Connected Directly to the Skytree, How to enjoy the 'Sumida Aquarium' + Top 5 Souvenirs

If you've come to 'Asakusa' and 'Tokyo Skytree' for Tokyo sightseeing, visiting the Sumida Aquarium is a must. It's directly connected to the Skytree, and since it is fully indoors, it's an oasis in the city which you can enjoy regardless of the weather.

You can spend a wonderful time where fantastical jelly fish and cute penguins, as well as the famous Chinese Eels await you.

Sumida Aquarium Location and Access

Inside Tokyo Skytree Town (Soramachi) 5F - 6F. Connected directly to Oshiage Station and Tokyo Skytree Station
It is well situated, being only 1 station away from "Asakusa", and is easy to include into you planned sightseeing route.

Inside, there is a multilingual floor map which has English, Chinese, and Korean support, so overseas tourists will be able to enjoy as well.

【Special Offer】 A Set Ticket with the Skytree!

The Tokyo Skytree Observation Deck and Sumida Aquarium Set Ticket is available for prior purchase through the official website.
It's a better deal than if you were to purchase separately, so it is a must-check in making your vacation plan!

Point ①｜Penguins You can Enjoy Close Up

The Sumida Aquarium is famous for having one of the biggest indoor penguin pools in the country.
You can enjoy the sight of penguins swimming, walking around, and calling out up close.

Each penguin has its own unique personality, so you may find a particular penguin that you like from observing them.
Depending on the day, you may see the penguins fighting, or penguin couples in love.

▼Penguins Feeding Time
Every day at 10:30 / 13:30 / 16:00

You'll be able to see them eagerly eat the fish up close!

▼The Penguin Correlation Chart (English Available)
A popular chart displaying each penguin's personality, relationship, couples and sworn enemies.

There is an English description, and the main points can be understood in about 3 minutes. Once you start looking, you may get hooked on the penguin drama and can stare at the chart for a hour.

Point ②｜A Special Experience Looking at the Jellyfish from "Above".

At the very popular jellyfish zone "Big Schale", you can enjoy a unique exhibition where you can observe the jellyfish from above.
The lighting and sound effects are beautiful, and it is a beautiful space sure to go viral online.

Additionally, if you look at the tank from the side, you can see the magical sight of the jellyfish being lit up by lights, and is a interesting way to enjoy the space.
There are baby jelly fish as well as full grown jellyfish, and the growth process for these creatures are on display, so you can observe these small creatures as they grow.

Point ③｜A Special Experience Which Connects with the Seas of Tokyo's Outlying Ogasawara Islands.

At the Sumida Aquarium, baby sea turtles from the World Natural Heritage Site of Ogasawara Islands (an outlying island 1,000km from Tokyo) are being cared for.
The baby sea turtles, whose names were decided by local children, are cared for a period of about 1 year, and once grown, are returned back to the seas of Ogasawara.
It is a special story about nature and the connection of lives which can be experienced while in Tokyo.

Additionally, the "Large Ogasawara Water Tank", which was made to replicate the beautiful seas of Ogasawara, is a must see as well.

The seas of Ogasawara, due to the blue color, is referred to as "Bonin Blue", and the high transparency and mystical color of the waters have a beautiful allure.
Inside the water tank, you can enjoy the sight of the various fish swimming in the blue water.
▼ A Baby Sea Turtle

Point ④｜Don't forget the famous “Spotted garden eel”.

The Sumida Aquarium is also very popular for its exhibition of spotted garden eels.
The sight of them popping out from the sand and gently swaying is sure to soothe children and adults alike.

They are so popular that an event is held every year on November 11 to celebrate “Spotted garden eels Day."

A “cozy” space where you can eat, drink, and enjoy alcoholic beverages

Eating and drinking are allowed anywhere in the Sumida Aquarium.
You can even enjoy a drink while watching the penguins, jellyfish, and spotted garden eels.

