyfish Ramble zone.
What to Expect at Sumida Aquarium
Sumida Aquarium is divided into several zones, each showcasing a different theme and type of marine life. Here are some of the key zones you can explore:
- Aqua Base: The first zone of the aquarium, Aqua Base showcases various aquatic creatures found in Tokyo Bay, including schools of fish, sea turtles, and stingrays. Visitors can also view the dolphin show at the Aqua Theatre.
- Penguin and Puffin Coast: This zone is home to a large colony of penguins and puffins, where visitors can observe their unique behavior and movements on land and in the water.
- Jellyfish Ramble: A highlight of the aquarium, this zone features a stunning display of jellyfish, illuminated in a variety of colors and patterns to create a mesmerizing visual effect.
- Coral Reef Divers: Visitors can watch divers feed and care for the colorful coral reef inhabitants in this zone.
- Deep Sea Creatures: This zone showcases some of the most fascinating and unusual deep sea creatures, including anglerfish, dragonfish, and hatchet fish, as well as a tank with a replica of the bathysphere, a famous deep sea diving vessel.
Sumida Aquarium Ticket Prices
The ticket prices for Sumida Aquarium are as follows:
- Adults (ages 16 and over): 2,200 yen
- High school students (ages 13 to 15): 1,500 yen
- Children (ages 4 to 12): 1,000 yen
- Seniors (ages 65 and over): 2,000 yen
Tickets can be purchased at the entrance to the aquarium or online in advance.
Sumida Aquarium and SkyTree Combo Tickets
If you’re planning a visit to both Sumida Aquarium and the nearby Tokyo SkyTree, you might want to consider purchasing a combo ticket that includes admission to both attractions. The Skytree & Aquarium Pass includes admission to Sumida Aquarium as well as the Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria observation decks at Tokyo SkyTree. This pass can be purchased online in advance or at the ticket counter of either attraction.
The combo ticket is a great option for visitors who want to save money and time. It is also a good option for visitors who are interested in both marine life and panoramic views of Tokyo. The Tembo Deck and Tembo Galleria observation decks offer stunning views of the city and surrounding area, making for a great photo opportunity and an unforgettable experience.
Must-See Exhibits at Sumida Aquarium
In addition to the zones listed above, here are some of the must-see exhibits at Sumida Aquarium:
- Amphibian Zone: This zone showcases various amphibian species, including the Japanese giant salamander, one of the largest amphibians in the world.
- Sea Otter Corner: Visitors can observe the playful behavior of these adorable creatures in a simulated Alaskan coastal environment.
- Deep Sea Tunnel: This 52-meter-long tunnel offers an immersive experience of walking through an underwater world, surrounded by sharks, rays, and colorful fish.
- Amazon Flooded Forest: This exhibit features a recreated Amazon rainforest environment, complete with fish, caiman, and other animals that call this ecosystem home.
- Japanese River Otter: Visitors can learn about the conservation efforts to save this endangered species and watch them play and swim in their specially designed habitat.
- Piranha Tank: This exhibit features the infamous piranha, known for its sharp teeth and aggressive behavior.
Additional Information and Tips for Visiting Sumida Aquarium
Here are a few additional things to keep in mind when planning your visit to Sumida Aquarium:
- Opening Hours: Sumida Aquarium is open daily from 9:00 am to 8:00 pm, with the last admission at 7:00 pm.
- Accessibility: The aquarium is fully accessible to visitors with disabilities, with elevators and ramps throughout the facility.
- Food and Drink: There are several restaurants and cafes within the Tokyo Skytree Town complex where visitors can grab a bite to eat or a drink after exploring the aquarium.
- Photography: Photography is allowed throughout the aquarium, but the use of flash and tripods is prohibited.
- Gift Shop: The aquarium has a gift shop where visitors can purchase souvenirs and marine-themed merchandise.
- Discounts: Visitors who purchase tickets to both Sumida Aquarium and the Konica Minolta Planetarium TENKU can receive a discount on their admission.
- Plan Your Visit: To avoid crowds, it’s best to visit Sumida Aquarium during weekdays and avoid weekends and holidays.
With its wide variety of marine life exhibits and engaging displays, Sumida Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone interested in the wonders of the ocean. Whether you’re traveling with family, friends, or solo, this aquarium is sure to provide a memorable and enriching experience.
How to Get to the Sumida Aquarium
The Sumida Aquarium is located in the Tokyo Skytree Town complex, in the district of Oshiage. To get there, take the Tobu Skytree Line or the Tokyo Metro Hanzomon Line to Oshiage Station (Sky Tree station).
From there, follow the signs to the Tokyo Skytree, and you’ll find Sumida Aquarium located on the 5th and 6th floors of the complex. It’s a quick and convenient trip by train, and the aquarium is easily accessible from most places in Tokyo.
How Big is Sumida Aquarium?
It’s a medium-sized aquarium, covering an area of approximately 8,000 square meters. It is divided into several zones, each showcasing a different theme and type of marine life, from schools of fish in Tokyo Bay to colorful coral reefs and deep sea creatures.
Despite its relatively small size, the aquarium offers a wide variety of exhibits and activities, making it a great destination for visitors of all ages.
Fun Fact: If you are wondering which is the biggest Aquarium in Japan, it’s the word-class Churaumi Aquarium all the way down in Okinawa.
How Long Does Sumida Aquarium Take?
The amount of time it takes to explore Sumida Aquarium depends on your pace and interests. Generally, it takes around 1-2 hours to see all of the exhibits and activities. However, if you’re a marine life enthusiast, you may want to take more time to explore each zone and observe the creatures in detail. Additionally, if you’re traveling with children, you might want to budget extra time for the interactive exhibits and play areas.
Best Hotels Near The Sumida Aquarium And Skytree
Here are a few good options for places to stay nearby:
- Richmond Hotel Premier Tokyo Oshiage is a 4-star hotel located just a 5-minute walk from Tokyo Skytree.
- Hotel LiveMax Asakusa Sky Front is a budget-friendly option with great views of Tokyo Skytree from its rooms.
- Keisei Richmond Hotel Tokyo Oshiage offers comfortable and modern rooms with excellent views of Tokyo Skytree.
- Tokyo Hutte is a unique hotel that combines the comfort of a hotel room with the experience of camping in the great outdoors.
- ONE@Tokyo is a stylish hotel that offers modern rooms with minimalist decor and great views of Tokyo Skytree.
Things To See And Do Near Sumida Aquarium
In addition to Sumida Aquarium, Tokyo Skytree Town offers a variety of other facilities and attractions that are well worth a visit. Here are just a few of the highlights:
- Tokyo Skytree: Standing at a height of 634 meters, Tokyo Skytree is the tallest tower in the world. Visitors can take the elevator to the observation deck to enjoy panoramic views of Tokyo and the surrounding area.
- Konica Minolta Planetarium TENKU: This state-of-the-art planetarium features a 360-degree projection system that allows visitors to feel as though they’re truly immersed in space.
- Solamachi: This shopping and dining complex is located at the base of Tokyo Skytree and offers a wide variety of shops and restaurants.
- Sumida Park: This spacious park is a popular spot for cherry blossom viewing in the spring, as well as for picnicking and enjoying the view of the river.
- Asakusa: This historic district has plenty of things to do and is home to Senso-ji Temple, one of Tokyo’s most famous and beloved temples, as well as a variety of traditional shops and restaurants.
- Odaiba: This waterfront district can be easily reached by boat and is home to a variety of shopping centers, museums, and other attractions, including the popular teamLab Borderless digital art museum.
Other Aquariums In Tokyo
Sunshine Aquarium: Located in the Sunshine City shopping center in Ikebukuro, this aquarium features a variety of marine life from around the world, including penguins, sea otters, and rays.
Maxell Aqua Park Shinagawa: This aquarium is located in the Shinagawa and features exhibits showcasing marine life from the local Tokyo Bay area, as well as more exotic species from around the world.
Enoshima Aquarium: This aquarium is located in the seaside town of Enoshima, about an hour outside of Tokyo. It features a large tank with a tunnel that visitors can walk through, as well as exhibits showcasing jellyfish, sea turtles, and other sea creatures.
Tokyo Sea Life Park: Located in Edogawa Ward, this aquarium is situated in a large park and features a wide variety of marine life, including sharks, penguins, and giant crabs. Visitors can also learn about marine conservation efforts and the impact of pollution on ocean ecosystems.
The Sum Up
Sumida Aquarium is a fascinating and immersive destination for marine life enthusiasts and visitors of all ages. Despite its medium size, it offers a wide variety of exhibits and activities, including a dolphin show, a deep sea tunnel, and interactive exhibits for children.
You can also consider purchasing a combo ticket that includes admission to Sumida Aquarium and Tokyo SkyTree’s observation decks for an unforgettable day of exploring Tokyo’s wonders.
With so much to see and do, Tokyo Skytree Town and the Sumida Aquarium is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Tokyo. Whether you’re interested in marine life, space, shopping, or simply taking in the breathtaking view of the city, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