There are many chairs and sofas available, making it as comfortable as a café.
Spending time in front of the aquarium is a relaxing time that will make you forget the hustle and bustle of the city.

The estimated stay is one to two hours, but it is understandable that many people wish they could stay longer.
It is a place where you will want to stop by and take a breather in between sightseeing.

▼Penguin Cafe
Offering light meals, desserts, soft drinks, and original “Sumida Aquarium” menus.

Addition｜Goldfish Exhibit at Sumida Aquarium's “Edorium"

In the “Edorium,” one of the largest permanent goldfish areas in Japan, colorful goldfish swim in a spectacular manner.

The exhibits are inspired by the goldfish culture of the Edogawa River area, and visitors can enjoy the different sizes of each species, as well as the appeal of the tanks viewed from above and from the side.
It is a cool and relaxing space where you can feel the Japanese summer.
▼Goldfish
It is said that goldfish are most beautiful when viewed from above.

Exclusive to Sumida Aquarium! Recommended 5 souvenirs

There are many limited edition products available only at the aquarium's souvenir corner!
We have picked up products that are 'uniquely Japanese', 'look great on SNS', and 'make you want to take them home with you'.

① Minoyaki tile art magnets（990 yen including tax）

Art magnets made of traditional Japanese Minoyaki tiles.
Penguin, jellyfish and other designs are all aquarium originals.
The use of upcycled materials and their pleasant touch make them attractive and stylish souvenirs.

② Ceramic penguin fortune（700 yen including tax）

A ceramic penguin-shaped omikuji that reveals your fortune from inside when opened.
This is a unique item that not only looks cute, but also allows you to test your luck. Popular among tourists.

③ Stuffed toy fortune（1300 yen per one tax included）

A lottery to win a very popular stuffed toy in the shape of a spotted garden eel.
It is a no-lose lottery and the special prize is a large stuffed toy.
This souvenir combines the unique Japanese 'omikuji culture' and the cuteness of the Sumida Aquarium's famous spotted garden eel.

④ 'Golden Penguin' with traditional Tokyo technique（4,400 yen including tax）

This gold-colored penguin sculpture is made by traditional metal casting techniques by craftsmen in Tokyo.
The background design is based on the famous Japanese ukiyoe print, “The Great Wave” by Katsushika Hokusai.
This is a special souvenir that combines Tokyo craftsmanship and Japanese art.

⑤Aquarium Sweets (250 yen each, tax included)

Aquarium motif Japanese sweets available only at the Aquarium.
Cute kneaded sweets and daifuku (rice cake with sweetened bean jam) featuring penguins, jellyfish, sea turtles, and spotted garden eels are very popular among tourists.
You can also enjoy Japanese flavors such as milk, green tea, and yuzu.

Summary of Sumida Aquarium Recommendations

• Conveniently located directly from Asakusa and Skytree sightseeing spots

• Completely indoors for comfort without worrying about the weather

• Open at night. Also good for a date with a night view

• Enjoy the famous spotted garden eels, penguins, and jellyfish

• A wide variety of limited-edition souvenirs. You can also find traditional Japanese crafts and artifacts

• Multilingual maps are available for travelers

• You can make a reservation on the web for a special set ticket with Skytree

Summary｜Experience 'healing' and 'Japaneseness' in between sightseeing in Tokyo!

After enjoying the 'liveliness' of Tokyo with sightseeing in Asakusa and Skytree, why not add 'healing' and a 'uniquely Japanese experience' at Sumida Aquarium?

Penguins, jellyfish, and spotted garden eels, as well as the natural story of the Ogasawara Islands.
Along with the unique souvenirs you can find only here, it will give you an unforgettable memory of Tokyo.

【Sumida Aquarium】
Location: Tokyo Skytree Town (Tokyo Solamachi 5F and 6F)
Access: Directly connected from Oshiage Station / Tokyo Skytree Station
Official website：https://www.sumida-aquarium.com/